>NEWS
January 20th, 2012
Robinson Motor Sports, inc, is proud to announce the signing of Eric Filgueiras to drive one of the teams Formula Enterprises for the first race of the 2012 Cooper Tires USF2000 Mazda Road to Indy series at Sebring Florida.
Mick Robinson, team owner, stated “I have been working with Eric and we have come to an agreement for Eric to race one of our cars at the Sebring event March 15th and 16th. We are in further discussion to complete the rest of the 6 race series with several sponsors so it looks promising that Eric will be a contender for the 2012 National class championship”.
Filgueiras was invited to the Road to Indy combine, which took place at Andersen RacePark where he finished 2nd in a Championship class car. Filgueiras has many accomplishments in karts, as well as the F500 category in SCCA national races.
“I have had several tests in the Championship USF2000 cars, and with the series being a part of Mazda Road to Indy it allows me to grow as a driver. The Formula Enterprises is the entry level for the series with a very cost-effective approach that will make it more possible to compete in the events. Robinson Motor Sports has an outstanding record of running the cars, so it was a natural choice for me to sign with them, and I’m extremely excited about working with the team and focusing on success.” Filgueiras said after the signing. For this opportunity Eric would like to thank Jim Booth, NOS Energy, IMPACT, Oakley, GoPro NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, BigFin Seafood Kitchen, SPEEDCOM Communications/ Mypluggz.com, FUEL Clothing, AIM, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras.
December 26th, 2011
Port St. John, Florida - For 17-year-old rising Florida racing star Eric Filgueiras, the 2011 season was a year of surprises, wins, and tremendous growth in his open-wheel skill set.
Eric got a victory with his Formula 500 car at Sebring to start the season in January and was looking forward to further competition with that machine, but the racing Gods smiled upon him and took him to Palm Beach to test an F2000 machine with Alegra Motorsports. This test would foreshadow events to come.
"I was blessed to have that testing opportunity in February, courtesy of Carlos de Quesada and the Alegra Motorsports Team," said Eric. "I couldn't have known at that time where we would end up later in the year, but those laps in that car would surely turn out to be very inspiring and helpful for what I would be doing later on."
Soon after that F2000 test, Eric found out about and received the opportunity to compete for a spot in a scouting combine that the MAZDA Road to Indy Program was going to hold in late November to award a seat in the 2012 "The Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by MAZDA" at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. He would run the Florida Karting Championship Series for Dan Andersen and Andersen Racing, with a shot to secure one of the spots in the combine if he performed well enough in the five race series.
In the series, Eric had two wins and four top five finishes, with the final victory at Ocala securing the spot for him. "That whole competition was filled with adversity but I was able to overcome in the end, winning the championship and ultimately the FKCS spot in the inaugural Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine."
That led to a test at Roebling Road in Georgia with HP-TECH Motorsport in their F2000 car to prepare for the combine. He also got some valuable laps in his F1600, giving him tremendous confidence going into the late November competition.
"We performed very well at the combine and even though we didn't achieve our goal of winning the spot at St. Pete we left with our heads held high because it was quite an opportunity," smiled Eric. "To take part in something sanctioned by an organization like INDYCAR is something I'll always be proud of as a milestone in my career. I'm very excited for all that 2012 has to offer and I'm looking forward to applying the information I received from the combine toward the future."
Eric's future in 2012 already seems bright due to the addition of a couple of new marketing partners. "I'm proud to announce that both GoPro and HAWK Performance are joining my team for next season. I look forward to building a partnership with both companies and helping them promote their products. I'm also pleased to announce the return of my already existing partners Jim Booth, NOS Energy, IMPACT, Oakley, NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, BigFin Seafood Kitchen, SPEEDCOM Communications/ Mypluggz.com, FUEL Clothing, AIM, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras."
November 2nd, 2011
October 23rd, 2011
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Eric Filgueiras Wins FKCS Finale; Secures Spot In Mazda Road To Indy Combine
Recalling the weekend's events over a post-race victory dinner, Eric spoke about overcoming obstacles and the importance of his performance in making this big win happen.
Eric put in a call to Charlotte, North Carolina, the home of Team Full Throttle's founder and performance coach Tom Baker, for some guidance.
"Tom really helped me to come up with a strategy to make some adjustments to my driving approach for the final, which helped put me in the place I needed to be in order to get the performance I needed out of myself and the kart. I was ready to rock when the race started."
When the green flag dropped Eric fell back momentarily, but was able to retake third in turn one. Focusing on his line and his braking, he caught leaders Jacob Duvall
The leaders bogged momentarily on lap 3 and Eric pounced, pushing Duvall forward and taking over second from Kotyk. Using the draft to his advantage, it took only one lap for Eric to take the lead from Duvall with help from Kotyk. He led the rest of the way.
