The Skip Barber Racing School, the Official Racing School of the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Mazda Road to Indy, has trained and developed racing talent for almost four decades, but in five days, it will open a whole new window of opportunity. 33 talented but as yet largely unknown drivers with dreams of a pro racing future will converge on Sebring International Raceway for the first annual Skip Barber IndyCar Academy shootout.
The winner of the shootout competition will receive a sponsored ride in either the 2013 summer or winter Skip Barber Regional Race Series presented by Mazda, with the opportunity to climb the Mazda Road to Indy ladder to the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Over the next few days, we will introduce you to all the contenders for this exciting new program.
Meet the 2012 Skip Barber IndyCar Academy Finalists, Part 3:
David Matlock
Age: 33
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
Occupation: Emergency Physician
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: I have been interested in road racing and cars in general since my teens. However, it wasn't until the last few years, when I have actually been able to participate, that I have developed that passion. The sensation of driving a car on the edge on a racetrack is absolutely addicting.
Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?
A: No. I'm probably too old with too many other responsibilities to do so. But the IndyCar Academy gives me a chance to see if I have what it takes. I can't turn down such a unique opportunity.
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.
A: I'm married with five kids, ages 1 year to 10 years (2 girls, 3 boys). My wife and I have been together since high school, now married over 12 years. We just recently moved to Springfield, Mo., where I work as an emergency physician at Mercy Hospital, a very busy level and trauma center. I work 15 days a month and am home the rest of the month. When not at work I spend as much time with the kids as possible. I occasionally get the chance to take my car out for local SCCA events or get a few days for a Skip Barber class.
Q: What was your first thought when you were contacted by a Skip Barber Racing School instructor to say you were in the running?
A: Awesome!
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for 1 day, who would it be and why?
A: Mark Webber. He seems like a genuinely cool guy, but I really just want to drive an F1 car.
Doug Peterman
Age: 21
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Occupation: College student
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: For as long as I can remember I have had an interest and passion for racing. When you're around 5 years old, everyone starts asking about what you want to be when you grow up. At that age I was telling everyone I wanted to be a racecar driver. Just recently I have renewed my passion and have dedicated myself to the pursuit of being a professional racecar driver.
Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?
A: If you stay in pursuit and do not give up, I believe that there will always be chances out there for people interested in becoming a professional driver. You just have to stay relentless and keep your eye out for those small breaks and chances.Â
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family. 
A: I am a full-time student at Oregon State University studying business management. When I am not in class or studying I spend my spare time with the Society of Automotive Engineers team working with the marketing sub-team and help develop the student built formula car for competitions around the world. In the summers, I enjoy spending time boating and camping with friends and traveling to new places with my family.
Q: What was your first thought when you were contacted by a Skip Barber Racing School instructor to say you were in the running?
A: I was shocked and surprised. But after it sunk in that I would have an opportunity to participate in the Academy I was ecstatic and relieved. After I gathered myself, the next thought was to begin preparing mentally and physically for the IndyCar Academy shootout.
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
A: I want to see myself as a pro racecar driver before I would wish to be anyone else. I have so many pro drivers that I admire and wish to emulate someday. I would definitely enjoy meeting my racing heroes like Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, James Hinchcliffe, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Sebastian Vettel, Valentino Rossi, Travis Pastrana, etc. The list goes on.
Jaime Colmenares
Age: 39
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Occupation: Senior Manager at an internet company
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: It began in the early '90s, watching drivers like Ayrton Senna in Formula 1, Nigel Mansell in CART and Jacques Villeneuve in both...