Jacob Douglas goes back-to-back with second win in Portland
By: Velocity News
September 3, 2023
Less than 24 Hours after taking his maiden USF2000 win, Kiwi teenager Jacob Douglas has returned to the top of the podium at Portland International Raceway. Starting from pole, Douglas kept teammate and newly crowned USF2000 champion Simon Sikes at bay for the majority if proceedings for his second consecutive lights-to-flag victory.
“The start was not as hectic as yesterday,” said Douglas in his post-race interview. “Having done it before leading into Turn 1 made it a little bit easier. It was a long race with Simon behind me the whole time.
“I am really looking forward to next year and carrying this momentum through.
“A massive thanks to Pabst Racing, my parents and everyone who has supported me and made this happen.”
USF2000 champion Simon Sikes congratulates Douglas on his second consecutive victory. Image: USF2000
Douglas would lead through the opening corners off the start, only for an early yellow to be called for a stranded competitor on the back straight. He would lead again off the restart, gaining ground when teammates Sikes and Max Garcia made light contact at Turn 1, the latter spinning out of contention from second.
Sikes quickly bridged the gap to the race leader and kept the pressure on at the front, but Douglas held firm to keep his teammate at bay for the remainder of proceedings to take his second victory of the weekend by 0.3785 seconds.
The victory moves Douglas up to sixth in the championship standings, despite having missed a round mid-season.
The Pabst Racing one-two also built an almost insurmountable 37-point lead over Jay Howard Driver Development in the Teams Championship ahead of tomorrow’s season finale.
Douglas also starts off pole in the third and final race of the weekend as he attempts to sweep the round. Proceedings begin at 9.15 am (NZ Time).
Provisional championship points after 17 of 18 races:
1. Simon Sikes, 416
2. Nikita Johnson, 330
3. Lochie Hughes, 324
4. Evagoras Papasavvas, 308
5. Mac Clark, 306
6. Jacob Douglas, 222
7. Jorge Garciarce, 205
8. Sam Corry, 200
9. Chase Gardner, 193
10. Max Garcia, 190
Header Image: Douglas celebrates his second USF2000 win in Portland. Image: USF2000
