RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

James Tucker raced at the super fast Norfolk circuit, Snetterton, this windy August Bank Holiday weekend.

The young Burntwood racing driver gained 7th place in Qualifying, making him the fastest rookie driver on the track.

The first race came, as did the rain, after a dry qualifying session, this made the first few laps a leap into the unknown with no previous practice in full wet conditions around the track. Despite this James managed to hold onto his position over the first few laps, over the more experienced drivers, getting faster every lap. Half way through the race, the gap to the lead group started to close enabling James to dive around the outside, of the pole sitter, into the Esses chicane, the fastest part of the circuit, on the brakes to take 6th place. However the move halted his progress as it caused a gap to the next car.

Race 2 and straight from the off James was stuck in a 10 way battle for the lead but as the race got further in frustrations grew, coming to a climax on lap 3 where, Josh Hill, son of 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, went for a desperate move into the second part of the Esses chicane, hitting James’ wheel. This threw Hill up into the air, breaking his suspension and putting him out of the race, the impact also bent James’ rear suspension, leaving him to struggle with a badly handling car. James struggled round for the next 4 laps only dropping one place until he was hit by another bit of bad luck, he picked up a puncture from the debris left from the incident. This forced a pit stop, something that does not normally happen in Formula Ford, this being the first one of the year, for a tyre change. James finished the race in last position due to the puncture, put managed to set 5th fastest lap on his spare tyre and bent suspension.

James said, “The weekend was looking so good from qualifying and practice, even in race 1 it was still going well. Unfortunately bad luck hit in race 2, but that’s racings ‘ups and downs’. I am still very happy with my pace in race 2 despite everything being against me and I am now looking forward to the race next weekend at Brands Hatch.”

James Tucker raced this mixed August weekend in Formula Ford at, the countries premier track, Silverstone, in Northampton.

The young Burntwood racing driver proved his pace in damp and wet conditions in practice being one of the fastest. James drove superbly to take a 6^th, a 7^th and a 10^th place. He fought his way through the field of experienced drivers, in their second or third years, to prove himself a contender for race wins in the world prestigious, Dunlop MSA Formula Ford of Great Britain Championship.

Race 1 was perfect condition for James, with the whole field starting the race on slicks, but the track being damp. James quickly fired through the field from 9^th on the grid to 3^rd, unfortunate the wet patches, that enabled James to move so quickly through the field, caught him out forcing him back down to 6^th.

Race 2 was a tricky race with a long safety car period taking up more than half of the race, not allowing James to get into his usual rhythm. This left him in 10^th place at the finish line.

Race 3 was a tight and close battle all the way through the field, with the front pack stretching from 2^nd to 8^th place. However with the erratic driving in front of him, James was not able to move further forward than 7^th place, however many of the drivers in front of him are still under stewards investigation, awaiting video footage.

James said, “The weekend was great with a huge step forward in race pace. Race 1 was perfect conditions for me and I feel I did not capitalise on that fully. But having said that I am happy with my results, although not satisfied.”

James Tucker is enrolled on the MSA’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme, marking him down as one of the UK’s most promising drivers aged 16-24.

James Tucker welcomes you all to find out more on his website, www.jamesjtucker.co.uk

Photo: Nick Brickett

After some time away from the track due to moving teams, racing driver Philippe Layac was back in action over the weekend (14/15th August). Joining the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, Philippe headed to Silverstone to take his place on the grid for the trio of races.

As the weekend got underway, Philippe took to the track in his new Antel Motorsport run single-seater, eager to show what he could do. Qualifying on Saturday kicked off the action, and after sampling the Grand Prix layout, the Rickmansworth-based racer recorded a respectable starting grid position for each of the three races.

Showers during the day meant the first race of the weekend would start as a wet outing, however as the race progressed the track soon started to dry. This caused problems up and down the field, with other drivers choosing to run with either wet or dry weather tyres. Coming to terms with the unpredictable conditions, things out on track became somewhat difficult for Philippe, however he persevered and powered through to seventh place at the chequered flag.

The second race of the day was dry and sunny, and after a challenging outing the previous day, Philippe was keen to get back out on track to make amends. A stronger starting position gave Philippe the advantage he needed, and after enjoying a fierce battle with those around him, chaos soon struck the Antel Motorsport pedaller.

Just four laps into the race Philippe was subjected to a collision with two of his rivals, when he was spun around inadvertently. With damage to his Formula Ford he was unable to rejoin the race, with his race ending immediately.

