The new Hixon Motor Sports Driver Development Program highlights this week’s edition of the Driver Development Roundup.
I also have news on the Motorsport UK Academy 2023 Young Driver of the Year, NASCAR reviewing the age requirements of their series as well as the state of play for women in motorsport.
All this and more in this week’s edition of the Driver Development Roundup on Motorsport Prospects.
Hixon Motor Sports has announced the launch of their Driver Development Program. “I have worked with Bryan (Hixon) and Shea (Holbrook) to really try and push Hixon Motor Sports to the next level,” explained Scott Michael. “We really want to bring karters up through the ranks and into our nationally known program at HMS. We will help drivers obtain their licenses, assist with coaching and car prep, and help further develop their skills in the competitive world of both Spec Miata and MX-5 Cup competition.”
More details can be found on the Hixon Motor Sports website here.
In the video above you can get a glimpse behind the scenes of the New Zealand Elite Motorsport Academy Camp Week.
Wera Tools British Kart Championships Senior X30 competitor Marcus Littlewood has been named Motorsport UK Academy 2023 Young Driver of the Year, having impressed against tough competition at the iZone Driver Performance shootout finale on July 4th.
“The shootout involved three simulator assessments featuring a variety of tests, including eye tracking analysis in TCR cars at Brands Hatch, race runs in British F4 machinery, and taking on a circuit unknown to all drivers while engaging in distraction tasks such as counting backwards from 100 in four seconds. There was also a fitness assessment including a VO2 max test and upper-body muscular endurance and reaction testing on a ‘cardio wall’, which is commonly used for driver training. Each driver then presented a piece on what they’ve gained from their time on the Motorsport UK Academy Enhanced DiSE programme, and how they’ll use what they learned for their future motorsport career.”
NASCAR president Steve Phelps says the sanctioning body is reviewing the age requirement for drivers in NASCAR’s top three series. Currently, a driver must be 18 to compete full-time in NASCAR’s top three national touring series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series allows a person to compete as young as 16, but only on tracks one mile or less in length and road courses.
“I don’t like the direction motorsports is going as a whole,” says team owner Tony Stewart, who also possesses championships in Indy, Midget, Sprint and USAC Silver Crown cars. “I’m not just picking on NASCAR. There are series putting kids in late models at 12 and 14 (years old). It makes zero sense to me.”
Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to enabling opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines, and Lime Rock Park have announced a significant venue alliance. Lime Rock Park is now an ‘Official WIMNA Regional Hub’ partnering for the development and execution of events, activities, promotions, and support of women interested in or already participating in motorsports.
BlackBook Motorsport analyzes the state of play for women in motorsport. “We are making steps, but we are not there yet.”
F1 Academy driver Megan Gilkes discusses with Feeder Series the importance of the initiative. “Its important so young girls ‘see a championship that they can compete in.”
The recent launch of the fourth edition of the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars program reasserts the FIA’s goal to increase female participation in motor sport, a commitment that took center stage in the pledge to join the European Commission’s #HealthyLifestyle4All campaign that was signed by FIA CEO Natalie Robyn at the first ever EU Sport and Innovation Summit.
In a recent interview with Gentleman’s Journal. Mercedes F1 driver George Russell explains that you don’t have to be a complete jerk in order to be competitive. “You can be a nice guy but also a ruthless athlete.”
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former 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.