Candidates Named for Team USA Scholarships

ABOVE: Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda driver Austin Versteeg was one of the drivers named as a candidate for the 25th Anniversary Team USA Scholarship.

Several Mazda drivers are named as candidates for the 25th Anniversary team that will compete in prestigious events in the UK.A dozen young American drivers representing a variety of junior categories have been chosen as candidates for this year's prestigious Team USA Scholarships and among them are several drivers with Mazda ties, currently competing in Mazda-powered cars or championships.

Six finalists will progress to a shootout in early September at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., hosted by Allen Berg Racing Schools and Cooper Tire.

Ultimately, two winners will be invited to represent both the scholarship supporters and their country at the traditional end-of-season Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch and the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone in England. Last year's Walter Hayes event (named after the founder of Formula Ford, which, in its 48th year, remains as the most productive feeder category of all) attracted almost 120 drivers from around the world.

The Team USA Scholarship, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015, is made possible by contributions from a broad spectrum of companies and individuals.