Grandson to famous kiwi named a finalist in the exclusive 2015 Mazda Road to 24 Scholarship Shootout

Joseph Burton-Harris, Grandson of famous kiwi race-engine builder Ian Burton, has been selected by Mazda to compete in the exclusive Mazda Road to 24 Scholarship Shootout in the USA. This is the single-largest prize in grassroots motorsports. JBH is chasing his dream of becoming a professional race car driver in the USA, following in his Grandfather’s footsteps, engine-builder Ian Burton who has won multiple NZ National Titles in a range of motorsport classes. Joseph’s selection as a Mazda Road to 24 Shootout finalist is the biggest step he has taken to realise that dream.

Launched in 2006 as the Mazda Club Racer shootout, the Mazda Road to 24 Shootout has annually promoted one talented club racer into the professional ranks. The USD$100,000 scholarship package supports a drive in the 2016 Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup. For 2016, this will be in the all-new Global MX-5 Cup car, on sale October 1.

JBH raced the Formula Mazda series in the USA during 2015 winning the National Championship at Daytona International Speedway in September. This gave Joseph eligibility to enter the Scholarship shootout, which is a true representation of the modern world of professional race car drivers. The first stage of the shootout begins with rigorous testing as to the candidates’ ability to present themselves through multiple written assignments and a video assignment.

Joseph has been announced a finalist, one of only nine candidates. ”We are all certainly so proud of JBH and what he has achieved. He is carrying on the legacy of many great kiwi drivers to have come to the USA and achieved.“ Stated Ian Burton. The final stage of the shootout will take place at Carolina Motorsports Park in South Carolina, USA on November 8-10. The racers will be tested on the track for their driving skills, and in the garage for their technical understanding of the sport. The aspiring professional racer who wins the prize will have the best range of skills required to succeed: speed, consistency, race craft, technical feedback and off-track business, marketing and PR skills.

Additional information about the Mazda Road to 24 shootout, and 2016 MX-5 Cup race car, can be found at www.mazdamotorsports.com Joseph will provide live updates from the Carolina Motorsports Park at jbhracing.com and @Joseph Burton-Harris #MRT24.

ENDS

© Scoop Media