IMSA, in conjunction with NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick and NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing, is providing a test opportunity for a karting driver through the Trackhouse Karting Career Advancement Award, the sanctioning body announced.
Presented last week during the IAME USA Grand National Championship at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina, the award includes the chance for recipient Christian Miles to receive a test day in a Mazda MX-5 Cup car. The award comes through the support of IMSA, Trackhouse Racing and Harvick’s KHI Management.
“All of us at the top level of motorsport need to identify where the next generation’s coming from,” IMSA President John Doonan said at the event. “In collaboration with Trackhouse, in collaboration with Kevin Harvick, and in collaboration with IMSA, we’re proud to be here at GoPro Motorplex with the season-ending event to present the career advancement award giving one young karter a chance at a Mazda MX-5 Cup test day with an experienced championship team – giving them that chance to go to the next level.
“We need to support the karting community,” Doonan added. “They are our future; they need to understand that they are our future. We also want to teach and educate parents and young talent of what the future could hold for them.”
Miles’ one-day test session will be with Mazda MX-5 Cup team McCumbee McAleer Racing at a date and location to be determined before the end of 2022. It includes professional driver coaching throughout the test, including data and video review after each session, with a value in excess of $7,500, IMSA said.
“Growing up racing karts, I have a real passion for the sport,” said Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion. “This event is a great way to showcase the talent we have in North American kart racing. With the group that is involved, it is a real way to give back to karting and use all of our platforms to help promote kart racers.”
