Jack Johnson aiming to build on promising start

Jack Johnson believes there is more in the tank after making his national debut at the opening round of the Formula Ford Stars & Renegades Series at Winton.

Running under the legendary Borland Racing Developments squad led by Formula Ford constructor Mike Borland and being mentored by Ben Bargwanna ensures Johnson has the experience behind him to build on his opening round results.

Johnson finished a best of eighth to end the round in the same position in the standings heading to Sydney.

“We struggled with pace over the weekend,” Johnson admitted.

“We had engine problems on the Saturday and we fixed those overnight to improve our qualifying time, but the race pace wasn’t there for the longer races, although we did end up with decent results.

“I’m hoping to build my results in Sydney as I wasn’t quite happy with the results at Winton, but it was only my first national round and to finish inside the top 10 was pretty good.”

Longer races in the heat at Winton added a fresh challenge for drivers both in a fitness and car set-up perspective.

“I coped with the longer races in the heat well, though I was pretty tired in the last event of the weekend,” said Johnson.

“It was a challenge in terms of car set-up to ensure it lasts the distance as it started well, then dropped off quickly towards the end.

“We’ll go back and look at the data and footage to find where I can make gains when it drops off.

With the standings close between fifth and 10th, Johnson is targeting a climb up the rankings in Sydney.

“It’s a good points haul and we finished all the races, which is the main thing and all I can ask for,” he concluded.

The Formula Ford Stars & Renegades Series continues at Sydney Motorsport Park for Round 2 on May 30-June 1 as part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series.