WEST HAVEN–Stock car racing’s youth movement has a new home in Rutland County, as Devil’s Bowl Speedway has announced the formation of the new Young Guns division. The new class will observe the same rules used in the track’s Mini Stock division and will offer supervised safety and driving instructions and real on-track racing experience for drivers aged 10-14.
The Young Guns division has been created after three years of research and discussion with parties in the racing industry and beyond. After receiving requests from several local families to consider a youth racing division, Devil’s Bowl Speedway owners Mike and Alayne Bruno got hands-on experience when their own son, who was 10 years old at the time, raced with a similar division in New Hampshire.
The Brunos have since worked closely with insurance regulators and Vermont government officials to create a structured program that allows young racers to compete in a safe, controlled environment. Mandatory “school” sessions will be held at the track, and all aspiring Young Guns drivers must pass safety-procedure and car-control tests before being approved for competition.
Devil’s Bowl Speedway officials took part in several hearings at the Vermont State House in Montpelier regarding lowering the legal age limit in Vermont race track pit areas to 10 years old.
A schedule of school dates and race events for the Young Guns division will be released soon. Families with questions are encouraged to contact Devil’s Bowl Speedway via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 802-265-3112.
