Belardi Auto Racing will field a pair of new entries in this year's Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda. Wayne Boyd, the 2008 British Formula Ford champion, will partner Cole Morgan, the 2007 F2000 Championship Series champion, on the team.

Boyd, a 20-year-old British national, was born in Belfast and currently resides in Northern Ireland. Boyd's racing highlights include: winning the Formula Ford Festival in the Duratec class (2008); third in Formula Ford 1600 Walter Hayes Trophy (2010 and 2007); named as one of the BRDC Superstars.

“Even as a boy, it's always been about the Indy 500,” stated Boyd. “I grew up watching it and to have the opportunity through the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system to get there is incredible.” Boyd will be driving the No. 4 DHL-sponsored car, making his American debut in the season opener at Sebring International Raceway on March 17-18.

Boyd will be meeting his new team just prior to the race week at Sebring.  When asked why he had chosen Belardi, Boyd responded, “Not only do they have a lot of IndyCar experience on the team, but it's clear that they really want results, to really go after a championship.”

Morgan, who also finished second in the F2000 Championship Series in 2010, has made the move to the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series by joining Belardi for USF2000.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to drive for Belardi Auto Racing in USF2000," said the native Floridian. "Being able to partner with Brian and Larry Nash is really a dream come true. The entire Belardi Auto Racing operation is perfect; you can really see how much pride everyone takes in this program. I'm thrilled to be a part of all this."

Also known as Private First Class Morgan, Cole is a member of the U.S. National Guard. He enlisted in 2008 and will be spending the weekend prior to Sebring training with his unit. Morgan has signed for a limited schedule and is optimistic that he and the team will be able to secure sponsorship to support his ambition, one that he shares with his long-time girlfriend and now fiancée Carly, who is the granddaughter of Indy 500 driver Chuck Hulse ('62,'63, '66, and '67). 

“We've made an investment in people and equipment that is all about winning," said team owner Brian Belardi. "Boyd is a driver that will be able to leverage that. While there is always a learning curve with a new car and certainly new tracks, I am confident that he will find success this season.

"Cole is a great talent and truly deserves an opportunity to move up through the Mazda Road to Indy ladder series and have a shot at racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. We could not be more pleased to have him join us, and we will certainly do all we can to help him achieve his dream.”

          
 
Cole Morgan Jumps on the Mazda Road to Indy Ladder with Belardi

Indianapolis, Ind. (March 8, 2011)

Clearly the racing blood runs deep in this family.
 
Morgan will be driving the No. 9 car as he joins new teammate Wayne Boyd.