Sonoma,CA 10/28/03
The World Speed team arrived in Phoenix for Rounds 12 and 13 confident following two second place finishes at the Buttonwillow events.“On Sunday at Buttonwillow we had a car that could have challenged for the lead, but I got stuck fighting for second for so long that Colin was able to put some distance on us, said Coleman. On Saturday I was thrilled to have my best finish this year, but was looking forward to moving up one step on the podium on Sunday. The car was excellent, and finishing second in both races really boosted everyone’s confidence about our chances in Phoenix.”

In two very tight races at Arizona Motorsports Park, Brad finished both races hundredths of a second off the podium in fourth. “Brad drove hard, and was trying his best to finish ahead of Darryl O’Young,” stated Team Owner Telo Stewart.  “We needed to finish ahead of O’Young to have a chance at third in the championship and if O’Young had made a mistake Brad was there. Even so he finished fourth in the points, which is very respectable for his first season in cars and second season racing at all.  The top four drivers in this series proved to be formidable.” 

Coleman picked up his fourth place trophy and was surprised with an additional award from the series. Due to his outstanding rookie effort and consistent performances for World Speed Motorsports he was presented with the Rookie of the Year runner up Award for the Fran Am 1600 Series.  Rookie of the Year went to series champion Collin Braun, also 15 years old. 

At the AMP events World Speed also ran Sao Paulo’s Mario Moraes.  Mario, who is only 14 years old, showed up at the event with no prior testing in the Fran Am car and showed well all weekend.  “It’s a large step from 100cc Karts to these cars, and Mario really adjusted well,” according to Mario’s technician Mark Milazzo. “By the end of the weekend he was running times very close to the leaders, and at one point was fighting for 5^th position with his teammate. We plan on doing some additional testing with Mario, and to possibly run him next season in one of our 1600 cars.   There is no other place in the western hemisphere for drivers this young to race cars and Mario was very happy with the team and series.”

Phoenix, AZ 10/01/03
The Fran-Am 1600 Series took to the track this past weekend to compete in rounds eight and nine at Arizona Motorsports Park.  Despite track temperatures in the hundreds, when Brad and his #33 Remote Knowledge/World Speed Motorsports car rolled onto the track Friday they were confident. The previous week Brad and the World Speed Motorsports team had tested at AMP in even more extreme conditions.

“We really learned a lot about the track, and how the car responded to the intense heat,” stated World Speed Motorsports’ Team Owner Telo Stewart.  “The data accumulated at the test really helped during the race weekend.”

Brad qualified fifth for Saturday’s race, and had worked up to fourth position when he went into turn 12 a little hot.  “ I was really trying hard to put some distance on fifth and get up to a podium spot, and just lost it,” stated Coleman.  “I kept the car running and didn’t lose too much ground thankfully.”  Coleman was able to bring the #33 home in sixth position that day.  On Sunday Brad started the race in sixth position, and jumped into fourth spot at the start.  He chased down the leaders all race, and walked away from the remaining cars. At the end of the race he finished a respectable fourth, giving him two solid finishes and enough points to narrow his margin to third in the championship.

Brad goes into Round Ten of the Fran Am Series, at Buttonwillow Raceway, fourth place in the points. The team is back at WSM headquarters in preparation for Round 10 and 11 October 18^th –19^th.

09/22/03 Sonoma, CA
World Speed Motorsports Alumni continue to show up on podiums all over the country.  In sports cars, open wheel, and prototypes these drivers have taken their WSM experience and parlayed it into top-level results during the 2003 season.

2001 World Speed Star Mazda Champion Scott Bradley recently finished on the podium in his ALMS Prototype debut. Scott drove Essex Racing’s Lola Nissan LMP675 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to a third place finish

In Guy Cosmo’s first appearance in a sports sedan he won the Mont-Tremblant 250. In addition to his debut in the Grand American Cup Series, he drove the Picchio BMW prototype in the 6 Heures du Circuit Mont-Tremblant Rolex Grand American Series race.  Also in 2003, he has been an active prototype driver in the American Le Mans Series. He has driven two STRANA Super Truck demonstration races and serves as a test driver in the development of the new Star Mazda. Cosmo was a World Speed Toyota Atlantic driver during the 2001 season.

2002 WSM Fran Am race winner, and 2003 WSM Driver Coach Michael McDowell is currently one point behind in the Star Mazda Championship, and is planning to test with an undisclosed team in the CART Toyota Atlantic Series very soon. 

