Star Mazda, the second rung of the ladder of series that form the Road to Indy, will hold the final race of its 2012 season at Road Atlanta Friday, with a starting grid of drivers from around the world and covering a wide range of ages.
Team Pelfrey’s Jack Hawksworth has already wrapped up the championship; the 21-year-old Englishman clinched the title at Laguna Seca, the prior event. He has opted to step aside for the season’s final race to give a shot to 18-year-old Ryan Tveter of New York. The talented teen drove few races earlier in the season but couldn’t get a full-time ride; Hawksworth’s generosity will help Tveter gain experience and exposure.
Tveter will be one of the older drivers in the field; five of his co-competitors are still in high school. Sage Karam, Zack Veach, Juan Piedrahita, Gabby Chavez, and Gustavo Menezes are all still working to get their diplomas as well as continue their driving careers.
Tveter won’t be the oldest; professional motorcycle race Larry Pegram, who will be driving a Star Mazda carz, is 39. Pegram, who has raced Superbikes in the AMA since 1988, has been dabbling in Star Mazda, where he competes in the Expert Series for drivers over 30.
