AIDAN READ

Formula Ford Test 23/1/14

My first test in a Formula Ford helped me gain a lot of experience which I will build upon in the upcoming racing season. Learning the more advanced techniques associated with a vehicle in the higher levels of motorsport were invaluable and will no doubt help me improve many areas of my driving. Thanks to  Fastlane Racing, I had a Van Diemen Formula Ford with a Kent motor set for me to use in the testing session.

First things first, I practiced my "heel and toe" rev matching technique for downshifts using the "dog" gearbox, then a sighting lap with Brett Lupton in a road car. Brett pointed out the slightly different racing lines and car placement needed for the extra power and grip available as well as gear selection points which I needed to adapt to. There were many subtle changes to a Vee driving style needed to make the most out of the 110hp Formula Ford.

During the first run, my aim was to familiarize myself with car, and the new driving techniques. Feedback given to me after the 10 laps was to push braking zones further and roll further into the corner before picking up the throttle. After the first session, I was ready to have the rev limiter disconnected and begin to push harder and experience the limits of the car.

The second run was successful, lap times dropped around 2 seconds and every lap I felt more comfortable in the car. After working on the changes recommended by Brett, my goal for the final run was to continue to push on and go for consistent and faster laptimes.

The final 10 laps of the 30 lap test really flew by quickly, I again improved times by 2 seconds and felt really pleased with the laps I put in and the experience I gained. Visit the Media Page for some on board video of a few laps of this final session

A huge thanks to the WASCC, for giving me this opportunity to learn and to improve my driving, to Fastlane Racing for the car and Brett Lupton for the tuition. I really enjoyed this experience and feel I have gained skills that will no doubt prove valuable this upcoming Formula Vee season.

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