"It was interesting, because I was told that after I took the lead, Jacob and Jonathan tangled racing for second, and then started racing each other very aggressively. That contact and subsequent tussling on their part let me eventually get about 10 or 12 seconds out front. I just stayed focused on my marks and did my best to not make any mistakes," the elated winner smiled.
Eric Filgueiras is rapidly making a name for himself as one of the top motorsports prospects in Florida. A 17-year-old student, Eric has raced for Andersen Racing in the Florida Karting Championship Series (FKCS) this season while continuing to prepare for further advancement in his motorsports career.
His motorsports partners include NOS Energy, IMPACT!, Oakley, NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, Shane Lewis, Andersen Racing, Tony Schroeder, BigFin Seafood Kitchen, SPEEDCOM Communications/ Mypluggz.com, Craig Stanton, Battery Tender, FUEL Clothing, AIM, Jim Booth, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras. |
to finish building his go-kart on Friday before practice, and ended up putting that kart in victory lane on Sunday and securing an invitation to represent the Florida Karting Championship Series in the Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine next month, where he'll compete for a seat in a USF2000 car at St. Pete in 2012. 
and Jonathan Kotyk and began to methodically apply some pressure.
of officials and team owners from the Mazda Road to Indy as well as select drivers from the IZOD IndyCar Series that will judge the drivers' on-track performance, including car control, respect and speed. The panel also will monitor the drivers' off-track presentation.
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His motorsports partners include NOS Energy, IMPACT!, Oakley, NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, Shane Lewis, Andersen Racing, Tony Schroeder, BigFin Seafood Kitchen, SPEEDCOM Communications/ Mypluggz.com, Craig Stanton, Battery Tender, FUEL Clothing, AIM, Jim Booth, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras. |
August 15th, 2011
Eric Filgueiras Wins Fort Myers; F-1600 Test Nears
Port St. John, Florida - Eric Filgueiras, 17, picked up a victory last weekend in the final Florida Karting 
Championship Series race of the 2011 season, held at The Race Complex in Fort Myers, Florida. Eric's victory came in the Rotax Senior division behind the wheel of an Andersen Racing machine.
"I qualified third after momentarily holding fast time," Filgueiras said. "Then we got to the pre-final and I thought we had a good shot at winning, but a bent steering shaft turned that race into a challenge. We still got third, and that put us third to start the main."
The rising open-wheel racing star says the main event was an exercise in patience. "Nick Neri and I were pretty much matching times in the main. I just wanted to be patient and keep the pressure on, and make my move at the right time. With about four laps left, we were going through turn 6 and he just overdrove the corner and slid off, which gave me the lead and the win. I want to thank Andersen Racing for the opportunity to race this series, and I remain hopeful we can get a spot in the combine in
November."
Mazda Motorsports' "Road To Indy" program has chosen six regional karting series from which they'll pull two racers each for a late November driver scouting combine at Andersen Park in Palmetto, Florida. Potentially, one driver from this combine could see time in a USF2000 car in 2012.
Eric's next race with the go-kart is the Ocala Grand Prix on October 22nd and 23rd.
Before that, however, he plans to strap into his just completed Renault F-1600 for some testing at Palm Beach International Raceway in preparation for the SCCA Regional event at Daytona International Speedway on September 24th and 25th.
His motorsports partners include NOS Energy, IMPACT!, Oakley, NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, Andersen Racing, Tony Schroeder, BigFin Seafood Kitchen, SPEEDCOM Communications/ Mypluggz.com, Craig Stanton, Shane Lewis, Battery Tender, FUEL Clothing, AIM, Jim Booth, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras.
April 13th, 2011
Port St. John, Florida - What promises to be a very busy season is now underway for 17-year-old rising motorsports star Eric Filgueiras as he continues to inch up the open wheel racing ladder.
Filgueiras, considered one of Florida's top young racing prospects, recently tested an F2000 car for Alegra Motorsports, proving himself to be worthy of future competition in the car. But that was just the beginning.
Mazda Motorsports' "Road To Indy" program has chosen six regional karting series from which they'll pull two racers each for a late November driver scouting combine at Andersen Park in Palmetto, Florida. Potentially, one driver from this combine could see time in a USF2000 car in 2012.
Eric hopes to be "the one".
"We are competing in the Florida Kart Championship Series (FKCS), hoping to earn the combine spot from that series," said the business-savvy racer. "We started at the back and finished sixth at Ocala in the FKCS opener, and we hope to improve on that during our next race weekend which begins on May 13th."
Competition in this series will mark Eric's return to top-level competition karting, where he developed his on and 
off-track prowess for many years. "I can't thank Andersen Racing enough for giving me the opportunity. I am hoping we can reward them with a spot in the combine in November."
The F-500 car Eric raced in SCCA competition in 2010 has been replaced by a Renault 1600 car, signifying another step up for Eric. "Jim Booth has been a friend and supporter for a while now, and we struck a deal with him to maintain and race the car in SCCA this season. Our first outing will be at Daytona May 7th and 8th. Jim has also offered to support me with a Skip Barber 3-day school, which will help me tremendously. I am so thankful to Jim for his faith in me, and I am excited to get on the track and continue my learning process."
