For those familiar with driver development programs on pavement, Project28 seeks to apply a similar deal to dirt. For those not familiar with the concept, promising, typically young, drivers get driver coaching while competing in one of a program’s rides (an IMCA stock car in this case). However, unlike most development programs, Project28 does not seek a big chunk of money to participate nor does age play a factor.
“There will be no initial up-front cost to the candidates,” Project28’s Greg Osman, of Eureka, Illinois, said. “There will be a contract. Expense will depend upon wear and tear on our cars and parts needed. There will be a partnership with my race team and the individuals chosen.”
Some questioned Osman’s intentions.
“Why am I doing this?” Osman said. “After a lot of talk about tracks getting lower car counts, I realized that less people are interested in driving because of rising costs. I see drivers scaling back. I’m going to give back to the sport — the sport has given me a lot. There are talented drivers who don’t have the experience or resources to succeed. I will mentor them on everything, from how to get sponsors to how to set up their car.”
Osman’s racing experience goes back 25 years, both in DIRTcar and IMCA stock cars. He won the 2013 track championship at Lincoln Speedway in Illinois. Osman and stock car competitor Dustin Vis will provide training and technical support. The developmental drivers will race IMCA stock car events in Illinois and eastern Iowa.
For Project28 to consider a driver for its program, they must apply here. They’ll accept applications for their 2024 program until the end of July. A committee of five will vote on the candidates.
So, what kind of applicants does Project 28 seek?
“We are looking for individuals who have the drive and desire to succeed,” Osman said. “Past success is great, but it’s more than on-track that we look at. I know that there are a lot of people out there with the talent and drive, but they lack the resources to make it happen. If we can put six people in this program that will do everything they can to be successful on and off the track, I’ll consider year one of the program a success. And, if we make someone’s dream of driving a stock car a reality, that’s icing on the cake.”
Mike Adaskaveg has written hundreds of stories since the website’s inception. This year marks his 54th year of covering auto racing. Adaskaveg got his start working for track photographer Lloyd Burnham at Connecticut’s Stafford Motor Speedway in 1970. Since then, he’s been a columnist, writer, and photographer, in racing and in mainstream media, for several outlets, including the Journal Inquirer, Boston Herald, Stock Car Racing, and Speedway Illustrated. Among Adaskaveg’s many awards are the 1992 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Ace Lane Photographer of the Year and the 2019 National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) George Cunningham Writer of the Year.
