Hargrove strenghtens points lead with 2 to go

Scott Hargove's mission will conclude in Houston.

Hargrove strengthened his lead in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda with a commanding victory in the Allied Building Products Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Sept. 8.

With teammate and closest title rival Neil Alberico recording a fourth-place finish, Hargrove increased his lead in the championship to 44 points with the weekend doubleheader at Houston on Oct. 5-6 left. Hargrove and Alberico also secured a second successive Team Championship for Florida-based Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing.

"It was a good race," said Hargrove, 18, of Vancouver, B.C. "I feel great heading into Houston. I know the championship is mine to lose at this point and I need to just keep my head down.” 

Hargrove started on the outside of the front row alongside Alexandre Baron of Afterburner Autosport -- winner of the Sept. 7 race. Hargrove held off Garett Grist of Andretti Autosport following a full-course caution for his fourth victory of the season.

"It was a great learning weekend for us: we learned some things about the car that will help us at other tracks," said Grist, 18, who is third in the standings. "It was a lot of fun, and I always enjoy racing up front with Scott (Hargrove) and Neil (Alberico). We have momentum headed into Houston, and I'm looking forward to our finale there." 

Ryan Verra scored his second USF2000 National Class Presented by SCCA Enterprises victory in as many days in an Alliance Autosport car.