Whilst technically my second time in a Duratec (the first being a short session in the ex-Callum MacLeod Mygale at Silverstone in 2007), it was my first full day and also the first time in dry conditions.

The most interesting differences between a newer Duratec Formula Ford and the Kent-engined cars I am familiar with is the different driving style required and greater physical demands that the substantially faster cars place on the driver (braking at almost 150mph for the Esses at Snetterton).

The sticky slick tyres give more mechanical grip, as do the newer and stiffer chassis but with around 55 more horse power they require a driving style more similar to an aero car than a Kent Formula Ford. Essentially this means a different style of throttle application and initial corner phase.

The cars are also much more physically demanding than a Kent and place more emphasis on forearm and upper body strength than I am used to. The Mygale in particular has a reputation for this as its mono-shock front end insists on substantially more front caster and in turn, this produces a far heavier steering wheel.

Ultimately, if we were to race in the championship this weekend and we were able to use a new set of tyres and brake pads, I would expect to qualify somewhere around the top ten. In such a competitive championship and after the first day, I am more than happy with that.

Once again, I would like to thank Linton Stutely and Tom Farquhar of Enigma Motorsport for the opportunity and wish them all the best for the remainder of the year.

Related posts:

1. British Formula Ford Sampler Day (Video)
2. Formula Ford: Snetterton Testing 13/03/2009
3. Formula Ford: Snetterton Review

Related posts:

1. Weekly Training Journal: 16/01/09
2. Weekly Training Journal: 23/01/09
3. Weekly Training Journal: 06/02/09

The programme is headed by sports car driver David Brabham (son of three-times World Champion Jack Brabham) and aims to develop drivers with the skills they need to progress throughout their careers,  such as physical training, mind coaching, career management, sponsorship generation, promotion and media presentation.

A second tier to the programme was added for 2008 and the MSA British Race Academy give six other drivers access to similar facilities but whom are at earlier stages of their careers (this arguably, is more appropriate to me). The chosen Academy drivers were Jack Clarke (finishing 4th in Formula Palmer Audi), James Cole (finishing 10th in British Formula Ford),  Ollie Millroy (finishing 21st in Formula BMW Europe) and Rupert Svendsen-Cook (finishing 13th in Formula BMW Europe).

In the name of transparency, I thought this year that I would post my MSA British Race Elite application online (well in advance of the 28/02 deadline).

I would like to think my application will be considered with optimism. In 2008, I didn’t really have much of a confirmed racing calendar, however this year is different. What’s more, I’d like to think that there are not many drivers applying who have won a national single seater championship, been Autosport Number 1 Club Driver of the Year and were part of major university’s Sports Bursary scheme for three years.

The Application

Personal Information

Name, Date of Birth, MSA License Number.

Statistics

Height: 179cm
Weight: 68kg
Do you smoke? No
Do you drink? No

Achievements

Academic Qualifications

University of Essex (2005-2008)
BSc Computer Science (First class)
2005, 2006 and 2007 University of Essex Sports Bursary Student

Colchester Institute (2003-2005)
BTEC National Diploma IT Practitioner

Gilberd School, Colchester (1998-2003)
GCSEs ommitted.

Racing Achievements

2007 Autosport Number One Club Driver of the Year
2007 UK Formula Vee Champion:

Formula Ford 1600 Festival:

Teams Driven For

• UK Formula Vee: AHS, GAC and Mark Dunham Racing
• British Formula Ford: Remita Racing
• Porsche 996 GT3 (Testing): Team Park Racing / Quaife / Racecar Engineering
• Formula Palmer Audi

Committed 2009 racing programme

• National Formula Ford 1600 Championship
• Midland South Formula Ford 1600 Championship
• Trophy Events:
  • BRDC Golden Helmet (Knockhill)
  • Castle Combe Carnival
  • Formula Ford 1600 Festival
  • Walter Hayes Trophy

Your Ambitions

I believe I have demonstrated my potential and I am keen now to prove myself against other talented drivers in more high profile series. I am sure that given the opportunity I could win at the highest level in single-seaters, touring cars or sports cars. In addition to this, I believe I work harder than any of young racing driver in the country both in order to fund my racing and in preparing myself physically for the year ahead.

Formula Vee has spawned champions at the highest levels before and I have prepared an appendix demonstrating how competitive Vee really is today. The data also demonstrates how successful I was in 2007 and why I believe I deserve the opportunity to take part in the MSA Race Elite scheme.

Related posts:

1. MSA announces new addition to its elite programme
2. 2009 Dunlop Race Academy – Good News for British Motorsport
3. Racing Steps Foundation: 2008 season review

Related posts:

1. Weekly Training Journal: 16/01/09
2. Weekly Training Journal: 30/01/2009
3. Weekly Training Journal: 06/02/09

Related posts:

1. Weekly Training Journal: 06/02/09
2. Weekly Training Journal: 23/01/09
3. Weekly Training Journal: 30/01/2009