By Dick Jordan
Aspiring USAC race drivers will have a unique opportunity this March to learn race driving techniques from a USAC Triple Crown Champion at the Bryant Heating & Cooling Indianapolis Speedrome.
Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz., one of only five drivers to achieve the “Triple Crown” during their USAC careers, will conduct the school, open to participants aged 11-1/2 and up. One of the participant drivers will be selected to compete in a Ford Focus or Focus Young Guns Midget at the Speedrome during the 2011 USAC racing season.
Coons will teach the fundamentals of Midget racing at the 1/5-mile paved oval and participants may register by contacting Jerry at Jerrycoonsjr@hotmail.com. The official date and time for the school will be announced when finalized.
Coons has 15 years of experience in USAC’s National racing series, winning championships in 2006 (Midgets), 2007 (Midgets) and 2008 (Silver Crown and Sprint cars). He has 35 career USAC National victories and pilots a Sprint car for the winningest Sprint car team in USAC history, the Hoffman Auto Racing Team.
Jerry’s expertise and ability to convey information to his teams have combined to produce successful results and he will share his secrets of success during this special instructional opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to working with USAC on the Focus Driving School,” says Coons. “I didn’t want to do just a “Driver Search”. I want to teach drivers, give them a learning experience and quality track time. But at the same time we wanted to award someone an opportunity to continue their learning experience. This will be a great opportunity for those who may want to get their feet wet after .25, quarter midgets, go carts or any other type series.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Jerry’s instructional capabilities at our disposal,” says USAC Developmental Racing Director James Spink. “Those who participate in this program will gain valuable knowledge and insight into our sport and one proficient driver will be rewarded with the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Additional information regarding this program may be obtained by contacting the USAC offices at 317-247-5151.