A familiar scenario in these harsh economic times – lack of funds – has forced Daniel Erickson to shelve his plan to contest the 2010 Formula Star Mazda Championship.
The 22 year-old Sydney driver had high hopes of contesting the US ‘development’ openwheeler series following a sensational test session with leading Star Mazda team Mundill in December (see news release, December 3, 2009), but despite his best efforts the necessary financial backing hasn’t materialised.
“It’s a historically bad time for young drivers seeking commercial partners to further their careers,” a disappointed Erickson said.
“The global financial crisis is a big pothole that motorsport hasn’t been able to avoid.
“It’s had a major effect on the amount of money that’s available for sports partnerships, and motorsport is no exception.
“I’ve lost count of the marketing managers who’ve told me ‘Come back in six or 12 months, and then we’ll be in a better position to consider your proposal’.
Putting his racing plans on hold is a bitter pill for the 2009 Australian Motorsport Foundation International Rising Star.
“This is the first time since my karting days that I haven’t had a racing program confirmed by the early months of the year,” Erickson said.
“At this time in 2007 I was looking forward to making my Formula Ford debut in the NSW Formula Ford Championship, in 2008 it was the Australian Formula Ford Championship, and last year the British Formula Ford Championship.
“In 2010 I was planning to graduate to a ‘slicks and wings’ formula, and Star Mazda provided the most cost-effective opportunity to do this,” he said.
Typically, the setback has only made Erickson more determined to resume his journey, after an unscheduled delay, towards Formula One.
“I’m determined that missing the first few rounds of the Star Mazda Championship, or even the entire 2010 series, will only postpone my racing career,” he said.
“My track record shows that I adapt well to difficult situations, so the prospect of joining a competitive series like the Star Mazda Championship mid-season doesn’t worry me.
“The front-running teams can usually prepare an extra car at short notice, so it shouldn’t be a problem to begin my 2010 campaign during the season.”
Erickson said that he’s canvassing Australian companies, especially those who want to increase their exposure in the world’s biggest economy – or any other economy.
“Star Mazda is the top American development formula, but I’m open to competing in equivalent level series in other countries.
“Whether it’s Star Mazda, F3, GP3, Formula Renault or Formula Masters, they’re all training for motorsport’s pinnacle: Formula 1.
“Meanwhile I want to thank everyone who has come on board for 2010, including my Team Erickson supporters.
”Be assured that I’ll be racing again as soon as I can secure the additional funding.”
BACKGROUND
Daniel Erickson
Daniel has all the hallmarks of a future motor racing champion.
The unassuming driver from Orangeville, in Sydney’s greater west, showed exceptional promise as a teenager in karting.
His wins included the 2002 Victorian and Queensland Junior Championships, the 2003 NSW Super 8 Junior Championship, the 2004 NSW Premier Kart Cup, and the 2006 NSW Clubman and Leopard Pro Kart Series.
In 2007 Daniel began his car racing career in Formula Ford, the world’s premier ‘entry level‘ openwheel formula for the past four decades.
The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) immediately recognised his potential by selecting him into the NSW and then national ‘Rising Star’ squads in 2007-08.
‘Rookie of the Year’ performances in the 2007 NSW Formula Ford Championship and the 2008 Australian Formula Ford Championship prompted CAMS’ overseas driver development arm, the Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF), to elevate Daniel to ‘International Rising Star’ status for 2009.
He justified the AMSF’s faith by placing an excellent fifth overall – and highest-placed driver in his debut season – in the British Formula Ford Championship, the category’s toughest national series.
Before returning to Australia in December, Daniel had a sensational try-out with US Formula Star Mazda team Mundill.
In his first drive of a ‘slicks and wings’ openwheeler, he lapped the unfamiliar MSR Houston Raceway less than two tenths of a second outside Mundill’s fastest recorded time for a current-spec Formula Star Mazda car.
A promising off-season production touring car debut in the Bathurst 12-Hour race in February was stymied when one of his co-drivers crashed out during the opening laps.
Prospective commercial partners or private sponsors can contact Bill Erickson on (02) 4657.1033.
Formula Star Mazda
Star Mazda has been a significant US ‘development’ openwheeler formula since its creation, with Mazda backing, in 1991.
The highly competitive and lucrative Star Mazda national championship gives up-and-coming racing drivers the opportunity to graduate to a ‘slicks and wings’ class from entry level openwheeler categories such as Formula Ford 1600, as well as sports and touring cars.
Star Mazda enters its 20th year in 2010 with a solid track record of spectacular action, close competition and tight cost controls.
Key to the formula’s success have been identical specification key components, including the 180kW Mazda ‘Renesis’ rotary engine, six-speed sequential-shift Hewland transmission, carbon fibre chassis and Goodyear ‘slick’ tyres.
Last year the Indy Racing Series incorporated Star Mazda into its ‘Road to Indy’ driver development program.
With the recent demise of rival development category Formula Atlantic, Star Mazda is now the principal stepping-stone to Indy Lights and then Indycars in the US.
Alternatively it can be preparation GP2/F2/Formula Renault 3.5 and then Formula 1 in Europe.
The 2010 Star Mazda Championship comprises 13 races, more than half of which are at high-profile race meetings featuring series such as the Indy Racing Series and the American Le Mans Series.
End-of-series awards this year will top $US1.5million.
Ed Note: OzRacingWrap is proud to be a supporter of Daniel and his career going forward and encourage anyone who may be able to assist Daniel to contact Bill Erickson via the website
