Formula Renault

NA 1600: Speed Secrets announce finalists

Speed Secrets Announces Scholarship Finalists! Yes Paulie, Lynsey and Franklin there is a Santa Claus. December 27, 2004, Redmond, WA -- It was a very special Christmas for a few young drivers as Speed Secrets announced the three finalists who ...

Edited: Dec 29, 2004, 5:08 PM

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Speed Secrets Announces Scholarship Finalists!
Yes Paulie, Lynsey and Franklin there is a Santa Claus.

December 27, 2004, Redmond, WA -- It was a very special Christmas for a few young drivers as Speed Secrets announced the three finalists who have been chosen in the first stage of the selection process to move on to compete for the annual Speed Secrets Driver Development Scholarship.

On Christmas Day Paulie Harraka of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Lynsey Tilton of El Cajon, California, and Franklin Futrelle of Augusta, Georgia were told they were chosen from over 100 applicants by a panel of independent judges to compete in the shootout portion of the Speed Secrets scholarship.

"Once again, we were absolutely overwhelmed by the amount and quality of applicants. I think it says a lot about the level of competition out there and the awareness that drivers are starting to have for the vital role that coaching and driver development services can play in their career", says Ross Bentley, Head Coach for Speed Secrets.

The three drivers selected will move on to the next level in the competition, a one day test in Buttonwillow, California in early March. Each driver will spend the day in a Speed Secrets Formula TR 1600 car where they will be coached and evaluated on and off the track. One driver from this group will be granted the overall scholarship, which consists of a full Career Plan (a 5-year "business plan" or "road map" to help the driver achieve his goals), a Driver Development Plan (technique/skills coaching program), and Personal Coaching for the 2005 season. This represents over $20,000 worth of support.

What the drivers had to say

"I am thrilled, excited, and honored to be able to have the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experience of the Speed Secrets team. I only have to look at what Colin Braun has accomplished in such a short time, after working with Speed Secrets.

I know that I will learn an immense amount, which can only improve my driving. To be picked by Speed Secrets for the Driver Training Scholarship is something that a person in my position dreams of." Paulie Harraka of Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

"Winning this scholarship will be very beneficial to my racing career. I'm very honored to be selected as one of the finalist." Lynsey Tilton of El Cajon, California

"It is a tremendous honor to be chosen as one of the final three to work with the Speed Secrets coaching staff. I honestly believe that the program they have set up will help tremendously in developing the essential skills needed to be a professional racecar driver, both on and off the track. The three of us who where chosen will undoubtedly learn from the experience and carry what we are taught into our future endeavors in motorsports." Franklin Futrelle of Augusta, Georgia

More than just Speed

"As a driver development company, we're not just looking for the fastest or best driver.

We're looking for the drivers who we can make the most positive impact on their careers," says Bentley. "All 3 of our finalists have proven to be fast. Our plan is to help them develop into the Complete Driver and have a successful career in racing. We look forward to the final shootout and the opportunity to help all three drivers learn more, and then to selecting our overall scholarship winner who we will work with all year."

Speed Secrets is committed to providing the very best driver development to young racers who wish to make a career in the sport. Its services include the unique Speed Secrets Driver Development Camps, Inner Speed Secrets seminars, Personal Coaching Services, Career Development Plans, and the line of Speed Secrets books. More information can be found at www.speed-secrets.com.

-ss-

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