Formula Ford drivers Lachlan Mineeff and Tom Sargent have been blown away by the performance of CHE Racing’s Porsche Carrera Cup car, after successfully testing the car at Wakefield Park last week.
Mineeff and Sargent participated in the test day as a reward for their standout performances in this year’s Australian Formula Ford Championship, and both drivers thoroughly enjoyed their Porsche experience.
“When I went out of the gate and put my foot down, it was just unbelievable to feel so much power,” Sargent said.
“All my peripheral vision became a blur, and then it just took off. It shows how good the drivers are in these cars, and I have a whole new level of respect for them.
“A lot of what I’ve learned in Formula Ford really helped, especially braking technique. Being left-hand drive, it took me a while to get used to positioning the car, but I eased into it and really enjoyed myself.”
“I had a vague idea of what it was going to be like, but it certainly exceeded my expectations,” Mineeff added.
“The power and punch out of the corners is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It’s a lot quicker down the straights than the Formula Ford.
“I just had to keep it smooth and consistent, and by the end of my runs I was feeling more comfortable.”
The car’s regular driver, Cameron Hill, was impressed by both drivers’ performances.
“Tom and Lachlan did a sensational job – they built up to it, improved with each outing and both of them had massive smiles on their faces,” Hill said.
“Looking ahead to the future, our plan is to bring more drivers through our junior program – they can learn the fundamentals in Formula Ford, which will prepare them to make the step up to a category like Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge or wherever they choose to take their careers.”
Mineeff and Sargent will be back in their Formula Fords for the final round of the national championship at Phillip Island, 28-29 September, while Hill will return to the driver’s seat of the Porsche a fortnight later for Round 7 of Carrera Cup at Bathurst.
