Rochester, N.Y., July 30 — Deep Throttle introduces the first monthly ranking for American driver prospects in open wheel road racing.

"The aim of this ranking," Deep Throttle Publisher Russell Jaslow said, "is to provide recognition to a group of drivers who tend to get ignored -- the American driver trying to make a career in open wheel road racing. Typically, the press, media, and fans pay attention to those young drivers involved in stock car racing. The junior formula car series in this country gets very little attention.

"And for those in the business and fans of open wheel racing who do pay attention to the open wheel development series, many times the American driver is overlooked either because they don't come with sponsorship or a misguided believe that Americans cannot excel in this form of racing."

The first ranking consists of the top 15 prospects spread amongst seven different series with the top three representing three different series. Topping the list is Richard Antinucci, currently running in the Firestone Indy Lights.

"In the past, Indy Lights has not been a very strong series," Jaslow said. "However, this year a lot of new proven talent -- Raphael Matos, Franck Perera, Robbie Pecorari -- joined, and Antinucci has been able to remain on top of a so far very tough battle. Plus, his overseas experience, including a second in the famed Macau Grand Prix, puts him on top of the ranking."

John Edwards, who has achieved unprecedented success at such a young age, is second thanks to two wins in just four races in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Following Edwards is Jonathan Bomarito who is in his fourth year of the Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda. His recent win at Edmonton and his domination at Long Beach which was foiled by gearbox failure jumped him into third.

The Atlantic series is represented by three other drivers (Jonathan Summerton, Dane Cameron, and Carl Skerlong) while J.R. Hildebrand is the other Indy Lights driver represented. Star Mazda has Joel Miller and Alex Ardoin joining Edwards. The BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda (Josef Newgarden and Conor Daly) and Pacific F2000 Championship Presented by Hankook Performance Tires (Jeff Westphal and Robert Podlesni) each have two drivers on the list. The F2000 Championship Presented by Hoosier Racing Tire has a lone representative in Jordan Taylor as does the Formula BMW Americas series with Alexander Rossi.

"Our aim is to expand the coverage for American open wheel road racing drivers beyond this ranking," Jaslow said. "Eventually, we will have informational pages and photo galleries for each driver in the ranking. We'll also provide feature stories, interviews, and progress reports whenever we are able to get to the track."

You can read more details concerning why the ranking is being done and how the ranking is put together. There is also a junior formula motorsports schedule. with any questions or to discuss the ranking.

If you wish to be added or removed from the American Driver Prospects Ranking for Open Wheel Road Racing press release email list, just stating your wishes, and we will gladly comply.

Copyright © 2008 by Russell Jaslow and Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.