2009 AMSF Supported Drivers Review

"Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer." Marcia Wieder

Commitment brings action that leads to achieving goals. Throughout this season the class of 2009 learnt that to achieve they must apply themselves. From the CAMS Rising Stars to the AMSF International Rising Stars and all of our previously supported drivers, the AMSF can reflect and be very proud of the application, dedication and resolve of our future stars.

2009 saw the CAMS Rising Star chassis up the front once again, with Scott Pye more than competitive in all of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship (AFFC). Pye finished third in the drivers' championship and is something that the South Australian will cherish in the years to come.

"To finish third this year has been a big achievement for me; something I am very proud of. Obviously my aim was to win, but the Sonic guys (Nick Percat and Mitch Evans) were just too strong this year," Pye said.

Pye had a consistent 2009 season, finishing every race and rarely being outside the top five contenders. The highlight of Pye's season came at Sandown, where he took out races two and three as well as the round win.

"It was a great feeling to take my first national race win on the 40th anniversary of Australian Formula Ford at Sandown. I was just really happy to win and it was definitely the highlight of my season," said Pye.

Pye now has his sights set on 2010 and the prospect of racing overseas. Recently competing at the Formula Ford Festival in the United Kingdom, Pye was able to meet with a number of the top European team in trying to secure a drive for the 2010 season.

"After this season I am hoping to make the transition to wings and slicks in Europe ideally and follow my Formula 1™ dream. The help and support I have received over the past few years from the AMSF has been fantastic," Pye said.

Pye was joined by teammates and rookies Luke Ellery and Nathan Morcom in this year's championship. Both Ellery and Morcom enjoyed solid seasons that have laid the foundations for their 2010 seasons and beyond. Ellery finished in the top ten (ninth) in the AFFC and is making the big more overseas to chase a lucrative drive in the Formula 2000 Championship in the United States of America.

"I am really looking forward to getting over to the States and seeing how I go. This year has been fantastic for me and I now know what it takes to up the front end," Ellery said.

Seventeen year-old Nathan Morcom will be fronting up for another season in the AFFC in 2010; driving in another Spectrum under the Synergy banner. After finishing a respectable thirteenth in this year's championship, Morcom will be looking forward to refining his skills and knowledge in the category.

"Racing for the CAMS Rising Star Program this year has given me an understanding of the car and what it takes to be consistent and up the front end of the pack," Morcom said.

"This year has given me a lot of networking opportunities and I thank the AMSF and CAMS Rising Star Program for giving me the skills and knowledge to build on next year."

Ben Jurczak also joined the CAMS Rising Star Program in early 2009; competing in two rounds of the Victorian Formula Ford State Series. Jurczak, a keen and well-credentialed karter, showed a lot of promise and skills on the Victorian tracks and has a bright future ahead of him.

Internationally, AMSF International Rising Stars Molly Taylor and Daniel Erickson represented the program with the style and class that saw them dominate in Australia. Competing in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup and the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain respectively, Taylor and Erickson were consistently in the mix throughout the season.

Erickson finished in fifth position in the 2009 MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain; displaying the talent and poise that lead him to fourth position in the 2008 AFFC. The highlight for Erickson was the Round fourteen win at Donington Park; where he lead from start to finish and won in emphatic style.

"I was so pleased to be able to secure pole position and then win at Donington Park. This was the best way I knew how to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my family, the AMSF and Kevin Mills Racing," said Erickson.

Molly Taylor's 2009 campaign in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup couldn't have started any better, with Taylor crossing the finish line first in the first two rounds of the season. Taylor maintained her steely resolve and competitive edge throughout the season, however encountered mechanical problems in the final round and was forced to retire; all but dashing her 2009 championship aspirations.

"To finish the first two rounds on top was incredible and really set up my season. It was disappointing to have to retire in the final round, but this year have been a great learning curve and I'm looking forward to next year," Taylor said.

Taylor also took away the prestigious title of MSA British Ladies Rally Champion. Competing in the Toddsleap.com Ulster International Rally in August, Taylor wrapped up the British Ladies Rally Champion title and also cemented her place as the first overseas driver to have ever taken the trophy.

"I was so happy and excited to take out the British Ladies Rally Champion title in Ulster. It was a really big honour and I was very proud to be representing the AMSF International Rising Star Program," Taylor said.

With season 2009 at its conclusion, the AMSF would like to thank all 2009 supported drivers for their dedication and efforts throughout the season. We wish them all the best in their 2010 campaigns and beyond; and see the development and growth of their skills as they chase their career ambitions and goals.

2009 AMSF Supported Drivers Websites

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