Before long it was time for the final race of the day, and after some attention to his car Philippe was back and ready for another battle. After starting 16th, Philippe was in the thick of the action for the duration of the race, overcoming another brief safety car period to hold off advances from his rivals.

After another 18 minutes of track time Philippe swept passed the chequered flag to take another strong finish for his new team. Commenting on his weekend with mixed reactions, Philippe said: “It’s been a good weekend in some ways. We were able to try quite a few new things on the car, and with it all being so new to us we’ve been able to learn a fair bit.

“We were unlucky in the first two races and have had a few issues over the weekend, but we’ve got to take the positives from it. It was good to get some track time behind us,” he added.

The Bank Holiday weekend will see the Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain make the trip to Snetterton, Norfolk for rounds 16 and 17 of the championship. Looking ahead to the next round Philippe said: “We’re optimistic about Snetterton. I’m looking forward to it, it’s an easier track. Plus we are testing there on Friday before hand so we will be able to get a better idea of how we will run there before we race, which will be useful.”

Report: Leanny Fahy, The Racewire
Photography: Jonathan Hatfield

One month after racing at the Rockingham Motor Speedway, the weekend of 14-15th August saw Thirsk-based Luke Williams back out on track, as the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain made its annual visit to Silverstone.

Determined to regain control of the Scholarship Class of the championship, Luke was geared up for a strong outing, with a goal of gaining enough points to enhance his title charge.

As the weekend kicked off, Luke found himself on the back foot slightly, when he was forced to miss the pre-weekend test session, as he aimed to preserve his car for the weekend ahead. Qualifying gave the 18 year old three strong starting positions, with pole position in class for two of the three races.

After rain earlier in the day on Saturday, race one began as a wet race. However as the shower had ceased, confusion reigned as the field struggled to make the right decision on which tyres to use.

Using his knowledge and skill, Luke opted for slick tyres, with the thought that the track would dry as the race progressed. Within a number of laps Luke’s decision was proven to be the right choice, as the track started to dry, giving the youngster the edge he needed.

After 18 minutes the chequered flag swept passed the winner, crowning Luke as Scholarship Class victor. “We made the right choice with our tyres before the race, which was a really good decision,” said Luke. “It was great to get another class win and it’s obviously great for the championship,” he added.

As Sunday arrived so did the second and third races of the weekend. Dry weather and sunshine was a welcome sight, as Luke looked for further success around the well-known venue. After a good start the Yorkshire youngster’s progress was soon haltered, when a collision elsewhere on circuit caused the safety car to be deployed.

While the stricken cars were recovered the timer ticked downwards, resulting in a one lap dash to the flag as the safety car returned to the pit lane. Despite enjoying just three racing laps in total due to the drama, Luke again showed what he’s capable of, storming to yet another class victory.

Unfortunately the third race of the weekend didn’t quite go to plan for the Juno pilot, when a problem on the opening lap resulted in an immediate race retirement.

Regardless of his misfortune in the final outing, Luke looked towards the success story from his weekend, as he strengthened he championship crusade with his double triumph. “It’s been a good weekend in general,” said Luke. “The first two races were good and we came away with two wins, which we needed. Qualifying was good for us but it could have been better.

“We couldn’t test before the weekend, which made things that bit more difficult as we didn’t get out on track until the qualifying session.

“It’s a shame race three ended the way it did, but we won’t argue with two class wins. It’s great for our championship,” he continued.

Luke is hoping to next be on track during the Bank Holiday weekend, when the Formula Ford championship makes the trip further south to Snetterton, Norfolk.

Report: Leanne Fahy, The Racewire
Photos: Jonathan Hatfield

With a bit of a break since the last round of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, Rotherham racing driver Jake Cook returned to Northampton, as he season took him to the infamous Silverstone circuit.

With modifications made to the circuit during the last year, experience around the track varied up and down the grid, with some drivers lucky enough to have some much needed track time already under their belt.

Hampered by a lack of funds, Jake was again on the back foot, as restricted testing meant he entered the weekend rather blind, having not contested this particular layout before. Regardless of his inexperience around the Grand Prix layout, the seventeen year old refused to give in to the pressure, battling with oversteer to set a respectable qualifying time for each of the three races.

