©1996 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. INDIANAPOLIS – The Team Green Academy announced its "Class of ‘96" today, naming 25 drivers who will enter the Academy’s training program and compete for two spots on Team Green’s 1997 roster. The Academy’s Class of ’96 features a cross section of emerging American racing talent, with drivers boasting backgrounds ranging from karts, Formula Fords, Spec Racers and USAC midgets to Barber Dodges, ASA and ARCA stock cars, Sports 2000, Champ Dirt Cars and even Formula 3000. "Its a diverse group, but there’s tremendous diversity on the American racing scene," says Kim Green, general manager of Team Green. "One of the objectives of the Team Green Academy is to bring drivers from different backgrounds together to compete - and learn - on the same playing field. I can’t wait to see them all in action." The Team Green Academy’s Class of ’96 includes USAC Silver Crown runner-up Kenny Irwin, Jr., European Formula 3000 regular Elton Julian and SCCA Sports 2000 national champion Andrea Kasiewicz, as well as Tony Renna, who along with fellow American Jerry Nadeau, recently brought Team USA home second in the Formula Opel European Union Series Nation’s Cup in England. "It’s a big honor to be selected as one of the top 25 drivers in America," said Renna. "I think the Team Green Academy is a fantastic program. As a driver, you finally have a chance to make it to the top without worrying where the next dime is coming from." "I think what Team Green is trying to accomplish is a neat deal," says Irwin. "It’s going to give a lot of people some great opportunities. As a racing driver all I ever ask for is the chance to show what I can do. This is going to give 25 people that chance." Other members of the Class of ’96 include Formula 2000 drivers Mike Borkowski, Jimmy Chianis, Buddy Rice, Joey Scalars and Matt Sielski. The Braber Dodge Series will have six representatives with Scott Brunk, Jon Fogarty, Derek Hill, Bryan Selby and Jeff Shafer joining Renna on the roster, while Mike Doty, Jeff Harrison and Aaron Justus represent the karting ranks. Jason Leffler comes from a background in USAC midgets, Jim McCune, Jr., has raced both ASA and ARCA stock cars and Rob Rizzo is a SCCA sedan racer. In addition to Kasiewicz, Andy Lally, Brian Tomasi, Own Trinkler and BJ Zacharias hail from the SCCA Club racing ranks. Last, but not least, is Paul Edwards who raced Formula Fords in England last year. The next step for the Class of ’96 will be a series of three day programs at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, conducted by the Derek Daly SpeedCentre (DDS) racing school, beginning on Monday, November 18. Following the three day programs, a panel including Barry and Kim Green of Team Green, 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series Champion Jimmy Vasser, DDS instructors Derek Daly and Bob Earl, and journalists Gordon Kirby and Jeremy Shaw will select five drivers to continue in the Team Green Academy program, two of whom will ultimately be contracted to Team Green and receive coaching and financial assistance for their racing efforts in 1997. Team Green Academy - Class of 1996Name - Residence - Discipline Mike Borkowski Middlbury, CN SCCA FF2000 |
