SPEED SECRETS ANNOUNCES 2005 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Speed Secrets today announced that Lynsey Tilton, 18, of El Cajon, Calif., is the recipient of the 2005 Speed Secrets Driver Development Scholarship. Tilton was chosen from among the three finalists who participated in the final stage of competition for this scholarship -- a one-day test at Buttonwillow, Calif.

Each driver spent the day in a Speed Secrets Formula TR (Formula Renault) 1600 car and was coached and evaluated both on and off the track. As the 2005 winner, Tilton will receive:

• a full Career Plan (a five-year business plan or road map to help her achieve her goals.
• a Driver Development Plan (techniques and skills coaching).
• Personal Coaching for the season.

The entire Speed Secrets Driver Development Scholarship represents more than $20,000 of support for Tilton’s racing career.

“I am so honored to be the one that they chose,” says Tilton. “After a couple of sessions on the track and some classroom time with the Speed Secrets coaches, I knew that the techniques were really working. The Speed Secrets team did a tremendous job coaching me throughout the day, and I can’t wait to get my season started with them.”

Tilton, along with fellow finalists Paulie Harraka of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and Franklin Futrelle of Augusta, Georgia, were chosen from more than 100 applicants by judges Rob Howden of Howden Communications, Tim Blaney, editor of SuperKart Illustrated, Jeff Braun of Tracc5 Racing, and Ross Bentley, head coach of Speed Secrets.

“It was a difficult decision to choose between these talented drivers. When it came down to the end, we felt that we could have the most impact on Lynsey’s racing career,” says Bentley. “She’s quick, smart and marketable. Since Lynsey is competing in USAC Midget series, it will be a new challenge for our coaching team, and we’re looking forward to helping her reach her career goals.”

Although not selected for the scholarship, Harraka and Futrelle showed great skills and talent throughout the evaluation process.

“Once again all three finalists were very fast drivers and deserved to win,” says Bentley. “While not selected as the winner, both Paulie and Franklin gained skills that will help them advance their own careers.”

Both walked away with an appreciation for Speed Secrets coaching methods.

“Saying that the Speed Secrets program was the most fun and educational experience of my life is an understatement,” says Harraka. “Working with them is truly an exceptional experience that is greatly beneficial to any driver.”

Futrelle adds, “With professionalism and knowledge that is bar none, the Speed Secrets program is doing a great job at teaching the skills to make a career in motorsports. Both on and off the track, everyone here will have left as a more rounded driver.”

“Our goal is to discover and develop young drivers; help them to live up to their potential to make a career driving race cars; and develop them into the champions they want to be,” says Bentley. “Our goal is to help Lynsey become the complete driver. Any driver can benefit from all or part of the same programs that Lynsey will receive on scholarship.”

Contact: Lynsey Tilton
www.lynseytilton.com