Reigning GR Cup winner Oli Wickham to contest 2026 AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship
Following his Toyota GAZOO Racing Australia GR Cup series victory last year, Tasmanian Oil Wickham will take on a new challenge by contesting the 2026 AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship.
The 16-year-old moved from karting into circuit racing in 2024 starting in the Tasmanian Hyundai Excel Series before getting a break to race in the Toyota 86 Scholarship Series, then GR Cup.
It proved to be a successful decision as Wickham won last year’s TGRA GR Cup in a thrilling finale at Sandown.
Wickham now turns his focus to the AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship, with his program spearheaded by the experienced Queensland-based operation BF Racing.
Led by former Formula Ford competitor Brett Francis, the team has achieved great success in the development class and guided many young drivers. Last year, BF Racing scored multiple victories and finished third in the title with Lachlan Evennett.
A test day has already been completed in one of the team’s Mygales where Wickham set impressive times at Queensland Raceway.
The decision to contest Formula Ford stems from the advantages of learning set-ups, accessibility, costs and gaining experience in a bespoke racing category.
Opportunities remain to join the AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship grid, either with a self-run squad or as part of a team. Contact the AASA Hotline on 0475 428 543 for all the required information.
Wickham will form part of a strong field set to contest the opening round of the AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on March 13-15.
QUOTES
Oli Wickham
Driver, BF Racing
“It’s exciting to step into a new category and a completely different car compared to what I was racing last year,” said Wickham.
“Ever since we stepped out of karts, Marcos (Ambrose) gave me a chance to drive one as part of the GRM Combine in 2023.
“Ever since karting, we’ve been told Formula Ford is a great step to learn how to set-up a car mechanically and how to feel the effects of those changes. Personally as a driver, the quicker I can learn while climbing through the ranks the more it will help later in my career.
“I’m excited to race for Brett and BF Racing. We’ve competed against him in GR Cup and my mechanic this year used to work under Brett. From the testing we’ve completed so far, there’s been nothing but praise in terms of working with the team.
“I’m certainly excited to race against both experienced and new competitors to the category like myself. Hopefully, I can learn a thing or two from the experienced drivers, but I feel as the year goes on I’ll be able to develop my skills to race wheel-to-wheel.
“I just want to gain knowledge and experience in a race car, which is the biggest thing, but like every other driver out there you want to win it.”
