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Blanchard wins again and closes in on title |
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Monday, 18 August 2008 |
Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) International Rising Star Tim Blanchard claimed his third victory in the 2008 British Formula Ford Championship at the Silverstone circuit in England on the weekend.
Blanchard qualified his Jamun Racing Mygale on pole for both Rounds 21 and 22, before going on to record a victory and a second place finish, putting him within striking distance of the title.
Blanchard, a rookie in this year’s championship, has been stalking points leader and team-mate Wayne Boyd for the last few rounds and has now closed the gap to 36 points.
With three rounds remaining, and over 90 points up for grabs, Blanchard has the opportunity to win the championship in his first year of international competition, but he remains cautious about his chances.
“Obviously we are in with a chance, but it will be very tough, however this is motor sport and anything could happen” said Blanchard.
“I’ll certainly be doing everything legitimately in my power to try and win my second consecutive championship, not only for me but also for the AMSF International Rising Star Program”.
AMSF General Manager Quentin Crombie is very pleased with Blanchard’s progress.
“Tim is doing a brilliant job in his first year of international competition, and whether he wins the title or not, we are very proud of his achievements,” said Crombie.
“Depending on a range of circumstances, Tim may very well be part of next year’s Program and participating in the highly competitive British Formula 3 International Series.”
There is now a substantial break before the final three rounds, which will be held at Donington Park on October 11-12.
This latest victory is the fourth for the 2008 AMSF International Rising Star Program, with James Davison, who is competing in the US Firestone Indy Lights Series, winning his first race last month. James recently backed this up with a brilliant second at Kentucky Speedway, moving him up to eighth in the Championship.
John Martin is also having a strong run in the British Formula 3 International Series having qualified in the top ten in the last four rounds, and backed up with race results of fifth, sixth and seventh. Martin will race again this weekend on the streets of Bucharest in Romania (Rounds 19 and 20) where he finished fourth last year.
The goal of the AMSF International Rising Star Program is to support and develop Australia's young drivers as they pursue a career at the pinnacle of international motor sport. The AMSF International Rising Star Program would not be possible without the support of OAMPS, Stand 21, Mark Webber, the Australian Sports Foundation and our major donors.
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