It was a stellar 2017 for me, recording many firsts in my career. I’d like to begin with thanking everyone who has supported me this year. The year began for me in New Zealand, where I clinched the 2017 Toyota Racing Series title in dramatic fashion against extremely tough competition, including three Formula One Junior Drivers.
In early March I travelled back over to Europe and spent three weeks driver coaching at Magny Cours, Nurburgring and Paul Ricard, whilst also completing a two day test at Jerez in Spain in EuroFormula Open with RP Motorsport.
On my return to the UK, I contested the first two rounds of the British LMP3 Championship at Donington and Brands Hatch, scoring one podium, one fastest pro driver award, and two fastest laps. I got the opportunity to driver coach at Monaco which was the 75th running of the Grand Prix.
On my return from Monaco, I signed with Spanish team AV Formula to contest the final six rounds of the Formula Renault European Championship. I got the opportunity to race at several new tracks; the Hungaroring in Hungary, the Nurburgring in Germany, the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and Paul Ricard in France.
During these six rounds, I made a trip back to Australia and contested in the Kumho V8 Touring Car round at Ipswich. I also competed in one round of the LMP3 Cup Championship at Snetterton, scoring two fastest laps and another fastest Pro driver award.
I got the opportunity to work for the Formula One Paddock Club in Monza, Italy before competing in the final two Formula Renault rounds.
My final drive for the year was at Sebring in the USA in a Porsche GT4 at the Classic 12 Hour, where I won my class and raced under lights for the first time in my career.
It really was quite a busy year for me all around the globe. Listed below are my main highlights for 2017, including my results.
• Became the first Australian to win New Zealand’s internationally regarded single seater championship, the Toyota Racing Series. Previous winners include Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans • Became the first Australian to win the New Zealand Motor Cup trophy since Warwick Brown in 1975. Previous winners include Sir Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Chris Amon, John Surtees and Bruce McLaren • The first Australian to race in the British LMP3 Cup Championship • Currently holds the lap record around the Donington National Circuit in LMP3 • Raced in America and under lights for the first time
2017 Results: Toyota Racing Series, New Zealand Champion, 2 wins, 7 fastest laps, 7 podiums, 3 pole positions, 3rd place New Zealand Grand Prix Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, Europe (Final six rounds) 8 top ten finishes, 2 top 5 finishes, highest qualifying of 4th place, highest race and round result of 4th place British LMP3 Cup, England (3 rounds) 1 podium, 1 lap record, 4 fastest laps, 2 fastest pro driver award Sebring 12 Hour Classic Pole, four wins
2018:
My 2018 plans have been locked away and I am looking forward to sharing with you exactly what I will be doing in what will be a pivotal year in my racing career.