FOSTER CLIMBS THE LEARNING CURVE OF FORMULA FORD

Queensland teenager Nick Foster started to climb the learning curve in the Formula Ford ranks while competing in round one of the Ford Genuine Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship in Sydney, NSW this weekend.

Foster, who was making his debut in the series aboard the #13 Steeline Metal Framing Systems Van Diemen, qualified in 21st position before moving up to 14th place in the opening 10-lap race yesterday.

The 16-year-old was involved in an incident with fellow karting graduate Chaz Mostert on lap three of this morning’s race which dropped him to the rear of the 22-car field. Despite suffering minor damage to the front right suspension during the incident Foster pushed on to finish the race and gain valuable experience.

Buoyed by the confidence of finishing the opening two races Foster was determined to climb up the order in the final race. By lap three the five-time state karting champion had elevated himself into 18th position and was continually improving his lap times.

As the race continued Foster found himself battling for a position inside the top 15 before eventually crossing the line in 16th spot.

“Overall I’m happy with the way I was able to continually improve over the weekend and close the gap between myself and the front runners in the championship,” said Foster.

“The aim was to learn more about the car and become more competitive with each session throughout the weekend. I’m happy to say that I was able to achieve both of these aims.

“I felt comfortable in the car during the final race and was able to make up a few spots which was good.”

Bradley Lowe won the round ahead of Ben Morley and Paul Laskazeski.

The next round of the championship will be held at Wakefield Park in Goulburn, NSW on April 4-6.

2008 FORD GENUINE PARTS FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1 – Eastern Creek, NSW

RESULTS: Race Three
1. Nick Percat – 10 laps
2. Ben Morley
3. Bradley Lowe
4. Paul Laskazeski
5. Adam Graham
6. Blake Varney
7. Daniel Erickson
8. Robert Storey
9. Trent Harrison
10. Scott Auld
16. Nick Foster

RESULTS: Race Two
1. Bradley Lowe – 10 laps
2. Ben Morley
3. Paul Laskazeski
4. Adam Graham
5. Daniel Erickson
6. Blake Varney
7. Nick Percat
8. Scott Pye
9. Trent Harrison
10. Robert Munnerley
21. Nick Foster

RESULTS: Race One
1. Bradley Lowe – 10 laps
2. Paul Laskazeski
3. Ben Morley
4. Daniel Erickson
5. Nick Percat
6. Jake Chapman
7. Blake Varney
8. Trent Harrison
9. Adam Graham,
10. Scott Auld
14. Nick Foster

NICK FOSTER FACT SHEET
Age: 16
Resides: Daisy Hill, QLD
Karting debut: 1999, aged 7
Karting Achievements: Five-time state junior champion, 2007 New Zealand CIK Karting Trophy - runner up
Formula Ford debut:Round 1, 2008 – Eastern Creek, NSW
Most Admired Drivers:Kimi Raikkonen, Mark Winterbottom
Interests away from motor racing: mountain bike riding, surfing and AFL (favourite team – Essendon)
First interest in motorsport: Father, Tony, previously raced karts and Aussie Racing Cars

ABOUT THE FORD GENIUNE PARTS AUSTRALIAN FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP
Formula Ford is the world's premier junior development category in motor sport.

Currently, over 70% of V8 Supercar drivers, raced in Formula Ford category in their early careers, plus many Australian stars racing overseas, including Formula One driver Mark Webber.

Each vehicle is powered by the 'control' Ford Fiesta 1600cc, 100ps DOHC, lightweight aluminium, four cylinder engine for Australian competition. Tuned to develop more than 125 horsepower, Formula Fords reach speeds in excess of 250 km/h.

The Championship consists of eight rounds, each held in conjunction with round of the V8 Supercar Series, across four states of Australia.

2008 Schedule
March 7 – 9 - Eastern Creek, NSW
April 4 – 6 - Wakefield Park, NSW
June 7 – 9 - Sandown, VIC
July 4 – 6 - Hidden Valley, NT
July 18 – 20 - QLD Raceway, QLD
September 12 – 14 - Phillip Island, VIC
October 23 – 26 – Gold Coast, QLD
December 5 – 7 - Oran Park, NSW

PREVIOUS TEN FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONS
2007 - Tim Blanchard (Mygale SJ07A)
2006 - John Martin (Spectrum 011)
2005 - Daniel Elliott (Van Diemen RF05)
2004 - David Reynolds (Van Diemen RF04)
2003 - Neil McFadyen (Van Diemen RF94)
2002 - Jamie Whincup (Van Diemen RF01)
2001 - Will Davison (Van Diemen RF01)
2000 - Luke Youlden (Mygale SJ2000)
1999 - Greg Ritter (Mygale SJ98)
1998 - Adam Macrow (Spectrum 06)