Kiwi Formula Ford Stars Set to Line Up in Melbourne

The young hard chargers of Kiwi motor racing could not have picked a better venue for their Aussie debut than at the first round of the FIA World Formula 1 Championship – the ING Australian Grand Prix.

As most of the current Formula 1 stars competed in Formula Ford in the early stages of their careers, there will be considerable interest in the 29 car line up entered for the two 8 lap races on the programme. Although none of the Kiwi contingent has competed at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit, they are still expected to challenge for race wins considering their superb performances over the past two seasons.

Heading the Kiwi charge will be the 17 year old newly crowned NZ Formula Ford Champ Richie Stanaway (Tauranga) who took out the title on his debut Championship season. Stanaway will be driving for the highly rated BRM Motorsport outfit in a Mygale S109A. His 18 year old NZ team mate, Martin Short (Hamilton) who finished 8th in the local Series will team up with TSR Racing in a Mygale S107A and is expected to show some of the class he displayed over the summer racing campaign.

Returning to Formula Ford racing after a year’s absence will be Auckland’s Andrew Waite who was runner up in the 2007 Championship and 3rd overall in 2008. Recognised as a mature and calculating driver, Waite will be driving a Spectrum 011 under the umbrella of Minda Motorsport. Andrew also hopes to secure a full time drive for the full Australian Championship.

Without question, 14 year old sensation Mitch Evans (Auckland) will capture major attention as he will be the youngest driver ever to start a Championship motor race in Australia following the lowering of the age limit from 16 years earlier this year. Having already hit the record books as the youngest Formula Ford race winner worldwide, Evans was 2nd overall in the NZ Championship and will be joining top outfit Sonic Motor Racing Services. Piloting a Mygale S107A, he has already confirmed his intention to contest the full Australian Formula Ford Championship.

The weekend activities will see the Formula Fords practice and qualifying on Thursday (March 26th) with an 8 lap race being held on both Saturday (28th) and Sunday (29th).