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. Here is our fourth installment the contenders for this exciting new program.

Meet the 2012 Skip Barber IndyCar Academy Finalists, Part 4:

Joshua Lenhard
Age: 25
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Occupation: Single Father/ Data Entry/ Student

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: A lot longer than I can remember. I remember playing with Hot Wheels as a kid, my Grandfather painted a Barbie Corvette Powerwheel for Christmas when I was five because I asked Santa for a gold race car. I never got a chance to race anything as a kid until Gran Turismo came out for the Playstation. I played racing games before but that was the first racing sim. And with that I wanted to race for real, and I always asked to go to the go kart track. I have been looking every legal way to race ever since.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: I truly believe I can if I can get a help in the right direction. I have held my own against IndyCar pros and Indy Lights drivers in a charity race in Vegas before the Indy race last year. I was asked if I wanted to watch by the owner of the company. Before the race began however an announcement was made that if anybody wanted to race the track to practice. Not missing an opportunity to race I asked to join in. The track was new to me, they reconfigured the layout the week before. As you race you can catch a glimpse of the leaderboard, and I noticed that I was a second faster to the next guy on a 27-second lap track.

After the race I went to sit back down with my (now 2nd ex) wife and a gentleman walked up to me. He asked me whose team I was on. I told him that I wasn't, at that point he told me I was now on his team.

This gentleman was Bobby Rahal and the person I beat on the track. I was placed as the lead driver and started mid pack among the pro drivers after qualifying. The race was set up as a Le Mans style endurance race. The Karts would last around 12 to 14 laps with the race lasting 50 laps. Every 10 laps the driver would come in and switch drivers and karts for the next stint. After my first stint I moved from 7th to 4th, and by my next stint, our team was in 3rd. I come out of the pits with 10 laps left and 1 second behind 2nd place Josef Newgarden on the track. I catch up and make my pass with 7 laps left and eye 1st place Esteban Guerrieri who is about 1 second ahead. With each lap I got closer to the point at which I was right behind him. However with 4 laps left my kart died and barely made it back to the pits. The team ended up finishing 5th.

However the experience was something that I will never forget and I want to have that feeling every week.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: Well to understand my everyday life I want to first want to tell my past.

I am a former U.S. Army Special Operation Machinist. My job was basically engineering and manufacturing of aircraft tools and modifications. I was hurt from an Airborne jump and that kept me from doing some of the things the Army wanted me to so I was honorably discharged. This is where wife number one became ex-wife one.

I worked as a production manager for a company making furniture for casinos, which honestly I hated, but mostly because of the company I worked for. In that time I met my 2nd wife. Now I don't want to go through all the details, but basically it brings me to now.

I'm a single father who lives with my parents in Sedona, Ariz. I work for a radiology clinic currently converting medical files into a digital system. I am planning to going to NAU for computer science, with a minor in physics. I was planning on Mechanical Engineering when I left the Army in 2009 because it was very similar what I was doing when I was in. Well life got in the way a bit as you can tell.

Now I just want to make a good life for my son, Drake. He has the same racing bug I did, but the difference is that unlike my parents when I was a kid, I want him to race. My parents never cared about racing or cars even until I left for the Army. I may only be 25 years-old but, I have more life experiences than most my age. With life experience come more maturity and respect. And the life I had in the Army adds to experiences that I've grown from.

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: Excitement, I can't wait to go, I just worry about doing well enough to keep my dream alive.

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for 1 day, who would it be and why?

A: I wouldn't mind being Sebastian Vettel, that man has a lot of talent..

