Driver News - Mike Vincec awarded scholarship to Formula BMW Licensing Course

Mike Vincec Formula BMW Valencia Report
Young driver earns international license during Formula BMW Course

August 1, 2006 – It has been a busy summer so far for 15 year old Mike Vincec who just this past week returned from Valencia, Spain where he participated in the Formula BMW Licensing Course. The course is designed for drivers as young as 15 wishing to compete in the Formula BMW Championship series. The two-day license course took place at the Formula BMW Racing Center in Valencia, Spain, where drivers are taught both the theory and the practicalities of such subjects as shifting, braking, racing line, flags, regulations, standing starts, and how to behave while the safety car is on track.

As one of two winners Mike participated in the first round of the program this year after being awarded a fully funded scholarship from Howden Media Group, publishers of Ekartingnews and Super Kart Illustrated. Having successfully completed the two-day course, the Stouffville, Ontario native has now earned his International C racing license allowing him to compete in the series.

“It was a fantastic learning experience�??, noted Mike. “The instructors give you lots of support and encouragement before you hit the track and lots of feedback about your on track efforts.�??

Mike also has the opportunity to be chosen to return to Valencia to participate in a shootout for one of the Formula BMW USA scholarships. These are awarded to participants of the course each year based on the driver’s abilities and the input of the instructors. While the scholarship program provides funding for the racing season, the real advantage comes with the extensive education and coaching program which covers everything from developing driving techniques to fitness programs as well as media training and sponsorship management.

There are two more sessions in the licensing course and Mike should know in a matter of weeks if he will be returning for the shootout in September.

There is plenty to keep the young driver occupied in the meantime however. Mike returned from Spain just in time for round four of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship (SRFKC) and is now on his way to Shawano, Wisconsin for the next round in the Snap-On Stars of Karting series. Following that he heads straight to Edmonton, Alberta for the ASN Canadian Nationals Karting Championship. Then it is back to Toronto in time for the next round in the SRFKC which takes place during the American LeMans event at Mosport.

“I want to thank Rob Howden and everyone involved in the Howden Media Group (HMG), Ekartingnews and Super Kart Illustrated for this great opportunity.�?? Mike continued, “It is every kart racer’s dream to move up to cars and the partnership between HMG and the Formula BMW USA series is definitely a good program to get you there. They have certainly helped me along the way to living my dream.�??

For additional information on Mike Vincec and BIG Racing visit www.mikev.ca


PICTURE: 	Mike in the FB02 Formula BMW
			photo: M. Vincec

Hi-res images available upon request

Media Contact:
Chris Jameson
Level Ten Communications
+1 416.730.1024
media@mikev.ca

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