Bumgarner gets US training for Atlantic series

The Philippines’ Michele Bumgarner will undergo a rigid six-month training starting late this month in the United States in preparation for the tough open wheel series Champ Car Atlantic Series.

Bumgarner, 17, was recently tapped by the S&L Racing-Newman/Wachs Racing to join their team after her impressive performances in the Accelerate Drivers Shootout where she had to race in karts, road and formula cars in three US states.

“They put a lot of pressure on me, I was really, really nervous,” said Bumgarner in yesterday’s press briefing accompanied by her father, Lee.

The former Asian karting champion thus became the first race driver from the country to be tapped by a major large scale racing team in the US and will be formally presented as the team’s newest driver.

Bumgarner was actually one of the many top aspiring drivers chosen to undergo a comprehensive training in the last three months that was used to equip them with knowledge and experience before plunging into competitive action in the single-seat formula Atlantic racing series.

“I’m honored not just for myself and family but also for the Philippines as well to be given this distinction,” she said.

The North Carolina-based S&L is owned by National Football League hall of famer Gale Sayers and super bowl champion MVP Ray Lewis.

Both Sayers and Lewis were impressed by Bumgarner.

“We are excited to have Michele on the S&L Racing team. Her experience behind the wheel, her knowledge of racing and her desire to win are what we were looking for in a driver,” said Mayer.

“Having a driver who has the will to win and the courage to excel was the most important factor in picking Michele,” Lewis, for his part, said. “She has proven she can race, she now has the opportunity to win with S&L Racing.”

“As a professional athlete and a racing fan, I’m excited to be part owner of a racing team with Gale whose goal is not only to win, but also to help give people a chance to be winners,” he added.  – Joey Villar