Pukekohe race car driver Liam Lawson is looking forward to his racing debut on South Island motor racing circuits which host the opening three rounds of his rookie Formula Ford program.
The 14-year-old, who started motor racing last season in Formula First, has moved up to the more powerful 1600cc cars and contests the opening round of the NZ F1600 championship at Timaru’s Levels Raceway early next month.
In the meantime, he’ll compete in the opening round of the South Island Formula 1600 championship at Christchurch’s Ruapuna Park.
“I’m so looking forward to racing new circuits [to me] and the three South Island tracks appear to be so different to the ones I’ve learnt to race on in the North Island,” said Lawson.
After winning the SpeedSport Scholarship last year, Lawson went on to win the Formula First rookie of the year title, however the Formula First category only races at North Island motor racing venues.
Liam recently visited Christchurch and took the opportunity to make a visit to the Ruapuna circuit during a Club racing day and also meet the co-ordinator of the South Island Formula Ford Series and NZ F1600, Steve Edwards before he makes his southern motor racing debut on October 29.
“It was a great opportunity to meet Steve [Edwards] and get to know more about their series and the race tracks we’ll be at,” added Lawson.
“He’s been competing a long time and that’s really helpful to me since I’m just starting out racing a Formula Ford.
“I just can’t wait to get in the car again and get racing.”
The Pukekohe High School student has had just one race meeting in the car, winning all three races at the opening round of the North Island Formula Ford Series.
Even though checking out the circuit racing was a valuable part of his weekend in Christchurch, it wasn’t the primary reason he was in the city.
Lawson was invited by top New Zealand rally driver Matt Summerfield to try the ‘rally experience’. It was the first time Liam had been in a rally car at speed and sat beside Matt during a ride-day in the Ashley Forest.
“A totally amazing experience. I could never imagine doing that! He’s just so fast and his car control and placement on gravel is incredible. Wow! I have the upmost respect for what Matt does. A totally different type of motorsport.”
So would Liam consider switching to a gravel racer?
“I’d love to have a go one day, but no. I’ve still got so much to learn about circuit racing!”
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