Kiwi youngster Nick Cassidy has secured a drive with Fortec Motorsport in the 2012 Formula Renault Eurocup Series.
The news comes within a fortnight of Cassidy winning both the 2011/12 Toyota Racing Series and 2012 New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfield.
Cassidy tested with Fortec in October last year as a prize for winning the Rookie of the Year award in the 2010/11 Toyota Racing Series.
The 17-year-old completed the final two rounds of the 2011 V8 Supercars Development Series (now Dunlop Series) with Greg Murphy Racing, but says his goal has always been to race in Europe.
“I’ve been working towards racing in Europe from the moment I started karting, so to have this opportunity to race with Fortec is still hard to believe,” said Cassidy.
“Racing in the Eurocup is the first step in pursuing my ultimate objective. I’m under no illusions as to how hard it will be and how much work has to be done, but I’m determined to make the most of this great chance,” he said.
“I believe that if I adopt the same mature and measured approach I can be successful in this European championship.”
The Formula Renault Eurocup is a seven round series that supports the Formula Renault 3.5 category.
Former winners of the series include Kamui Kobayashi (2005), Scott Speed (2004) and Felipe Massa (2000).