Feb. 16th 2011
Port St. John, Florida - 17-year-old racer Eric Filgueiras achieved a milestone in his burgeoning motorsports career last week when he strapped into an Alegra Motorsports F2000 Car and completed a test at the Palm Beach International Raceway in Palm Beach, Florida.
Filgueiras, considered one of Florida's top young racing prospects, said there was a lot to think about in a short time on the challenging course.
"The F2000 car was completely different than the F500
car I race now. I especially had to be focused on shifting, because the cockpit is so small in the F2000 and shifting up a gear is basically a flick of the wrist. I had to get used to the higher horsepower motor, too. I had been on the track in a passenger car, but never driving a race car so there was that to consider as well."
All in all, everyone was pleased with the performance and the results of the evening's activities, according to the racer. "My times improved every lap, which was good. My goal was just to be smooth and consistent, and to learn as much as I possibly could, and I believe we achieved that. I can't thank Carlos de Quesada and everyone associated with Alegra Motorsports enough for the opportunity. We are looking at our options for the future and I hope to have the chance to race for them someday soon."
His motorsports partners include Alegra Motorsports, Jimmy Vasser, Will Prappas, IMPACT Racing, Oakley, NGK Spark Plugs, Team Full Throttle, Craig Stanton, Battery Tender, FUEL Clothing, EPIC Action Camera, AIM, Pepsi, K&N Air Filters, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Manny and Kathy Filgueiras.
Nov 30th 2010
The year 2010 ment a new chapter in the racing career for Eric Filgueiras. The year kicked off for Filgueiras when he participated in the Sports Car Club of America racing school in April at the famous Daytona International Speedway where even though there were problems with the car that forced Eric to be denied of needed track-time, he was able to impress the instructors enough to pass him.
The racing started with Eric competing in the 'June Bug Dash' at the Historic Sebring International Raceway on the short course, were after starting second in class Eric was able to capture his first Formula 500 and SCCA win.
Filgueiras saw victory once again at Sebring, this time on the long course in August at an SCCA South Atlantic Road Racing Championship double header.
"This year was a very nice transition period, where I was able to grow acustom to cars since I've only raced karts before." Stated the 16 year old. "I'm happy I was able to gain experince on tracks like Homestead-Miami Speedway, Daytona International Speedway and Sebring international Speedway. I look forward to next years adventures as well!"
Eric Finished 2nd in the SCCA Central Florida Region Formula 500 points standing, and will be announcing his plans for 2011 in the next few months.
Of course, Eric wouldn't be at this stage without the continuing support of Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Joanna Spina of Ocean Potion, Christopher Zdrahl of NGK Spark Plugs, Tom Baker of Team Full Throttle, Craig Stanton of Magnus Racing, Michael Prelec Jr. of Battery Tender, Luis Ruibal of WR Motorsports, Ron Tindall of EPIC Action Camera, Mike McKnight of AIM, Sheldon O'Conell of Oakley, Shane Gauld Of FUEL Clothing John Hoffman of Pepsi, Junior Furino of Maaco, Bob Harris of K&N Air Filters, Al Garcia and Mathew Becherer of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jay, Derrick and Allan of The Motorsports-Group, Patrick Keane Robert Cao, Tico Almeda, Will Prappas and most importantly Eric's devoted parents, Manny & Kathy Filgueiras.
Aug 8th 2010
Eric Filgueiras, marked his return to the South Atlantic Road Racing Championships(SARRC) by finishing first in his class at the "Sebring Long
Course Double" at Sebring International Raceway on August 7 and 8. The young driver drove his #12 car to victory on the very technical and bumpy Sebring course.
"Driving on the very historic Sebring Long Course for me is pretty indescribable, and a huge honor to compete on," said Filgueiras. "But I was mostly trying to just run my race and progress with lap times."
Filgueiras started second in his class for the feature race, and finished out with the class win. The feature combined multiple classes for a total of over 32 cars.
"The first session out, the car was pulling to the right and I had to adjust the brake bias throughout the session to get the right balance," said Filgueiras. "The track is hands-down the roughest track you could ever compete on, but that's what makes the competition even better. The best part was making passes and being able to go down Sebring's very long back stretch. It was very cool."
Filgueiras would like to thank all of his sponsors and supporters including: Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Joanna Spina of Ocean Potion, Christopher Zdrahl of NGK Spark Plugs, Tom Baker of Team Full Throttle, Craig Stanton of Magnus Racing, Michael Prelec Jr. of Battery Tender, Luis Ruibal of WR Motorsports, Todd Ballard of EPIC Action Camera, Mike McKnight of AIM, John Hoffman of Pepsi, Junior Furino of Maaco, Bob Harris of K&N Air Filters, Al Garcia of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Jay, Derrick and Allan of The Motorsports-Group, Paul Booth of Performance Drink, Patrick Keane, and most importantly Eric's devoted parents, Manny & Kathy Filgueiras.
