All- American Driver Challenge Joins With The Richard Petty Driving Experience

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The finals of the All-American Driver Challenge (AADC) returns to Hickory Motor Speedway this weekend where 10 of America’s most ambitious young racers will compete for the big prize…a fully-paid contract to drive in the Calico Coatings USAC Ford Focus Midget for the 2007 season.

And a fitting weekend for the finals it is. Saturday from 1-5 p. m. will also be the Season Open House for the USAC Carolina Midget Series at Hickory Motor Speedway. Series co-sponsor, Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE), will have their USAC midget cars on hand, providing driving opportunities for any drivers interested in the series. RPDE will utilize the same lead-follow format used in their stock car experience to give drivers the chance to feel what it’s like to take laps in a midget around the historic high banks of the speedway.

Under the lights Friday night and all day on Saturday, the 10 AADC finalists will be testing behind the wheel of the AADC midget where the judges will be evaluating them on their ability to handle the car and to communicate how the car is performing. Coaching from famed chassis builder, Bob East will give Challengers valuable insight into their strengths and weaknesses on the track. Each Challenger’s response to East’s advice will also help the judges determine how coachable they are as well as their capacity to effectively communicate with a crew chief.

Judges for the final competition include Bob East; motor sports journalist, Bones Bourcier; sports announcer and host, Rick Benjamin; AADC owner/promoter, Tracy Trotter and AADC crew chief, Gary Huffman

The 10 finalists in order of appearance in attached photo are as follows: From l-r (in front row): Jeremy Frankoski from Newark Valley, NY; Rowdy Sneed from Bakersfield, CA; Justin Larson from Safety Harbor, FL; Christopher Slinden from Cokato, MN; Tanner Swanson from Kingsburg, CA; Troy DeCaire from Tampa, FL; Stephen McCurley from Silsbee, TX; Brandon Huff from East Palensitne, OH; Tyler Church from Hickory, NC and Jacob Johnson from Scottsdale, AZ.

After months of qualifying, 60 Challengers from all points on the compass brought their helmets and their dreams to compete in the semifinals of the AADC at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in suburban Atlanta on February 2nd-4th. The Challengers battled in both road course and oval track races, then were interviewed individually by the panel of judges who grilled the challengers on their goals, driving styles and media awareness. After two days of stiff competition, the field was narrowed down to 10 drivers who were asked to advance to the final round.

One of this year’s judges for the semifinal round of competition was NASCAR Busch Series Driver, John Andretti, who was excited for the opportunity that awaits the winner. “Anyone who comes through this is going to have a chance at stardom, ” said Andretti. “And getting to drive a well-prepared, well-funded championship car, you can’t ask for anything better. ”


 
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