DRIVER SEARCH: 2014 Rising Star Award Winner Will Receive a Full Season in the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear

The World Speed Motorsports Rising Star Awards have been helping young racers move up the open wheel racing ladder for years. In the past the award was presented to talented up and coming racers, and included a free test with WSM.

This year three racers will be awarded a free test day with World Speed and one of those drivers will be selected to receive a full scholarship in the 2014 Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear. The complete season is being funded by VMB Driver Development.

"For over 20 years we've been developing young drivers, and graduating them into the upper levels of racing," stated WSM President Telo Stewart. "This is the first year in our history that we will be able to provide a full season to a deserving racer. We are looking forward to working with VMB and the selected driver in 2014."

Eligible Driver Guidelines:

• Ages 14 - 24

• Having raced in less than 3 races in FCC

• Raced in less than 3 races in Pro Mazda Championship, or similar level of open wheel competition

• Currently licensed in SCCA, NASA, FIA, SKUSA, or similar or racing in racing school series

• Open wheel and/or karting experience 

The prize package: 

The scholarship covers the costs of a 2014 FormulaSPEED2.0 Arrive and Drive Program and is valued at over $60,000. The program includes:

• Use of a FormulaSPEED2.0 racecar for all 2014 FCC race events

• 1 set of Goodyear race tires per weekend (approx $8000)

• Professional dedicated mechanic

• Shared engineer for data and video analysis

• Car and crew transportation

• Car fitting (custom bead seat not included)

• Weekend hospitality

• Race entries (approx $8000)  

Getting Considered for the Award:

Eligible drivers must  complete this form before February 10th, 2014. (Unlike many Driver Searches, there are no fees associated with getting considered for this program)

Process:        

WSM/VMB will select three drivers for the Rising Star Award free test day. Each finalist will be scored on driving ability, technical feedback, and communication with the WSM/VMB. Staff from World Speed Inc will discuss the merits of each driver, and provide a complete a complete report on all three drivers to VMB Driver Development. VMB will then select the 2014 Rising Star Award overall winner.

Some of the past Rising Star Award winners have included:

• Scott Speed - F1, NASCAR, Rally Cross

• Joey Hand - BMW Factory Driver, 24 Hours of Daytona & 12 Hour of Sebring winner

• Sage Karam - 2013 Indy Lights Champion

• Joel Miller - Team USA, 2013 Grand Am Rolex GX vice-champion

• Cole Whitt - NASCAR

• Michael Self - NASCAR

• Conor Daly - Pro Mazda Champion, Team USA, Indy Lights, GP3

• Neil Alberico - 2013 USF2000 vice-champion, Team USA

• 2014 FCC presented by Goodyear Schedule
• FCC presented by Goodyear Alumni Successes

ABOUT VMB DRIVER DEVELOPMENT:
VMB Driver Development's goal is to provide a young, career-minded driver the opportunity to learn from an experienced team like World Speed and gain valuable experience in all aspects of racing. Making a car available for the full season, and providing support will help move that driver into higher levels of competition.

"I have always loved watching racing as a young kid. The Indy 500, Formula One, especially the open-wheel cars. It is amazing to me how fast, yet precise these cars perform," stated VMB Principal Steve Brisentine.

"A few years ago as I attended the GoPro Indy race at Sonoma Raceway, I stopped by the World Speed trailer and noticed the sign about buying a car and entering the series. While I am a little to old to begin a career of driving, I wanted to be involved on race weekends. I wanted to be more than just a fan. If I can give back by providing a seat for a driver that otherwise cannot afford it, this will all be worthwhile."