June 11, 2010
Eric Filgueiras Finishes First in his Class in SCCA at the "June Bug Dash" at Sebring
(TFT) driver, Eric Filgueiras, marked his first run in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Formula 500 by landing a First in his class at the "June Bug Dash" at Sebring International Raceway on June 5 and 6. After 10 years of karting, the young driver pulled in his first big win of the season by wheeling his No. 12 to finish first in his class.
"It was my first race in SCCA, and we had a little trouble with the car," said Filgueiras. "But it was mostly just getting all the bugs out. Other than that, the car felt good. I was able to get my novice permit for the race checked off and all was well."
Filgueiras started second in his class for the feature race, and finished out with the class win. The feature combined multiple classes for a total of 22 Formula cars.
"The car was handling well," said Filgueiras. "I'm still in the period of finding speed. But, the track felt great and there was a good amount of grip. What was most fun was to drive on such a well-known and historic race track after ten years of karting."
Filgueiras would like to thank all of his sponsors and supporters including Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Joanna Spina of Ocean Potion, Christopher Zdrahl of NGK Spark Plugs, Tom Baker of Team Full Throttle, Craig Stanton of Magnus Racing, Michael Prelec Jr. of Battery Tender, Luis Ruibal of WR Motorsports, Todd Ballard of EPIC Action Camera, Mike McKnight of AIM, John Hoffman of Pepsi, Junior of Maaco, Bob Harris of K&N Air Filters Al Garcia of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Robert Cao of Factory 1 Racing, Patrick Keene, and most importantly Eric's devoted parents, Manny & Kathy Filgueiras.
April 24th 2010
Driver News
Eric Filgueiras, who has 10 years of karting underneath his belt, has won many regional and national races and championships. But this past weekend marked a new chapter in Eric's racing career: car racing. This weekend Eric made his debut into not only car racing, but more importantly into SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). Eric attended the SCCA School at Daytona International Speedway. The school consisted of a three-hour classroom session on Friday night, where there was a test at the end of the session, and Eric passed with flying colors. Saturday and Sunday were driver's meetings and on-track sessions on the 1.2-mile infield course. Saturday started out with the morning driver's meeting, but the day was far from smooth. Fighting clutch problems all day, the car wouldn't make it past turn one, and the weekend looked dim. With a spare clutch in the trailer, the team decided to give it one last shot and swap out clutches on the car. This decision proved to be the change of luck that Eric needed. As he started turning laps on the last session of Saturday, Eric was called in for a routine black-flag stop, and while speaking momentarily with a steward, the engine overheated and a water hose shot off, forcing him to retire for what was left of the day. With having a bad first day, the EF Racing team vowed that Sunday Eric would make and fully complete every session. And they did! Three practice starts and a five-lap race was scheduled where the stewards would judge the ability Technique, Reactions, Flag Recognition and more. At the end of Sunday, all school students met up at the media center to get their novice permit book filled out, and when it was Eric's turn up, despite the lack of track time on Saturday, he presented himself courteously and professionally, and was able to get his second school waved off. "After the experience this weekend I am very excited to not only be able to start racing in SCCA events, but to also just be a part of SCCA. The events are run to the fullest of professionalism and can teach a driver a lot" said Filgueiras.
For these accomplishments, Eric would like to thank: Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Joanna Spina of Ocean Potion, Christopher Zdrahl of NGK Spark Plugs, Tom Baker of Team Full Throttle, Craig Stanton of Magnus Racing, Michael of Battery Tender, Luis Ruibal of WR Motorsports, Buddy Long from WKA, Bill Wright from FWT, Todd Ballard of EPIC Action Camera, Mike McKnight of AIM, Al Garcia of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Robert Cao of Factory 1 Racing, David Bowles from the SCCA Florida region, and most importantly Eric's loving parents, Manny & Kathy Filgueiras.
Dec 3rd 2009
Driver News
2009 was a great year for Eric Filgueiras. Competing in Florida Winter tour, winning two titles in the Florida Karting Championship Series, and managing a very solid finish in the very Prestigious 8thannual Easykart World Finals in Siena, Italy. The year seemed to be pretty successful, and half of the year was used to make preparations on the newest addition to EF Racing; a Formula 500 that was obtained during this summer.
For 2010, the plan for Eric is to compete for the first time in the FARA series located at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and he will run on the road course. The other series that Eric is planning to run for the 2010 schedule for the first time as well is SCCA. He will compete in the F-500 class at SCCA Florida regionals, and select SARRC races. Eric will not be competing in Karting next year, as the racing Budget will only be able to withstand car racing.
