Ireland’s Damien Faulkner is in contention to win the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title when the 2001 Indy Lights Championship reaches its climax in the United States this weekend.
Faulkner needs to finish ahead of Englishman Dan Wheldon, who sits two points behind him in the standings, to secure the rookie title and an overall second place in the championship behind team-mate Townsend Bell.
The race starts at 8.30 p.m. (Irish time) on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Motorsport Ireland has announced the fifteen drivers nominated for this year’s Billy Coleman Award.
They are: David Finn (Sligo), Shane McCarthy (Cork), Stuart Darcy (Donegal), Brendan Kelly (Longford), James Travers (Kilkenny), John Carroll (Kilkenny), Adrian McElvaney (Monaghan), Dessie Keenan (Monaghan), Roland Doherty (Limerick), Adrian S.McElhinney (Donegal), Colm Doyle (Kilkenny), Aaron McHale (Dublin), Ivan Allen (Dublin), Roy White (Tipperary) and Trevor Harding (Tipperary).
The scheme, initiated last year and since supported by the Irish Sports Council, promotes excellence among young rally drivers.
The drivers will undergo an intensive interview process with the winner being announced on November 30th.
The winning driver will receive £20,000, a driver development programme worth £5,000, and club support by the way of free entries to all Stage Rallies run under Motorsport Ireland Permit.