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FORMULA FORD YOUNG GUN EYES S5000 JUMP

Formula Ford young gun eyes S5000 jump - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Formula Ford young gun eyes S5000 jump - Photo: Supplied

Formula Ford young gun eyes S5000 jump – Photo: Supplied

The Australian Formula Ford Series continues to be a breeding ground for Australia’s next generation of drivers, one of which is Cody Burcher, who is eyeing a progression to S5000 after sampling the open-wheel beast last month.

By HEATH McALPINE

Burcher was a race winner in last year’s series, which was won by current Triple Eight Race Engineering Super2 driver Angelo Mouzouris.

However, the New South Welshman has his eyes on advancing his open-wheel career beyond the development category after taking part in a test at Winton with new team 88 Racing.

Also participating in the test was Jordan Boys with a mere 0.5s separating the duo after the test in which Burcher only enjoyed limited running.

“The whole aspect of it was completely different from 130hp Formula Ford to a 560hp S5000 that’s double the weight was just insane,” explained Burcher.

“The first time you get on the power, you feel like you’re sitting back in the seat, but when you give it everything somehow it pushes you back further!

“It was a big transition.”

Burcher believes it is a potential class to move into once the traditional apprenticeship in Formula Ford is complete.

“It’s similar to jumping from Formula Ford into a tin-top,” he explained.

“It’s a pretty user-friendly car, everything’s pretty straightforward. The main thing you realise is the power, obviously, but most of the traits I’ve learnt in Formula Ford carry over to the S5000. There are those extra factors such as aero, but it’s definitely a category where drivers from Formula Ford can go from one to the other without any real issue.

“It’s definitely possible.”

He is eager to complete a full-day of testing later in the year and is eyeing a potential move into S5000 next year.

“That’s our intention,” Burcher replied when queried about more seat time. “We’d like another test in it so we can get used to the car, find the limits and what works for me through experimentation of set up or whether I have to change my driving style to suit the S5000.”

“For sure it is definitely a stepping stone, we have to wait and see what comes up, but it’s always good keeping in the loop, and to see what happens.

“If the right opportunity came up, we’d be willing to have a look at it.”

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