For a great 2009, and for an even better 2010 season, Eric would like to thank his parents Manny and Kathy, Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Paul Booth of Performance Drink, Joanna Spina of Ocean Potion, Jim Hodgkins of NGK Spark Plugs, Robby Mott of Ribtect, Michael Jr. of Battery Tender, SCC East, Easykart America, Junior Furino of Maaco of Cocoa Fl, Robert Cao , Patrick Keane and Luis, Tico Almeida from FARA and Wagner of MG Tires.
Oct 27th 2009
World Final in Sienna Italy
We just got back from the Easykart world championship in Siena Italy. Below are some photos of Eric's Kart and racing pictures. Eric finished 2nd in B main race and started 30th at the back of the pack for the A main event and was able to finish a very respectful 17th out of 61 drivers. Just in case you don't know how competitive this event is, here are some facts:
1) Only the top Easykart drivers from around the world are invited to race at this event.
2) The Italians and the Europeans have the home court advantage since they know that track inside and out.
3) The Italians and the Europeans also had their own karts and engineers etc. Eric was in a rental kart given to him by Birel Easykart for being the USA Champion.
4) By the end of the race Eric was 11th quickest overall out of 61 other drivers.
This year's Easykart World Finals was not an event to be missed, so when Eric Filgueiras won the FKCS Easykart 100cc championship, it was all he would be looking forward to for the months to come. And since his last trip to Italy ended in the gravel pit of turn 1, lap 1, he was looking forward to redemption. The format of the event would be 2 groups, with an A and B final with the object to make it to the A final. And with Thursday and Friday practice, Saturday the qualifying heats, leading up to Sunday's final events.
Thursday was all about getting the kart prepared, learning the format, and learning the track. Eric was able to get the last 3 sessions in for Thursday. Friday was a good day, with Eric staying around mid-way on the time sheets the whole day, and with qualifying being the last session of the day, all thought and focus was put on trying to get the right setup. With trying as hard as he could, Eric would end up starting 19th in both qualifying heats.
Saturday would come with one warm-up, and then the two 12 lap qualifying heats to decide where drivers would start in the A or B final. The first heat consisted of Eric going back a few spots, but being able to take them back during the course of the race, ultimately finishing 18th out of the 30 in the heat. The second heat went a lot better as Eric would fight throughout the first few laps, and catching and passing and ultimately finishing 14th.
The two combined finishes would start Eric in 3rd for the B Final. The B Final would go as Eric retaining the 3rd place spot, then overtaking second on lap 3, with Eric taking the fight to first, swapping for first and second up until the last lap, with settling for second in the end. All eyes were set on the A Final. With the 2nd in the B Final, it set Eric up to start 30th in the A final.
For the Final race, the start was a bit like madness, as the whole field immediately broke into a scatter. Turn 3 held a pile-up that was right in front of Eric, that slowed him down enough to have the pack get away by a little. Within the next few turns Eric was able to make up the time, and started picking off the opposition within the 24-lap race.The race competition was so fierce that the fight for Eric's last position that he picked up came down to the last stretch of straight on the last lap. But throughout the long and hard race, Eric was able to finish a very
respectable 17th out of the 61 in his class (and also he was the 2nd highest placing American in entire USA Team).
For this great feat, Eric would like to thank; His parents Manny and Kathy, Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Paul Booth of Performance Drink, Joanna of Ocean Potion, Jim of NGK Spark Plugs, Robby of Ribtect, Robert Cao of F1R, Michael Jr. of Battery Tender, and Luis and Wagner of MG Tires.
Oct 2009
With the prize of going to the Easykart World Finals eluding Eric Filgueiras for a couple of years, and only gone one time in the past, you can understand that he is very excited to be going back. He won this year's Florida Karting Championship Series Easykart 100cc class, and that's what clinched the prize for him. We also mentioned earlier that Eric competed in a previous Easykart World Finals event on 60cc. That was in 2006, in which was taken place in Jeselo. It was a great experience for Eric, which unfortunately ended on turn 1, starting 6thin the B-Main. But Eric is very excited and focused on the task at hand which is bringing home the trophy on the top step. "I'm so excited to be going back. It'll be really nice to see old friends that I know from my previous trip and the great even and racing that is the Easykart World Finals." Eric would like to thank all of his sponsors especially Toto Lassaly of Speedcom Communication, Mg Tires, Ocean Potion, NGK plugs, Battery Tender, F1R Robert Cao, Bill from Impact Racing, Paul Booth with Performance Drink, Robby from Ribtect, Robertos Restaurant in Cocoa Beach, Easykart Florida and his dad Manny & Mom for this opportunity to go back to Italy for the World Finals in Sienna Oct 16-18.
Sept 14th, 2009
Going into this year's Easykart Grand National, Eric Filgueiras had already locked up the Florida Karting Championship Series Easykart 100 championship. And by doing so, it meant that Filgueiras was already headed toward the Easykart World Finals (to be held in Siena, Italy on October 16,17,18). Friday practice was a bit of a struggle until the last session, but by that time the kart was a lot closer on pace than before. Since the weekend was on a one-day everything-format, the festivities got under way Saturday. Morning practice felt good and qualifying was even better. There where two qualifying sessions, but Eric decided not to run the second session, and this decision did not move him down the time sheets, as he would start fourth in the Pre-Final. The Pre-Final would start out good but the kart setup would wear out, and Eric would finish fifth. The Final though, would not be as good. When going down the backstretch of the warm up lap the kart would suffer a mechanical failure, and would not to end up the way I planned it to be, getting to know the nature of these new VEGA tires is going to be very helpful for the world finals."
