IT’S a long way from racing go-karts to the NSW Motor Racing Championships in Formula Fords, but that’s the journey Ulladulla driver Daniel Lewis is undertaking.
The 24-year-old is currently sitting in the top five of the State series after four races in his rookie season.
Lewis is certainly making some of his more fancied rivals, who also boast far bigger budgets to take notice – he has already posted a fifth, a sixth and in a sign he is starting to come to grips with the class and is certainly on the pace, third placings in the last two rounds.
“It (racing Formula Fords) is something I have wanted to do for a few years now,” he said.
He has raced go-karts for the past 12 years and more than 90 trophies attest to his success including in State and national events.
“I originally wanted to get into the Formula Fords about four years ago, but money was an issue,” he said.
“I started looking around again at the end of last season and thought it’s now or never.”
So he purchased the car from Melbourne, that had actually been campaigned by James Moffat and Lucas Dumbrell.
“It’s a good little car and goes well,” he said.
Powered by a Ford 1600 engine, the machines punch out an amazing 230km per hour.
“It’s hard to believe they go that fast, but all up the car with me in it only weighs 510kg,” he said.
“I’m really starting to come to grips with the car now, it takes some time to get used to.
“But really it’s just like a bigger go-kart.
“And we are performing well considering what our budget is – we are ahead of some teams that boast budgets of $80,000 to $100,000.”
And he is now mixing it with the likes of Sydney drivers Ryan Simpson and Tom Tweedie from Anglo Motorsports.
A typical meeting sees practice, qualifying and three races, two heats to determine placings on the grid for the trophy race, where your final finish determines your place for the round.
While it is another step up again to the national Formula Ford competition, this form of racing is often seen as a stepping stone into other forms of motorsport like V8 Supercars or Porsche Cup.
And that is something Lewis hasn’t give up hopes of.
“I would love to go as far as I can in the sport,” he said.
Also gaining some sponsorship to help with the financial cost of what is now becoming a bit more than a hobby.
“I’m still seen to be on P plates as far as driving experience is concerned and sponsors look at that, but I suppose if I keep turning out good performances something might come along,” he said.
“I certainly wouldn’t say no to anyone who wants to get involved.”
An earthmover by day and race driver come weekend – that’s his go at the moment.
“It’s not that much different, I just pull levers instead of using a steering wheel,” he joked.
There are two more rounds remaining in the series – one at Goulburn on August 16-17 with the final round at Eastern Creek in the middle of September.
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