Teen Driver Goes From Spectator To Racing's Rising Star

Indy 500 Racer Takes Roger Ralston Jr. to the Fast Lane at SuperNationals XVI

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Nov 15, 2012, 10:17 ET

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ – Indy 500 driver Jay Howard has discovered a teen driver with the potential to bring home big wins for his young Team MDD (Motorsports Driver Development) program. Howard's 15-year-old protégé, Roger Ralston Jr., is quickly becoming the driver to watch as he heads to Las Vegas to compete in Superkarts! USA's (SKUSA) SuperNationals XVI. With just over a year of professional karting under his belt, Ralston Jr. has already gained attention for his abilities as a fast learner.

Picking up speed in Vegas, Ralston Jr. arrives with seven (7) MDD teammates and the team's owner, IZOD IndyCar and Indy 500 driver Jay Howard, for the sixteenth running of the race. This year marks the team's first attempt at the country's largest karting event. Ralston Jr. attended last year's race as a spectator.

"To think that, just last year, I was watching this race from the stands and now I'm one of the drivers competing, blows my mind," Ralston Jr. reminisced. "I've been training all year for this event. Testing went well and I'm hoping that translates into doing well at the race. I'm so ready to show what I can do out there."

With over 500 drivers from around the world taking part in this event, Ralston Jr. is competing with more than 100 others in his class. This pinnacle of the karting season promises big rewards for the winners. Over $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the event. Ralston Jr. is betting on a solid showing for his famous mentor's Team MDD.

"The Praga chassis is amazing and we've got a good package to challenge for the win at SuperNats," Ralston Jr. said. "We've been waiting for this all year."

SKUSA SuperNationals XVI, presented by MG Tires, takes place Nov. 14-18 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, with podium presentations on Sun. at 5 p.m. Visit www.superkartsusa.com for event information and schedules. Celebrities to look for at the race include NASCAR driver AJ Allmendinger and Indy 500 drivers Buddy Rice, Jay Howard and Phil Giebler.

About Roger Ralston Jr.:
Roger Ralston Jr. is a professional kart racing driver for IZOD IndyCar and Indianapolis 500 driver Jay Howard's Team MDD. At just 15 years old, Ralston Jr. has already garnered several top ten finishes and has landed on the podium twice, in only his first year of racing. For more information, or to view his upcoming schedule, please visit his fan page at www.facebook.com/RogerRalstonJrRacing or tweet him at @rogerralstonjr. Ralston Jr. is from Boca Raton, FL.

About Team MDD (Motorsports Driver Development):
IZOD IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 driver Jay Howard's Team MDD helps drivers transition from karting to cars. The team's goal and business model provides an unprecedented structure for conversion into the upper levels of motorsports. With over 41 years of experience, Team MDD has the tools to help young drivers reach their full potential, launching their careers to the next level. For more information on Team MDD, please contact Jay Howard at 317.731.7186, or visit the team website at http://mdd.jayhoward.com/.