The WSM Rising Star Awards have been provided to up and coming championship caliber racers for over 20 years. This year there were four recipients chosen to test with World Speed Motorsports. Past award recipients have gone on to race in Formula One, win races in NASCAR, win the 24 Hours or Daytona and 12 Hours Sebring, and secure the Indy Lights Championship. For the third consecutive season VMB Driver Developmentwas co-sponsoring the test, and would select one driver to receive a full scholarship in the 2016 Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear.Jonathan Sugianto from Alhambra California was the driver selected to represent VMB in 2016 in the all new GEN2 FormulaSPEED. “All the drivers did incredibly well, as we expected they would,” noted WSM Team Owner Telo Stewart.
“It is great that we were able to provide the testing opportunity to these young racers, and help them learn more about working alongside industry professionals. We expect to see great things from this year’s award winners, based on what we have seen from our past selections. We are also excited to add Jonathan to the team for 2016, and look forward to working with him all season!”
Quote from Jonathan Sugianto:“It is an honor to be named this year’s VMB Scholarship Winner. I cannot thank Steve Brisentine and Telo Stewart enough for putting together such an incredible program. Winning the shootout has been the highlight of my career. We were tested on our media skills, data analysis, technical knowledge and driving skills. The other racers did exceptionally well, and I have nothing but respect for each of them. Becoming a VMB Development Driver is a huge accomplishment for me. This is a huge opportunity and I intend to represent VMB with enthusiasm, professionalism, and class. I cannot wait to race the new FormulaSPEED with a championship winning team like World Speed Motorsports. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my career thus far, and I look forward to the 2016 season.”
More information:
- Details about all four 2015 Rising Star Award Winners
- About the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear
- More information about Jonathan Sugianto
A Note From VMB President Steve Brisentine:What an exciting day at Buttonwillow Racetrack for these four young and up and coming drivers.
With a full year’s scholarship at stake for the 2016 race season, the young drivers went through two track sessions, interviews with VMB and World Speed Principals and critiques from Professional Drivers and Coaches.
After a full day at the track, the selection team evaluated all aspects of driving, coach-ability, constant improvement throughout the day, and eagerness to advance in the sport of racing. All of the drivers were strong in certain aspects. The overall scores lead to one driver at the end of the day. VMB Driver Development and World Speed Motor sports would like to congratulate Jonathan Sugianto on securing the 2016 VMB Scholarship.
We wish the other Rising Star Award winners much success in racing this next season and we will be following them on their progress! Thank you all for making this decision a very tough choice as you all are great athletes as well as fine people.
Thank You,
Steve Brisentine
VMB Driver Development, LLC