Fifteen-year-old Jesse Lazare took part in the opening two rounds of the 2013 USF2000 championship in his Pabst Racing Services www.doordoctor.com #21 Van Diemen. The young Canadian driver showed great pace all week, and left with a top five finish and fifth overall in the points heading into this weekend's event at St.Petersburg.
 
"I learned so much this week," Lazare, who is one of the youngest drivers in the series, said. "Our pace was good, but getting caught out in the first qualifying hurt our chances in the first round."
 
Lazare practiced in the top three, then in qualifying for the opening round, he was caught out by a red flag on his fastest lap. "I was so close to completing that lap, and that would have put us right at the front. But the red came out so I couldn't finish the lap."
 
Lazare was left 18th for the first round.
 
In the race, Lazare, realizing it is a long season, put his head down and put on a brilliant drive to finish 11th. More importantly, he set a fast lap time that would see him start 4th in the second race.
 
"I just tried to get as much as I could," Lazare said. "The car was good, thanks to the team, and now we'll focus on tomorrow."
 
A solid starting spot for round two allowed Lazare to show his true pace, and he was able to compete with the leaders. A strong drive saw the young Canadian come home fourth, scoring valuable points.
 
"I really wanted a podium finish," Lazare said. "After this week, I know what I have to work on and I can't wait for St. Pete this weekend. Thanks to Augie Pabst and the whole team for their support - we are heading in the right direction."
 
Lazare left Sebring fifth in points, and anxious to do his first street race this coming weekend.
 
Jesse Lazare Quick Facts: Jesse Lazare is a 15 year old kart racer from Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec. He is a three time Canadian National Champion. Lazare's meteoric rise up the karting ranks has been nothing short of amazing. In 2006, as a Cadet, he was second in the Coupe Vega. In 2007, as the youngest driver in Mini Max he was the Champion in both the Coupe Vega and Coupe de Montreal. Lazare set new records in 2008 by starting out as vice-champion in the Florida Winter Tour, then winning both Honda Jr and Mini Max in both the Coupe Vega and Coupe de Montreal. He was also Canadian National Champion in Mini Max. In 2010, Lazare won the ECKC Rotax Jr championship and the Coupe de Quebec Rotax Max Jr Champion. In 2011 he was the Rotax Max National Champion and he represented Canada at the Rotax Max World Finals. In 2012 he captured his third Canadian National Championship, this time in Rotax Max Senior and again he will represent Canada at the Rotax Max World Finals.

Away from the track, Lazare enjoys skiing and hockey, and he attends Lindsay Place High School, (Pointe Claire, Quebec). For more information on Jesse Lazare, visit www.jesselazare.com
 
Jesse Lazare is supported by Door Doctor, www.doordoctor.com