Master Driver Ribeiro on Top After Four Races. 2000 GRO champion Scott Speed is 3rd

With four rounds down in the year’s USAC Formula Russell Championship, Brazilian driver Fernando Dias Ribeiro has proven that youth and exuberance are not all it takes to win. The 44-years-old family man who’s brother Alex Ribeiro raced for March, Hesketh and Copersucar teams in Formula 1 in 70s hasn’t finished worse than third yet. He’s been fast, consistent, and efficient; rarely putting a wheel wrong when others are testing the limits from both sides of the line. He’s won two races.

While his three years of experience in the Formula Russell series have taught him well, Ribeiro has to be looking over his shoulder as a squadron of karting stars are learning the ropes quick. They are already just fast as the veteran, but as yet not as adept at alterning their driving styles to compensate for ther cars. Ribeiros’s savvy has thus far kept him close to the front.

Ribeiro stands atop the charts with 67 points, olso leading the Master Division.

Phil Carlson drove up from mid-pack in the last race to take 2nd in de "A" race and move to 2nd in points with 55 ahead of Scott Speed, the 2000 GRO winner, who has 49.

This weekend, the drivers will meet again for the 5th and 6th race of the season.

April/2001