Carrera Cup and Steve Richards will giveaway two unique testing opportunities in 2012.
The winner of the Australian Formula Ford Championship will get the chance to drive Richards’ Laser Racing Carrera Cup Porsche in a post-season test.
Also, Carrera Cup will pay for that driver’s entire participation fee, if that driver elects to compete in the 2013 Carrera Cup.
The other test opportunity will be in a V8 Supercar. This year’s highest-placed Carrera Cup driver under 30-years-old will get a post-season test with Ford Performance Racing.
The test opportunities have both been initiated by Richards – a former Formula Ford champion – and were announced at this evening’s launch, streamed live on Speedcafe.com.
CLICK HERE to view Speedcafe.com’s streaming of the event.
Porsche Cars Australia motorsport manager Jamey Blaikie says that the twin test chances are something for all drivers to aspire to.
“We have seen many drivers come through the Formula Ford ranks into Carrera Cup and then eventually onto a full-time V8 Supercar career,” Blaikie explained.
“Formula Ford is a highly competitive, integral part of the motorsport landscape in Australia, with many talented young drivers among the front-runners. Carrera Cup is the natural progression for any young drivers with aspirations for V8 Supercars. Therefore, we are happy to help by waving the participation fee for the Formula Ford Champion into Carrera Cup, a contribution of $35,000, in addition to Steven Richards’ generous offer of a test in his Laser Racing Porsche.
“The test in the V8 Supercar will also provide some crucial experience behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar while showcasing their talents in front of one of Australia’s leading race teams, Ford Performance Racing.
“I’d like to thank Steven Richards for creating this initiative, generously using his ties with all three categories to aid in the progression of young racing drivers.”
Australian Formula Ford Championship chairman Rod Barrett says that Carrera Cup is the ideal platform for Formula Ford drivers to progress to.
“The prize that Steve and Porsche are offering is huge and all of the drivers in this year’s championship will be hungry to win, knowing that this is on the line,” Barrett said
“I’m thrilled to have the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia championship back in the Australian motorsport landscape because it provides a great opportunity for young drivers looking to further themselves after Formula Ford.”
CLICK HERE for more on Steven Richards’ 2012 Carrera Cup campaign.