Justin Finkle
Age: 30
Hometown: Delmar, New York
Occupation: Gemologist

 Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: As a toddler I would build race car tracks with my wood blocks and race my matchbox cars on the blocks. In third grade we did a class play. Each student was asked to pick their future career as an adult, dress like that person, and talk about that career. Most of my peers went with lawyer, doctor, teacher, I chose race car driver. The day of the play I dressed in my dad's motorcycle wet suit and helmet. I would have to say it started then.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: Somewhat. I participated in the 3-day class for one reason, the opportunity to make it to the top 33 and compete for the number one spot. I participated in a few Driver Education events at Watkins Glen with my dad when I was 18 and 19. I did pretty well and realized I had some talent. Then as a 20 something I participated in the 3 day and 2 day advanced classes at LimeRock. In the open track sessions for both classes I was never passed, I actually remember lapping people. I really wanted to race in the Skip Barber series but at the time I couldn't. I've regretted it for 10 years and when I saw the Indy Car Academy advertisement I took the opportunity as my one shot to prove it to myself.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: I work for my family's business. It is a very small business my grandfather started over 75 years ago. Both my father and mother work with me. I went to college for something completely different but ended up following in my grandfather and father's footsteps. What they say about working with your family is true, it's tough.

I have a sister who is a lawyer with a large firm in London. She is two years younger and the brain of the family having graduated from both Cornell and Columbia Law.

I'm engaged to be married this summer to an amazing woman who is a school psychologist. She is the main reason I participated in the 3 day. She knew I could do it. She is my rock. We have two dogs, pit bulls. Everyone always makes a face or has a comment when you tell them you have pit bulls, but they've just never had the chance to love one. We've had one since he was a puppy and the female we rescued from a bad situation. They are the center of our world and we devote most of our free time to them.

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: For some reason, Skip Barber has my parent's home phone number listed under my name. I haven't lived there in a while. I was actually at work and my mom called and told me to listen to this message on their answering machine. At that moment the competition was the last thing on my mind. When I heard my instructor's voice, I knew immediately I was in. I was excited but my first thought was, "Crap, I hope I make the top 33."

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for 1 day, who would it be and why?

A: Tough question. To be honest I can't decide. I like a driver who doesn't conform and drives like he or she wants to. Someone who doesn't take anyone's crap on or off the track. I also admire a driver that can race in all types of cars and situations, open wheel, sport, nascar, rally. I know everyone always knocks NASCAR but living in upstate New York I always enjoy watching the NASCAR guys race at Watkins Glen. The finish Marcos Ambrose had this year at the Glen was awesome.

Mac Wolff
Age: 23
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Occupation: New Home Sales

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: Pretty early, probably when I was about 10. I went to the racetrack with my dad a lot and loved the smells and the noises and the people that make up a racing atmosphere. I loved and continue to love how when you are at a race track it is almost like the rest of the world doesn't really exist. It feels like its own self-sustaining world.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: I know that it's very difficult to go pro in racing. It's one of the few sports that talent doesn't guarantee success. So no know I didn't think I would have a chance like this.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: Well I just recently graduated from Texas A&M University and I now live with my parents while I work my first real world job and save some money for things like racing. I work as a Sales Associate at a home builder in Katy Texas, so I interact with people a lot and try to help them through the experience of building a home. I miss college as I'm sure many do, and I go back occasionally because many of my friends are still there but I'm also trying to get my life started in Houston. My family is great and very supportive, and my sister still attends Texas A&M.

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 excited but hesitant because I wasn't sure how legit the program really was because I hadn't heard about it before – obviously, since its new – and there wasn't much information out there. As the process has gone on and I have gotten a rep with Skip Barber and the promotional info has emerged I have become very excited and pumped to compete against some of the best young drivers in the country.

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

A: I think right now it would be Brad Keselowski for a few reasons. First I respect a complete driver, someone who can compete and win on oval and road tracks. Secondly, he doesn't take crap from anybody. Thirdly, he understands what racing is about. His second-place finish at Watkins Glen this year is the best example. Ambrose and himself battled extremely hard the last few laps with lots of contact and he lost, but after the race all he could talk about was how much fun he had and apparently he went and talked to Ambrose about it too. We race because it's a blast and he gets that.

