WC Vision today announced the expansion of its highly-successful PWC Touring Car Driver Scholarship program.
In 2016, Pirelli World Challenge founded the new scholarship initiative for Touring Car class champions to advance into a higher division the next year.
Corey Fergus, the 2015 Touring Car series champion, was the inaugural winner of the scholarship program, which pays all entry fees for the following season when the champion moves up in class.
Fergus advanced to the GT Cup division in 2016 and placed third in the final GT Cup point standings including a race victory in the PWC season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Now, in 2017, the PWC Touring Car Driver Scholarship has been expanded for all three TC class champions – Toby Grahovec, Elivan Goulart and Tom O’Gorman – to be eligible for the 2017 season if they desire to move into a higher classification.
Alternatively, if the season champion chooses to stay in the class, they will receive one free race weekend entry in 2017.
“We felt this new Touring Car Driver Scholarship program would be an exciting initiative for all of the TC class competitors,” said Greg Gill, President and CEO of WC Vision.
“Our initial winner, Corey Fergus, made the big jump to GT Cup division in 2016 and his season progressed to a winning performance in the season finale. We are hoping this scholarship will advance more drivers and teams up the racing ladder.”
“The TC Driver Scholarship provides great assistance in moving up the ladder and helping to keep drivers within the Pirelli World Challenge ranks,” said Fergus.
“It’s a big financial jump to move up into the GT divisions and PWC helped make that transition much smoother. I’m very appreciative for everything the series did for me this year and hope to be back with PWC in the future.”
The PWC ladder system has witnessed some sensational growth with young stars like Fergus, Michael Cooper, Nate Stacy, Shea Holbrook, and Ernie Francis Jr. advancing and winning races in new categories.
“The TC Scholarship is one of the things that makes Pirelli World Challenge the right place for young racers to pursue their career,” said John Fergus, Corey’s father and Motorsports Promotions team owner.
“And it’s not just the recognition that is important. The award brings real money, covering the entry fees to help the winner move up. That’s a big deal.”
The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge season is scheduled to open with the GT/GTA/GT Cup and GTS/GT4 classes in the streets of St. Petersburg on March 10-12, while the Touring Car divisions will have their season opener at Virginia International Raceway on April 28-30.
[Source:-Sportscar]