The Red Bull Driver Search team selected Jason Kritikos to participate in their 2003 runoffs at Sebring. Jason had just won the Fran Am event at Sears with World Speed. WSM test drivers Alan Sciuto and Wessley Boswell were also invited to the runoffs.

2001 WSM Toyota Atlantic driver Andy Lally co-drove the Picchio BMW with Guy Cosmo in the 6 Heures du Circuit Mont-Tremblant Rolex Grand American Series race. For 2003 Lally has been racing in both the ALMS with ZIP Racing as well as Grand Am Cup with Team Lexus.

2000 WSM Star Series race winner, and 2002 WSM Atlantic driver Alex Figge is a sophomore in the Toyota Atlantic Series. Figge has been fast in 2003, and was off pole at the Laguna Seca event.  

09/07/03
Willows, CA
World Speed Motorsports driver Brad Coleman was fastest every session on Friday and Saturday in Round Seven of the Fran Am 1600 Series. When Brad and his #33 Remote Knowledge car rolled onto the track Friday they were seconds ahead of the competition. Throughout the weekend the competitors closed the gap to Brad, but he remained the man to beat going into qualifying.

Brad’s qualifying was cut short after he was high centered for a good portion of the session.  “I lost it coming out of turn 15 on what would have been my best lap, and that really cost us. I made up my mind to just forget about it, and make it up during the race,” said Coleman.  Coleman started the race in 5^th position, and finished 4^th.  This finish moved him in front of Brian Frisselle in the series points who, along with Team Knudsen teammates Al Unser and John Knudsen finished well back of Brad and the lead pack.

“This was a breakthrough weekend for Brad, who really proved to the other series participants that he is a contender,” stated World Speed Motorsports’ Team Owner Telo Stewart.  “Aside from the problem we had in qualifying, Brad showed well every session of the weekend. We are looking forward to the final events, he has proved he can contend for the win.”

Brad goes into Round Eight of the Fran Am Series, at Arizona Motorsports Park, in fourth place in the points.  He is just two points behind, fellow Rookie of the Year competitor, Colin Braun and within striking distance of series veteran and current points leader Daryl O’Young.

Frank McCormick, Brad’s teammate also had an excellent weekend taking 1^st place in the Sportsman division, which extends his lead in the championship. The team is back at WSM headquarters in preparation for Round 8 at Arizona Motorsports Park September 26-28.

08/03/03
Sonoma, CA World Speed Motorsports unveils their livery for the new 2004 Formula Mazda.  This comes shortly after World Speed’s decision to re-enter the Formula Mazda series after encouragement from drivers and industry leaders, as well as their continuing faith in the series administration and its product.

“The introduction of the new FM platform is exactly what the Star Series needed,” said Telo Stewart, World Speed Motorsports’ Team Owner, “and our new team colors look fantastic on it.”  World Speed Motorsports’ image underwent a facelift this year.  The team adapted a much more modern and corporate friendly look, which shows in the new Formula Mazda paint job. 

The car is a brilliant red with white wings and side pods and the dorsal area of the engine cover and intake are the team yellow.  “We are excited about the new car and the paint job makes it,” said Mark Milazzo, World Speed Motorsports’ Marketing and PR Director.

The new Formula Mazda incorporates all new technology from the motor out.  The new Mazda RX-8’s Renesis engine is the powerplant, and a brand new carbon tub the platform.  The car meets the most recent FIA safety standards and is going to come standard with a lot of bells and whistles, like traction control and paddle shifters.  It will also have some flashy options, such as a custom steering wheel with Motec display within.  Large photo click here...

World Speed Motorsports returns to Star Series for 2004
Sonoma, CA July 21st
World Speed Motorsports announced today that the team has had a new 2004 Star Mazda on order, and will compete in the 2004 Pro Series. At the same time the team made this announcement, Frank McCormick also added his name to the WSM 2004 Pro Mazda roster.

The team will also continue their Fran-Am program for 2004.  Fran-Am allows World Speed to train drivers as young as 14, getting them acclimated to more powerful cars like the new pro Mazda and Toyota Atlantic. Through its affiliation with SKUSA and MMI Karting, World Speed has been moving karters up the racing ladder. World Speed is the only professional racing team in North America with a complete driver, crew and sponsor development program that starts with karting.

“We’ve been running in the Star Series since ’91, stated Team Owner Telo Stewart.  The series is very well organized, and better yet the TV exposure and association with IMSA set the series apart. The new car was the icing on the cake. We are looking forward to getting our team car soon to begin testing.” 