His Parents-Manny & Kathy, Toto Lassally of SPEEDCOM Communications, Bill
Simpson- IMPACT Racing, Luis & Wagner-MG Tires, Joanna Spina of Ocean
Potion, Wagner- Alfano, Paul- Performance Drink, Jim Hodgkins from NGK,
Michael Jr.Prelec from Battery Tender, Junior Furino from Maaco of Cocoa and
Dave Davies/ RJ Valentine- SSC East/CRG & F1 Boston.
July 31, 2009
The Season finale of the FKCS got under way this weekend July 25-26, with 15 year old Eric Filgueiras came in with a 150 and 135 points gap in both Rotax Jr & Easykart 100. Coming into this race he had already won 5 races between the two classes, and was eager to add more coming into race 5 of 5.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday with Rotax Jr. Qualifying was not excellent, but very acceptable coming in with a second place to start the race off with. The Pre-final went smooth, with only losing one position, but very strategically finishing third to be in a third position for the start of the Final. As the Final set off, going into the first turn contact was made between Eric and the second place driver, which didn't cause an accident, but enough to allow the leader to put a gap between himself and the rest of the field. Eric was able to hold off third place until turn five of the last lap, in which Eric was able to re-pass in the same exact turn, after the driver had over-shot the corner, and left himself open to be over-taken. In the end Eric finished 2nd in the race, but won the Rotax Jr. State of Florida Championship FKCS.
Sunday would wrap up the weekend and the series, with qualifying to start the day's festivities. Eric would qualify with a 3rd place over all & a 1st in the IAME category to start the Pre-final. Going into the first turn Eric would only lose 1 position (in class). But it would show to be a short lived position, due to an incident involving several karts in turn eight, which would cause Eric to drop back to nearly last. Working his way up the field he soon found himself fighting for the lead. Finally, passing for 1st place in turn 5, the driver being over taken dove to the inside of the turn while Eric was still to the inside, thus knocking off and breaking his chain, and he was forced to retire from the race. Eric would have to start from the back of the field 12 place out 15 drivers in the Final, but stayed very positive, cool & composed. Slowly picking off positions, Eric would end up in the 3rd position by the end of the race. Even though Eric hadn't won the race, there was no taking away the fact that he had won the FKCS Championship, and with it a step closer to going to the Easykart World Finals, to be held in Siena, Italy in October.
After the weekend, Eric had this to say: "With this being my last serious year of full schedule kart racing, I'm very pleased with the fact that I was able to come back this year and win myself two more championships. Looking back on my Ten years that I've been karting, I'm very proud that I can say that I've won many races and Championships with hard work and with very little money also it always just being my dad and I. Never any high-paid mechanic or tuner."
Eric would like to thank: Toto Lasally of SPEEDCOM Communications, RJ Valentine & Dave Davies of SSC East & CRG/ F1 Boston, Bill Simpson of IMPACT Racing, Joanne of Ocean Potion, Luis & Wagner of MG tires & Alfano, Paul Booth of Performance Drink, Jim of NGK Spark Plugs, Robby of Ribtect, Junior Furino of Maaco, Michael Jr. from Battery Tender, and of course his Parents Manny & Kathy and his sister Rachael.
June 29th, 2009
Ocala race 4
Round 4 of 5 got under way at Ocala Gran Prix as Eric Filgueiras came into the race with a points lead in both Rotax Jr and Easykart 100. Rotax Jr was the first class of the weekend on Saturday. Rotax Jr. Qualifying would be a close one, with Eric ending up in third, but only with .1 of a second margin between himself and the leader. The Pre-Final would not be very exciting as Eric would fall back one position and finish fourth. The Pre-final would be almost the same, with Eric moving up one spot on the first lap, and staying in third for the rest of the race. Sunday 100cc Easykart would be different, as Eric would grab the pole, Pre-Final & Final position with a 12 second lead over second place, for Parilla Easykart 100 making it a clean sweep. Eric would like to thank all of his sponsors, friends and family.
June 10th, 2009
In the News: FloridaToday.com
Filgueiras poised for next step to cars
Port St. John teen has dominated circuit in go-karts
Read article here:
floridatoday.com
May 26th, 2009
News release
Eric Filgueiras, who has been a karter for 10 years and won numerous Championships, is now turning the page and starting a new chapter in his career: Car racing. This year Eric will be testing his Formula 500, and competing in SCCA races during the 2010 season. Eric will still always be connected to his karting roots and drive for SSC East, but will be more focused on making a career out of racing cars. Eric would like to thank his parents, All of his Sponsors, and a special thank you going out to Toto Lassally, Manny Filgueiras, Tico Almeda, Robert Cao, Patrick Keehn, and to all of those who have helped him.
