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Ventura, CA (January 24, 2008) – Cory Kruseman announced today that California teenagers, Austin Mero and Henry Clarke will join Alex Schutte as development drivers for Kruseman Motorsports in 2008. Kruseman will lead the three car effort in his familiar 21K at over sixty non-wing events including the majority of the USAC/CRA schedule, USAC Indiana Sprintweek and the Sprintbandit's TNT tour. When not racing in the 410 division, each development driver will compete under the Kruseman banner in the Ventura Racing Association (VRA) 360 non-wing division.
Former IKF Champion and multi time Formula Ford winner, Alex Shutte from Redding, CA will return for season two at the wheel of Kruseman Motorsports' sprinters. The 2007 season was challenging for the young racer, as he not only had to transition from asphalt to dirt, from road courses to ovals, but he also had to learn dirt track lingo! Through patience and determination Schutte showed steady improvement from his first lap to his final lap of the 2007 campaign. "At the final race of 2007, it was obvious that Alex was very comfortable in the car and working well with the crew; he was on his way to his first ever USAC/CRA top ten finish when a competitor's miscue landed him on his side" stated Kruseman.
Schutte is scheduled to compete in thirty to forty events split again between 360 and 410 sprint cars. "Cory and the crew are great to work with; knowing I'm in a top notch car capable of winning allows me the confidence I believe it takes to be a good racer" declared Schutte. Kruseman went on to say, "I look for Alex to consistently qualify for main events and run strong this season, we're also planning to get him to the Midwest for a few races this summer".
Fresh off an impressive rookie Chili Bowl midget run, Austin Mero, the 2007 Ventura Jr. Ford Focus Champion, will bolt his seat into a sprint car for a full season of racing in 2008. "I am a very fortunate young man to have this opportunity to drive for Kruseman Motorsports. I look forward to racing alongside Cory under his guidance and wisdom" said Mero.
The 16 year old Immanuel High sophomore from Kingsburg, CA already has amassed a dozen sprint car races under his belt. Mero accompanied the Kruseman team to the Midwest during a break last year in the Jr. Focus schedule and was able to gain some valuable experience by competing in six or so 410 races. Most recently he finished 15 th in the Roger McCluskey Classic in Tucson, AZ.
Nicknamed "The Kingsburg Kowboy", Mero beams with anticipation when speaking of the challenge ahead of him. "It's going to be a very exciting and challenging first full year in sprint cars, I can't wait!" Kruseman has been impressed by his youngest protégé, "obviously Austin has a steep learning curve but we've been pleasantly surprised each time after he's run a car".
Henry Clarke, a former motocross racer, began the transition to four wheels late last season running a handful of VRA 360 non-wing races is looking forward to the opportunity of learning from one of the best in the west. "When we decided to change from motocross to sprint cars, Cory was our first and only choice for building a successful resume on dirt. I am extremely fortunate to have Cory as my mentor; I believe that his expertise as a driver and teacher will help me realize my goals," Clarke declared.
The 18 year old from Orange, CA studies independently through Halstrom High School which allows him to focus on his racing career. "Henry spends a couple days a week at the race shop working on the cars and we try to have him run a car twice a month," stated Kruseman. Clarke will compete in approximately fifty 410 and a dozen 360 races.
For more information on Cory Kruseman and Kruseman Motorsports visit www.kruseman.com .
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