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Barber Dodge: Alex Gurney Wins 1997 Team Green Academy

30 December 1997

Las Vegas, NV -- Derek Daly SpeedCentre Racing School and Team Green announced today that Alex Gurney is the winner of the 1997 Team Green Academy American Driver Development Program. Gurney, the 23 year-old son of legendary race car driver Dan Gurney, was chosen from a group of five finalists which included Paul Edwards, Tim Enoch, Joey Hand and Chris Menninga.

"Alex Gurney is undoubtedly a pure, natural talent," commented Derek Daly, owner of SpeedCentre Racing School. "He doesn't have to work hard at making the cars go fast. This ability is what initially attracted us to him and we look forward to a great future together."

"This is an amazing opportunity," said Gurney, who won the 1997 Barber Dodge Midwestern Series Rookie-of-the-Year honors. "I feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen from a group of very talented and accomplished drivers. I am really looking forward to working with Team Green, Derek Daly and Bob Earl in 1998."

Gurney will receive a contract with Team Green, sponsorship assistance from KOOL as well the prestigious coaching program headed by Derek Daly and SpeedCentre Chief Instructor Bob Earl. Gurney plans to participate in the Barber Dodge Pro Series during the 1998 season.

The Academy, now in its second year, was created with the goal of taking America's driving talent to the highest levels of the sport by creating a custom tailored program around their individual needs and talents. The first sessions of this year's Academy took place in October, and featured the top 25 young American drivers participating in three-day advanced driving sessions. The Final Five then returned in early December for a five-day advanced driving session and training seminars.