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...
James Allard
Age: 27
Hometown: Hoosick Falls, New York
Occupation: IT Specialist
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: When I was about 12 years old. The speed, the strategy and teamwork needed throughout a race had me hooked.
Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?
A: No but you always dream. This is an awesome opportunity that will only have positives coming away from it.
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.
A: I work for the New York State Lottery. I go to the local YMCA four to five times a week.
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! My mind started racing of travel plans and people to tell, complete excitement. I'm sure the smile on my face was ear to ear!
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
A: Kimi Raikkonen. Always calm, cool and collected. He doesn't need much time in a car to get the most out of it. Races F1 for Lotus and has the brass to pass Schumacher heading into Eau Rouge.
Jarrett Overstreet
Age: 17
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Occupation: Student
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: When I was in the 3rd grade. I was about 9 years old at the time. My dad first took me to my home track of VIR (Virginia International Raceway) to watch BMW club races that my uncle was in. As soon as I saw my first race I knew that racing was what I was born for.
Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?
A: I think that someday I will have the chance to go pro. Ever since 3rd grade I've said i want to be a professional racecar driver. I've worked really hard trying to achieve my dream and being selected for IndyCar Academy made me think that my dream could really become a reality.
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.
A: Monday through Friday, I am a senior in high school. I take all the main courses and I also take an advanced physical education class to stay in shape for racing. In the spring, summer, and sall I run my own lawn care business to help fund my racing. My family is like the average American family, Mom, Dad, me, and my sister. We also have two dogs, Porter and Winston.
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 in complete shock and didn't know what to say, I was so excited. Before I knew about it, every time I told somebody I wanted to be a professional racecar driver they wouldn't take it seriously. But now people will.
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
A: I would be Tony Stewart. He has been an inspiration to me for a long time. He started out like me and put every dollar he made toward racing, and now he is a Sprint Cup Champion and owns his own race team.
Javier Cantu-Lucero
Age: 20
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Track Operator for K1 Speed
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: About four years ago when my family took me Karting for Christmas. It challenged me out of my skateboard comfort zone. After winning all the local karting races, my racing friends referred me to an old Porsche that need definitely needed some TLC. I am grateful to my family, my supporters, and all auto professionals who guided me. Many parts and labor hours later, my 1986 Porsche 944 fueled my racing passion at autocross and open track days. During one of those events, a good friend suggested I check out the Skip Barber Racing School.
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.
A: Job: Part time track operator at K-1 Speed in Redmond Washington
Training: daily workout regimen at the gym to be strong and alert for life.
School: When I was in high school, I went to Bellevue College in Running Start program. I took college courses and earned college and high school credit. I hope to return to school to finish my Business degree.
Family: I am the youngest of five. This has given me the experience to listen and negotiate with older people.
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: It is really happening! I was thrilled and immediately called my mom.
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
A: I would be Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history. His success inspires me, as a young racer, to always challenge myself to become a great driver.
John Howe
Age: 24
Hometown: Grass Lake, Michigan
Occupation: endurance test driver
Q: When did your passion for racing begin?
A: My passion for racing and driving began when I was in junior high. That was the first time I was able to attend Take Your Child to Work Day, and I was able to go for a ride around the test track in a Dodge Viper.
Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?
A: It wasn't until I attended a Skip Barber 3-Day Racing School that I realized it could be possible. I have always hoped to one day elevate my love of racing from a hobby to a career. I never thought I would be given an opportunity like this. It is truly an honor and a dream come true to get selected for the IndyCar Academy.
Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.
A: I work full time for Chrysler at the Chelsea Proving Grounds, and I also go to school part time. I always start my day by exercising. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the track and spending time with my family and friends.
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: Words cannot explain how excited I was, as soon as I got off the phone I had to call home and tell my family.
Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?
A: Michael Schumacher, not only because of all he has accomplished inside of the car, but also because of what he has done outside of the car. He seems to be a good leader by motivating his team and everyone around him to give it their all. I admire his work ethic and how hard he trains preparing for the next race.