Sargent Aims to Finish 2019 on a High

Tom Sargent is aiming to finish the 2019 Australian Formula Ford Championship on a high note, when it concludes with Round 7 at Phillip Island this weekend.

The 17-year-old driver from Young, who just finished high school, is currently third in the standings, and says the picturesque Phillip Island circuit is one of his favourite venues on the calendar.

“When I first drove the track last year, I couldn’t believe how fast and open it was – it’s a track that really rewards commitment and bravery,” Sargent said.

“It ended up being one of our best rounds, I finished just off the podium. Since then, we’ve made some good improvements with the car, and I’ve definitely developed as a driver.”

Sargent is in a tight pack of drivers battling for third in the championship, and is determined to finish the year with a top-three position in the standings.

“Considering we missed a whole round and it’s my first full year in the national series, I’m stoked to be contending for a top-three position in the championship,” he said.

One of the drivers Sargent is battling against for third in the championship is his team-mate Lachlan Mineeff, but Sargent said he’ll be treating Mineeff just like his other rivals.

“I never want to make contact with anyone, and I always show respect for my fellow competitors, so I’ll be racing against Lachlan the same way – hard, but fair,” Sargent said.

“Overall, this has been a good season – we’ve been fast at every track, so hopefully we can finish the season on a high note.”

The Phillip Island round will follow the standard Formula Ford race format of practice on Friday, qualifying and one race on Saturday, and two races on Sunday.