Jnr Maxer Tests Formula Ford

Victorian Junior Rotax racer Lockie Marshall spent last Friday in the hot seat at Winton Raceway testing a Mygale Formula Ford.

Under the watchful eye of  Mark Potter from Fast Track Motorsport Services, it was the first time the Arrow driver and driven such a machine. "It's totally different to driving a kart" Marshall said. "The braking power is awesome in these cars."

Lockie's instruction commenced before the first official practice session when Mark took him around the track in a manual sedan and demonstrated down shift techniques and heel-toe braking.  Lockie then had a couple of laps in the sedan to practice what he had learnt and generally find the racing line around the 3km circuit.

Lockie's first few laps in the Mygale were taken carefully with the rev limiter set low so that he could concentrate on finding the right gear and using the braking markers as he put the laps in.

Lockie was very impressed with the cars handling and performance especially when full revs were dialled in on the limiter.  "The speed on the straights is incredible and takes some getting used to" Lockie commented.  Mark adjusted the brake balance during the day to suit Lockie's braking which got deeper and deeper as he gained confidence and started to use the brakes to their full potential.  

Above: Marshall gets air at a recent Rotax Pro Tour event

Using the Hewland gearbox was also a new experience for the young driver.  "Smooth downshifts are so important as they help you carry speed into and through the corners.  Until I got the downshifts right I had a few compression lock-ups that made things very interesting coming up to the kink at the end of the pit straight."

Potter was very happy with Lockie's progress through the day.  He commented that Winton is a perfect track for teaching young drivers, especially those that have come through junior karting the basics of open wheeler driving. "The track is very safe with good run-offs and spins when they happen, usually end up with the car on the grass in the infield or in one of the sand traps."

Lockie is looking forward to his next chance to drive the yellow Mygale prior to doing his CAMS observed driving test later in the year

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