Ryan DeBorre to debut in 17-car Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship season opener
Ryan DeBorre will make his Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship as part of the season opening round at The Bend as part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series.
Son of respected motorsport engineer Adam, DeBorre will step up to national competition at Round 1, which will host a strong Yokohama Tyre Australian Formula Ford field.
This will be DeBorre's first meeting at The Bend, but he has significant karting experience and recently switched to Formula Ford via state level events.
Familiar names from last year include Will Lowing, Hunter Salvatore, Isaac Demellweek, Kaleb Belak, Tabitha Ambrose, Jamie Rowe, Giuseppe Imbrigno and Brad James.
Lachlan Mineeff is vastly experienced in Formula Ford and will enter the season as one of the favourites. Seth Burchartz is another to watch due to legendary team Sonic Motor Racing Services providing satellite support to his program.
Reigning GR Cup series winner Oli Wickham will lead the attack for BF Racing further solidifying the strength of the field.
Debutants in the Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship alongside DeBorre include Xavier Henderson, Sam March, Jeff Leicester, Will Hickey and Rio Campbell.
Two rounds will be held across the three-day Hi-Tec Oils Super Series event at The Bend starting with three practice sessions on Friday. This leads into qualifying and two races on Saturday, which is replicated on Sunday except for the inclusion of a Top 10 Shootout.
The Bend is the first of eight events for the Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship, which also travels to Sydney Motorsport Park, Quennsland Raceway, Winton, Mallala and Calder Park.
The opening round of the Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship is at The Bend on March 13-15 featuring live coverage on Kayo Sports, SBS and SBS On Demand.
QUOTES
Ryan DeBorre
#10 AD Racing Shocks/LEE
“It’s just going to be fun as a whole this year,” said DeBorre.
“I’m just trying to gain as much as experience as I can and driving at as many tracks as possible.
“I’m continuing to learn how I can push harder around corners, carry more speed and get better exits.
“This weekend I’m going to try and follow other drivers, learn the lines and braking markers because this is a new track for me. Just learning in practice will be my first goal of the weekend.”
Adam DeBorre
AD Racing Shocks/LEE
“I’m a big believer in learning how to drive race cars that are designed for that application,” said DeBorre.
“I’ve seen all the other series that have turned up like GR Cup, which is very, very similar in its trajectory to Formula Ford, but they’re not race cars. They’re production-based road cars and to learn how to drive a race car, Formula Ford is essential.
“If your aim is to drive Supercars, Formula Ford has what you need to learn and teaches the basic techniques such as the heel and toe. I’m already onto Ryan about his bleep technique and brake pressure to not go too early or late and to use the engine as a brake.
“All these things you refine over the years working with professional drivers and trying to find a category that can actually teach you everything at such an early age, which is another benefit.
I’ve obviously witnessed the benefits of developing in Formula Ford, with Chaz being a former champion. His braking technique, his ability to heel and toe in addition to yaw the car on the brake is one of his huge strengths he still uses today.
“I’m a big believer and advocate for Formula Ford. What Marcos is doing by resurrecting it is great.”