A wet start to the weekend, coupled with his lack of testing, meant the youngster was faced with no dry track time as the first of three races kicked off. Mixed weather conditions made the first race unpredictable, with a wet track soon becoming dry as the race progressed.

In keeping with his strong starting record, Jake launched away at the start of the opening race, to make up two places instantaneously. A race long battle with rival James Tucker gave Jake a real sense of racing around the renowned venue, with the pair swapping places throughout.

As the chequered flag fell Jake managed to get the better of Tucker, fending off the latter to finish fifth, thus strengthening his championship campaign. “That was one of my best races of the year,” said Jake afterwards. “I was one of the only drivers who’d saved my tyres and I was able to find a way passed Tucker when it mattered to hold fifth place,” he continued.

The second race of the weekend saw Jake start 11^th on the grid, which he soon turned around in true Jake style. Another rocket-style start fired the youngster up the field as the lights went out, moving him inside the top ten in no time at all.

A long safety car period meant the majority of the outing was spent touring the circuit at slow speed, until a last lap dash to the flag completed a total of three racing laps. In a race marred by drama, Jake shone through to cross the line in a strong seventh place, again enhancing his grip on the championship standings.

With a reversal in the weather conditions, sunshine shone down on the third and final race of the weekend, as Jake lined up in 10^th place on the grid.

As the field weaved around the opening lap, a collision further down the field caused the release of the safety car once again. With just over ten minutes remaining the race was restarted, however after being hit repeatedly by a rival Jake was forced to drive the remainder of the race with a bent rear wishbone. Damage to the back of his Formula Ford made it difficult to control, however his skill behind the wheel triumphed as he fought to 13^th place.

Looking back over the weekend, Jake said: “It’s been a difficult weekend. The start of the races were good for me as I managed to make up a few places in each race. A good first race set us up nicely for the second race, but with only having three racing laps we didn’t have much chance to make an impression.

“Considering the lack of racing in race two I was happy with my result. Race three was more difficult; after getting hit in the back there wasn’t much I could do, as my car was really suffering from oversteer,” he added.

The next round of the championship is at Snetterton, Norfolk during the Bank Holiday weekend. “I won there twice last year in the Ginetta Junior Championship,” said Jake. “We will be testing there on the Friday before as well, so that should help us a lot,” he continued.

Report: Leanne Fahy / The Racewire
Photography: Jonathan Hatfield

The Rockingham Motor Speedway was the scene of rounds 11 and 12 of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain (17/18^th July), with Rotherham racer Jake Cook enjoying another strong performance.

Arriving at the circuit for testing on the Friday Jake was expecting a challenging weekend ahead of him. Despite enjoying previous success at the Northamptonshire-based circuit a lack of testing there in his Formula Ford made things difficult.

Limited track time during testing meant Jake and his Getem Racing team were forced to use the qualifying session to set-up their car, leaving them marginally on the back foot.

Determined not to let it affect his performance, the Yorkshire youngster powered through to a seventh place start for the first race and tenth for the second outing.

As the lights went out for the first time, Jake unleashed his true pace, launching from seventh to fourth by the first corner. As the field bunched up for the tight hairpin at the beginning of the opening tour, Jake was boxed in leaving him fifth by the time they exited the turn.

A close fight saw the 17 year old narrowly miss out on a fourth place finish, while he harassed the back of championship leader Scott Malvern. Unable to find a way passed, Jake’s efforts were rewarded with a strong fifth place finish, enhancing his championship charge.

The second chase of the weekend was more of a quiet affair for the young racer. Starting tenth he enjoyed another rocket-style start, to reach seventh by the hairpin.

After following Josh Hill for much of the opening laps, Jake finally managed to muscle his way through into sixth. Whilst scrapping with Hill, Jake had lost ground to the leaders, leaving him with a solitary sixth place.

Despite the time difference to those in front of him, Jake managed to condense the gap, however with not enough laps left to make an impression he swept passed the chequered flag in sixth.

After two more top ten finishes, Jake now holds seventh place in the overall standings, within touching distance of those in front of him.

Looking back over the weekend, Jake said: “I’m really happy with the weekend. I had a brilliant start in the first race, which was my best start of the year so far. It was a shame I was held up as I could have been fourth, but I’m still pleased with it all.”

The next round sees Jake make his way back to Northamptonshire to sample the brand new Silverstone circuit layout. “It’s a new track but if qualifying goes well we should be able to challenge for podiums,” added Jake.