Matthew DonMoyer
Age: 24
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Occupation: Field Engineer

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: When I was 4 years old, when I received my first dirt bike – ever since my first ride, I have wanted to continue with racing. The first car race I attended was the Grand Prix of Denver, in 1991 when I was 3. My father, Mike DonMoyer helped further my desire to race by purchasing my first car, a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray which we restored when I was 15. Through the years I have practiced racing with both my dirt bikes and Corvette. I have not only been the driver but also the mechanic learning about repairs, preparation and setup.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: Yes, I have always thought I would. I have worked hard to improve my skills both on and off the track. Also, I have strived to elevate myself on all levels of the champions pyramid including; physical and mental skills, communication skills, technical skills as well as my desire and commitment to racing. My competitive spirit and love for motorsports has always led me to believe I could go pro. Another reason is greatly due to my support network. My family has always supported me in my pursuit of racing. They have always been there to help and encourage me at every level as I continued to grow in my pursuit of motorsports.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: My everyday life is full of excitement as no day is ever the same. I am currently living in Las Vegas with my fiancée and 3 dogs. My day job is a Field Engineer with a major construction company. My 13-hour work day begins at 3:30 a.m. and continues until 4:30 p.m. For my job I must collaborate with a variety of coworkers, management and interface with different company and client representatives. My day to day tasks include managing schedules, costs, quality and engineering issues. I come home to a loving fiancée and 3 crazily excited dachshunds where I work to assist my fiancée with her own personal business.

Following this I have dedicated the rest of my night to both working out and training on the IRacing simulator. Due to my move from Colorado to Nevada for my job I don't see the rest of my family every day but we are always in close contact with one another. I graduated from Colorado State University in Construction Management in December of 2010. I love to race, ski, snowboard, motorcycle and golf.

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: Excitement. I would have the chance to prove to myself and my peers that all my hard work and determination will allow me to compete and be successful in the Indycar Academy and future racing endeavors.

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

A: Johnny O'Connell. I would want to be him because he is a great racecar driver who is able to drive any type of car successfully. He won rookie of year in the Formula Atlantic series, he is also a 2 time GTS champion, has the most wins at Sebring and is a 3 time winner at 24 Hours of Le Mans. Another reason would be that Johnny is a very smart racecar driver who knows when and where to push the car and when to execute patience. Also, Johnny O'Connell hasn't lost the fun and joy of racing as demonstrated in his interviews. He is the complete racecar driver that has natural talent and a hard work ethic which has led to his many accomplishments.

Matthew Ivanhoe
Age: 25
Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut
Occupation: Internet Entrepreneur

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: Birth.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: Go pro racing? I figured that with enough money/time, anything is possible.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: My job is quite intense, and requires an ability to focus intensely on a number of different things simultaneously. I am the founder and CEO of Automonious.com, which helps people find his or her automotive soulmate by assessing his or her budget, usage needs, and personality. I am personally responsible for the matching algorithm that makes the site possible. In addition to that, I am a classic car manager for high net worth individuals, a trader of rare, vintage, collectible wristwatches, and act as a business consultant and board member for three other startups. I graduated from NYU in 2010; some of these ventures were already in progress years prior to graduation, however, the main focus of my life (Automonious) began after graduation. In addition to that, I have two wonderful, intelligent, hardworking and supportive parents, a younger sister who qualifies as the same, and I am close with all of them, as well as extended family; they are all extremely supportive of my automotive passions, and have believed that this was a possibility before I did. As you can see, working hard, remaining dedicated, achievement, and success are things that I live.

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: Shock and excitement; however, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that I was told in no uncertain terms that I was entered into the shootout, not that I was in the running to be entered into the shootout.

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

A: Difficult question to answer, because many of the drivers whom I truly idolize died too young – Mark Donohue, Senna, Colin McRae. That said, if I had to have been any driver who didn't die in his prime, it would probably be Walter Rohrl. In my opinion, in terms of sheer driving skill and car control, WRC drivers are the tops, and why not be the one who was the best of the best, who got to drive the baddest WRC cars of all time (Group B), and who gets to develop and race Porsches in retirement, and gets paid really well for it?

