Ten young drivers have enjoyed the inaugural Spectrum Racing Cars ‘Island Formula’ two-day driver development program, held at Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Drivers assembled at Borland Racing Developments’ facility in Braeside, Victoria on the opening day of the program to attend a comprehensive workshop session run by industry specialist Chris Jewell which exposed participants to the finer points of the sport including a motorsport-specific psychometric assessment. Also, appearances from current Spectrum/BRD Formula Ford driver Shae Davies and Ford Performance Racing’s Chaz Mostert added a driver’s insight to the program.
Soon after, the 10 participants headed to Phillip Island to sample the Duratec-powered Formula Fords, prepared by leading teams Borland Racing Developments and Synergy Motorsport.
Drivers were faced with changeable weather conditions all day – and to the credit of the ten participants, including some who were sampling a racing car for the first time – all followed instructions set by their designated engineers and completed their on-track sessions without incident.
The program was regarded as a success by Borland Racing Developments and its sales and marketing agency Velocity Management Group, while drivers were equally in praise of the event.
15-year old Joey Mawson, fresh from an outstanding second place in the Junior Max class at last weekend’s Rotax World Finals in Abu Dhabi, thoroughly enjoyed the experience offered by Spectrum Racing Cars.
“Island Formula was by far and away the best experience I have had now in a Formula Ford,” Mawson said.
“Phillip Island is just an awesome circuit too, it was really challenging in the rain but once the track dried out at the end of the day, I got into a good rhythm and had a lot of fun.
The workshop was very valuable as well because while driving is one thing, learning things like sponsorship, public relations, understanding data and the mental side of racing is extremely important if I want to reach my career goal of Formula 1.”
New Zealander Mark Gibson, 19, travelled to Island Formula from Taupo with his older brother Rob, was very impressed after his first drive of a Formula Ford.
“That was awesome. These are just real racing cars!” Gibson said.
“Compared to the Suzuki Swift Series car I race in New Zealand, these are so responsive and satisfying to drive. It was great working with the engineers and looking at the data of my laps overlayed with the regular driver Daniel Erickson to learn where I was quick and where I can develop. I just want to find that extra time now …”
