The VMB Driver Development Scholarships were established less than ten years ago, but in that short time have been able to help drivers step up from karts into professional auto racing. VMB Drivers have won countless races, and multiple championships since 2014 and have also been able to secure the following awards/scholarships via their VMB seasons:
- Invitations to the Mazda Road to 24 Shootout.
- Invitations to the Mazda Road to Indy Shootout
- Invitations to the Team USA Shootout
- Chosen as Team USA Scholarship Finalists
- Invitations to the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship
- Secured the Team USA Scholarship (William Ferguson)
- Secured the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship (Jaden Conwright)
- Secured the IMSA Driver For Diversity Scholarship (Courtney Crone)
- Secured the Project Podium Scholarship (Courtney Crone)
- Secured the Gorsline Company Scholarship For Young Racers (Courtney Crone)
“We received an amazing number of applications this year, and the talent pool was very deep,” stated a VMB representative. “This week we will get these young talented drivers into our FIA F4 car and spend one-on-one time with them and move one driver forward into our racing program.”
2024 VMB Driver Development Scholarship Shootout Finalists:
Jason Maples – 16 years old
Rok Sonoma Triple Crown race winner 206 class
Pole Position Idaho Spud Cup – (finished 3rd)
KPX – 9 podium finishes
https://www.instagram.com/jasonmaplesracing/
Valentino Garbarino – 15 years old
Never Lift Consulting Award 2022
IKF Grand National Champion KA 100 Jr 2022
SKUSA Winter Series 3rd 2022
KPX Champion KA 100 Jr 2021
https://www.youtube.com/@valgarbarinoracing919
Dane Idelson – 16 years old
Richard Mille Young Talent Academy Finalist
2022 LAKC Champion
Lucas Oil Scholarship Shootout Finalist 2021
https://www.instagram.com/daneidelson
Anthony White – 14 years old
2018 Micro ROK Champion
2019 Mini ROK Champion
2022 Jr VLR 100cc Champion
19 Race Wins
41 Podiums
https://www.instagram.com/awhite816/
Each of the drivers at the VMB test will be scored on driving ability, coachability, technical feedback, self presentation, and communication with the WSM/VMB team members. World Speed Motorsports together with the VMB founders will discuss the merits of each driver and will then select the scholarship winner to pilot the VMB Academy F4 for the 2024 season.