Celebrity Seminars and on Track at Mazda Raceway

Monterey, Cal. (Nov. 5). The 15th Annual Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout started its second day yesterday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Karters were joined by the contestants of the1st Annual Skip Barber Race Series Champion Shootout.  Both groups are competing in separate classes for roughly $250,000 in scholarships to compete in the upcoming winter or summer season in the Skip Barber Race Series. The rain came down as the participants spent the morning inside attending seminars from MAZDASPEED Motorsports Communications Officer Dean Case, SPEED broadcaster Bob Varsha and long-time auto racing writer and broadcaster Jeremy Shaw and Skip Barber Alumnus Gerardo Bonilla.

Covering everything from the business of motorsports, to media relations to data analysis, the young racers were presented with a plethora of information that if used, will prove to be invaluable for their budding careers. “I took two pages of notes,” said Tristan DeGrand. “I wish there were notes like that for school.”

After the seminars, drives split into three groups and were finally able to show their skills on the race track in the Formula Skip Barber 2000 race car.  “I thought yesterday was really interesting,” said Karting Shootout participant Haley Jenni. “I didn’t go off the track at all, but I could use some improvement. I’m really excited for the next two days.” Despite timing glitches, the karters and racers remained focused and dedicated the sessions to learning the track and the legendary Corkscrew. “There’s not turn in any track in America like it,” said Race Series Shootout participant Jake Eidson. “It feels like you’re almost flying for quick second.”

The participants dedicate the entire day to training on track in their selective groups. Each group will receive two on-track sessions.