Monday, November 07, 2011

Skip Barber Shootout Day Four:
Estrela and DeGrand Win the Big Prizes

Monterey, Cal. (Nov. 7). After four days of intense training, seminars, on-track sessions and constant evaluations, the winners of the Skip Barber Racing School 15th Annual Karting Scholarship Shootout and the Race Series Champion Shootout have been chosen by the expert panel of judges, after almost three hours of deliberation. Danilo Estrela and Tristan DeGrand were the top winners of the event; each winning a full season in the Skip Barber presents the Mazda Winter or Summer Race Series. The remaining awards are as follows:

2011 Skip Barber Race Series Champion Shootout Award Winners
1st Place	Danilo Estrela	Full season in the Skip Barber presents the Mazda Winter or Summer Race Series
2nd Place	Kenton Koch	$30,000
3rd Place	Franco Aragones	$26,000
4th Place	Andrew Hobbs	$20,000
5th Place	Michael Johnson	$15,200
6th Place	RC Enerson	$10,000
7th Place	Jake Eidson	$10,000

2011 Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout Award Winners
1st Place	Tristan DeGrand	Full season in the Skip Barber presents the Mazda Winter or Summer Race Series
2nd Place & 3rd Place TIE	Nick Neri & Adrian Starrantino	$28,000
		$28,000
4th Place	Aaron Teliz	$20,000
5th Place	Leonardo Jafet	$15,200
6th Place	Ayla Agren	$10,000
7th Place	Aiden Landuaer	$10,000
8th Place	Nicholas Silva	$8,000
9th Place	Nicolas Armien	$8,000
10th Place	Jack West	$8,000

Scholarship winners with Skip Barber Racing School CEO Michael Culver

“This is what we live for: turning racers into champions in the most effective fashion,” said Skip Barber Racing School CEO Michael Culver. “Our model developed over 36 years continues to develop drivers that compete at world class levels. We have a history like no one else, and the resumes of our alumni underscore the success of our system. We continue to learn and improve and that dedication is what drives our employees and instructors.”

In addition to expert coaching from staff, the participants of the 2011 Skip Barber Shootouts were able to learn from from esteemed motorsports figures including Bob Varsha and Jeremy Shaw, IZOD IndyCar Series driver Townsend Bell, Skip Barber Racing School alumni Gerardo Bonilla, MAZDASPEED Communications Officer Dean Case, former Formula One driver Derek Daly. “I’m absolutely amazed at this program,” said JoAnn, mother of Nick Neri, before the award announcements. “I think it’s the best. I’m so happy that we did it. I’ve learned so much and Nick has learned so much. Now coming here, we see you don’t jump the ladder system. It’s not going to work.”

“Building a foundation for a motorsports career means more than just being fast, said SPEED broadcaster Bob Varsha. “The beauty of this program is that in addition to track time and instruction, young drivers get that ‘off track’ education about media, marketing, sponsorship, attitude and all the other things that go into being a successful professional. I’m happy to help in that process.”

After 36 years, Skip Barber Racing School remains dedicated to providing aspiring racers with the tools necessary to advance up the motorsports ladder and be successful. “This is a wonderful opportunity for anybody at this stage in his or her career,” said Jeremy Shaw. “The standard has been high as usual, and I’m delighted to be able to play a small part in the program.”

Three Generations of Hobbs at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (l. to r. David, Andrew and Greg Hobbs)

The scholarship winners will be able to use their funds for either the upcoming Skip Barber presents the Mazda Winter or Summer Race Series. The 2011-2012 Winter Race Series begins Thursday, November 10th at Road Atlanta. (Photo upload still in progress)

Follow the action all season long on twitter.com/SkipBarberNatl and on skipbarber.com.

 

Kelly Brouillet
[email protected]