Ashley Walsh: “I am Now Looking Forward to Bridging The Points-Gap Further at Queensland Raceway”
Jun 11, 2007
CAMS Rising Star Ashley Walsh demonstrated to the rest of the Formula Ford field that he will be the man to beat in the remaining half of the season with a dominating performance at Round 4 of the 2007 Australian Formula Ford Championship at Eastern Creek.
Walsh showed outstanding pace all weekend, claiming pole position before going on to win all three races, the round as well as breaking the lap record.
Walsh was untouchable around the 3.9 kilometre circuit dominating all races, particularly Race 3 which he won by an amazing nine seconds, an unusually large margin in Formula Ford racing.
Walsh was pleased with the result and felt that he was finally showing his true potential.
“I have been quick all year, but mistakes have cost me quite a few championship points. I am happy to finally reward the support of the CAMS Rising Star Program and Borland with the round win. Both parties have helped me overcome some issues and helped further my development. I am now looking forward to bridging the points-gap further at Queensland Raceway next month. “
Fellow CAMS Rising Star Joshua Scott also put in an outstanding performance, coming from the rear of the grid to finish Race 2 in seventh, and then storming home to second position in Race 3.
Walsh and Scott now sit third and sixth in the championship respectively with four rounds remaining. Fellow CAMS Rising Star Kristian Lindbom, who has been consistent all year finishing Rounds 1 and 3 on the podium, currently sits fourth (second in the Rookie of the Year standings) and is still very much in the title fight.
CAMS Member Services and Development Manager, Quentin Crombie, was extremely pleased with Walsh’s performance on the weekend.
“Ashley has been quick all season and it was good to see him overcome some of his earlier difficulties and translate that pace into such an utterly dominating performance. “
“Borland Racing Developments have also done a great job and should be congratulated for providing the boys with such a competitive car, “ Crombie said.
All three national drivers will be looking to embark on their international careers in 2008, following in the footsteps of 2006 CAMS Rising Star and reigning Australian Formula Ford Champion John Martin who is currently racing in the 2007 British Formula 3 Championship.
The focus now turns to CAMS Rising Star rookie state drivers Scott Pye and Daniel Erickson who will compete this weekend at the third round of the NSW Formula Ford 1600 Championship at Oran Park. Pye and Erickson are tied for equal third in the championship after two rounds and will be looking to take another step with their development in Round 3.
Both drivers have been recruited from Sprint Karting and have showed maturity beyond their years in the first two rounds of the championship, with a number of podium finishes including an incredible race win for Pye at Wakefield Park.
“Both Pye and Erickson have exceeded expectations going into the opening few rounds of the championship and are matching it with drivers who have been competing in the category for quite a few years, “ Crombie said.
The CAMS Rising Star program would not be possible without the support of our key partners which include the Australian Sports Commission, Borland Racing Developments, Robert Bosch (Australia), the Australian Motor Sport Foundation, OAMPS, Wakefield Park, Mark Webber, Stand 21 and McBadges.
