Coleman becomes America's youngest "open wheel" driver HOUSTON, TX - Brad Coleman from Houston, Texas will employ World Speed Motorsports to field the 14 year-old kart racer in the upcoming West Coast Fran-Am 1600cc Championships and ultimately in the national series championship. World Speed Motorsports, located at Infineon Raceway in California's wine country, will prepare the rookie kart racer and has recently tested at Button Willow Raceway this last December. According to World Speed sources, he will become America's youngest open-wheel driver. Coleman, who has just over one year of karting experience in Yamaha and 80cc competition, impressed many 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 three drivers in the series last year," McDowell said. Coleman has competed in SKUSA ProMoto, WKA Manufacturers' Cup, and IKF sprint and road race competition. Telo Stewart, World Speed President, added "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." Coleman's adventure is not a team funded ride; however, his contract includes prize money sharing and other cooperative efforts according to Stewart. 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." Coleman testing at Button Willow: 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. World Speed had initially planned to offer one test to the winner of the 80cc junior class (Sciuto) but then decided to offer an additional test to a driver at-large. The elected to select an additional driver who they felt showed strong potential, had a good image and positive demeanor. Coleman fit their qualifications. 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 working with 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."