 

Matthew Wilkes
Age: 21
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Occupation: Student

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

AI have wanted to race since I can remember, but never had a way to do it besides video games. When I was 13 I started to ride dirt bikes which eventually led to me racing motocross for about 6 years. I started looking into formula car racing with skip barber after my uncle suggested I go to racing school. I probably annoy most of the people around me with my constant ramblings about racing, I almost never shut up about it! I'd say I have been really passionate about racing for the past 6 or so years now, I've put myself in the hospital many times riding dirt bikes and have to give credit to my mother for putting up with it and paying for me along the way. So thanks Ma, but this probably won't stop any time soon.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: I never thought I'd have an actual shot at being a professional racer since I was never the best at motocross and didn't see a way to get into auto racing in an affordable manner. I did not stop chasing the dream, though, and when the Skip Barber Indy Car Academy e-mail came across my inbox, I knew I had to try. I called Skip Barber the next day to sign up for a 3 day at Lime Rock Park and the rest is history.

I have always been the less than talented athlete with the most heart, but I guess according to these guys I am a decent driver! I am glad I never gave up on perusing this dream and don't plan to stop anytime soon. Other than that I am always pestering my uncle, Stan Wattles, who was an IndyCar driver about how to get into the sport. He's always offering good solid advice that keeps my excitement in check while offering solutions to sate my craving for racing, without his advice I may have never even tried to get into Formula Racing!

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: I am a full time student at Clemson University, where I major in Economics and I am also a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. I visit my family pretty often back in North Carolina when I can and will be looking for an internship this summer. When I am not busy with school related activities I am frequently in the gym, I enjoy weight training and martial arts, and video games when I have the time. During the summers I tend to spend my time going out on the lake or riding/racing dirt bikes, though last summer was filled with adventures to the different race schools I was attending through Skip Barber.

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 definitely excited, to say the least. My first thought was how I would prepare for it and what I could do to make the most of the opportunity. But that quickly turned to raw excitement when I realized it would just mean me being back in the car again.

Q: If you could be any pro racecar driver in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

A: I would probably choose Sebastian Vettel, other than his incredible ability behind the wheel, he seems to have a very intelligent head on his shoulders which is important to me. Of course, he also has my dream job of being a Formula 1 driver as well! Another driver that comes to mind would be Travis Pastrana, since he seems to get into every motorsport out there.

Max Hanratty
Age: 19
Hometown: Hartland, Wisconsin
Occupation: Student, Intern

Q: When did your passion for racing begin?

A: When I was a little kid going to IRL races. I remember being in the pits, seeing all the drivers and their cars. I thought it was the coolest thing and I immediately knew that is what I wanted to do.

Q: Did you ever think you would have the chance to go pro?

A: When I was little It was always a dream of mine, but as I got older that dream started to fade away further and further until I was given the opportunity to do the Skip Barber 3-day racing school. The Road To Indy program really gave me some hope that maybe this is something that could become a reality.

Q: Describe your everyday life: job, school, family.

A: I work a 9-5 Job as a sales and marketing intern at a internet security company called SynerComm that is based out of Brookfield, Wis. I am doing a lot of learning there and also some handy work around the office. I will be a Freshmen next year at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and will be studying marketing with some IT work in there. My family has always liked racing and are supporting me 100% as I try and pursue a career in racing. I also like to spend my time on iracing.com using the Skip Barber Formula 2000 car in order to better work on my driving lines and getting to know the courses in the Skip Barber Race Series.

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 was an unbelievable feeling. When I first heard of the news I was over excited and immediately called my mom and dad (My biggest supporters) to tell them the news. It was the first thing that really boosted my confidence and made me realize that I might realistically have a shot at the road to Indy.

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 Alex Tagliani. I was fortunate enough to meet him and speak with him briefly about racing and his career. He taught me some valuable lessons on how you need to over deliver in everything you do for the sponsors. It is a crucial part to making it big. He seemed to be a good well-rounded guy who loves what he does and works hard to make sure he can keep doing it. He is a very talented racer and I think there will be many big things to come for him in the future.