Max Esterson: Snetterton Race Preview
This weekend marks the final meeting of this year's BRSCC Avon Tyres National Formula Ford Championship. I am currently sitting in 2nd place through the 17 championship rounds completed, with 3 rounds left to go this weekend. With 104 points on the table at Snetterton, it will be difficult to close the 28-point deficit to leader Alex Walker, but it is still possible - although I'm also sure wily veteran, Chris Middlehurst, is thinking the same thing as he's only sitting a handful of points behind me in 3rd place.
I'm feeling good about my chances at Snetterton as the team has been strong there in testing, rain or shine. While I badly want to win the Championship this weekend, we've had a great learning year and have run 1st, 2nd or 3rd throughout the Championship since we started way back at Donington in April. And while we haven't always had the best luck and while I've made a few mistakes, I'm super proud that we've been competitive in every session, wet or dry, won some races, been on pole, set some fastest laps, and have finished strongly, so far having been on the podium in 12 of the 17 opportunities to do so.
Photos: James Roberts
Taking a step back… Last week I was able to share the exciting news that I have been chosen as one of this year's Team USA Scholarship winners alongside fellow New Yorker, Andre Castro. With names of past winners like Vasser, Herta, Hand, Allmendinger, Lally, Newgarden, Askew, and Kirkwood, it's amazing to now be included with such a great group, but I also think we both have big shoes to fill! It's an honor to be part of a program that has provided this amazing opportunity for over 30 years, so thank you to all of its supporters – almost too many to name, but include Doug Mockett & Company, Sparco USA, AERO Paints, and many individual supporters and past winners.
Racing with the Team USA colors at this year's 50th Anniversary Formula Ford Festival and Walter Hayes Trophy is a dream come true. It has only grown my desire to win the events, but for now the focus is on trying to win the championship.
Photos: James Roberts
Back to this coming final Championship weekend at Snetterton, turnout for the event looks like it will be strong as multiple-time Festival winner and National Champion, Niall Murray, is set to join Team Dolan in preparation for the Festival and Walter Hayes Trophy later this year. My Team USA teammate, Andre, will also be joining us at Low Dempsey Racing for the weekend for his first go at British Formula Ford. Snetterton usually provides tight racing as the straights are longer than usual for Formula Fords, so drafting will play a big role. I had my first taste of the circuit in the rain last week and it was more slippery than I thought it would be. The lines you have to take to find the grip seem really exaggerated. Come rain or shine, or even the typical mixed conditions often found at the Norfolk WWII airfield circuit, my goal is to go out and do my best to win as that's the one thing I can do to most help my chances for the championship. Please see the schedule for the weekend below.
Live streaming for the weekend can be found the on the BRSCC's YouTube channel and live timing will be on TSL.
Saturday:
Qualifying: 10:15
Race #1: 14:40
Sunday:
Race #2: 10:30
Race #3: 16:20
Thanks for following along this season and hopefully I will be able to finish strong!
As always, thanks for your support.
- Max Esterson