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[/media-credit]Vacaville, CA – Northern California INDYCAR hopeful TJ Fischer and Jeff Andretti, former CART rookie of the year and Indy 500 rookie of the year have paired up for the INDYCAR ladder system beginning 2012 and extending in to the future.
TJ Fischer, a major West Coast karting standout is transitioning to open-wheel racing with his goal set on INDYCAR in the coming years. Jeff Andretti has joined the effort as TJ’s industry advisor and driving coach along with engineer Eric Purcell, principle of EFM Racing. TJ will drive for EFM Racing in the Formula Mazda Car and will be competing in both NASA and SCCA events up and down the West Coast for the remainder of 2012 honing his skills before advancing to Star Mazda and Indy Lights.
It was previously announced, Rathbun Associates was signed as a multi-year primary sponsor for TJ’s climb up the ladder system. Rathbun Associates is the leading provider of technical solutions to the electronics industry in the Silicon Valley.
Motorsports Marketing Agency, Drive Motorsports International, who has the relationship and an alliance with Jeff Andretti and Jeff Andretti Coaching Group, was behind the introduction, immediately recognizing Jeff’s background and experience was a perfect fit for TJ. Drive Motorsports International was brought on by Rathbun as an independent consultant to assist in the advancement of TJ’s career and oversee the sponsorship and marketing strategy to ensure all of TJ’s partners are achieving the most advanced returns available.
TJ Fischer, 18, presently a senior at Vacaville High School in Vacaville, California, resume includes extensive karting wins and podium finishes, where he has raced all over the West Coast. TJ was Northern California’s 2011 Senior Driver of the Year while driving for the prestigious Cambrian Go-Karts team of San Jose, California.
Jeff Andretti, the premier driving coach in the country and youngest son of Indianapolis 500, Formula One and Champ Car Champion Mario Andretti, started racing go-karts, like his brother Michael, winning 21 of 43 events between 1981 and 1982. Jeff won both the USAC Pro Ford championship and the Skip Barber Formula ford Eastern Series title, earning Rookie of the Year honors in the ladder series. Jeff joined his father and brother in the Champ Car ranks in 1990, making racing history, marking the first time a father has competed against his two sons in a Champ Car race. His consistent performance during the month of May at Indianapolis, coupled with his outstanding drive in the race, earned him the 1991 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year honors. Jeff finished the season in similar fashion, also earning CART Rookie of the Year. As Jeff’s racing career developed, he continued to race in CART, Indy Lights, North American Touring Car Series and has provided instruction for numerous driving schools and academies.
EFM Racing is a full service racing facility providing design, engineering, manufacturing and preparation services for a wide variety of motorsports activities. This multiple championship winning team has had experience in the Formula Mazda class since it’s inception in 1984. EFM owner Eric Purcell is a highly respected race engineer with professional championships in several categories of racing, including the 2008 Star Mazda Series as engineer for John Edwards at AIM Autosport.
