Experienced supercar driver Tim Blanchard will return to his Formula Ford roots at the Winton Raceway next weekend by taking part in the national series round with Sonic Motor Racing Services.
In a one-off appearance, the 34-year-old will pay tribute to his 2007 Formula Ford title by driving a Sonic Mygale chassis with the same Jaylec livery he campaigned 15 years ago.
The Australian Formula Ford series will serve as support in the Supercar Championship from 21 to 22 May, giving Blanchard the opportunity to immerse himself in both categories in which he has spent most of his career.
After competing in Formula Ford competitions at home and abroad, Blanchard has ridden such as Dick Johnson Racing, LD Motorsport and Brad Jones Racing throughout his full-time career and traveled to Mount Panorama for the last two Enduro Bathurst 1000 enduros. on its own. Blanchard Racing Team.
Blanchard is looking to the future with this return of Formula Ford – the event will help him prepare for Bathurst 1000 and will be a step towards performing at the prestigious Walter Hayes Festival for Formula Ford in Silverstone in the future.
“I look forward to returning to Formula Ford in Winton. This is a category I have always loved and to which I have a truly modest place, ”Blanchard said.
“I’ve been involved in historic Formula Ford races for the last few years and I really enjoy driving cars, so I wanted to try a new challenge and challenge myself to all the young stars.
“The hidden program is that I really wanted to take part in the Walter Hayes Festival in Silverstone at some point, so I wanted to see how I go against the current level of drivers, and see if I’m wasting my time or not!
“I also want to keep racing miles ahead of Bathurst 1000, and with this round of Ford’s Winton Formula in Supercars accounts it’s a good chance to do that. I’m already going to be there, so I thought it was a convenient opportunity.
“I feel like I have to be ahead. I’m pretty experienced in racing, so I have to be competitive, but on the other hand, I haven’t raced in Formula Ford with Duratec engines in 15 years ”.
Blanchard also explained the importance of returning to the Formula Ford field with Sonic.
“There’s a real nostalgia with Mick and Maria from Sonic, too,” Blanchard said.
“Tim Slade prepared my Formula Ford back in 2007 with Sonic, so on Friday he will come and help the team – it’s a complete reunion.”
The owner of the Sonic Motor Racing Services team, Michael Ritter, expressed admiration that Blanchard was back in the lineup.
“It’s great that Tim is back with us at Formula Ford to restore some of the former glory we had together,” Ritter said.
“Tim passed the test last week and he was quickly close to the pace and I’m sure he will only get faster during the race at Winton.”
Ahead of Blanchard’s return to national-level competition, Jailek Michael in retro livery will compete on Philip Island in the hands of his younger brother Harry, who will be driving the Victorian Formula Ford Championship this weekend.
Blanchard will be part of the list of participants in Sonic Motor Racing Services for three cars on the Winton SuperSprint along with Valentin Astuti and Winston Smith.
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https://autoaction.com.au/2022/05/12/blanchard-to-make-formula-ford-return
