What can powerboat racing do to attract a stronger youth driver base in the larger classes

This weekend saw the opening rounds of NHRA, ARCA and NASCAR where there is definitely a youth movement afoot. NASCAR is looking at an extremely young field while NHRA and ACRA also have a very strong field of young women and men starting to enter the ranks. Despite what many old farts might post on social media stating young people would rather play on their smartphones etc, it would appear that the old myth is quickly being debunked as a strong field of teenagers is entering the world of professional Motorsports across all series. So what excuse will powerboat racing enthusiast use now?

http://www.recordonline.com/sports/20180210/nascars-focus-turns-to-young-drivers

Hailie Deegan, now 16, has long deflated egos in the male-dominated racing world. In this particular instance, she’s referring to when she leveled up to driving modified karts back in 2014, becoming the first female driver to podium and, later, win a race — all during her first season in the division. “Next thing you know, I’m the one to beat,” she adds matter-of-factly.

Deegan is preparing to level up yet again, this time to stock car racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. On Sunday, when she makes her series debut at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway, she’ll be the only female driver competing in a field of 29.

Hailie Deegan makes me want to watch NASCAR…and she’s 16. She was generous enough to basically teach me how her sport works so I could write about what an incredible talent she is: https://t.co/cj6PvWN0lK

— Natalie Weiner (@natalieweiner) February 9, 2018

PR: Leah drops a hole on the final qualifying run and slows to a 3.81. The @OfficialMOPAR team is qualified 4th and will race Scott Palmer in the opening round of the #Winternats pic.twitter.com/LwWsShiwuY

— Leah Pruett (@LeahPruett_TF) February 11, 2018

Photo shoot on track yesterday with my teammates @JFR_Racing @BrittanyForce & @roberthight7000 Always fun with Dad around! 📸 Almost time to go racing!! 🏎🏁 @rebilasphoto @AdvanceAuto @peakauto pic.twitter.com/YF136u9bsn

— Courtney Force (@courtneyforce) February 8, 2018

Top Fuel champ @BrittanyForce signs autographs for fans at @MonsterEnergy pits before @nhra @AAASoCal Winternationals Q4 pic.twitter.com/DAtape5BQ3

— John Force Racing (@JFR_Racing) February 10, 2018

NASCAR young gun Bubba Wallace is really good at interviews.

Proof: https://t.co/qq0k1UTKfp

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 11, 2018

Teammates @NatalieRacing @LeilaniMunter Looking to make History at Daytona

Read More>> https://t.co/65v9GSCcs0 pic.twitter.com/nfuBXqFozc

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) January 25, 2018

First time at Daytona and we got 5th ❤️ thank you everyone pic.twitter.com/3dS09tlfMS

— Natalie Decker (@NatalieRacing) February 11, 2018

2 days ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ju5FoH1p8y

— Natalie Decker (@NatalieRacing) February 8, 2018

Natalie Decker Ready to Take Flight; Daytona Debut

@DISupdates Preview 👉 https://t.co/HfBXZOXTE8 @ToyotaRacing pic.twitter.com/8SQW7BfZS4

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) February 7, 2018