ZACH BEARD AND FIRST KART USA TO APPEAR AT 91ST INDIANAPOLIS 500

News From David Powers Motorsports PITTSBORO, Ind. (May 25, 2007) image_beard Homestead.jpgOn the heels of a successful outing at last weekend’s Stars of Karting event at New Castle (Ind.) Motorsports Park, second generation racer Zach Beard and his First Kart USA team will appear at storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500.

Beard and his First Kart will appear at the Indy Fan Zone display at the Speedway. First Kart’s Mike Maurini and Tony Ventresca will provide fans with a close look at Beard’s First Kart 125 cc TaG package along with information on the Stars of Karting presented by IndyCar Series. The son of champion NHRA crew chief Lee Beard, Zach, 16, is on the fast-track to success in karting. Competing in just his third season, the Avon, Ind. resident was the 2005 SIRA Yamaha Jr. Super Can Champion in his debut season. Last year, Beard finished fifth, nationally, in the Stars of Karting standings. After two races in 2007, Beard ranks third in the Stars of Karting Spec Racer division following a second-place finish on May 19. “It’s really cool to be at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway amongst many of the best drivers in the world,” Beard said. “Many of the IRL drivers got their start in go-karting. I hope the fans enjoy our display and get to learn about karting. It’s a dream of mine to some day be able to race at this track.” In his first season driving for Toronto-based First Kart North America, the Covenant Christian High School student stood atop the podium after winning at Homestead (Fla.) Karting Facility on the Florida Winter Tour. The event featured the best young racers from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and South America. First Kart recently opened a satellite shop in Brownsburg, Ind. where Beard works part-time. The elder Beard, 53, is one of the most accomplished crew chiefs in NHRA drag racing history. Having led Gary Ormsby to the 1989 NHRA Top Fuel crown, Beard also has tuned the likes of Kenny Bernstein, Cory McClenathan, Whit Bazemore and Rod Fuller to victory. The Colorado native has called the shots for winners in both the Top Fuel and Funny Car divisions. He now serves as Team Manager/Crew Chief for Pittsboro, Ind.-based David Powers Motorsports. http://www.davidpowersmotorsports.com