September 9, 2010, DENVER, NC - RACE 101 (Research, Analyze, Consult, Educate 1 on 1) is now accepting applications from scholarship hopefuls for 2011. The educational program that drew great reviews with its inaugural 2010 class is ready for a dynamic 2011 group.
“We’re very excited about 2011,” said Owner and President of RACE 101, Tony Blanchard. “This year’s class exceeded our expectations, and we’ve made a great deal of partnerships that have us looking forward to the next group.”
RACE 101 provides students with technical knowledge that will benefit racers in any medium complemented by public relations, marketing and public speech training. The program focuses on growth and knowledge rather than the purchase of speed and opportunity. Respected motorsports industry professionals Blanchard, Anna Marie Strawhand, and Adam Ross make up the teaching faculty of RACE 101.
“Anyone can make empty promises of stardom for a hefty price,” said Blanchard. “We believe we offer a greater service by providing sound fundamentals a young racer needs to advance his or her career.”
The inaugural class features students from the United States and Canada ranging in age from 14 years old to 21 years old. The class includes racers from both asphalt and dirt; open wheel and full fendered race cars.
“Our biggest reward has been the success of our students,” said PR Director and Instructor Annamarie Strawhand. “Our students came from diverse backgrounds, and every one of them has excelled and some even advanced divisions this year.”
From rookie championships to new sponsorship agreements, the RACE 101 class of 2010 has paved the way for the 2011 group with high hopes.
“We were blessed with an eager class this year,” said RACE 101 Canada’s Adam Ross. “They will be wonderful mentors to the next group, and they’re racing proof that knowledge and confidence is the best tools we can offer young racers.”
Tony Blanchard is particularly well known for his work with Joey Logano as crew chief for Joe Gibbs Development in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. Blanchard’s principle for Race 101 is quality, not quantity. He plans to work yearly with selected drivers, and give them each 'one on one' attention.
Blanchard's mission is to improve the sport of auto racing across the board by educating drivers in their area of need. Blanchard wants to make it clear that this scholarship program is not based on a driver’s financial status, and it is not a ‘driver development’ program.
“We do not promise any stardom in racing,” Says Blanchard. “We are here to educate, plain and simple. You cannot build a driver by renting a car a showing up at the track. One on one mentoring is crucial to a driver’s success. With this program the drivers will get that mentoring.” He continues, “We also work with the parents of the younger drivers so they fully understand what to realistically expect for their kids from the sport.”
Race 101 also differed with an international approach. Blanchard recognized a great deal of talent in Canada. The partnership with Ross helped introduce the program to deserving Canadian drivers creating opportunities that previously did not exist. Adam Ross is the voice of the Nascar Canadian Tire Series, and he is co-owner of motorsports businesses Dirt Track Digest and Stealth Racewear.
“It was exciting to introduce this program to Canadians,” says Ross. “I have never seen anyone with Tony’s passion for discovering talent and developing their ability to advance. The program makes sense, and any young aspiring driver will benefit from Race 101.”
Drivers can apply online, and ten final scholarship recipients will be awarded a full year with the educational program in 2011, which will include seat time in RACE 101’s super late model program race cars. Out of those ten drivers, one will earn a ride in the RACE 101 program car for the 2012 in actual late model competition.
There is no cost to apply. A total of 20 drivers will be accepted into the program, 10 drivers will be awarded a scholarship that will cover a major portion of the yearly tuition cost. The remaining 10 drivers will have the option to attend the program through paid tuition. Drivers must be between the ages of 12-28, and currently/actively racing for the evaluation process. The scholarship is open to drivers from the Continental U.S. and Canada.
The RACE 101 Driver Scholarship Program currently also has opportunities for Canadian sponsors, partners, and scholarship donors. Current RACE 101 partners include; McGunegill Engine Performance, Stealth Racewear, Dirt Track Digest, SponsorEdge.com, Drive-In Webdesign and Marketing, Innovative Safety Products, Victory Circle Communications, Performance Analysis, Race City Race Cars, and Volusia County Race Cars. Affiliations Include; Hickory Motor Speedway, CRA, PASS North and South Tour, the Annual Driver Advancement Marketing Summit, and the North Carolina Motorsports Association.
The RACE 101 Late model program cars are utilized as a teaching tool for these students, as well as a venue to represent RACE 101's sponsors and partners. Students are learning how to properly represent these sponsors and interact with the media and fans, as well as learning the mechanical and driving side of the program.
The RACE 101 Driver Scholarship Program is currently accepting driver applications online through the RACE 101 website. The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 1st, 2010.
For more information please visit: race101.net
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