Fourteen-year-olds, start your engines!
No, really. It's legal now.
In an effort to provide youngsters "an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment," NASCAR has lowered the age minimum for its entry-level circuit from 16 to 14.
“
NASCAR is approaching this in a responsible manner, providing young drivers an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment.
”
-- George Silbermann, NASCAR's managing director of racing operations
The Whelen All-American Series will issue learner's permits for under-age drivers who qualify at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks starting in 2010.
"There are no better venues for the next generation of racing talent to gain real-world experience," George Silbermann, NASCAR's managing director of racing operations, said in a statement.
NASCAR began allowing 16-year-olds to compete in its touring series in 2007, when Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano, then 17, won the Camping World Series East championship.
The minimum age for its touring circuits had been 18.
NASCAR is billing the most recent change, to be limited to the tracks' Charger Divisions, as a boost that will deliver a safe environment to up-and-coming racers.
"NASCAR is approaching this in a responsible manner, providing young drivers an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment," Silbermann said.
Citing the fact that "many racing teams are made up of friends and family," NASCAR is also extending the new age minimum to Whelen All-American crew members.
No, really. It's legal now.
In an effort to provide youngsters "an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment," NASCAR has lowered the age minimum for its entry-level circuit from 16 to 14.
“
NASCAR is approaching this in a responsible manner, providing young drivers an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment.
”
-- George Silbermann, NASCAR's managing director of racing operations
The Whelen All-American Series will issue learner's permits for under-age drivers who qualify at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks starting in 2010.
"There are no better venues for the next generation of racing talent to gain real-world experience," George Silbermann, NASCAR's managing director of racing operations, said in a statement.
NASCAR began allowing 16-year-olds to compete in its touring series in 2007, when Sprint Cup driver Joey Logano, then 17, won the Camping World Series East championship.
The minimum age for its touring circuits had been 18.
NASCAR is billing the most recent change, to be limited to the tracks' Charger Divisions, as a boost that will deliver a safe environment to up-and-coming racers.
"NASCAR is approaching this in a responsible manner, providing young drivers an opportunity to learn their craft in suitable equipment," Silbermann said.
Citing the fact that "many racing teams are made up of friends and family," NASCAR is also extending the new age minimum to Whelen All-American crew members.
