Driver search Sonoma phase two summary

NEW YORK, NY (13 Aug 2003)-- David Jurca, (18) of Seattle, WA, Tad Funakushi, (16) of Galt, CA and Wesley Boswell, (19) of Alameda, CA celebrated victory at Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, CA in Phase 2 of the 2003 Red Bull Driver Search. The three kart racers advance to the Semi Final Event, being held in Sebring, FL from 3-5 September.

A long day of practice, qualifying and heated competition tested the stamina and commitment of these young drivers, who are ultimately competing for a Red Bull racing sponsorship for 2004.

The 22 participants competed in Rotax JR FR-125 go-karts with purpose built CRG racing kart chassis, at the impressive international Jim Russell karting track. Jurca dominated the day, setting quick times in all practice and qualifying sessions and started from the pole in the semi-final and final race. The final race was intensely close with less than a second separating the top 5 drivers.

Head of the program, Danny Sullivan directed race proceedings and offered advice and inspiration to these future American racing champions.

At the semi final, the three winners will race alongside six other karters who triumphed at similar regional events in Indiana and Charlotte. A final 3 karters will be selected from the last outdoor go-kart event, taking place at Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, CA on August 19.

In Sebring, the 12 karters will join 12 other racers who will have been chosen by 'expert undercover scouts' from traditional U.S. racing formula, where they will compete in 2 liter race cars. 10 drivers will be invited to travel to the Final Event at the Estoril Circuit in Portugal.

This elite group of 10 finalists will be assessed at this former Formula 1 World Championship track, in October. The chosen winners will earn a seat with a leading team, racing in a European junior-series championship, for 2004.

The 2003 Red Bull Driver Search program aims to discover and support highly talented young drivers already in racing, as well as the "diamond in the rough," lacking the knowledge and contacts needed to embark on a career in racing. The long-term goal is to have a steady group of 4 to 6 American drivers racing in Europe, groomed to break into Formula 1 and compete for the World Championship.

-msm-