VERO BEACH, Fla - International karting star Tatiana Calderon, 16, has joined Juncos Racing for the 2010 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. The young Colombian first impressed everyone at Juncos Racing with her talent when she competed as a member of their karting team in 2005 and 2006. Now after winning several titles in karting over the past few years, she will return to Juncos Racing, but this time driving a Pro Formula Mazda.
"The first time I tested a Formula Mazda was an amazing experience," said Calderon. "The car was so powerful, and I just felt very comfortable with it the whole time. I know I still have a lot to learn and a lot of experience to gain if I want to win, and that is why joining Juncos Racing is the best decision for me. I know how professional Juncos Racing is because I had the chance to race with them in the past on their karting team. We've known each other for several years already, so the connection as well as the communication I have with the whole team is really good. When I tested with them last November, they were able to explain everything to me so well that it just clicked in my mind and made everything look so easy.
"I am really excited about this year and what is coming next in my life. I know what a high level of racing the Star Mazda Championship is, and I know how many experienced drivers there are going to be who are competing for the title. Knowing that motivates me even more and makes my challenge even bigger."
Calderon has won several impressive titles over the past few years including finishing third in the Rotax Junior Colombian Kart Championship in 2007, becoming the IAME International Challenge Champion in 2008, and claiming second in both the Radical European Master Series Championship and the Colombian Rotax Senior Max Challenge in 2009. She also made racing history as the first female competitor to win the Snap-on Stars of Karting Divisional Championship when she took home the JICA Eastern Division title in 2008. |
