Formula Ford Heading North

Round 3 of the Australian Formula Ford Series will resume racing this weekend at the sunny Queensland Raceway – with 21 entries confirmed to battle it out around the ‘Paperclip’. At the mid-point of the 2014 season, the revamped Australia Formula Ford Series announced an innovative partnership with the Mazda Road to Indy Ladder System – establishing Formula Ford as a logical step for any Australian junior striving to make it on the international stage. As part of the new alliance, the Australian Formula Ford Series champion receives a two-day USF2000 test in the United States, as well as a head start in receiving a financial incentive to compete in the entire USF2000 series. With even more incentive in place, the already impressive 2014 Formula Ford action is sure to be taken up a notch. A strong contingent of Queensland based racers boost the field at QR, hoping to utilise their home advantage to take on current championship leader, Borland Racing Development’s James Golding for the silverware. Among the fast Queenslanders is Jordan Lloyd, who claimed his maiden pole, race and round win during Round 2 in Winton. With local knowledge, a QLD prepared Mygale and plenty of momentum; Lloyd will be one to watch, as he will be on the attack from the outset. Entering the weekend second in the standings, Lloyd will want to deny Golding of round victory, a feat Golding achieved in the opening round at Mallala. Borland Racing Developments, Golding and his teammate Tom Grech were bolstered this week, announcing Kings Fibreglass and SES Linear Bearings as team partners for the remainder of 2014. Currently third in the championship standings, Thomas Randle lines up as another favourite to claim bragging rights in Queensland. Although missing out on the Kent honours at Winton, Formula Ford stalwart James Garley is back in action this weekend. With consistency gifting Garley the lead in the Kent standings, he will have his work cut out defending main rival, local racer Jimmy Bailey. This weekend’s action takes place as part of Round 6 of the Shannons Nationals Series – with Formula Ford kicking off proceedings on Friday 8 August with Practice one of three. Qualifying and a 14-lap Race 1 takes place on Saturday 9 August, with Races 2 and 3 on Sunday 10 August – both 10-laps in duration. Sunday’s action will be broadcast live via the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals website at www.thenationals.com.au – with the online telecast commencing at 9am AEST. A highlights package on Speedweek will air in the weeks following. The 2014 Formula Ford Series is proudly supported by Avon tyres, Andersen Promotions, Castrol, Kincrome and Ferodo.