May 19th, 2009
Round three of the Florida Kart Championship Series got under way this weekend at 103rd Jacksonville complex. Eric Filgueiras Came into the Rotax JR points standings 1st, and the Easykart 100 points 3rd. With no Friday practice for Eric because he was attending school, Saturday would kick off the weekend with race 3 of 5 for Rotax JR. With not having the all new 2009 Rotax Cylinder that everyone but Eric had, he knew he would be behind the game on this one. With a frustrating day, Eric would Qualify 8th, finish 6th in the Pre-Final, and Also Finishing 6th in the Final. Although the day would not go towards Eric's favor, He would end the Rotax portion still leading the point's standings. Sunday would prove to be a much better day though, as race 3 of 5 the Easykart class would show to be more about the driver's capability behind the steering wheel, and not about the engine mounted to the chassis (Spec Class). Eric would qualify behind a young driver hailing all the way from Italy by the name of Riccardo Geltrude who is the current point winner in Easykart 100cc. The Pre-Final would have a heated battle between Eric, Riccardo & Jesus Rios Jr. for the lead. The Pre-Final would finish with Filgueiras finishing 3rd. The Final would also be a heated battle, but this time the win coming down between Rios Jr. & Filgueiras. With a last lap move on the outside of Rios, Eric would take the victory and also the Championship lead with two more races to go and a certain Easykart Grand National in September, with the winner receiving a completely paid trip to Italy For the World Finals. A race that 15- year old Eric Filgueiras will be competing in.
For these accomplishments Eric would like to thank: His Dad, Mom and Sister, Toto Lassally of SPEEDCOM COMMUNICATIONS, Bill Simpson of IMPACT! Racing, Dave Davies and R.J. Valentine of SSC East and F1 Boston, Joanna of Ocean Potion, Paul Booth of Performance Drink, Luis & Wagner of MG Tires and ALFANO, Robby Mott of Ribtect, Robert Cao of Factory One Racing, Michael Jr of Battery Tender, Curtis and Al from Homestead-Miami Speedway and Jim Hodgkins with NGK.
May 12th 2009
Listen to Eric's Interview On
Real Racin' USA
http://www.realracinusa.com/
Eric talks about his history and experience
in racing, his sponsors, and his crew.
Link to Full Radio Podcast:
HERE (Eric starts at 1:03)
Or Listen to Edited version Eric Only:
HERE (Be patient while it downloads)
May 11th 2009
InsideFloridaRacing - Eric Filgueiras
FKCS driver Eric Filgueiras will be interviewed, Monday, May 11th during the radio show's karting segment on www.InsideFloridaRacing.com.
We will send an update on Saturday if show changes. The karting segment runs for about 20 minutes starting at 8PM EST time. Tune in regularly for great updates / interviews on racing in Florida. Shows are recorded and saved to the site so if you miss it, you can always listen in at a later date. After FKCS races they usually provide an update on selected class finishes as well. So please support the site and their sponsors as they help promote our series! Watch for interviews in the future with other FKCS drivers!
April 2009
Driver News on Eric Filgueiras
Round 2 of the Florida Kart Championship Series(FKCS) rolled around this weekend, With Eric Filgueiras Coming in with two 1st place podium and a 4th for Rotax Jr. and Easykart 100. And this particular weekend, he would be 'testing the waters' in the TaG Jr. class running on his SSC East CRG/Rotax package. Saturday would be a good day, as Eric would sweep the Rotax class with ease, taking the qualifying, Pre-Final & Final. TaG Jr would show to be more of a challenge for the CRG driver, With not having the time or enough financial backing for new tires would show a bad qualifying and would be forced to start 11th. With starting in the back, Eric would finish in 6th. in the pre final and would finish a strong 4th place in the final. Sunday would be very good as well, with some fun morning sessions in the rain Eric would prove his dominance in the rain by posting 3 quickest out the entire FKCS driver field. But as qualifying came around, the track dried up with Eric starting in 2nd on pole for the race. This was caused by having no brakes on the kart. In the pre- Final, though the brand new brake pads would stick to the disc, and a tire going down Eric would have to settle to for 4th. With one of the problems being fixed, however Filgueiras would demonstrate his adaptability by overcoming his starting deficiency in the final and making it a 3-way battle for first with both Rhea's. Even with John Rhea able to best Filgueiras' fastest lap he could not hold the position and gave up with 3 laps to in the race to Filgueiras. Rounding out the podium were both John and Dorothy Rhea in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Eric is on a mission to get his 3rd consecutive Title in Easykart 100cc. in 2009.
Eric would like to thank all of his sponsors and parents for everything over the weekend.
