MARCH 21, 2007 --- The Premier Racing Association will expand to
include midget racing in 2007. Last year the PRA began sanctioning races
involving "Big Cars", pavement race cars previously included in the
USAC Silver Crown Series. Now with an eye toward driver development, the PRA has
announced plans to sanction a "Junior Midget Series" aimed at drivers
aged 14 to 17.
"The Junior Series was launched at Ventura Raceway in California last
year by Jim Naylor and proved highly successful", stated PRA co-founder
Jason Smith. "With PRA backing, the series will expand in 2007 to include
Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino and other Northern California venues to
be announced later."
The Junior Midget series concept was first developed by SCREAM, engine
supplier to the popular Ford Focus Midget Series. The engines for the Junior
Series are restricted versions of the same power plant. Rules limit costs and
maintain parity, and the Junior Series also uses "combo cars" only, so
that the same race car can be used on both dirt and paved tracks.
"The new program fills a niche that my customers have been demanding for
quite some time", stated Keith Iaia, President of SCREAM. "The formula
for this series gives young competitors a place to start racing traditional
Midget Cars that is very affordable, yet extremely competitive. Best of all,
there is a zero cost upgrade path built into the program. When they're ready,
they'll already own everything they need to go racing in the unrestricted For
Focus Midget Series."
Driver development is a key element in the Junior Series. Jason McCord, the
other PRA co-founder, is a former driver and knows the importance of learning at
an early age. "We're pleased to announce that Cory Kruseman will be the
instructor at Ventura, and veteran Wally Pankratz will provide the lessons at
Orange Show Speedway. With help from these two outstanding drivers, the Junior
Series will provide an important step in the development of young men and women
competitors."
The PRA Junior Midget Series has plans to expand further in 2008. For more
information visit www.juniormidgetseries.com, a web site currently under
construction, or contact Keith Iaia with SCREAM at (805) 467-9351 or the Premier
Racing Association at (765) 642-1700.
The PRA Big Car Series is preparing for its opener on April 7th at South
Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Georgia.
Keep checking www.PRARacing.com for more news about the PRA Big Car Series
and the PRA Junior Midget Series.
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