USF2000 gains new full-time two-car team

The long-term commitment follows an exploratory USF2000 outing at the three-race Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last August and participation in the recent Chris Griffis Memorial test at Circuit of The Americas.

Clint McMahan, who was one of two RJB drivers in those events, has been confirmed in one of the team’s cars for 2016.

Although RJB Motorsports is new to the Mazda Road To Indy, it is well known within the Sports Car Club of America. Former pro hydroboat racer Ryan Barth established RJB in Sturgis, Mich., in 2011 when he made the switch to four-wheel racing in the SCCA’s Formula 600 category.

In partnership with his brothers Fred and Tom, Barth established the F600 Challenge Series, an entry-level championship using cars with motorcycle engines and six-speed sequential transmissions. The series’ aim is to assist drivers reach the Mazda Road to Indy, starting with USF2000.

McMahan earned the $250,000 scholarship and the drive with RJB by clinching the F600 Challenge title in 2014, and in dominant fashion.

RJB then purchased USF2000 cars from Belardi Auto Racing and fielded them at Mid-Ohio for McMahan and SCCA Formula 1000 veteran Alex Mayer. Both entries qualified and raced in the top 15 on the team’s debut.

“After looking at all the different racing series, we felt that USF2000 and the Mazda Road to Indy provided the best opportunity for us to make an impact on young racers,” said Fred Edwards, CEO of Metalloid Corporation, which will back the team.

“There is no other development ladder where someone can start at the lower levels and make it all the way up to the Verizon IndyCar Series.

“We have had several young competitors in the Formula 600 Challenge that have the talent to be in this series. Our team is new to USF2000 but we plan on giving our drivers cars that can win.”

Said McMahan: “I am very grateful. This will help me reach a lifelong dream of being able to compete with the best talent on the planet. I’ve had to go up against the top talent in the country on a club level to have this opportunity, so needless to say I’m very excited.”

The identity of the team’s second driver will be announced at a later date.