British racer Emily Linscott scored her first podium in the last round of the 2020 Lucas Oil School of Racing Formula Car Series, as she rounded out an intense learning year in the American series which is part of the Road to Indy program.
In this crazy 2020, young British racer Emily Linscott had way more than racing challenges to tackle. Her year started with a successful crowdfunding campaign to finance her American dream in the Lucas Oil School of Racing Formula Car Series, as she secured the last third of her budget before the start of the season. Linscott, who is coached by Indycar veteran Pippa Mann - who set up the campaing herself - reached the target after only 10 days.
The 2020 Lucas Oil Racing School schedule included 6 championship events, all featuring 3 races per weekend plus one non-championship round in Laguna Seca.
Then came CoVid and everything came to a stop. When the season finally could start, Emily missed the first round at NCM Motorsports Park because of the pandemic-related travel restrictions from the UK to the US. After countless logistic challenges, she made it to the United States in time to complete her quarantine period and for the second race event of the calendar.
The Lucas Oil School of Racing Formula Car Series proved to be a very competitive championship and Linscott had a learning-oriented season.
The last round of the 2020 campaign would see Emily collecting the best results of her debut season. She had an impressive warm-up on a track she did not know before and set the second fastest time, then qualified sixth for the first race of the weekend at Sebring.
Linscott was running in the leader group of eight cars in Race 1 - making it into the top-four at one point - before she dropped down the order, but made her way back to 6th place at the chequered flag. With the fastest lap of the race, she took the pole position for the second race.
Race 2 was again a battle between the same eight cars like in the previous heat, with Emily fighting in the Top 5 the whole race with many overtakes and side-by-side battles.
With a bold move on the last lap, Emily snapped back the third position and crossed the finish line in the final podium position, which marked her best result in the 2020 season.
The qualifying session for the final race of the weekend - and of the season - was contested on Friday morning and Emily qualified in 5th place.
Race 3 was again fight between the same fierce pack of competitors, but Emily was forced wide and lost touch with the train of cars. The young Brit tried to catch up with the leader's group and she passed car after car, claiming back the third place on the final lap of the race. But, as she attempted to take over the lead, she went wide, had contact with another car and crossed the finish line in 4th place. After the race she was handed a time penalty which dropped her back to ninth position on the official results.
“I really enjoyed the track and the close racing it provided." - commented Linscott after a very competitive weekend at Sebring which finally brought her her first podium in the series.
"I’m thrilled I finally got the 2020 monkey off my back and was able to stand on the podium again,” she added. “Although the last race didn't end how I would have wanted, I’ve finished this season driving the best I’ve driven all year and I’m looking forward to taking all of the experience I’ve gained this year into 2021.”
Emily ended the season in seventh place in the overall standings after she missed the three opening races.
Now Emily hopes to test in America to prepare for the 2021 season, before making her return home to the UK.
"Wow, I still can’t believe the Lucas Oil School of Racing season is over. I’ve grown so much physically and mentally and I can’t wait to take that onto next year. Thank you so much to everyone who has been onboard this year, I really hope you join me again in my adventures next year."