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USAC'S FORD FOCUS PROGRAM EVOLUTION CONTINUES
As part of a restructure of the USAC Ford Focus Midget racing program, the minimum ages for drivers competing in 2008 has been lowered to 14. Lowering of the age limits for these series extends the driver development ladder of progression for a driver under the USAC banner.

“This timely announcement heralds a new era for the United States Auto Club and clearly demonstrates its continuing commitment to the development of youngsters with motorsports aspirations,” said USAC VP/Western Operations Tommy Hunt. California is the leading state in terms of Ford Focus races held since the 2002 debut.

A driver can now progress through Ford Focus competition to USAC National Silver Crown, Sprint Car and Midget racing as he pursues his professional racing career.

USAC is the recognized leader in the area of Safety and fair administration of motorsports events and is generally recognized as the Starting Line for Champions. “The goal is to give a young driver a level playing field where he or she can begin and continue their professional career in the safe and well-controlled environment USAC provides,” added Jason Smith, USAC’s VP/Race Operations.

USAC Ford Focus competition, which envelops eight regions across America, gets under way March 15 at the Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.

Information regarding USAC’s Ford Focus racing series and operations can be obtained by calling the USAC Headquarters, at 317-247-5151.

USAC TO BROADEN YOUTH MOTORSPORTS PROGRAMS

The United States Auto Club is currently conducting pilot programs in Indiana and California aimed at providing motorsports opportunities for youth in the early stages of career development.

In 2009, this movement will spread nationwide as USAC institutes a program of racing using restricted horsepower Midgets, competing on tracks no larger than one-quarter mile in length, utilizing engines with a maxim horsepower of 120.

As our sport continues to grow, it is evident that youth are an increasing commodity and it is the intention of USAC to provide opportunities for careers and career advancement for those wishing to pursue this field of dreams.

USAC has, in recent years, been the breeding ground for major motorsports talent. Five of the “top-20” in the current NASCAR Nextel Cup standings are USAC graduates, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards.

In 2007, USAC’s regional racing championships were claimed by a 15-year-old (Kyle Hamilton), a 16-year-old (Tanner Swanson), three 18-year-olds (Jeff Abold, Mario Clouser and Nic Faas), a 19-year-old (James Robertson) and a 20-year-old (Tim Skoglund). Robertson also won the National Ford Focus title.

The experience gained in these regional series obviously serves to prepare these youngsters for advancement in their careers, witness the second-place finish of “rookie” Nic Faas in last Saturday night’s 30-lap USAC/CRA Sprint race at Perris, Calif.

The framework of USAC, with its myriad of racing formulas, creates a natural ladder for aspiring race drivers to not only build a racing resume but to achieve a significant measure of success in our sport.