Silverstone takes place the weekend of 14/15^th August.

Report: Leanne Fahy
Photographs: Jonathan Hatfield
Provided by: The Racewire

After a storming start to his 2010 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain campaign, Thirsk-based youngster Luke Williams has made his mark on the motor racing world.

Leading the Scholarship class of the championship for much of the year has seen Luke enjoy some strong results.

Kicking off his season in fine fashion at Oulton Park, Easter weekend, Luke immediately jumped into control of the Scholarship class. From this point he began to enjoy immense success, as he edged away from his closest rivals.

During the last few rounds a number of issues have halted the youngster’s charge, however it hasn’t stopped his efforts.

The last round at Rockingham, Northamptonshire (17/18^th July), saw the 18 year old overcome the odds to secure a second place finish, as he strives to boost his crusade.

Problems that reared their head during the pre-race test session attempted to dictate Luke’s success around the demanding circuit, leaving the team heading into qualifying and both races somewhat blind.

As the first race got underway Luke made up a number of places on his starting position. He continued to build on his progress during the opening laps, until a spinning Formula Ford halted his advancement when they collided with his Juno machine.

Despite his first race ending rather abruptly, Luke looked ahead to the second race, eager to restore his championship advantage. After only contesting a mere fifteen laps over the three days, Luke and his team opted for some drastic changes to his race car, in a bid to overcome the odds.

With better luck this time out, Luke steered his single-seater to a second place in class. Regardless of the bad luck that has latched onto him in recent events, racing ace Luke battled through to hold onto second place in the Scholarship Class championship standings.

Looking back over his season so far, Luke said: “It’s been unbelievable, that’s the best way to describe it. I was close to missing the first round of the season at Oulton Park, but after some changes I was able to take my place on the grid as planned.

“I was anxious heading into the second round at Knockhill,” added Luke. “It’s a twisty, fast circuit, and you’re always on the limit. Since then we’ve had problems with various things, and although we’ve lost the lead in the standings we’re working hard to make sure we can repair the gap,” he continued.

Luke’s next round is at Silverstone the weekend of 14/15^th August. Contesting the brand new circuit will be a challenge for the young racer, but it’s a challenge he awaits with enthusiasm. “Silverstone is a big track, what with the Formula one there amongst other big meetings,” said Luke. “If we get a solid run we can go for more wins there. I’m looking forward to it,” he continued.

Report: Leanne Fahy
Photographs: Jonathan Hatfield
Provided by: The Racewire

CHANGE OF CHASSIS CHANGE OF MIND FOR JAMES TUCKER

Burntwood racer James Tucker had a solid weekend, of the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, at the Northamptonshire Circuit, Rockingham.

This was James’ first race in the, French made, Mygale chassis, after his sponsors felt it was best for him to change chassis and teams, in this his learning year, ready for an onslaught of the championship next year. Both races James found himself fighting with, second year driver, Josh Hill, son of World Champion Damon Hill. This really showed how much James had learnt during the weekend, as Josh is a race winner.

“The weekend was not an easy, with only one test in this chassis before hand, putting me on the back foot entering the race. However with our (my sponsors and I) focusing on next year, using this one as a learning year, it was a great meeting, as I learned more about the car and how it needs to be driven. I owe a big thanks to my sponsors, Superseal.com and BG Printers, and the JTR team for helping me through the weekend.” said James.

NEW TEAM FOR JAMES TUCKER AT ROCKINGHAM ROUND

James Tucker will be racing for the JTR team at the forthcoming round, of the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, at the Northamptonshire Circuit, Rockingham.

Due to this being James’ learning year in the formula, his sponsors have all agreed it best to give James the chance to driver other Chassis constructors and learn as much as he can ready for next year. The JTR team run, the French made Mygale chassis, as opposed to the British built Van Diemen that he has previously been driving.

“I believe changing chassis and team maybe enough of a change to put me back in the fight for podiums. As mentally I had fallen into a bit of a rut in the last rounds and a change is as good as a rest. So I am very excited to get out in a different car, after the great test I had last week, leaving me only 2 tenths off the championship leader.” said James.

James Tucker welcomes you to find out more on his website, www.jamesjtucker.co.uk

The weekend of 19th and 20th June saw Rotherham-based racing ace, Jake Cook, make the long trip to Wiltshire for round four of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.

