IMCA will crown its first junior national champion in 2020, as drivers between the ages of 13 and 18 in all eight IMCA divisions are now able to compete for the title, with point standings to be based on the best 20 finishes in their first 40 starts.

The junior national champion will be given the same accolades as national champions during the IMCA awards banquet in November. The junior champion will also receive a trophy, ring, and jacket. Each of the top 10 drivers in the point standings will also receive $500 scholarships, applicable toward post-high school education.

Scholarship funds will be paid when drivers register for their first year of higher education. For some junior drivers, individual scholarship funds may accumulate over multiple seasons and be paid out at one time.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a while. This is a good time to get the junior national champion and scholarship fund established,” IMCA President Brett Root said. “It’s our way of helping build the sport and rewarding the participation of our youngest competitors.

“They’ll be able to race for their own national championship and earn money to help pay for their post-secondary education,” he added. “Scholarships will not be based on a certain program or field of study. We see so many different occupations represented by our current membership that we don’t want to place any limits on scholarship recipients.”

To be eligible for the junior national championship, drivers must turn 14 by Aug. 31 and must not turn 19 before May 31. No points will be awarded to non-IMCA members or to any driver that has not submitted a correct minor release form. Points will also not be awarded retroactively.

More details will be announced at a later date.

For more information, visit imca.com.