Long Gets Ticket to Drive in England

Patrick Long, 19, of Agoura, has signed to drive for the Van Diemen works team in the British Formula Ford Zetec Championship, choosing to bypass a $185,000 scholarship for the Barber Dodge Pro Series.

“I had to think very long and hard about this decision because the Skip Barber organization has done so much for me, but in the end I had to go with my dreams,” said Long, whose goal is to compete in Formula One.

The Formula Ford class is considered the most competitive junior racing series in the world, with an alumni list that includes the late Ayrton Senna--the winningest driver in Formula One history--Emerson Fittipaldi, a former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, and Formula One standouts David Coulthard and Jenson Button.

FUND-RAISER

* Cal State Northridge and Meeting Each Need with Dignity will hold a canned-food drive tonight when the women’s basketball team hosts San Diego.

Any person with two cans of food gets $2 off adult admission.

SOFTBALL

* Registration for the Northridge ASA league will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today and Sunday at 18747 Devonshire Street in Chatsworth.

The league, which includes four age divisions, is for girls ages 6-16. Information: (818) 360-2378 or (818) 703-8088, Ext. 105.