Castle Combe was the final destination, and having never been there before, it was a brand new experience for the youngster. Jake headed into the weekend once again on the back foot, as being unable to test on the Thursday meant he was at a disadvantage.

As Saturday arrived so did Jake’s 17th birthday. The day kicked off with qualifying, and despite struggling with an over-steering car and a new circuit, Jake set the ninth fastest time for the first race, once again overcoming the disadvantage. The qualifying session also saw a one-off livery displayed on his single-seater, as his team helped to celebrate his birthday by putting ‘L’ plates on his race car.

As race one got underway, the Getem Racing pilot got boxed in at the first corner, dropping him to 14th place. As the race developed Jake showed he had the pace we’ve come accustomed to, with his swiftness taking him to the fifth fastest lap of the race. Despite his early set back, Jake was able to fight his way back through the field to eighth place at the chequered flag.

The second race began with Jake starting in 13th position. This time around he was able to get a strong start, launching up to 10th place immediately. Not too far down the road he made up more ground, battling through to eighth.

Unfortunately this was short-lived for the 17 year old, as a lock-up at the chicane sent him off of the track and across the grass. After catching the kerb the floor of his Mygale machine came away, forcing Jake to pit immediately. Not being able to rejoin the race brought his second outing to an abrupt end instantaneously.

Glancing back over his first Castle Combe experience, Jake said: “It was a very different track to get used to. I had to drive a lot harder, and with missing testing on Thursday we didn’t have much time to get used to it.”

Jake’s next round is at Rockingham, Northamptonshire, the weekend of 17-18th July. Looking ahead to it Jake said: “I’m looking forward to Rockingham. I’ve been there a lot in the past and had good results. Plus my team [Getem Racing] have always done well there.

“I’m looking to get more podiums and maybe a first win there,” he added.

With a bit of a gap now until the next round Jake will be able to reflect on his season so far, and what a season it’s been for the rookie up to this point.

Report: Leanne Fahy
Photography: Jonathan Hatfield
Press release provided by The Racewire, a new PR & Media company

Blue skies and a healthy timetable greeted visitors to Castle Combe on Sunday for day two of the Rapid Racking June Summer Racing Carnival.

Mazda

In the Ma5da Racing Championship events which were spread throughout the day, reigning champion Tom Roche had an engine failure on Friday, but managed to get another power plant sorted out in time to take part. Because of the size of the entry list, the competitors are split into three groups A, B & C. Race one was groups A & C in which Roche, and pole sitter Adam Gore both had a poor starts. Roche managed to recover to second position (setting fastest lap in the process) hounding eventual winner Rob Boston to finish just 0.5 seconds behind at the finish. Some 6 seconds further back was Luke Herbert, who took third spot on the podium finishing 2 seconds ahead of Gore.

In the group B & C race, Gore wasn’t able to make amends, starting in second place and finishing third, albeit a lot closer to race winner Paul Sheard – just 0.6 seconds back. Sandwiched in between was Johnathan Greensmith who had started in 7^th place – but managed to make up 3 places by the end of lap one alone. Luke Herbet couldn’t make it second podium of the day, but was only a second adrift and finished in 4^th place.

The final Ma5da race was groups A & B, with three familiar names on the podium. Paul Sheard took his second victory of the day just 0.2 seconds ahead of race one winner Rob Boston. Less than another 0.2seconds back was race one runner up Tom Roche.

Formula Ford 1600

In race 1 of the Formula Ford 1600 events, pole sitter Scott Pye led from lights to flag with Scott Malvern taking the second spot on the podium, after starting 7^th and improving to third by the end of lap 3. Josh Hill, driving in his father’s, and grandfathers, helmet colours of the London Rowing Club had started from the front row, but had dropped to 4^th by the end of lap 3. A brave move into camp corner gave him the final podium position.

Race 2 had the same front row and the same 3 drivers on the podium. This time Hill managed to hold on to his second place starting position, following Scott Pye home by less than a second. In this race Scott Malvern was still the man making moves, all of them on lap 1 incidentally, – finishing third from his 6^th place starting spot.

Toyota MR2

Another lights to flag victory of the day, this time in both of Toyota MR2 races – Alex Gassman taking the honours in both events. He was followed home very closely by Adam Lockwood, with the two of them pulling away from the rest of the grid at a huge rate of knots. Arron Pullan almost was almost on his own in race one, with a 5 second margin over the close fighting Ross Stoner and Mark Scott who finished 4^th and 5^th respectively.

