Queensland’s Ash Walsh signalled his intentions for the 2010 Australian Formula Ford Championship last weekend at the Nikon Super GP on the Gold Coast, winning the final race and round aboard his Spectrum 011d in emphatic style.

In a shortened five lap sprint, with rain falling on parts of the circuit from the third lap, Walsh crushed the opposition and cruised to victory by more than four seconds.

 

“That was intense,” said a jubilant Walsh after the race. “We came here just looking to get some race miles ahead of next season, so the goal was to keep out of trouble and see what happens. The Spectrum was so good out there that we were able to take the race and round win. I’m still a bit rusty, so I can’t wait to do some more driving in the lead up to next year!” he enthused.

 

“Ash did an outstanding job this weekend,” said Borland. “To come back into the category at the end of the season when all of the other guys have been racing and testing all year and beat them is a real achievement. As Ash said, we haven’t touched the car, so I am looking forward to getting into testing in preparation for next year.”

 

Walsh has not driven a Formula Ford in about two years and hasn’t driven any racing cars in almost a year after a difficult 2008 season racing in Europe. “It’s a fairly common story. We had a crack at running overseas, but it didn’t work out,” Ash explained. “I started studying accounting and was planning on that as a career because I thought racing was no longer an option. I can’t thank Mike (Borland) and my Dad enough for the faith they have shown in giving me another shot at a racing career. This win is for them,” he added.

 

Walsh’s goal is to use next year to work on securing the backing to move into the Fujitsu V8 Series in 2011. “That’s the plan now,” Ash said. “We simply don’t have the money to look overseas again. Actually, we need to find budget for next year in Formula Ford, let alone Fujitsu the year after. But we’re going to give it our best shot and see what we can piece together.” For sponsorship or investment opportunities with Ash, please email paul@borlandracing.com or phone 03 9580 5236.