Michai Stephens, a 2014 Team USA Scholarship recipient, joined Afterburner Autosport for the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda Winterfest at NOLA Motorsports Park near New Orleans.

Stephens, 23, of Evanston, Ill., was the 2013 Skip Barber Racing School INDYCAR Academy Shootout champion, which earned him a full racing season in the 2014 Skip Barber Summer Series.

“From the moment I stepped inside the Afterburner shop, I felt a sense of belonging and comfort,” Stephens said. “Everyone here has shared a great level of enthusiasm toward our partnership in the Cooper Tires 2015 Winterfest. With a time crunch of almost unbelievable proportions, I could not of asked for anything more.”

He joined Brazilians Victor Franzoni and Bruna Tomaselli on the road course.

“We’re excited to have Michai with us for Winterfest, alongside Victor and Bruna,” said Afterburner Autosport team principal Tim Walsh. “He has a great deal of passion for the sport, he’s focused on developing a professional career, and he comes to us with significant experience thanks to being part of the Team USA Scholarship program in 2014.”