Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport confirms second driver of the season
Less than two weeks after confirming Brazilian driver Arthur Leist to its roster, reigning team champions Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport added another championship contender to its 2019 Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda lineup, signing Jose Blanco of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to a second season. In his rookie year, Blanco finished sixth overall in the largest F4 championship in the world, earning three wins, six total podiums and 10 top-10 results.
“I want to thank Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport for having me back on the team for my second year of competition,” said Blanco, who is the 10th F4 U.S. veteran to confirm for the 2019 season. “I am truly honored to be back on the team, working with such a great group of people. Last year we had a great season, winning the team championship. This year we want to repeat that success and go for the driver’s championship as well. I think we have great team chemistry and the drivers work well together. I am looking forward to fighting for the championship and achieve our ultimate goals.”
After merging assets before the 2018 season, Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport created a powerhouse roster, fielding five Ligier JS F4 cars for the season and adding a sixth car for the final rounds at COTA. The newly formed team produced four racers in the Championship’s top-10. All together in its maiden season, Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport won 13 podiums and scored 56 top-10 finishes, making it the most consistent team on the grid in F4 U.S. history.
The Dallas-based outfit also broke the record for most points scored at a single event by a team and was the first F4 U.S. team to ever sweep the podium. The unwavering team effort won Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport its first team championship.
“We are excited to have Jose return to the team for another season alongside teammate, Arthur Leist,” said Kiwi Motorsport Co-Owner Teena Larsen. “We would like to thank Jose and his family for having the faith and confidence in our team. Jose had an incredible inaugural season and he’s definitely a title contender. We look forward to providing the skills and support he needs to add to his trophy collection.”
Last season, the F4 U.S. Championship fielded more than 50 drivers, averaging 31 drivers per race weekend. With registration teeming with early entries, the 2019 season is on pace to surpass last season’s average field sizes. The 2019 F4 U.S. season kicks off supporting the F3 Americas Championship Powered by Honda and Formula Race Promotions at Road Atlanta April 18-20.
Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport has a proven international track record of taking racers from karts to cars. The teams is still finalizing its roster for 2019, testing prospective drivers in the off season. Seats are currently available. Interested parties should contact teena@teenalarsen.com.
