One of the main areas that has proven to be incredibly successful for not only DirtFish but also the professional drivers who come to us is cross training. We have trained stunt drivers, rally drivers, road racers, open-wheel drivers and desert truck racers of varying driving abilities over the years, all of which have told us how much their time at DirtFish has helped improve their overall car control skills and has taken them to a new level of ability. Many of them have even gone on to win races immediately following their training here! Next Monday, we are starting a Three Day Driving Program that will focus on the developmental aspect of cross-training for six young, up-and-coming drivers.
This is our second year working with F4 driver, Benjamin Pedersen and the Global Racing Group, to break into the open wheel and road racing market and show the benefits of training behind the wheel of a rally car on loose surfaces. Benjamin has attended DirtFish with his father for not only a little bit of fun, but also to gain advanced car control skills. During the 2016 F4 US Championship, Benjamin represented DirtFish with a clean but bold livery on his F4 car. That relationship has continued through for the 2017 season.
Joining the team will be DirtFish Motorsports drivers, James Rimmer and Conner Martell, who have spent a vast amount of time behind the wheel of the DirtFish cars. The DirtFish duo are set to race the following weekend at the second round of the 2017 Red Bull Global Rallycross in Louisville, KY. Although they have both been through our Three Day Program, it is a great opportunity for additional seat time and to allow them time to focus on finesse.
To complete the group, 20-year-old NASCAR K&N series driver, Garret Archer will be joining the five other drivers as he looks to improve his driving for the 2017 season and move from sixth in the overall points into the top three.
At only seventeen, Benjamin Pedersen is entering his second full season in the F4 US Championship, and is already a part of the unique driver development program from Global Racing Group that prepares drivers in and out of the car, for the next steps in their professional motorsport careers. After having raced karts for multiple years, Benjamin signed his first contract at age sixteen, and 2016 was the start to his first year racing a car. In his first race ever, he took the #24 DirtFish car to podium finish in the season opener and first ever F4 race in the United States. Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team driver, has been a great source of inspiration as a mentor for Benjamin, and he continues that mentorship as the 2017 has kicked off.
Justin Sirgany began his racing career at a very young age in go-karts, and quickly showed both talent and results. At only fifteen years of age, Justin has already added an amazing list of results to his resume. In a display of skill, competency, and professionalism, Justin won the attention of the entire Global Racing Group crew during the first 2 pre-season tests. “He continued to push himself to new levels; always looking to improve and learn, on and off track. Justin has both the talent and the persistency required to go very far in racing, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to help him get there”, says Christian Pedersen, President for Global Racing Group.
In 2015, Jacob Loomis switched from karts to single-seaters and spent the season testing in Formula Mazda before entering and winning his first two races by the end of the year, setting a lap record in the process. He went on to win eight races, break two more track records, and put his Formula Mazda on pole as well as setting a new track record at the prestigious SCCA National Runoffs at the famed Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2016.”At only 16 years, Jacob Loomis has a lot of talent and experience, which in combination with his passion, energy and great positive personality makes him an ideal candidate and fit for the Global Racing Group program”, said Christian Pedersen, President, Global Racing Group. “Jacob has all the ingredients that we’re looking for in a driver that can campaign for the F4 US Championship and develop further towards the top levels of professional racing.” A successful 2016 earned Jacob final four status for the World Speed Rising Star Award in 2016, so we look forward to what 2017 brings for this young driver.
When it comes to Garret Archer, it’s in his blood. Since the time that Garret could express his own likes and dislikes, he has made it known that racing is his passion. Even prior to being old enough to drive, Garret’s only focus was auto racing. Today at the age of twenty, Garret is adamant about his goal to become a successful NASCAR driver. He continues to compete in NASCAR K&N series with the goal of advancing in the NASCAR ranks. Currently Garret is 6th in points with two top five finishes. He is also tied for the Rookie of the Year after four races and has received two out of four Rookie of the Race Awards along with one award for the Coca-Cola Move of the Race and one award from Brembo Brakes.
We are very excited and looking forward to hosting all of these up-and-coming racing stars for three days here at DirtFish! We are confident that each one of them will walk away a more confident, educated driver with a few more skills up their sleeves to help them be even more competitive throughout their racing career.
