Young Formula Ford racer Tom Sargent can’t wait to race in front of his motorsport heroes when he takes to South Australia’s Tailem Bend circuit for Round 5 of the Australian Formula Ford Championship this weekend.
The Formula Ford races will support the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship OTR SuperSprint event, meaning Sargent will be competing in front of a massive crowd and on live television.
“I’ve always followed Supercars closely, it’s the pinnacle of car racing in Australia and I can’t wait to race in front of my idols,” Sargent said.
“I’m a Ford fan and I go for Scott McLaughlin, but I like Craig Lowndes as well – he’s been racing since before I was born. Competing in front of those sorts of drivers will be a surreal experience, that’s for sure.
“With it being such a big event, the key is to not get overwhelmed by all the spectators and media attention, and just treat it like another race meeting.”
Sargent has already competed at The Bend Motorsport Park, which has only been in operation since the start of the year.
“We travelled over to South Australia for a state round earlier in the year, because I wanted to learn the track in preparation for this weekend,” Sargent said.
“It’s an amazing place – the facilities are incredible, and the track itself is fast and wide, with plenty of overtaking opportunities.
“I think the Formula Fords will put on a good show this weekend, and hopefully we can record some more top 10 results against all the national competitors.”
This weekend’s Formula Ford races will all be shown live on FOX Sports 506 as part of the Supercars OTR SuperSprint coverage.
Australian Formula Ford Round 5 – Schedule
Adelaide Local Time
Friday, 24 August
8:00 – Practice 1 (20 min)
11:45 – Practice 2 (20 min)
13:50 – Qualifying (20 min)
Saturday, 25 August
10:00 – Race 1 (7 laps)
Sunday, 26 August
11:30 – Race 2 (7 laps)
16:30 – Race 3 (7 laps)
