The Mazda Road to Indy – the most successful driver development program in the world – is now further engrained in the grassroots level of the sport following today’s announcement that Andersen Promotions has formed a partnership with MAXSpeed Group, the United States distributor of the Rotax MAX engine platform. The nationwide professional karting series – with 21 Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) divisions throughout the country – will become an Official Partner of the Mazda Road to Indy effective immediately to foster the next wave of up-and-coming drivers.

Throughout this year’s season of the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, JDC MotorSports has been focused on driver development with three very talented rookie competitors running their trademark black and blue race cars. Michael Johnson, Ryan Booth and Kyle Connery have carried the JDC banner proudly in the hard-fought championship and they have enjoyed significant development in both pace and competitiveness.

After a quick break between race weekends, all three Rising Star Racing drivers are looking forward to returning to action this weekend for the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston. The 1.7-mile temporary street circuit, set in the shadows of the NRG Arena facility, will play host to a double-header Verizon IndyCar Series race weekend.

The Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires will continue this weekend, following a month’s hiatus, at the 1.7-mile MD Anderson Cancer Center Speedway temporary circuit at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. The Allied Building Products Grand Prix of Houston Presented by Marlin CNG Services will comprise a pair of 40-minute races held in support of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston.

Continuing to lead the 2014 Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, Juncos Racing is ready to take on the second half of the season starting with Rounds 8 and 9 at the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston this weekend. All Juncos Racing drivers sit inside the top 10 in the championship standings with Spencer Pigot leading the Pro Mazda Championship.