FA: Mazda champion joins Genoa.

Genoa Racing has announced the signing the signing of Star Mazda champion Adrian Carrio for its return to the Champ Car Atlantic Championship.

The 18-year-old will pilot the #17 entry during the 2007 season as he makes the step into the Champ Car feeder series and said he was looking forward to the challenge of his new venture.

"Working with a team that has the depth of knowledge that Genoa Racing has to offer makes me extremely comfortable with my decision," he said. "It will allow me to focus on driving the car and performing to the best of my abilities. I feel that Genoa Racing and the outstanding staff that they have assembled will show greatly in my performance and results alike.

"I am excited for the challenge, as there will be a good many veterans as well as rookies like me. I feel proud to be a part of the best support series that North America has to offer. This is one more stepping stone toward my life's dream, to race in Champ Car."

Star Star Mazda Championship president Gary Rodrigues said he was thrilled to see the driver nicknamed 'Ace' make the step into the Atlantic championship, following in the footsteps of 2005 champion Raphael Matos, who competed in Atlantics last season for Sierra Sierra Enterprises and finished fourth in the standings.

"We are extremely proud to see Ace Carrio follow in the footsteps our 2005 champion Raphael Matos and other Star Mazda success stories like Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe, all of whom were successful in the first year of their switch to the Atlantic Championship powered by Mazda," he said. "Ace showed not only speed this past year but also a great deal of maturity chasing the Star Mazda Championship.

"We expect to see him demonstrate those same talents again in 2007 and beyond. We see Ace's move to Champ Car Atlantic for 2007 as gratifying proof that the Mazda ladder system works."