MADERA, Calif. — Madera Speedway, Naake-Klauer Motorsports and Race Face Brand Development officials have jointly announced the inaugural Junior Late Model Challenge Camp, for drivers between the ages of 10 and 15.
The camp will give 12 drivers an opportunity, free of charge, to compete for the chance to drive a Naake-Klauer Motorsports-prepared junior late model during 51FIFTY Championship Weekend at Madera on Oct. 5.
Applications will be accepted through July 12 at noon ET. To apply, visit jrlatemodelchallengecamp.com.
The Junior Late Model Challenge Camp is an extension of the highly-successful 51FIFTY Junior Late Model Series, which was created by Madera Speedway owner Kenny Shepherd in 2016 to give younger drivers the chance to grow their skills in full-size race cars, with national television exposure on MAVTV.
Graduates of the 51FIFTY Junior Late Model program at Madera include NASCAR K&N Pro Series winner Hailie Deegan, JR Motorsports CARS Tour regular Adam Lemke and Toyota Racing Development midget driver Jesse Love.
“The goal with our Junior Late Model Series is to create the sport’s next superstars,” noted Shepherd, “And the Junior Late Model Challenge Camp is a nationwide talent search that I’m extremely excited about, as this leads us closer to a real farm system to ensure we are propelling the best talent to the top of the sport.”
Drivers for the Junior Late Model Challenge Camp, which will be held Aug. 16-17 at Madera, will be selected by a five-person panel based on factors including racing accomplishments, history and experience.
The pool of applicants will be narrowed to 50 prospects on July 13, before 12 finalists are selected from that group three days later.
Once the 12 finalists are determined, six drivers will take to Madera Speedway on Aug. 16, with the other six drivers getting their turns behind the wheel on Aug. 17.
Each driver will have the chance to have 90 minutes of on-track time, as well as participate in off-track training seminars during their time at the camp. The 12 finalists will be graded on both on-track and off-track potential, and on-track speed will not be used as a deciding factor.
The camp winner will be announced on Aug. 30, earning a ride with Naake-Klauer Motorsports during the Madera junior late model finale at no cost, with no crash clause due for the opportunity.
The Junior Late Model Challenge Camp will be taped for broadcast on MAVTV as a one-hour special, as an offshoot of the successful Junior Late Model Series television package on the network.