SSC East, F1 Boston, Speedcom, Mg tires, Ocean potion, Impact Racing,
Ribtect, Alfano, NGK, Battery Tender, Easykart of Florida, Performance
Drink, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Mike Savage and F1 Factory One.
March 2, 2009
Driver news and progression of Eric Filgueiras
As the annual Florida Kart Championship Series rolled around, already 3-time in a row FKCS Champion Eric Filgueiras was feeling very optimistic for the 2009 season. Saturday would show to be a good one, as Eric would do a clean sweep in the Rotax Jr. category with no battle from any of the opposition, winning the pole award and fast time, Pre-final & Final. Sunday would look to be a different story, though. As moving the seat backwards on the kart would show for less grip in the front end, Eric would start 2nd on the grid only behind by .059 tenths of a second. The Pre-final would start out terribly for the young driver, as he would be put back a row due to an incompetent pole-sitter. Rain would go on and off during the Pre-final, finally ending it, and not able to run a final heat race, where the times showed that on the pre-final Eric was faster than the 1st place driver Eric finishing in an upsetting fourth.
Eric's next month and a half has a variety of races including:
-Florida Winter Tour round 3 races 5 & 6 at Ocala Grand Prix.
-Florida Kart Championship Series round 2 at Ocala Grand Prix.
-F.A.R.A. racing series round 1 at Homestead Miami Speedway.
He would like to thank all of his sponsors for making this possible Mg Tires, Impact Racing, NGK, Speedcom & Shock Doctor, Ocean Potion, Alfano, Ribtect, SSC East, F1 Boston, Performance Drink, F1R Factory One Racing and Battery Tender
Remember if you run hard you'll always stay cool!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 2009
Driver news
Eric Filgueiras, who is a multi-time Champion and 2007 Mini Max Winter Tour Champion, will be teaming up with SSC East/ CRG to run the Florida Winter Tour, and the Rotax Max Grand National, in both series' running in the Rotax Jr. category.
"I spoke to Dave Davies, R.J Valentine and Marshall Martin, at the PRI Show on Thursday, gave Dave Davies my card and packet, and he seemed impressed. So, we talked again on Saturday, and Dave sounded very interested in having me on the team." Said the young driver "I look forward to running with such a famous, well-organized, and most importantly a team that knows how to Win!!!"
The young driver will be with SSC East for a long while, as Davies said (if you come on board it would be for a marriage not a date the young driver quoting Dave's wording) Eric would like to give special thanks to Marshall for speaking in his behalf and believing in him.
Eric had a great season on 2008, and couldn't have done it without all of his family, and the support from friends and sponsors like Bill Simpson from IMPACT, Joanne Spina from Ocean Potion, Toto Lassally from SPEEDCOM & Shock Doctor, Luis & Wagner From MG Tires & Alfano, Robby From Ribtect, Paul Booth from Performance Energy Drink, Oswaldo Negri, Max Papis, Craig Stanton, Dave Davies, R.J. Valentine, Robert Cao And Eric's Parents Manny & Kathy.
October 6th, 2008
Recapping 2008 and Driver progression
Eric Filgueiras, an already multi-time champion added one more championship under his belt happily when he attended the Florida Kart Championship Series (F.K.C.S) Banquet/ Charity Race this weekend. It started Saturday morning through afternoon with Concession-Kart racing were Eric finished second in the "kids race". And then the Banquet started around 6:00 P.M where Eric received his Championship Eagle, and an unexpected 'junior driver of the year'. " It was really the best banquet that I've ever been to." Said Filgueiras "F.K.C.S. really did a great job at choosing a good location, the food was delicious, and the evening was very pleasant." On Sunday, Eric learned how to drive a shifter kart, and that also went well. Eric is looking forward to racing in the Florida Series next year, He is also going back to WKA Nationals in Road Racing Series by Mazda and racing in the F.A.R.A series, and also looking forward to learning with racecar drivers like Craig Stanton, Oswaldo Negri, Mark Patterson, Max Papis, Toto Lassally and Robert Cao to become a Koni Driver in 2010
Eric would like to thank Toto and Derick at SPEEDCOM, Bill Simpson at IMPACT! Racing, Joanne at Ocean Potion, Paul Booth at Performance Drink, Luis & Wagner at MG Tires, Luis at Alfano, Jim Booth at McDonalds, Robby at Ribtect, Mario & Oswaldo at Kart Mini, and Andre & Daniel at RDD Motorsports.
For more, visit: www.flwkasprintseries.com, www.speedcom.com,
www.kartmini.com, www.rddmotorsports.com, and www.farausa.com.
July 29, 2008
Racing News on Eric Filgueiras Coming off of a first place in the fourth race of the season, and the champion lead comfortably By Eric Filgueiras, the young driver was sitting confidently coming into the last race. Friday Practice was a good day, Eric practicing on the Easykart 100cc only a few times, focusing most of his energy on his Rotax Jr, at which he was using his SPEEDCOM Radio system.
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