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| Features |
| Formula BMW USA and Howden Media Group Team Up |
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Howden Media Group president Rob Howden - the publisher of eKartingnews.com, Super Kart Illustrated and FormulaCar Magazine - is pleased to release news that he has formed a strategic alliance with the Formula BMW USA program with a stated aim of targeting the best karters in North America for inclusion in the emerging junior formula open wheel series. Karting’s position as the primary development level of motorsports is undeniable and it is becoming much more exposed to the general public thanks to the publicized careers of racing’s top stars. This summer, Howden and his crew will lend their expertise in awarding a pair of all-expense paid trips to the Formula BMW USA 2006 Licensing Courses in Valencia, Spain.
A total of three two-day courses will take place in Valencia during the month of July and those completing the course will then become eligible for an invitation to the Scholarship Shootout where the ’06 FBMW Junior Team will be selected. The cost of the program is $3,800 and in addition to the two on-track days includes roundtrip airfare from New York City or Boston and three nights of accommodation and meals. The course is limited to participants born after January 1, 1987 and before December 31, 1990. They must also have never competed in a car race prior to 2005, with the exception of a maximum of four races combined in a Skip Barber Racing School Regional Championship, Bertil Roos, Bridgestone Academy or Russell Racing series. The deadline for applications and payment is June 15. A link to the application PDF can be found below.
From those who have submitted their applications to the licensing course by the deadline, Howden will utilize the expertise and knowledge of his staff at Super Kart Illustrated, FormulaCar Magazine and eKartingnews.com to work with FBMW officials in selecting two deserving drivers who will have their course fees refunded. This all-expense paid trip will earn these karters eligibility to apply for an international FIA Class C competition license and, with a good showing, a chance at an invitation to participate in the 2006 Formula BMW USA scholarship shoot-out.
In addition to the selection of two aspiring drivers, Howden will also oversee a new mentoring program that will enable young karters to come to Formula BMW USA races as guests of the participating teams. Participants will be chosen though a program that will be promoted via eKartingnews.com this summer.
“Rob Howden is uniquely qualified to select the brightest and best karters in North America,” offered Formula BMW USA Series Manager Jim Bowie. “eKartingnews.com is the voice of the karting community and Rob personally attends a majority of the major karting events each year, providing him with the opportunity to follow the development of the sport’s top prospects. This new relationship will give us the benefits of an advanced scout when it comes to finding the country’s next superstar.”
 | | The Formula BMW car |
Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry-level class in formula racing. In 2005, series will be held in Germany, Britain, Asia and the United States. Up-and-coming drivers as young as 15 years of age are given the opportunity of entering motor racing with the high-tech, standard FB2 race car. Since 2002, this racecar has been seen on the grid and has set standards, particularly on the safety technology front. A single-seater propelled by a 140 bhp BMW motorcycle engine that can attain speed of up to 140 miles per hour, the FB2 exceeds by far the safety requirements for its class. BMW Motorsport has developed the FORS Formula Rescue Seat especially for Formula BMW, and the HANS safety system is also mandatory.
In 2005, Formula BMW will be a support race at five different Formula One race weekends worldwide. Formula BMW also offers a multifaceted Education and Coaching Program, as well as sponsorship for promising racing talents via the Junior Program. The best-known alumni of Formula BMW are Formula One drivers Ralf Schumacher, Christian Klien, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock.
For an application for the course, click here
For the entrant letter to all of those who are interested, click here |
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