Following a successful first running of GB4’s National Formula Ford shoot-out in 2022, MotorSport Vision (MSV) and the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) are pleased to confirm that the initiative will continue in 2023.
This year’s £20,000 prize went to American racer Colin Queen, who has gone on to secure a drive with Fortec Motorsport in next year’s GB4 Championship. Queen went up against two other teenage contenders from the BRSCC’s Avon Tyres National Formula Ford Championship in the Shoot-Out at Snetterton in October, and was selected as the winner based on simulator assessments and his driving progression at the circuit.
The same prize and format will remain for the 2023 National Formula Ford Championship Pro Class, where again, the top-three teenage drivers in the category will be invited to drive GB4 machinery at the end of the season Shoot-Out. Any National Formula Ford driver who remains 19 years of age or under by the end of 2023 will be eligible to compete for the prize.
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “Helping young drivers by providing the most cost-effective single seater championships has always been an important objective for MSV. GB4 and GB3 is the best value route to FIA F3 and then hopefully F2 and F1, as with George Russell. I’m delighted with the success of our inaugural Shoot-Out from the BRSCC’s Formula Ford championship, which saw Colin Queen emerge as a very worthy winner. He clearly impressed the Fortec team so it’s clear that the talent pool in the National Formula Ford Championship is strong. We’re committed to helping deserving young drivers advance their careers, and this prize and association with the BRSCC is a big help in them doing so.”
BRSCC Chairman Peter Daly said: “Single seater racing in the UK is very strong with competitive teams and drivers in many championships whether they be National Formula Ford 1600, GB4, GB3 or right up to F1.
“I am really pleased that MSV, with a direct input from Jonathan Palmer, see the importance of providing new and rising talent a route from karting right up the ladder. This year's shootout was a showcase for the teenage talent in FF1600 and I am really pleased Colin Queen is moving to Fortec GB4 to further develop his career.”
For more championship information, visit www.gb-4.net