Wellington College 16-year-old Jamie McNee heads to Florida later this month to contest a scholarship to win a fully paid drive in the United States.
Jamie has been racing this season in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, following a successful season last year in Formula Ford. At the last round at Manfeild Jamie qualified fifth for the New Zealand Grand Prix, and after setting the fourth fastest time in the race finished sixth after losing ground at the safety car restart.
The Palm Beach Indy Racing Rookie Challenge is the brain child of the owners of Palm Beach Indy Racing, Ron Dixon (Scott Dixon’s father) and fellow New Zealander Kane Williams. The Challenge involves driving 150 laps in Formula BMW racing cars, an assessment of the race fitness of the driver and an assessment of their media and presentation skills.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity the Challenge gives me – it will be great to meet the Dixon family and the other Kiwis in the team – and to have a chance to win such a great prize!” Jamie says.
“I’ve never been to the US before, so the whole experience of going there and being part of the Challenge will be great”
Regardless of the outcome of the Challenge, Jamie will be joining the team at the first round of the Indy Racing League series at St Petersburg on 28 March, before flying home to Wellington.
The Challenge, which takes place over a week starting on March 16, is being filmed as a reality TV show by New Zealand producer David Turner, in conjunction with the Palm Beach Film and TV Commission. Discussions are underway with US media outlets.
