Cape Coral, Florida – April 26, 2016. Leading Edge Grand Prix of Cape Coral, Florida today announced the signing of 16-year old Danish driver Benjamin Pedersen for the full 2016 season of the FIA sanctioned US F4 Championship (http://www.F4USChampionship.com).
“Leading Edge Grand Prix (http://www.leadingedgegp.com) is proud to add Benjamin to our lineup of drivers for the 2016 US F4 Championship. Our line up now includes drivers from Denmark, Poland and Mexico – a real testament to the ambitions of the team. Benjamin will be joining an experienced team and drivers with more experience which should bode well for his continued rapid development”, says Mark Weida, President & General Manager, Leading Edge Grand Prix.
Living in Seattle, WA, Benjamin Pedersen joins the team with backing from DirtFish Rally School (http://www.DirtFish.com) in Washington State. “We are increasingly seeing road racers come to our year round, permanent rally school, to gain experience in driving on loose surfaces, resembling road racing in the wet. We’re happy to add Benjamin to our group of drivers which now span F4, IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge, Porsche GT3 Cup, Red Bull Global RallyCross and Rally America”, says Mac McInnis, General Manager, DirtFish.
While this will be Benjamin’s 1st season in open wheel racing, he is no stranger to this area of motorsport. Romain Grosjean, F1 driver for Haas F1 Team, is Benjamin’s day to day mentor and provides invaluable advice and feedback to Benjamin on topics both on and off track.
“When Benjamin initially told me he wanted to enter a full season at the age of 16, I told him he was crazy”, says Romain Grosjean. “However, the more I’ve thought about it the more sense it makes – after all – it’s the best sport there is and pursuing and exploring the opportunity while being able to continue high-school and pursue a college education is an opportunity not presented to many. I can’t wait to see where Benjamin is going to take this!”
“This is really a dream come true…”, says Benjamin Pedersen. “.. or at least the first part of the dream. 12 months ago I was just dreaming of getting my driver’s license so I could actually drive a car, and now I’m ready to compete a full season in F4. I have a lot to learn this year, but with great backing from DirtFish, Leading Edge Grand Prix and Romain’s mentorship I feel I have the support and help from the best in the business. I can’t wait for the season to start”.
The 15 race season will kick off with 3 days of testing May 17-19 in Georgia, followed by the 1st race at Lime Rock Park, May 27-28. Other race locations this season include prominent tracks like New Jersey Motorsport Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Road Atlanta and Homestead Miami Speedway.
