AIDAN READ

Formula Ford Test 28 February - 1 March

As further development for my driving skills, we arranged a 2nd Formula Ford testing session. The main purpose was to practice additional gear shifting which was required when driving on the full track. On the longer track layout of Barbagallo Raceway, gear ratios have to be changed to account for the longer straight with higher top speeds. These new ratios mean that corners are taken in different gears to the short track layout, and at the end of the 2 straights, double downshifts are required instead of single.

The first practice was on friday at 6:30 in the morning. The gear changing practice was carried out on a cold track with wet areas left from overnight sprinklers, watering the infield. Of course, the standing water was right at the braking zones for T1 and T7, right where double changes were necessary. This resulted in a few "Under-rotations" to contend with. Having got the hang of the new techniques, I was ready for the full track layout. After Brett Lupton changed the gear ratios as we watched, the car was ready for the extra speed that lies within the full track.

During the last session for the morning, I concentrated on the new lines, braking points and gear changes that I had practiced earlier. By the end of the session, I was comfortable in the car and lapping consistently. 

As the next day was a designated tuning day for WASCC members. Brett offered to make a seat insert, to make my driving position more comfortable, and to give me more seat time in the car. We were back at the track early saturday morning, and after the expanding foam seat insert was made, I was back on track with all open wheelers. We had 3 good sessions with my lap times continuing to improve through the first and second sessions. I'd already dropped my lap times by 2 seconds. By the time we were out on track for the 3rd session, the air temperature was around 38 degrees (100F), and the track was a blistering 55 degrees (130F). As tyres were overheating, and air was thin, my lap times failed to improve at these extreme conditions. So we called it a day after the 3rd session. The mornings running had given me another 100km of driving, and I felt like I had come a long way from 1 month ago, sitting nervously in a Formula Ford for the first time. 

Brett's tuition and help was immense, and 1 on 1 sessions with him have been invaluable for me and my development. My focus now lies in the upcoming Formula Vee season and hopefully, further development opportunities.

Onboard laps and photos available on the media page

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