WS: Tony Hunt Motorsports development program news 2010-03-18

TONY HUNT MOTORSPORTS LAUNCHES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

LINCOLN, CALIF. (March 17, 2010) -- Tony Hunt Motorsports will officially launch its new driver development program in the USAC Western Sprint Car Series this Saturday afternoon at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., as several drivers will take the wheel of the #56jr sprint car for practice laps around the one-third mile asphalt oval.

"For several years I have considered doing a DriverDevelopment program," Hunt said. "But I wanted to make sureour teamwas prepared and had the resources to provide a first class effort."

A slew of talented drivers have been invited to test for the five-time USAC champion and his Metal Works team. Justin Moon, Colby Copeland, Nicole Miller, Justyn Cox, Trent Canales, and Matt Scott will be among the invitees.

Justin Moon is one of three racing brothers from the Moon family, all with extensive road racing experience. The 23 year-old from Shingle Springs, Calif. last competed in the Formula BMW USA series in 2005.

Colby Copeland of Roseville, Calif. is fresh off of a d-main appearance in the 2010 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, OK. and plans to compete in a variety of nationwide winged sprint car events.

Nicole Miller from Loomis, Calif. a former west coast micro sprint standout, was the 2007 Micro Sprint Champion at Sacramento Raceway. The personable driver currently competes in a dirt winged 360 dirt sprint car.

Justyn Cox, 16 of Clarksburg, Calif. claimed the 2009 ASCS Northwest region Rookie of the Year title and one victory in the Rocky Mountain Region. Justyn began his career in karts before advancing to micro sprints and will compete in a variety events on the ASCS National Tour.

Trent Canales is an 18 year-old winged dirt sprint car racer who earned Rookie of the Year in the 360 division at Placerville Speedway in 2008, and in 2010 plans to run the full California Sprint Car Civil War series.

Matt Scott, 18 of Pine Grove, Calif., was the 2009 All American Speedway Western Late Model Rookie of the Year with four wins and four fast-times. He is planning to run for the track championship in 2010.

"Ever since our intention to build this program was announced we have had severaldrivers inquire withinterest to get in the car," Hunt said. "So we are going to let a fewof themget some seat time andsee where it goes from there."

Hunt the winningest driver in the USAC Western Sprint Car Series is a nationally known driving instructor who has taught at several driving schools across the country most notably the Jim Russell Driving School and the Richard Petty Driving Experience. He has tutored drivers from coast to coast on most major road courses and ovals.

In 2009, Hunt introduced the new Schwanke Spec Engine to asphalt sprint car racing, claiming four pole positions to bring his career total up to 60 and one feature win during the Series only 100 lap event in 2009. He ended up tying for second in the series points.

Tony Hunt Motorsports plans to field the 56jr entry in a majority of the events on the USAC tour including at Orange Show Speedway where reigning USAC/CRA Sprint Car champion Mike Spencer has been solicited to take the wheel.

Race fans can learn more about Tony Hunt by logging onto www.tonyhunt.com

-source: tony hunt motorsports