James Roe Jr., from Naas has been invited to participate in the prestigious 2018 Mazda Road to Indy $200,000 Shootout scheduled to be held in Chandler, Arizona from December 7th – 9th.

Nearly 400 drivers from 20 open-wheel racing championships on six continents around the world competed for the opportunity to win an invitation. One participant will be awarded a $200,000 scholarship to the first step of the Mazda Road to Indy: the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship featuring the Tatuus USF-17 race car.

“I am honored to be invited to this event” said Roe. Jr. “After racing in the USA for a year now and getting to know the motor racing industry over there, I am well aware of how big this shootout is. I can’t thank Mazda, Cooper Tires and Andersen Promotions enough for this opportunity.”

James arrived in the US in April 2018 with a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and big ambitions. Every single US track he visited was a first time experience for Roe Jr. He learned quickly and the results showed. His record includes 2nd place in F2000 Season Championship, 3 race wins, 7 podium places at 6 different tracks, a new  lap record at Summit Point breaking a long standing benchmark, a top five finish in the Indianapolis Grand Prix and a finalist in the 2018 Motorsport Ireland Young Driver Award.

“I am very much looking forward to the event” said Roe Jr. “After racing at the Indianapolis Grand Prix this year, and attending every Road to Indy event throughout the year, I am well aware of what is required to win on all three levels of the ladder and look forward to the challenge ahead.”