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| August 11, 2004 News |
| Casey Neal Advances in Red Bull Driver Search |
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 | Casey Neal, ICA driver for J&J Racing
(Photo-Sean Buur) |
Casey Neal, a tremendously talented 16-year old kart driver from Middletown, Ohio, earned himself the opportunity to proceed in the nationwide search to find the next American Formula One champion. After being victorious in their “Approach One” phase of open qualifying by setting a fast time at Competition Racing’s indoor facility in Lawrenceburg, Ind., Neal moved on to meet 112 other talented and hopeful drivers at the East Coast Run Offs in Boston, Mass., earlier this month.
In the next stage of the "Run Offs" held Aug. 3-5, Neal set himself apart from the other hundred-plus competitors as he finished among the top six, earning the privilege to advance to the "Semi-Finals" to be held Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. It is this coming round where he will be tested in a 2-litre open wheel car provided by Skip Barber Racing, which will be a part of the natural progression from karts to professional open-wheel racing.
Reflecting on the competitiveness at Boston this week, Neal practiced and qualified on Tuesday in the provided standard Rotax karts, which would allow the raw talent of the drivers to surface. Wednesday was racing-packed with heat races that eventually eliminated over 60 competitors. Neal's success in Wednesday's races granted him the pole position in Thursday's remaining heat races among the other 48 drivers. Another cut was made for the final race, which only 20 competitors advanced. Knowing that the time was "now or never" to place in the top six in the final, Neal gave his all in the race and that certainly proved to be adequate as he finished at the top.
This possible break into professional racing for Neal is still a winding road; however, with his inherent racing talent and his success displayed on the track, one can't doubt that this emerging star is capable of progressing in the professional realm of motorsports. The next stage at Sebring is certainly an inviting challenge to Neal as he will strive to his best.
Joining Neal as the first six drivers earning a spot to the "Semi Finals" are Justin Larson, 16, of Safety Harbor, Fla., Jeremy Warren, 17, from Noblesville, Ind., Chase Stroschein, 16, of Shoreview, Minn., Joey King, 16, of Silvis, Ohio and Mathew Jordan, 17, of Punxsutawney, Pa.
Neal has been involved in kart racing since the age of 12 contesting in WKA's George Kugler's Manufacturer's Cup series and in Stars of Karting Action. He is currently a driver for J&J Racing piloting the Biesse brand and sits fourth in points in ICA for Stars' Eastern region competition. The third generation driver of the Neal family is currently ranked third on the Manufacturer's Cup national tour and is second in points for Yamaha Senior Sportsman, third in Formula Y Senior and eighth in ICA.
For more news or contact information on Neal, visit http://www.caseynealracing.com
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