Before I profile the drivers, let me set three guidelines. First, I'm considering drivers who are 30 years old or younger. That's not to say that there aren't drivers over 30 who deserve a shot at the big time. However, the sad reality is that owners and, more importantly, sponsors, see the ideal age range as 18-28 for new talent.
Second, while on-track performance is a must, I'm looking at the driver as a total package. To be successful at the next level, a driver must have strong interviewing skills and good rapport with fans and sponsors. More importantly, drivers should have hands-on mechanical knowledge of their machines so that they can effectively communicate with crew chiefs and other team personnel.
Third, even if a driver has had some major league experience or testing time, they are still eligible to be placed on my list as long as they do not have a current ride in either NASCAR or the IRNLS. With these guidelines in mind, let's take a look at the list.
10. Derek Davidson, USAC: Derek has struggled a bit since his return from a severe arm injury last year, but his struggles seem to center on his equipment, especially on pavement. When his cars are right, he looks as tough to beat as before his accident. A college graduate, Derek would fit interacting with crew members and major sponsors. He openly desires to join the IRNLS, and the series would do well to bring this talented and articulate young driver on board;
9. Joey Saldana, WoO: After being a consistent winner on the All-Star circuit, Joey is making his mark on the tough World of Outlaws trail. He could easily establish a long and solid career with the Outlaws if he so chooses, but he is certainly showing the potential to adapt quickly and advance. Saldana is another young star the IRNLS should seriously consider recruiting for its ranks;
8. Brian Paulus, WoO, USAC: Splitting his time between the Outlaws and USAC's Silver Bullets on pavement, Brian is demonstrating his versatility and adaptability, key factors in moving to the next level. His outgoing personality and willingness to go the extra mile for sponsors give him an advantage over many young prospects. Brian has set as goal to reach NASCAR's Busch series within the next 1-2 years, although he would not rule out a ride in the IRNLS if given the opportunity;
7. Bud Kaeding, USAC: After dominating the 1999 USAC Western States Sprint Car Series, Kaeding moved to the National series this year and has quickly adapted to new tracks and stiffer competition. At times he suffers from inconsistency, but one must remember that at his very young age he is still perfecting his craft. Despite this, he has already proven that he is a champion and can win against the best talent available. He should be ready for bigger arenas in the near future;
6. Tony Hunt, USAC Western States: Tony has found victory land in both USAC Western States Sprints and Midgets this season, but that is only part of his story. Of all the top young prospects, he has perhaps the strongest communication skills with sponsors, race teams and fans, and has worked hard to establish contacts I major league racing. For 2001, he plans to concentrate on more national exposure, which should bring him his goal of attracting attention from NASCAR personnel.
5. Jerry Coons, Jr., Badger, USAC, NAMARS: Jerry is probably the best example of what is wrong with the IRNLS. In 1999, he concentrated on USAC Midget points so as to secure the Indy test offered annually by Pennzoil Panther Racing. He did so, had a stellar test, only to have the door shut in his face because he lacked money and/or sponsorship. He is young, good-looking, articulate, he has a wealth of mechanical knowledge and he knows how to get the most out of a car. The sponsor and owner that give Coons a shot will not be disappointed.
4. Dave Steele, USAC: True, Dave has already had unsuccessful ventures into both the IRNLS and NASCAR, but don't be fooled by that. Despite his youth, he already has to be considered one of the best ever in open-wheel racing on pavement. He definitely has the talent to succeed at the next level with the right team chemistry behind him. Never long on words, he compensates for that with his dazzling on-track performance. As far as Dave and the big leagues are concerned, I believe the third time's the charm.
3. Jay Drake, USAC: Okay, I know, I fudged a little on my own guidelines with this pick. Jay just turned 31 this July. However, he has clearly established himself as the open-wheel driver of the year, already winning nearly 20 Features in any type of car on any type of track. The sad thing is that it has taken so long for Jay's talent to be recognized. Even back in 1993, he beat the best in Midget competition, on a live ESPN "Thunder" telecast. Like Coons, Jay had an incredible IRNLS test in 1998, only to be ignored due to a lack of money. NASCAR and IRNLS owners take heed, do not overlook Drake. The only strike against him is the ever-ticking clock. If he is going to make a full-time move to the big leagues, it absolutely has to happen in 2001.
2. Kasey Kahne, USAC, All Stars: This 19-year-old driving sensation has had a phenomenal year. He is a sure lock for the USAC Midget title, and he completely dominated the Belleville Midget Nationals this year. Kasey has also demonstrated that he does not have to rely on the Lewis-East midget to be a winner as he has won in winged Sprint competition, too. Kasey's only weakness is his awkwardness during interviews. But hey, let's remember he's still a teenager - those skills will come in time. One more year of seasoning in open wheel competition would be good for him, but if an owner wanted to take him now as a development project, such as Derrick Walker has done with Sarah Fisher, it wouldn't be a bad gamble. Either way, Kahne will be a future superstar in Motorsports.
1. Tracy Hines, USAC: At 28, Tracy is the complete package for major league racing. He's a proven winner in a variety of machines on both pavement and dirt, his mechanical knowledge and ability are second to none (he at times serves as his own crew chief and set-up man) and he has developed the maturity to survive the many ups and downs inherent in racing. He interviews well, no matter if he is winning or beset by problems. He has come tantalizingly close to some big deals, but as of now he remains unsigned. Tracy has made the most of television coverage, winning nine ESPN "Thunder" races over the past three years. While he as his sights set on NASCAR, the IRNLS would do well to snag this young lion for its own ranks. If Tracy is not a part of NASCAR or the IRNLS within the next two years, I'll be surprised..
So there you have it. If nothing else, this list shows companies and businesses that there is a wealth of budding talent within the open wheel ranks who are worth the risk of a major sponsorship. Anyone who says otherwise simply doesn't know the score.
I sincerely hope the drivers listed here get the shots they deserve. As I wrote earlier, I do not intend to slight the so-called "over-the-hill gang". Drivers like Danny Lasoski, Dave Darland, Tony Elliott, Brian Tyler and Eric Gordon (to name a few) are, despite their age, outstanding prospects and hopefully major sponsors will recognize their talents.
I encourage any feedback you have to offer about my list, either positive or negative. I would especially like to hear from you if you know of up-and-coming open-wheel racing talent who you think deserves recognition. Until next time, let's keep the pipeline going!
