SARGENT CHOOSES SPRINT CHALLENGE

Formula Ford racer Tom Sargent will move into the Porsche Sprint Challenge next year, driving Cameron Hill’s old machine in the second-tier series.

The 19-year-old will head into the one-make series off the back of a Victorian Formula Ford crown, having been declared champion with seven wins from eight races in September.

Sargent also has a strong chance of taking out the national Formula Ford title in 2021, sitting top with five wins from six races at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMP) and Wakefield.

The young New South Welshman experienced tin top success in the Bathurst 6 Hour back in April, topping the Class D Production results alongside Lachlan Mineeff.

After a dominant season in Australian motorsport, Sargent will be shifting to the single-make national Porsche competition in 2022.

“What we’re going to do next year is we’re going to go into the Porsche Sprint Challenge with Cameron’s (Hill) old car,” Sargent told Auto Action.

“That’s our plan for next year along with the Bathurst 6 Hour – we’re going to do that again.”

Sargent drove a Toyota 86 in both the 2019 and 2021 iterations of the Bathurst 6 Hour, but he will be looking to challenge higher up in the overall standings in a different car next time around.

“In what car, we’re not going to quite specify yet, but we’ll be doing that as well as the Sprint Challenge.

“I can confirm we’re coming out of the 86 into something with a little bit more horsepower.

“That’s hopefully not far away from being announced as well.”

In inheriting Cameron Hill’s previously raced machine, Sargent will be placing further faith in the CHE Racing crew of Cameron and Colin Hill.

The former currently sits atop the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia standings, with six wins from nine races thus far including a hattrick at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Hill has raced in the category since 2018, finishing in the top 10 every season.

For Sargent, it will be his first time racing a full season in a tin top category.

Read more about Sargent’s outstanding year and racing roots in his ‘Young Gun’ feature in the next edition of AA on sale tonight digitally and in stores from tomorrow morning.

Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.