Professional racing is a tough nut to crack. Time, talent, effort, teamwork, luck, money – everything must align for success. Many components that go into building a pro racing effort can be had through sheer determination – all but the last one. Money is something that can make or break any racing endeavor. Luckily, for drivers competing in SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned series owned by Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH), there’s the Powering Diversity Scholarship.
“We’re excited to once again continue the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship,” said Tony Parella, CEO of PMH. “It’s been a personal initiative of mine to help young drivers realize their dreams. It’s exciting to watch drivers come through this program and see them use it as a springboard in their careers. Ernie Francis Jr. signed with Roger Penske in INDY NXT, Chloe Chambers went on to the W Series and then became the first woman to win in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, and Raoul Hyman spent last season racing in SUPER FORMULA. Last year, we were able to support five young women in pursuit of their motorsports dreams. I can’t wait to see what talent we’re able to recruit for the class of 2024, and I look forward to watching the progression of their careers for years to come.”
The PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship offers free entries into any PMH-owned race series, which includes the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas Championship, and Formula 4 United States Championship, all sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing®.
PMH states that in addition to providing free entry fees, the program aligns recipients with a team of executives and mentors, while also providing them with a variety of media and fan engagement opportunities.
Further details from PMH about the scholarship: “The PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship is open to individuals who demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and have overcome obstacles to reach their goals. Recipients must have a ride confirmed in a PMH-owned series for 2024, and will be responsible for securing any additional funding needed to compete.”
SCCA® members who have benefited from the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship in the past include Ernie Francis Jr., Chloe Chambers, Raoul Hyman, Amy Ruman, Michele Abbate, Hannah Greenemeier, Ava Dobson, Kaylee Bryson, David Burketh, Madeline Aust, and Emily Linscott.
For more details about the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship – and to apply – head to speedtour.net/scholarship. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2024.
Photo courtesy PMH
