Multiple National Formula Ford podium winner ready for new challenge
Joe Fawcett will be aiming to build on a strong ending to last season as prepares to compete in the Formula Ford Stars & Renegades Series starting at Winton.
Fawcett finished on the overall podium for the final two events of last year’s Australian Formula Ford Series at Symmons Plains supporting the Supercars and Sandown.
It was at the end of his campaign when Fawcett was attracted to the Formula Ford Stars & Renegades Series.
“We saw the brochure for it at the end of last year and we were pretty keen to get some extra track time, plus it had some good support behind it with a few more tracks to try,” said Fawcett.
“We’re pretty keen to have a crack, especially due to the extra track time and more exposure for the sponsors.”
Fawcett entered Formula Ford competition at the end of 2021 following a successful karting career, which took him overseas.
“I first started in karting at seven just locally around Ballarat at club days and just gaining experience then moved into the country series followed by state competition,” Fawcett reflected.
“Towards the end of my karting career I competed at national level and in 2018 I received a wildcard entry to the ROK International Final in Italy. It was a highlight competing against 150 other drivers on the best kart track in the world. I finished eighth in the B Final and the winner was Kimi Antonelli, who will race for Mercedes in Formula 1 this year.
“We went Formula Ford racing in 2021 and two years later I won the Victorian State Championship.”
With the backing of former rally driving father Mark and the renowned Borland Racing Developments, constructors of the hugely successful Spectrum chassis, Fawcett is targeting the inaugural title.
“Last year we did a full season at national level, but it was up and down,” said Fawcett.
“Overall, the year was good to take things away from leaving me without any regrets or disappointed. We learnt a lot last year with the car and myself, so we should be able to start this year off where we ended the previous season.”
It’s a true father-son team, which follows in a similar vain to many young drivers on the pathway to bigger things. Although, Borland Racing Developments provide crucial trackside support through a vastly experienced team led by Mike Borland.
“My dad and I take the car home after every event to do all the maintenance and set it up for the next event,” Fawcett explained.
“It’s great to do it together with my dad and Borland Racing Developments, which supports us. I have John Martin helping me with all the data, who really knows his stuff and has raced at a high level.
“Mike Borland is the brains behind it all and helps with the set-up, but it’s dad repairing it if I crash it!”
Fawcett will be one to watch at the opening round of the Formula Ford Stars & Renegades Series at Winton Motor Raceway as part of the stacked Hi-Tec Oils Super Series on February 28-March 2.