Group-A Racing Testimonies

Jackie Ding

• Group-A Racing Driver Development in Skip barber 2013 & 2014 – 3 wins & 9 podiums. 5th in the championship during 2014 season

• Formula Lites 2015 – 3rd in the championship with 1 win and 11 podiums

• FIA US Formula 4 2016 – 3 podiums and laps led at Homestead, NJMP & Mid Ohio

“It’s been a few years since I ran with Group-A, but the experiences and the memories racing with the Scarallo’s will remain a huge part of my life, probably forever. Little did I know when I signed with the team back in 2015 that I was actually being adopted by Papa Joe. The guys at Group-A took care of me, gave me the machine needed to win, the knowledge needed to be intelligent, and the kick-up the backside needed to improve. Jonathan worked with me basically my entire formula career and I learnt all of my craft from him. The advice was on point, the explanations were refreshing, and the methods he taught me to find more speed are still helpful to this date. On the engineering side, they always knew how to make the car drive how I wanted, despite my really lacking knowledge on mechanics and vehicle dynamics. Even though racing formula cars aren’t cheap, they did the best they could to lower all of their costs and were extremely upfront and honest, often going the extra mile to ensure I was getting my money’s worth. In short, if I ever get the chance to run formula cars again, Jonathan and Papa Joe will be the first people I call. “

Jose Armida

• F2000 Championship Series 2013 (4 races with 3 Top 10’s)

• Formula Lites 2015 – 2nd in championship 1 win 12 podiums

"My experience with Group A Racing was a top sensation. I came from Mexico knowing nothing about how big teams worked and from the beginning I had that sensation that you’re on a really honest and dedicated team. They always talk to you in a direct way and they act that way too. Racing is not cheap, so you don’t put your money anywhere, and this is definitely a top place to put it. I did several tests with them, few F2000 races in 2012 and a full Formula Lites season in 2015, So, I can say I know what I am talking about. I trust them 100% because they never let me down, they always push me inside & outside the track. It’s a big family.”

Sam Paley

• F4 US Championship 2018 Winter Testing

• Partial 2018 FIA F4 US Championship 2018 2 weekends with 2 top 10 results at Mid Ohio

  “Although my time at Group-A Racing was short, my experience under the team was one of the best racing experiences I have ever had. The hard work and kindness of the team from the owner down to the mechanics cannot be matched. I was provided with a great car and great coaching from Jonathon Scarallo that I am very thankful for. Jonathon’s coaching has quickly advanced my driving to new levels, and his experience through the lower formula ranks allows him to better connect with his drivers. Every session in the car I was always learning and fine-tuning my skills. I truly believe my driving improved every time I went on track due to the coaching and experience I experienced. Group-A Racing is the hardest working team I have ever been a part of even though the immense levels of adversity they have been through.”

Ethan Billions

• 2017 Lucas Oil Formula Series. 5th in championship 1 Win, 2 Podiums, 3 fastest laps of the race. 

• 2018 F4 US - 2 weekends in a season cut short due to budget with no pre-season testing. 

“Partnering with Group-A Racing has arguably been the most important step in my racing career. With Jonathan’s coaching, I was able to compete for pole positions and race wins instantly in my rookie season. Jonathan works very well with drivers not only on the fundamental side of driving fast but with years of wheel-to-wheel racing experience, his advice on race craft is incredibly valuable. 

I have been with Group-A since my first competitive race, all the way to my professional racing debut in Formula 4. In terms of their F4 team, they provide everything that you need to succeed at the professional level. The setup is fast, the crew is phenomenal, and the data/coaching sessions are the most valuable and comprehensive you will see from any team in the paddock. I truly cannot speak enough on the quality of a Group-A race weekend. 

Not only is this my team, but Jonathan and his father, Papa Joe, are my family. They are the most honest, trustworthy, and hardworking people in racing, hands down. They worked with me and gave me a shot in pro racing when my budget was limited, and when I was unfortunately taken out of Formula 4, the team did everything in their power to ease any financial burdens placed on me and my family. Jonathan has become one of my best friends, and the team is my home. I will continue to be a part of this family, and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Cameron Tedder

• 2018 Lucas Oil Formula Series - 2nd in the championship with 3 wins & 8 podiums

• 2017 Lucas Oil Formula Series - 11th in the championship. Winter F4 US Testing

“Group-A racing has been instrumental in my racing career. When I started in cars, I had no clue how the racing world worked. Jonathan reached out to me one day and offered coaching services – I jumped at the opportunity. I struggled my first season in cars, but Group-A never gave up and continued to work with me on and off the track. By my second season, I was winning races – but not content with “good enough,” Jonathan continued to refine me. As I grew as a driver, the coaching evolved. It wasn’t just about driving, but the skills and mental coaching needed to win a championship. Over the past two years, the Group-A family has become just that to me – family. They are the fairest, most hardworking, and honest people I have met in racing. Jonathan and his father are always completely honest with me, good or bad. They have gone above and beyond to help me save on my budget in a sport where many do the opposite. I owe my success in racing to them, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work together.”

Robert Torres

• 2019 Lucas Oil Formula  Winter Series – 3rd in Championship

• 2018 Lucas Oil Formula Series – 7th in Championship

• 2018 & 2019 Formula 4 US testing in prep for 2020 campaign. 

“When the words race team aren’t enough, the words racing family come to mind. Setting up a test at MSR with Group-A Racing last fall led to me running in the 2018 Lucas Oil Formula Car Series as a Group-A Racing Development Driver. Through this, they have been guiding my career looking out for my best interest, and providing coaching to help my progress. The progress I’ve made throughout the season would have been a fraction of what it is today without the coaching of Jonathan Scarallo. I’m putting into practice what he’s been teaching and feel like we’re building the trust that you need from a coach, especially in this sport. I scored some podiums in the Lucas Oil Winter Series with Jonathan’s coaching and will be running the Lucas Oil Formula Series again this year under the eye and coaching of Group-A Racing. I’m going to work to make this year a break-out year, and I look forward to the near future in F4 with Group-A Racing.”

David Porcelli

• One-off with us at the NJMP F4 US round during the 2018 season. Despite not being in a race car in 3 years, ended the weekend with a 9th place finish in a 33 car field. 

“The experience of working with Group-A Racing is hard to find in any racing paddock. The engineer, Alain, and team managers, Jonathan and his Father Joe, provide all the tools and know-how for a competitive setup to put the car in a position to win races. Technical know-how isn’t all that creates a winning team. What really sets Group-A Racing apart is the chemistry and environment for a driver to flourish fueled by a deep love of racing and loyalty between the team members and their drivers. As a driver, coach, and manager Jonathan is willing and capable of communicating what the driver needs to the entire team. Alain is millimeter-perfect when it comes to preparing the setup and clearly communicates what is needed from the driver on and off the track in order to develop a race-winning car. To win races and championships a team must have strong communication and Group A Racing provides the ultimate foundation to develop a report between the driver and team unlike any other.”