YOUNG GUN- JUDE BARGWANNA

With a return to racing on the horizon, no one could be more excited than Jude Bargwanna.

The 16-year-old was flying after a hattrick of Australian Formula Ford Championship podiums and a second in class finish at the Bathurst 6 Hour, but has been forced to wait six months to build on his momentum.

As Australian motorsport gears up for its Sydney Motorsport Park return at the end of the month, Bargwanna could not be more pumped.

“I am super keen, we’ve had four or five months now where we’ve had no clue what’s happening or when we’re going back or anything like that,” an enthusiastic Bargwanna said.

“To have a date to look forward to, train for and prepare for is really good

“And to be back on the calendar with Supercars, it’s where Formula Ford should be, getting the recognition on the TV.”

Bargwanna comes from a long line of racing lineage dating back to Harry and Alf in the 1960s and grew up with the talents of Bathurst 1000 winner Jason and his father Scott.

It was the family connection that fostered Jude’s passion.

“With three generations of racers in the Bargwanna family, racing is definitely in our blood,” Bargwanna said.

“As a kid growing up, I used to watch dad and Uncle Jason compete all the time. Ben, my cousin and I used to sit in the grandstand racing our Matchbox’s cars watching our dads fly by in race cars.”

It is easy to see why Jude followed a similar path, although dirt bikes were the machine of choice initially.

“My racing career began on dirt bikes,” Bargwanna recalls.

“I raced 50cc and 65cc dirt bikes at a young age competing in Club and State events.”

From bikes Bargwanna made the shift to four wheeled karts, and subsequently Formula Ford where has made his name since debuting in 2020.

It was a mixed bag in his first start at Sandown Raceway in Victoria.

“My first ever race was in the Formula Ford at Sandown Raceway where I took pole position in my first qualifying session in the wet,” Bargwanna said.

“Not to mention already gaining bragging rights over my cousin Ben.

“No one needs to know that I went on to stall from pole position in my first ever race.”

The up-and-comer then completed three rounds of the COVID-shortened NSW Formula Ford Championship, taking home third place for the season including the Rookie of the Year award.

After a first circuit racing season punctuated by disruptions, Bargwanna went into the 2021 Australian Formula Ford Championship without expectations.

“I really had no expectations for this year other than to compete at my best ability and to gain some experience racing in a more competitive field at new circuits that I had never driven at before,” Bargwanna said.

“Third for the weekend at my first National round was a pretty cool feeling.

“It was awesome to jump into a super completive field and mix it straight up with the big boys.”

As well as diving back into Formula Ford competition, Bargwanna has committed to the 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour alongside his cousin, Ben.

Bargwanna pair back for 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour – Image: InSyde Media

After Jason won the Bathurst 1000 in 2000 and Scott scored the Class A2 victory in the 2017 6 Hour, it would be fitting if the pair were able to conquer Mount Panorama next year.

Ben and Jude narrowly finished second in Class D of the 2021 race but will step up into outright contention in 2022 driving an Audi TTRS.

“To finish on the podium this year was a highlight for my career and amazing for my first ever time at Bathurst,” Bargwanna fondly remembers.

“I just want to win, finishing second last time was a little bit disappointing.

“We had the pace to go out and win it, so we’ve got some determination to go for the win.”

While lockdowns may have stifled Bargwanna’s progress, he is sure to be busy on track over the coming months.

This web edition of Young Guns aims to highlight some of the talents from within the junior ranks. If, like Jude, you fit the criteria please email [email protected] with a blurb about yourself, the categories you’ve competed in, some imagery to go with the story and contact details.

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