In the second race Stoner managed to go one better, but couldn’t seem to live with the pace of Gassman & Lockwood, and was 18 seconds behind by the end of the race.

Lockwood took the honours for fastest lap in race 1 by 72/1000ths of a second, and Gassman had his turn in race two, claiming it by 21/1000ths of a second.

Another good battle was a little further down the field with Matt Garnham and Philip O’Halloran going side by side into, round and exiting Tower corner, and off as far as I could see, still side by side.

Full Britcar race report to follow…

Words: Alex Ings / Images: Alex Ings.

Rotherham racer Jake Cook rose to the international challenge last weekend (5/6th June), taking the Netherlands-based Zandvoort circuit by storm in only his third round of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.

Having only been able to contest five laps in total of the infamous circuit during Thursday testing, Jake rocketed to a fantastic third place grid start in qualifying. After holding provisional pole position for race one for much of the session, a red flag caused disruption, meaning Jake was forced back to third. However, still ecstatic with such a high starting place he beamed: “I’m really pleased with qualifying third. With having so much less track time compared to the other front-runners we weren’t expecting to be so high up.”

Being a significant amount younger than the average age of the British Formula Ford competitor, Jake hasn’t let it affect him, showing he’s just as good as anyone else in the championship. With his lack of track time, and the fact that his car is four years older than most of the cars he is competing against, Jake is very much on the back foot in comparison to his rivals, however you definitely wouldn’t think it given his results.

A dry, sunny day greeted Jake and his Getem Racing team for race one on Saturday, with the 16 year old geared up for a strong performance. As the lights went out, Jake had to think quickly to avoid a stalled Josh Hill, who failed to get away.

Getting a good run into the first corner, he was able to get the jump on the rest of the field; however his pace was temporarily thwarted with the brief release of the safety car. As the race got underway once again Jake fought hard to defend from second placed Daniel Cammish, until the latter managed to find a way through.

Determined not to be unsettled, Jake hassled Cammish for the remainder of the race, unable to find a way back through. Despite his best efforts he followed the former across the line in an extremely respectable second place finish, to give the talented youngster his first podium finish of the season, in only his third round. A feat definitely worth being proud of.

Race two didn’t quite go to plan, when a rain soaked circuit this time caused disruption. As he waited in the assembly area ahead of the race it was looking like another dry race. Unfortunately, just before the start the heavens opened, leaving everyone to make the last minute changes to a wet set-up.

Having never driven the car in the wet before, Jake soon became accustomed to the conditions after a few laps. However, the rain was just too heavy and a spin ended his race. The red flag was thrown out shortly afterwards due to the conditions.

Looking back over his immensely successful weekend, Jake said: “I’m really happy with the weekend. With very little testing behind us, especially compared to everyone else, I really didn’t expect to be on the podium this early in the season. We were aiming for podiums towards the end of the year, but not this early, I’m really pleased.”

The next round is at Castle Combe in Wiltshire, on the 19/20th June, where the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain will be the main event. Jake has never raced at Castle Combe, but as ever he is looking forward to the challenge. Jake has now moved up to fifth overall in the championship standings, and will be keen to progress on this next weekend. It is also his birthday that weekend, so he will be looking for another strong result to provide the perfect present.

Report: Leanne Fahy
Photography: Jonathan Hatfield

RE has received two press releases from drivers competing in the British Formula Ford Championships, these being Jake Cook from Rotherham and Phillipe Layac from Rickmansworth.

Rickmansworth motor racing driver, Philippe Layac endured a difficult weekend in the second round of his 2010 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain last weekend (8/9th May), as his Brits Academy team headed north of the border to the Scotland-based Knockhill circuit.

After waiting a month since the last round, Philippe was eager to get back behind the wheel, however his weekend didn’t kick off as well as he had hoped. His single-seater suffered problems last Friday, meaning he was forced to sit out of the Friday test session. This put him on the back foot slightly in comparison to his rivals, however he refused to let it hamper him too much.

As the qualifying session arrived Philippe was still struggling with set-up difficulties on his car, which left him starting the first race from 21st on the grid. Regardless of starting so far down, the Rickmansworth racer flew threw the field during the first race, leaving him in a strong 14th place at the chequered flag.

