Group-A Racing & Jackie Ding Complete First Formula Lites Test

Lindenhurst, New York (March 17, 2015) - Group-A Racing completed its first two day Formula Lites test with one of its full season drivers, Jackie Ding. The test took place at Carolina Motorsports Park where the series will race later in the season.

            Jackie Ding took on the driving responsibilities for the team in his Fl-15 car which is chassis 007. This was his first experience in this type of modern machinery making the step up from the Skip Barber Race Series. He drove like a seasoned veteran, methodically coming up to speed as he came to grips with the car and never went off the track. He used his head in every circumstance thrown at him allowing the team to complete as many laps as possible over the course of the two days.

“Honestly, the FL15 chassis 007 feels absolutely wonderful to drive! Right after my first few laps in it, I knew it was a completely different animal to what I have experienced before. It was simply fantastic” said Jackie after his first run in the car. “Everyone at the test was extremely kind and helpful. The guys from Crawford and Pirelli worked very hard to make the test as smooth as possible, and their effort really showed. Finally, I have to thank Group-A Racing for being so kind and taking care of me so well. First impression of Formula Lites is just awesome, and I can’t wait to spend some more time with the Double-O Seven!”

“To say Jackie impressed me this weekend is very much an understatement,” said Group-A Racing team owner Joe Scarallo Sr. “His feedback matched Dane Cameron’s which showed he has a good feel but also knows how to communicate it, which is something you can not teach. He also was very smart with his approach. Knowing that this car is completely different to what he has driven in the past, every session he chipped away at it going faster and faster. Literally his last two laps of the weekend were his fastest laps. Also, I want to say thank you to Dane Cameron being very helpful giving Jackie advice. This was a great start & can’t wait to continue development.”

Team manager Jonathan Scarallo who has been on a bit of a hiatus from his driving career, also got to experience the Formula Lites machinery, jumping into the series test car.

“The grin on my face basically explains how much I enjoyed the Formula Lites car!” said Jonathan Scarallo “Between all the Honda power, padel shift, electronic technology with no lift shift and auto blip downshift, and the amount of downforce it has, it’s just such a fun package. They had to eventually wave me in because that was the only way they were going to get me out of the car.”

Group-A Racing will continue pre season testing with both Jackie Ding and newly signed full season driver Jose Armida in a few weeks. They continue to talk to multiple parties about part time and full time programs in the Formula Lites Series. Interested drivers can contact the team via (631) 957-3901 or GroupARacing@aol.com