US RaceTronics Continues Off-Season Testing

Juan Carlos Sistos

Just one week after testing the young Colombian driver Juan Camilo Acosta, the US RaceTronics (USRT) squad was once again pounding the testing trail, this time it was with two young talented drivers: Sergio Pena and Juan Carlos Sistos. Pena resides full time in Winchester, Virginia and though he's only sixteen years old he brings with him a wealth of experience. Pena's experience in the racing circles includes a successful karting background, wins in the Formula TR Pro Series 1600 class, and he recently tested an ASA Speed Truck at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale to expand his racing experience.

Another East Coast native, Sistos lives in Miami, Florida and made the trek to the West Coast to test with the US RaceTronics team. Sistos, who also brings with him extensive karting experience and last year competed in the Skip Barber National series, most recently raced in the LATAM Challenge Series presented by KUMHO Tires.

The two day test took place under spectacular conditions at the team's home track at Buttonwillow, California. With blue skies and a cool breeze the first day consisted of both drivers handling driver duties. Pena put the #14 Atlantic car through its courses and gradually got up to speed and by mid-day his times were earning him the respect of the US RaceTronics team. As he grew more and more comfortable with the braking and ground effects of the Atlantic car he grew more and more confident. With US RaceTronics Team Owner Shane Seneviratne there Pena's first experience behind the wheel of an Atlantic machine was fruitful and an eye opener.

For Sistos, his test consisted of 2 days. By the end of the 2-day test Sistos had racked up over 375 miles. With careful instruction and guidance from Seneviratne, Sistos to was able to climb into the cockpit and gradually accustom himself around his new surroundings. While it would be safe to assume a youngster like Sistos, who also is 16 years old would feel like a fish out of water behind the wheel on an Atlantic car, but he met the challenge and exceeded all of our expectations and was turning comparative lap time on his second day.

Shane Seneviratne – USRT Team Owner – “We had another successful test this week both cars ran well. We ran both Sergio and JC the first day. JC ran over 375 miles for both days and Sergio completed over 125 miles on his day as well. A lot of progress was made for both drivers. Both were very comfortable driving the cars and performed above our expectations. Kudos to the team for having two weeks of testing without any mechanical issue flawless. It's a true testament of the quality of people here at US RaceTronics and our testing program.

Sergio Pena – Test Driver – “ The test was great. I learned quite a bit and was just amazed at the power and braking of the car. With each lap I gained more respect for the car and was really impressed with the car. It was great working with Shane and the whole US RaceTronics team.

Juan Carlos Sistos – Test Driver – “The test exceeded my goals. I was really happy with the 2 day test and really learned a lot from the US RaceTronics team. I was very impressed with the sheer power of the car and how great the braking and turning are. It was an experience I will remember.