CHE Racing Team evaluation day participants Mia Bolton, Jaxon Fraser and Beck Connell have left Wakefield Park Raceway with massive smiles on their faces after completing laps in the team’s Mygale Formula Ford yesterday.
Each driver completed a pair of sessions in the car, while the day also included data/footage analysis and driver tuition.
All three drivers were in awe of the Formula Ford’s performance and understand why it is regarded as such an important junior development category in the Australian Motorsport landscape.
“It was incredible; it was so smooth to drive, it turned and braked really well,” Bolton said.
“The speed was amazing, especially on the straights.
“The main thing I had to get used to was changing gears; it’s an H-pattern which is different to the sequential shift I have in my Legend Car.
“I could certainly imagine myself in Formula Ford – it would take a bit of time for me to get used to, but I think it would be awesome.”
“I was expecting the car to be quite loose and tail-happy, but it was very planted on the road,” Fraser said.
“The biggest thing I noticed was the rawness of the driving experience; you feel all the sensations from the gearbox, engine, brakes and every little bump in the road.
“Cameron Hill is an awesome driver coach, the way he analysed the data with me after the first session really helped me improve during the second session.”
“I went last, so I had the advantage of seeing how Mia and Jaxon went, listening to their feedback and taking it on board,” Connell said.
“Compared to a go-kart, the biggest difference is the brake pressure. It takes a bit of time to brake hard and know it’s not going to lock up and spin out.
“I’d definitely love to race in the Australian Formula Ford Championship; I’ve watched it a lot online and been to a couple of events, it’s definitely something I’m interested in.”
Driver coach Cameron Hill was pleased with the progress of the three Formula Ford freshers.
“The reason we ran today’s event was to get some new drivers into Formula Fords and give them a taste of what it’s all about,” Hill said.
“We organised the day so all three drivers had two sessions; in between each session, we went through footage and data, which enabled them to make substantial improvements in their second sessions.
“Formula Ford is the best step for drivers on their motorsport journey. They’re difficult to drive, they reward good technique and you learn so much about car setup and mechanics – it really sets drivers up for the next stage of their career.”
