Fujitsu "Cool" Drivers Announced
Seven karters have been confirmed as Fujitsu “Cool” Drivers for the 2011 motorsport season.
Jason LeCocq (15 - WA), Brody Appleby (14 - TAS), Renee Gracie (16 - QLD), Damon Strongman (12 - VIC), Joey Mawson (14 - NSW), Royce Nott (19 - NT) and Todd Hazelwood (15 - SA) will receive financial and career support from Fujitsu General (Aust.) Pty Limited and Velocity Management Group.
Four Formula Forders, all ex karters, will also be part of the program - Cameron Waters (16), Nick Foster (18), Shae Davies (20) and Rhett Noonan (17).
Above: Queensland's Renee Gracie is one of 7 active karters signed to the Fujitsu Cool Driver Program - and the only female in the squad.
pic - Cooper's Photography
Over 370 of Australia’s finest young drivers applied to be part of this exciting, new initiative. The average age of the entire 11-driver squad is just sixteen years.
“We are just ecstatic here at Fujitsu that so many young motor racing stars wanted to be part of this program" said Fujitsu General’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Philip Perham. "The applicants were all very worthy, but in the end we had to apply the science we had at our disposal to come up with eleven worthy members.
“I am more than happy with the group we have, which includes some of the brightest motor racing talent in the country as well as some new, up-and-coming stars.
“Some of the responses to our letters of offer were simply incredible and really hit home how much these young drivers appreciate what we are trying to achieve. AFL, NRL, Cricket and Netball are among the sports that enjoy youth development programs, and Fujitsu is delighted to be the company pioneering this important ground within the motorsport sector.”
Driver Quotes - karters
Renee Gracie (16) - Kuraby, Queensland
“The Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program is an exceptional opportunity and I’m really excited and honoured about being included in the program’s inaugural year. Sports like AFL, Cricket, Netball and Soccer invest a lot of time and money into junior development and it’s great to see Fujitsu supporting and developing motorsport’s juniors for the future as well. Being involved with the program - and as the only female - will enable me to race at the highest level and compete against the best juniors in the country.”
Jason LeCocq (15) - Kingsley, Western Australia
“To be selected as a Fujitsu “Cool” driver is the most amazing thing that has happened to me in my Karting career to date. My State title wins are very special, but to be selected from such a wealth of talent that exists here in the West just blew me away. This opportunity means so much to me and my family as we don’t have the biggest of budgets, but now with assistance from Fujitsu we will be able to make it over to the East Coast a couple of times to compete against the best in Australia.”
Royce Nott (19) - Noonamah, Northern Territory
“I am excited to be accepted into the Fujitsu "Cool" driver program, as this will enhance my Karting career and give me an opportunity to travel interstate to race major meetings such as the Nationals in Western Australia. I would like to thank Fujitsu for accepting me and I am proud to represent the Fujitsu brand of products.”
Brody Appleby (14) - Tarleton, Tasmania
“I am extremely excited to be given this opportunity to be included in the Fujitsu "Cool" Driver program. It's great to see a company like Fujitsu including a Tasmanian driver as there have been some great drivers come from Tassie; like Marcos Ambrose and John Bowe. I hope to be able to follow in their footsteps and want to thank Fujitsu and Velocity Management Group as this opportunity enables me to get closer to reaching my goals in Karting. I can't wait for the media release to come out so I can tell my mates - ha ha.”
Damon Strongman (12) - Frankston, Victoria
“To be chosen to be a part of the Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program is an amazing opportunity and hopefully the start of chasing my dream to become a professional racing car driver. As the youngest driver in the group of eleven I have the most to learn and will work hard to achieve my goals.”
Joey Mawson (14) - Hinchinbrook, New South Wales
When I opened the email I thought I had probably missed out, but then I read it and I was just overwhelmed that I had been chosen to be part of the Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program ... I just couldn’t believe it and nor could my Dad - I just had so many emotions going through my head. It’s an unbelievable opportunity and I am proud to be one of the seven karters who’ve been selected.”
Todd Hazelwood (15) - Athelstone, South Australia
“My family and I were all completely shocked when we received the incredible news that I had been accepted as a Fujitsu “Cool” Driver. We’ve been trying for years to get my name out there and we can now enjoy the benefits of what the Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program will provide. It was like having a dream at first but then you realise it’s actually real - but it did take some sinking in. To be recognised, considered and chosen is incredible and being given this fantastic opportunity is one I am looking forward to repaying in full.”
Driver Quotes - Formula Ford (all ex-karters)
Rhett Noonan (17) - Piara Waters, Western Australia
“I’m so happy to secure the support from Fujitsu’s “Cool” Driver program and really looking forward to a big first year in Formula Ford. We have a lot to learn and hope to build on our relationship going forward.”
Shae Davies (20) - Main Beach, Queensland
"To receive confirmation that I have become a Fujitsu 'Cool' Driver has been truly overwhelming. I have been given one of the greatest opportunities in my life to succeed in top level Australian Motorsport and I intend to make the most of it for the entire season. I have to extend a massive thank you to all involved in the selection process and specifically Fujitsu, Garry Rogers Motorsport and Velocity Management Group for giving me the opportunity."
Nick Foster (18) - Daisy Hill, Queensland
“I'm really excited about being a Fujitsu "Cool" Driver ahead of the 2011 Formula Ford season. I learnt a lot last year and with the extra support from Fujitsu I believe we are going to have an excellent year. It's a special opportunity and one that doesn’t come around often, so I’d really like to thank Fujitsu and everyone involved in the Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program.”
Cameron Waters (16) - Mildura, Victoria
“I’m stoked that I got picked for the Fujitsu “Cool” Driver Program. I think it will be an awesome program that will help kids from karts and Formula Ford progress into the next category. I wish this very program was around when I was racing karts, but feel extremely lucky to have been chosen as one of the four Formula Ford drivers. I’m sure being backed by a major company like Fujitsu will really give a boost to my career.”
