Group-A Racing returns to Circuit of The Americas for the Untied States Grand Prix Nov. 1-3 with Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda. Rejoined by Austin-native Shehan Chandrasoma, three Group-A Racing machines will run alongside Formula One for a week-long celebration of horsepower and motorsports.
Driving the red and yellow No. 29 CentexTickets.com/Berli’s Body & Fine Auto Finishes/Hudson Fine Dining Group-A Racing car, Chandrasoma returns to the top operation to join teammates David Dalton Jr. and Robert Torres for the Championship’s series finale.
“It’s always a great compliment when a driver returns to your program” stated Group-A Racing team manager Jonathan Scarallo. “It’s a true testimony to the top level our program is from all aspects: driver coaching, engineering, car prep etc. I enjoyed having Shehan last year. He has very good natural ability. He really wants to learn and apply everything he is getting taught, which is why he progresses every time he’s in the car. On top of that he is a nice kid to have around, gives back to the community a lot.”
Chandrasoma, a 16-year-old born and raised in the Austin, Texas, area, started racing spec Miata at the club racing level. Chandrasoma earned a podium result at the NASA National Championships last year in the Spec Miata class which took place at COTA.
Following that, Chandrasoma joined Group-A Racing to make his pro debut in the F4 U.S. Championship last season during the 2018 USGP at COTA. He completed a successful start to his professional racing career, applying all the coaching to progress each session and completing every lap.
From there he has taken a small hiatus to focus on school, but is back with Group-A Racing again. Chandrasoma will use this event to further his driving development and relationship with the team to race full time in 2020.
“I am excited to join Group-A Racing again this year,” said Chandrasoma. “They have the equipment ready, take the time to coach and mentor me all throughout, before, during and even after the races. I am looking forward to the F4 races at COTA, meeting other drivers and experiencing another great F4 race at Circuit Of The Americas. I want to be focused and be determined to finish the best I can. Also, I am thankful to many people from my parents, coaches, Group-A Racing, especially Jonathan, SCCA, F4 sponsors and to everyone who continues to support and offer me opportunities to pursue my racing career. I know I can’t do it alone it, takes a team.”
Off track Chandrasoma is heavily involved in his community, giving back in any way he can. He gives back through his passion of racing and cars with TheFerrariKid.org charity. Chandrasoma is the ambassador for the Austin chapter of the charity which provides exotic car experiences for kids with illness. On top of that, he is on the Boy Scouts International Committee. He has completed his eagle scout project through messengers of peace. Lastly a top pianist & cellist.
Group-A Racing is already aggressively scheduling numerous test days at its winter home of MSR Houston. The team will be testing immediately following the last race at COTA, wasting no time to get prepared for the 2020 season to be better than ever. Drivers interested in testing and 2020 race seat information, contact Jonathan Scarallo 631-974-4379 info@GroupARacingTeam.com. Parties interested in sponsorship opportunities with Shehan Chandrasoma can contact Group-A Racing as well.
