Gulfport Motosports

[mikel...@verizon.net]

Hayden Duerson will attempt to take what he hopes is a next step
toward a professional racing career this weekend when he participates
in the Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout at Sebring
International Raceway.

"It's going to be a lot of good competition," Duerson said, "but I
think I can do well."

Duerson, 15, was one of 12 to earn a sponsored spot as rookie of the
year in the Stars of Karting national touring series Pro ICC class
last season. From there, he can earn a spot in the 14-race Barber
National Series, where the final points leader will be awarded
$350,000 with which to buy a ride in the developmental Star Mazda
Series. Marco Andretti (Indy Racing League), Scott Speed (formerly
Formula One) and A.J. Allmendinger (NASCAR) began their careers in the
Mazda circuit.

Duerson, who lives in Gulfport, has toured as a karter nationally with
Italian Motors (owned by Grand Am driver Michael Valiente) after
winning six races and a Florida Winter Tour championship in 2005.