Race two saw Philippe start from 20th on the grid, again as a result of an arduous qualifying session. Despite this his speed and confidence in the car were apparent, as he launched passed five cars as the lights went out to signal the start of the race. A bump from someone on the green flag lap meant Philippe was forced to sit through the whole race with a damaged car, however he still managed to pull through to a superb seventh place finish.

With just one race remaining Philippe was hopeful of just gaining a finish, due to the problems suffered earlier in the weekend. After experiencing clutch problems at the start of the final outing Philippe made the decision to take it easy, rather than make any risky moves. Despite holding back he was still able to come through a tough race, that saw others fall off the track, to take the chequered flag in 11th.

Looking back over his weekend, Philippe said: “The weekend started rather bad, but it finished a lot better. The mission was more or less to bring the car home safe. We were happy to have the car in one piece, and we have seen some improvements through the weekend.

“It’s good to have scored points when we weren’t that quick, hopefully we can only get better. I can’t wait until the next round at Zandvoort,” he added.

Philippe will be in action again in his Formula Ford on the 5/6th June, at the infamous Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands.

And now for Jake Cook:

Cook relishes Scottish challenge

Local motor racing ace, Jake Cook experienced mixed emotions at the second round of his 2010 motorsport season assault last weekend (8/9th May), contesting the exciting Knockhill circuit in Scotland.

With this next round of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain taking the Rotherham youngster to the infamous venue, he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel after a months break.

Although still suffering from a lack of testing compared to his rivals, Jake superbly set the sixth fastest time in testing prior to the event last Friday, kicking off the weekend in fine form. Despite his early pace, he was hampered in qualifying by a lot of traffic around the 1.3 mile long circuit. Regardless of this, Jake qualified in a strong position, starting the first race from ninth and the subsequent two races from eighth place.

Race one was just what Jake was hoping for. After getting a good start he immediately launched up to sixth place, a position he held until the last lap. A race long battle saw Jake fire his Getem Racing machine up into fifth at the last corner on the last lap, which he held across the finish line.

The second race started better than it ended for the Yorkshire racer, as he fought his way up from eighth to run at the sharp end of the field. However, a drive through penalty part way through the race, due to running wide through the chicane, left Jake fourth at the chequered flag. Had it not been for the unfortunate penalty Jake could have finished in a strong second place, however he took the positives and looked ahead to the final race.

Race three was a difficult race, with Jake being forced into retirement just six laps in. He was, yet again, running at the front for much of the opening laps, until a spinning car in front of him meant he had nowhere to go but into the gravel trap.

Despite this bringing his third race to an abrupt end he still left Knockhill pragmatic as ever and overcome with joy at his performance. “The weekend went really well, and again it was better than I expected. The second race was difficult as I could have had a podium had it not been for my penalty, but I was still pleased with fourth.

“I’m really happy with the car; we’ve made a lot of progress with it. We haven’t had as much testing as everyone else, but we’re there and on the pace now,” he said

Looking ahead to the next round, he added: “I’m hoping for some podium finishes from the next round. We should be able to be in the top five again at least, which would be brilliant.”

Jake’s next round is at Zandvoort, in the Netherlands, on the 5/6th June. With it being a new circuit to much of the Formula Ford grid, it will be a very level playing field for all. Jake will be arriving there lying sixth overall in the championship standings, a mere three points behind fifth place.

Text: Leanne Fahy
Photography: JDH Motorsport Photography

James Tucker took part in his first ever car race this Easter weekend in Formula Ford at, highly technical, Oulton Park, in Cheshire.

Tucker, the multiple Kart Champion, from Burntwood, proved himself a worthy member of the prominent Works Van Diemen team, where the likes of Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna both began their careers. James drove superbly to take two 5th places and set the 3rd fastest lap of the day, after a disappointing qualifying session, which left him coming from 10th on the grid. He fought his way through the field of experienced drivers, in their second or third years, to prove himself a contender for the world prestigious, Dunlop MSA Formula Ford of Great Britain Championship.

In acknowledgement of this great achievement James was awarded the Spirit of the Weekend Award by the head of Ford Motorsport in Europe, ”We have been very impressed with James this weekend, his positive attitude and great performance on track. I think he has a great future ahead of him and in the championship this year and this award is a reflection of that.”

James Tucker is enrolled on the MSA’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme, marking him down as one of the UK’s most promising drivers aged 16-24.

James Tucker is inviting offers from further potential sponsors and can be contacted and welcomes you all to find out more on his website, www.jamesjtucker.co.uk