PITTSBORO, Ind. — After weeks of preparation and anticipation, TJ Speed Motorsports returned to action in the USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire program at Road America. Ariel Elkin piloted the #27 car, while Sebastian Manson took the wheel of the #28 machine in a hot and humid event. The weekend featured a triple-header format, with Races 1 and 2 held on Saturday and Race 3 running Sunday morning.
Elkin was forced to start at the back of the grid for the starts of Races 1 and 2 — 17th and 16th, respectively — due to an electrical issue that prevented him from qualifying on Friday. However, his fastest time in Race 2 allowed him to start 10th on Sunday in Race 3. Manson qualified 13th for both Races 1 and 2. His second-best time in qualifying determined his Race 3 starting position, placing him 15th on the grid for Sunday morning’s third and final wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend.
The first race of the weekend — Round 10 of the championship — set the tone for Elkin’s push toward the front. The Israeli driver made an impressive charge through the field, gaining nine positions over 15 laps to finish seventh. Manson also moved forward, gaining one position to finish 12th.
Race 2 showcased the team’s tenacity. Although Manson retired early due to a mechanical issue, Elkin once again delivered a standout performance. Starting at the back, he carved his way through the field with multiple overtakes, ultimately finishing just shy of the podium in fourth.
In Sunday’s Race 3, Round 12, both drivers faced a slow start, but Elkin once again demonstrated strong pace, particularly during restarts following several full-course cautions. Gaining five positions in seven laps along with many other overtakes throughout the entire race, Elkin worked his way into podium contention. A series of strategic moves and late-race resilience helped him secure a third-place finish — his first podium of the weekend — fending off a late charge from Pabst Racing’s Max Garcia. Manson also put in a solid effort, ultimately bringing the car home to finish 13th.
“This weekend taught us a lot, and we will continue to improve. Ariel and the team are focused on the championship, putting in the work to continuously fight at the front,” explained Team Owner at TJ Speed Motorsports Tim Neff. “Ariel’s electrical issue really put him behind the eight ball, but he did a great job to overcome the adversity and ultimately close the weekend on the podium.”
TJ Speed will be back on track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Rounds 13 and 14 of the USF Pro 2000 Championship July 3–6.