Team USA Scholarship Drivers in Search of Fourth Walter Hayes Trophy Victory

SILVERSTONE, England – The Walter Hayes Trophy, named after one of the founding fathers of Formula Ford which has provided a launching pad for the careers of countless drivers since its introduction in 1967, has been a staple on the British racing scene since 2001. This weekend’s 15th edition has attracted over 110 hopefuls to the 1.64-mile Silverstone National Circuit, including Team USA Scholarship winners Dakota Dickerson, 18, from San Diego, Calif., and Michai Stephens, 23, from Evanston, Ill. The pair of young Americans finished an impressive fifth and seventh in last weekend’s Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch and are looking to emulate their counterparts Conor Daly, Connor De Phillippi and Tristan Nunez, who scooped top WHT honors in 2008, ’09 and ’12.

A heavily loaded entry list comprises drivers representing at least a dozen nationalities and as many different chassis manufacturers. Among the leading contenders will be Ireland’s Peter Dempsey and Englishman Joey Foster, both of whom will be seeking a record fourth victory, and defending champion Wayne Boyd, from Northern Ireland, who is attempting to become the first driver to win both the Festival and the Hayes in the same year. Other noteworthy rivals include Australian Scott Andrews, who won this year’s U.S. F1600 Formula F Championship Series, the past two BRSCC FF1600 champions, Stuart Gough and Jonny McMullen, 2014 Formula Ford Festival winner James Raven, 2014 MSA British Formula Ford champion Jayde Kruger, from South Africa, 2015 Scottish FF1600 champion Angus Mackay and many more.

“Boy, what a joy it is to be back at Silverstone participating in the Walter Hayes Trophy,” noted Stephens, who astonished onlookers one year ago by claiming third place in the Final merely five months after taking part in his very first race of any kind. “Last year my experience here had a tremendous impact on my racing career and ultimately my life. It is just how I remember – fast, wet and deceptively challenging. Heading into Saturday my plan and objective is to stay true to the track, car and opportunity. My time here will forever be remembered and cherished. Bring on the Walter Hayes!”

Dickerson and Stephens have had a busy week, enjoying tours of two more Formula 1 teams, McLaren-Honda and Sahara Force India, plus McLaren GT and former F3 and British Touring Car Championship winning team West Surrey Racing. They visited the world’s first purpose-built race track, Brooklands, and were able to take in some of the sights of London.

“All of these tours, seeing the passion, the history, really has helped me push that much harder going into our final race weekend here at Silverstone for the Walter Hayes Trophy,” said Dickerson. “It is really sad that I only have two days of racing left but I’m going to make the most of what I have learned so far and squeeze every last bit of talent I have in me. I’m anticipating another strong weekend and really cannot thank the Team USA Scholarship enough for this opportunity.”

After two days of testing at Silverstone aboard their Cliff Dempsey Racing-run Ray chassis in wet conditions, the weather forecast for the weekend calls for no rain and unseasonable warmth. Qualifying and no fewer than six Heat races will begin Saturday morning at 9:00. Live timing can be accessed at http://www.mstworld.com/motorsport/livetiming.

About Team USA Scholarship:
The program has been providing opportunities for talented American race car drivers at an early stage in their careers since 1990. Supporters include Doug Mockett & Company, the Road Racing Drivers Club and SAFEisFAST.com, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Team Penske, Mazda, Chip Ganassi Racing, Basecamp.com, Afterburner Autosport, Honda Performance Development, Robertson Racing, Masters HGP, Allen Berg Racing Schools, CXC Simulations, Auto Club Speedway, Ellis Clowes North America, PitFit Training, RaceCraft1, Sparco USA, RACER Magazine, Speedstar Management, Styled Aesthetic and Manifest Group.