Mark Milazzo joins World Speed Motorsports team

Sonoma, CA July 21st
World Speed Motorsports officially announced that it has re-hired former team member Mark Milazzo for the full time position of Marketing Director.  Milazzo had worked with the team from 1998-2000 engineering Formula Mazdas, and wrenching on the team’s Atlantic effort. In his new position, Milazzo will oversee the team’s marketing collateral, press releases, and website. Having more than 10 years of experience with the current Formula Mazda, Milazzo will also attend to the growing number of SCCA FM’s being cared for at the team’s Sears Point headquarters.

“Mark has been taking care of our marketing materials for a long time. At this point we needed more attention to this area of our business and it made sense to change his status from contractor to employee.” stated Telo Stewart team owner. Milazzo added, “I’m excited about helping Telo develop his current business and expand into new opportunities. I’m also looking forward to assisting with developing the Fran-Am cars, and the 2004 Star Mazda.

As Russell Racing School's crew chief, Milazzo designed the current version of the Russell pro car in 1995. Later he rose to the top of Russell management, and becoming responsible for all sales and marketing, as well as being named Mechanics Training Program Director. Milazzo has engineered and wrenched on Formula Mazda, USFF2000, Toyota Atlantic, and Fran Am open wheel racecars as well as many different types of high performance machinery. He was Team Manager at Lightspeed Motorsports from 2001-2003, and is partners in SeatTime Unlimited a California based marketing firm.

Podium and Fast Lap for World Speed at Fontana

California Speedway July 13th
The World Speed Motorsports team with the Fran Am West Series competed on the infield road course at Fontana’s California Speedway.  The team drivers, Brad Coleman and Jason Kritikos, both had a strong and challenging weekend. Coleman and Kritikos were both fast out of the box, Kritikos posting the fastest practice times Saturday with Coleman just tenths off.  “We were looking very good on Saturday,” commented World Speed Motorsports team owner Telo Stewart, “both drivers were fast and we continued to make the cars better every session.”  Qualifying proved as competitive as it ever has been and with the top three drivers within one tenth of a second and the top seven within eight tenths.  When qualifying was over the World Speed Team only new it was close and had to wait for the official times to know where they stood.  In the end Kritikos qualified third and Coleman fifth.

Neither driver was satisfied with their starting position, as they seldom are when starting anywhere but pole.  They were, however, confident of their ability to move to the front.  Both drivers had good starts, Kritikos moving into second and Coleman holding onto his position.  The teammates looked to be on their way up and the team was optimistic.  “In the first ten minutes of the race I thought we were going to have both drivers on the podium, probably one on top,” stated World Speed Motorsports’ driver coach Michael McDowell.

The day started to unravel a bit for the team when the Fran Am 2000 cars, which started in a “split start” well in front of the 1600s, began working their way through the field.  They passed both World Speed drivers in inopportune places. 

When they passed Coleman it caused series veteran Daryl O’Young to have to make a move to the inside of a corner which Coleman was attempting a pass into.  O’Young and Coleman made contact and Coleman’s front suspension was bent.  Coleman hung on and finished the race but well back of his starting position.  “This was one of the hardest races I have driven in this car yet, but I was going to do everything I could to finish it,” said Coleman after the race.

When the 2000 cars caught Kritikos he was in second and catching first.  After they had passed, he was well back of third.  “The 2000 cars caught me mid-corner in the technical section and when the first one passed me John (series veteran John Knudsen) got by me, and when the second one passed me he slowed me down in a key corner,” commented Kritikos.  By setting fast lap of the race and regaining contact with the leaders Kritikos impressed all.  However, he would have needed another few laps to be able to capitalize on his speed and so had to settle for a strong third place finish.

Long time WSM team driver Frank McCormick took the win in the Sportsman division both days, and Telo Stewart was excited by the performance of all three drivers during the weekend. "The series is coming together and the competition is the strongest I have ever seen at this level. It was great to have Jason on top, Frank on the podium twice, and our championship hopeful Brad Coleman competitive as ever. Now the team gears up for the Fontana event July 13th.

Coleman Three for Three
Rosamond, CA May 26 2003
Brad Coleman, driver of the #33, World Speed Motorsports, Remote Knowledge Car, finished third in his second and third consecutive Fran-Am 1600 West Coast Championship Races this past weekend on the “fastest course in the west."

