Thomas Maxwell

Maxwell ready for title fight at next Australian Formula Ford Round

Formula Ford, Thomas Maxwell

11049651_474561999359858_7979947395203801225_nDESPITE THE start Thomas Maxwell had at the first round of the Australian Formula Ford Championship, the 16-year-old is more than ready to get back into the championship fight at Round 2 of the open-wheel series at Phillip Island.

The Northern Territory driver showed his fellow competitors he has what it takes to win, putting the Sonic Motor Racing Services Mygale on the front for practice, but had bad luck heading into the races.

Maxwell was involved in another driver’s incident during the final race of the event, taking the teenager out of the race and contention for a round placing.

“The Sonic Mygale showed strong pace during the first round of the series, but some unfortunate luck took away what would have been a very strong start to the season,” Maxwell said.

“There were positive glimpses which we took away from the weekend, but as always there are areas we can improve and further develop.

“As long as I can keep refining my technique it’s all grounding steps in the right direction.

“Onwards and upwards for now, I’m going to bite the bullet and focus all of my energy in preparing for the next round at Phillip Island.”

The Bosch Car Service Centre driver is currently placed ninth in the Australian Formula Ford Championship.

Maxwell’s next round will be held at the prestigious Phillip Island Circuit for Round 2 of the series on May 22.

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Maxwell Finishes Fifth on Debut in Australian Formula Ford Final Round

Formula Ford, Thomas Maxwell
Thomas Maxwell racing to an impressive fifth at Island of Magic

Thomas Maxwell racing to an impressive fifth at Island of Magic

NORTHERN TERRITORY’S Thomas Maxwell has finished an impressive fifth on debut in the final round of the Australian Formula Ford Championship, held in conjunction with Phillip Island’s Island of Magic.

The 16-year-old had competed throughout the Victorian State Series in Formula Ford throughout this year, but overcame all rookie odds to finish inside in the top five out of a 32 car field, racing with one of the oldest cars on the grid.

The teenager had also qualified in fourth for Race 1, which was a personal best for the rookie at Phillip Island.

“What a fantastic weekend it was,” said Maxwell.

“Being able to run up at the front and race wheel-to-wheel with Australia’s best drivers was unbelievable.

“The qualifying lap was crucial, being able to put it on the second row of the grid played a big part – especially with the amount of cars in the field.”

“It was a fantastic way to cap off an outstanding rookie year in Formula Ford!”

Maxwell had also recently raced at the Phillip Island circuit in October, finishing his first strong year in the Victorian State Series coming home in seventh in the championship.

The Bosch Car Service Centre driver has had a great first season in Formula Ford with the team at Sonic Motor Racing Services, and is looking forward for what is yet to come in the 2015 racing season.

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Maxwell Impresses in Darwin Finishing Second at States

Sprint Karting, Thomas Maxwell
Thomas Maxwell leading the way in Darwin

Thomas Maxwell leading the way in Darwin

15-YEAR-OLD Thomas Maxwell has achieved his career best result to date in sprint karting, finishing second at the Open State Titles in Junior National Light at his home circuit at Hidden Valley.

The Dino Kart driver impressed from day one, qualifying pole position in both sessions by nearly two-tenths to his Australian champion rival.

Maxwell backed up his speed and set the fastest lap both heats, winning comfortably in heat one.

Heat two saw Maxwell race hard with Bryce Fullwood, passing Fullwood with two-laps to go and taking his second win for the weekend.

Maxwell once again had a tight battle with Fullwood, making a spectacular finish in the pre-final crossing the line in second by one-tenth of a second.

With the racing being close throughout the whole weekend, Maxwell started second for the final. At the start Maxwell was pushed back to fifth, but fought back passing his opponents one-by-one.

The teenager then managed to regain second position, hunting down his rival and pulling away from the rest of the field.

As the laps went on, Maxwell started to catch the Australian champion by nearly one-tenth a lap.

After lap 9, the kart started to go off after making the wrong technical change to the kart, allowing the times to drop a tenth a lap, allowing Fullwood to maintain the margin.

Thomas Maxwell finished in second place in the final to Bryce Fullwood, with the gap back to third over two-seconds.

“I was extremely happy with our results over the weekend,” said Maxwell.

“Being able to break through for my maiden pole position and podium really shows that all our hard work over the last few weeks has really paid off.

“The Dino kart showed great pace throughout the whole weekend setting numerous fastest laps throughout the races and I look forward to the next title.”

Maxwell’s next race meeting is at Darwin, then will head to Melbourne in a few weeks time to back-up his great results and race at the City of Melbourne event.

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