Motorsports

Gulfport teen looks beyond kart

Shorecrest sophomore Hayden Duerson will race in the Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout.

By BRANT JAMES
Published February 1, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Shorecrest High sophomore Hayden Duerson will attempt to take what he hopes is a next step toward a professional racing career this weekend when he participates in the Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout at Sebring International Raceway.

"It's going to be a lot of good competition," Duerson said, "but I think I can do well."

Duerson, 15, was one of 12 to earn a sponsored spot as rookie of the year in the Stars of Karting national touring series Pro ICC class last season. From there, he can earn a spot in the 14-race Barber National Series, where the final points leader will be awarded $350,000 with which to buy a ride in the developmental Star Mazda Series. Marco Andretti (Indy Racing League), Scott Speed (formerly Formula One) and A.J. Allmendinger (NASCAR) began their careers in the Mazda circuit.

Duerson, who lives in Gulfport, has toured as a karter nationally with Italian Motors (owned by Grand Am driver Michael Valiente) after winning six races and a Florida Winter Tour championship in 2005.

[Last modified February 1, 2008, 00:08:18]