“Brad has not only shown a great deal of consistency with these three podiums, he really demonstrated his race craft in this last one” commented World Speed Motorsports team owner Telo Stewart referring to round three of the Fran-Am West Coast Championship held at Willow Springs.  “He put his head down and made a first class pass on series veteran Daryl O’Young and then held him off for the duration of the race to secure his podium spot.” 

“This was an incredibly exciting race,” said Steve Henry, Race Director for the USA West series, “they have had very little trouble making the transition from karting to Fran-Am and have shown themselves to be capable and knowledgeable racers,” he mentioned referring to the young former karters, such as Brad, competing in the series. 

 “I felt like I earned this one,” said Brad after the race “and I am excited about the upcoming races at Infineon.”  These three finishes place Brad in second place in the championship going into rounds four and five which will be held at Infineon Raceway June 28^th and 29^th.

Goodyear, AZ (May 5, 2003) – One month after turning 15 years of age, Brad Coleman has become the first licensed driver on record to win a professional open-wheel race while under age 16. After taking the third spot on the podium in his first Fran-Am 1600 series race on Saturday, the rookie from Texas returned on Sunday to set the fast lap and win the second event on the 2.25-mile road course at Arizona Motorsports Park. 

Fran-Am Series Director Steve Henry said “Brad is a fine example of why Fran-Am has made the 1600 available to 14 and 15 year-old drivers. He displayed an incredible ability to be consistently fast with a great deal of composure. I expect to see this kid in the big leagues in a few years and I am glad we were the series to give him his start.” 

World Speed President Telo Stewart said “Brad was incredible on his first professional race weekend and our team is very proud of him. The only two guys to finish ahead of him on the first day were series veterans. He handled himself like a pro all weekend long.”

When asked about the race, young Coleman stated “I appreciate the opportunity that Fran-Am and NASA have given me and other young drivers like me to compete at the professional level. I felt good in the car all three days, and know that this is where I belong. The team at World Speed worked hard to make the 1600 just right for this very technical race track.” 

Brad also had a special visitor to his paddock when Arizona Senator Slade Mead came out to see the 15 year-old in action. Senator Mead spent the day with the World Speed team learning about the Fran-Am race series and the opportunity for young American drivers to compete at the top level of motorsports.

This was the first race in a series of 12 races in the Fran-Am 1600 West Coast Series. Coleman will pilot the World Speed/Remote Knowledge formula car in all of the races in contention for the Fran-Am 1600 Championship. The next race is at Willow Springs Raceway on May 24^th and 25^th in Lancaster, California.

America’s Youngest Open-Wheel Professional Signs with World Speed
Sonoma, CA (February 25, 2003)  
After receiving invitations from a number of Fran-Am teams, 14 year-old karting sensation Brad Coleman has elected to sign with World Speed Motorsports. Located at Infineon Raceway in California’s wine country, the World Speed team will prepare the Houston, Texas native to compete in the 2003 West Coast Fran-Am 1600 Championships, and ultimately the Fran-Am 1600 Series Championships at the end of the season. Coleman first tested with World Speed at Button Willow Raceway in December, impressing all of those in attendance, including Fran-Am race veteran and driver coach Michael McDowell; “I was a little surprised to see a 14 year-old kid jump in a Fran-Am race car for the first time and do so well. His final times were only a tenth or two off of mine and I was one of the Top 3 drivers in the series last year!”

World Speed President Telo Stewart said “Brad is the youngest driver I have ever put in a race car and by far the youngest I have ever signed to a professional contract. He has the skills, work ethic, and personality to be that young American driver we all want to send to F1 someday. I have complete confidence in what he will be able to accomplish this season and in his career.” When asked about the Fran-Am 1600 car, young Coleman stated, “I felt one with the car from the moment I sat in the seat. The car has a great feel and the team helped me get up to speed quickly. I am really excited about being a part of the World Speed team and contesting the Fran-Am series this season.” 

Both Coleman and Junior National Champion Alan Sciuto were awarded their test with World Speed at the SKUSA Super National Karting Championships in Las Vegas in November. The Fran-Am Series announced late in 2002 that they would allow 14 year-old drivers to compete in the1600 Series beginning in 2003, and World Speed is committed to signing the best young drivers available. “It is our goal to become the premium team for developing the best young drivers that the United States has to offer,” said Stewart. “We are proud to have a quality young man like Brad leading the way in our young driver program, and expect to have him up front this year. He truly is one of America’s young open-wheel hopefuls.”