You Are Not Too Old to Race

You are not too old to race and if you need further convincing, you will find it in this week’s Driver Development Roundup.

I also cover a new driver development program and a junior scholarship deadline, an American Winter Series for young single-seaters and why the promoter of Indian F4 feels that the series is the best winter series for a young driver.

All this and more in this week’s edition of the Driver Development Roundup on Motorsport Prospects. As always it is news that racers can use.

---

In the video above, Enzo Mucci explains how actions speak louder than words so when its time to shine make sure you are up to the task. And this applies on track as well as off.

---

One of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport will once again be up for grabs this season, with entries now open for the 14th running of the Ginetta Junior Scholarship. The Scholarship event represents a unique opportunity for emerging racing talents to enjoy a fully funded season, competing in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship.

Entrants must be aged 13-15 and have not competed in any motorsport UK regulated events. You can apply here.

---

The Yacademy Fall/Winter test dates and Winter Series schedule have been released for 2023-24. Here is the schedule and pricing for the upcoming winter:

2023

• Sept 27/28 – Mid Ohio $2000 x car x day.
• Oct 2/3 – Road America $2500 x car x day
• Nov 21/22 – Barber $2000 x car x day
• Dec 11/12 – Sebring $2000 x car x day
• Dec 13 – Homestead – $1500 x car 

2024

• Jan 24/25 – Sebring $2250 x car x day
• Feb 7/8 – Sebring $2250 x car x day (testing) & Winter Series Races*
• Feb 9/10/11 – Homestead – Winter Series Races*

 * Winter Series Races Entry for both events $7000 per car. OR $5000 for an individual event. (Sebring OR Homestead)

For any questions/comments/concerns please contact: 
Gustavo Yacaman, gusty@gustavoyacaman.com.

---

Myles Rowe made history in 2023 as the first African American to win a major North American Open Wheel Racing championship in this year’s USF Pro 2000 Series, and he is hoping to make more history next year in Indy NXT.

“Rowe will drive the No. 99 Force Indy entry with continued support from Penske Entertainment’s Race for Equality & Change initiative, an ongoing effort to support, grow and sustain diverse representation in motorsports. Race for Equality & Change was launched in summer of 2020 with a focus on generating impactful programming and opportunities across both the IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway ecosystems.” (Forbes)

---

Does the fact that you are older mean there is no chance for you to compete in motorsport? Not according to Speed Secret’s Ross Bentley who argues that motorsport may be more accessible for older participants than almost any other.

“Motorsport — from HPDE events to pro racing — may be more accessible to older participants than other sports. No matter what your age — or level of abilities — there is almost always some type of motorsport you can participate in. But isn’t there an advantage to being young in this sport? Comparing older drivers to younger ones, I think it comes down to desire, effort, resources, experience, fitness (physical and mental), and your approach to practice.” (Speed Secrets: Let’s Hear It For The Oldies)

---

Feeder Series had a talk with Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), Indian F4’s promoter on Indian F4’s ambitious goals and why they feel “We are the best winter series for a young driver“.

---

Buggyra Racing is an established motorsport team with over 50 years of history in different racing categories, mainly truck racing, and more recently GT endurance racing and rally raids, including the famous Dakar Rally. In 2019, Martin Koloc, Buggyra’s dynamic team principal, launched Buggyra Academy, as part of the Buggyra racing program and a stepping stone for young racers. The Academy offers four poles: GT endurance racing, rally raids including the famous Dakar Rally, truck racing, and karting as its latest edition. Young talented racers are given the opportunity to train their motor racing skills in these categories to prepare them for a career in motor racing.

---