Prodigy Week is back and the revolutionary driver development program that looks to develop sim racers into real-world racers is getting ready for Part 2 of their program to kick off at Atlanta Motorsports Park. I have details on the program this week. I also have an inside look at race driver physical fitness, the positive growth of a number of driver diversity programs and reflections from a motorsport pioneer on the progress being made with disabled driver development.
It’s all in this week’s edition of the Driver Development Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Racing Prodigy gears up to host Prodigy Week at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) from May 13-15, 2024. This event marks a significant phase in the motorsport industry, aiming to bridge the virtual and real-world racing arenas through the Prodigy Racing League (PRL). G-LYFE has a great overview of what the program is about.
“The adrenaline of motorsports is set to reach new heights as Racing Prodigy, a prominent sports, entertainment, and media entity, gears up to host Prodigy Week at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) from May 13-15, 2024. This event marks a significant phase in the motorsport industry, aiming to bridge the virtual and real-world racing arenas through the Prodigy Racing League (PRL).”
The Cars Without Sausage podcast brings you insider tips on how to train like a champion for the Indy 500! “In this Cars without Sausage Podcast video episode, we’ll share the best training techniques to help you master the iconic Indy 500 race with Human Performance Motorsport Coach, Jim Leo from PitFit.”
SportsCar365+ looks at how Toyota is preparing its future hypercar stars. “One of Nakajima’s main duties since his move into team management has been to work on young driver development, something which slipped down the agenda during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic but is now a major priority for Toyota as part of the ‘drivers first’ philosophy espoused by company chairman Akio Toyoda.”
The Kansas City Star looks at the progression of NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” program. “So far, four graduates of the Drive for Diversity have won races in 2024: Kyle Larson and Daniel Suarez have won Cup races and Nick Sanchez and Rajah Caruth have won NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series races.”
The 2024 Class of the Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) Powering Diversity Scholarship came out of the gate strong to kick off their race seasons. Comprised of 14 drivers racing in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Ligier JS F4 Series, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) and Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the class has already added race wins, poles, podiums and career-best finishes to their stats. In its fourth year, the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship looks to create a more diverse grid while empowering drivers from a variety of backgrounds to participate in PMH-owned race series.
Zhou Guanyu was both proud and excited to race in his home 2024 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, a race which marked his inaugural home appearance as China’s first F1 race driver. He has some advice for young drivers after reflecting on his racing journey so far.
Reflecting on his journey from fan to driver, Zhou said: “In 2004, I was a little fan on seat number 24, knowing nothing about racing. Later on, I progressed to some karting events. I would tell my younger self to stay true to your dreams, you’re doing great.
“Don’t fear competition, believe in yourself, you’re not inferior to foreign drivers,” he said.
“Without guides, I had to rely on myself and the team, as it went from being a hobby to me becoming a professional driver,” he said.
Zhou wants to inspire a new generation of hometown heroes
FIA World Endurance Championship racer Nico Pino has become a member of Stellantis Motorsport’s young driver program. The 19-year-old Chilean becomes the first member of a new scheme created by the multinational auto giant, whose motorsport activities include the Peugeot Hypercar program in the WEC and the DS Penske and Maserati MSG teams in Formula E.
Stellantis Motorsport boss Jean-Marc Finot said: “We were immediately impressed by Nico Pino’s approach. He is versatile, and he has a great interest in our various activities. We will establish a testing program across different categories and will promote him, especially since South America is key for both Motorsport and the Stellantis Group. Nico Pino is our first step in a young driver program that we intend to expand.”
Team BRIT boss Dave Player reflects on the accomplishments of the team as he passes the reigns to new Team management.
“I’ve fought for change to mind-boggling rules that discriminate against disabled drivers, and thankfully have won, yet we still see a fragmented landscape without the united front that I know would achieve so much more. I’m not one to back down from a battle, as many will know, but my fight is always based entirely on what I believe is right and fair.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
