Sepp Koster | |
---|---|
Nationality | Dutch |
Born |
Heemskerk, North Holland |
September 17, 1974
Formula Ford | |
Years active | 2008-2009 |
Previous series | |
2008-2009 2002 1998-2001 1996-1997 1994-1995 1989-1993 |
Formula Ford Atlantic Championship Barber Dodge Pro Series Formula Opel Formula Ford Karting |
Championship titles | |
1995 1995 |
Dutch Formula Ford Benelux Formula Ford |
Josephus (Sepp) Koster (born 17 September 1974 in Heemskerk) is a former Dutch racing driver. Koster made appearances in various racing classes throughout Europe and North-America.
Sepp Koster grew up in Mol, Belgium and later moved to Antwerp. Koster started kart racing in 1989 at the age of 15. After successes he graduated to the Dutch Formula Ford championship in 1993. The young driver continued racing while studying mechanical engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The 18-year-old driver made his debut with the Ford supported GEVA Racing team. While Bas Leinders won the championship, Koster achieved a third place in the standings after his inaugural autoracing season. The next year Koster won the Dutch and Benelux championships. Driving a Swift he participated in the Formula Ford Festival achieving a 17th place in the championship race. After winning his first championship in formula racing Koster graduated to Formula Opel. The driver scored two podium finishes during his first season and was placed sixth in the standings. At the EFDA Nations Cup Koster was coupled with Sandor van Es. With all drivers racing equal Reynard Formula Opel/Vauxhall cars the couple achieved a sixth place at the 1996 EFDA Nations Cup. The following season Koster doubled the amount of podium finishes he scored in the last season. The good results meant he ended up third in the standings of the Formula Opel Europe championship. At the 1997 EFDA Nations Cup, again coupled with Sandor van Es, the duo reached a ninth place.
To continue his racing career Koster moved to the United States of America. The young driver got into contact with Arie Luyendyk who trained him to race on oval tracks. Sepp Koster made his debut in the Barber Dodge Pro Series in 1998. He drove the car for the first time during a collective test at Sebring International Raceway in February. During the first raceweekend of the series Koster qualified on pole-position. But the European driver never had done a rolling start but he managed to retain the lead. After a spin which resulted in contact he had to retire. The Dutch driver finished his first season in the Barber Dodge series in ninth place of the championship. The following year Koster achieved his first podium finish in America. At the West Michigan Grand Prix Koster started from pole position. After Todd Snyder passed him on the tight street circuit Koster settled for second place. After finishing in the top ten and top five he finished fifth in the standings.