Reigning Formula Ford Scholarship Champion Daniel Cammish is aiming for victory at Rockingham next weekend (17/18 July) in the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.
The 21-year-old currently lies third in the overall standings, behind championship leader Scott Malvern and six-time race winner Scott Pye, and will need to score some big points in an attempt to reel in the front two.
After picking up his maiden victory for the JTR team at Zandvoort, he went into the last round at Castle Combe hoping to continue his good form, but had a difficult weekend, putting more emphasis on a good weekend this time round. The first round at Combe ended in retirement, with Cammish caught out by his unfamiliarity with the team's new Mygale chassis. “Because I'm quite tall I had a bit of difficulty getting into the car, and because of how the pedals were set up I was having an issue with using them properly. The brakes overheated and I lost them. I dropped back several places before I figured what I needed to do to sort out the problem, and then the brakes started to come back. Unfortunately, that was when I missed a gear and got hit from behind.”
He went on to claim fourth place in race two, but the retirement left him further off the pace. He hopes Rockingham will be a turning point. “I feel as if I have settled down into the car now, so I'm pretty confident. The big thing now is to start to win some races and to catch up with Scott Pye. My car is very good – JTR know exactly what they are doing and they put down a fast car, it's just taken me a little time to get my head around the different driving style needed. I was on pole at Rockingham last year and I fancy my chances of doing it again.”
As they head into Rockingham, its Cliff Dempsey Racing driver Malvern who leads the championship. Despite only winning one round so far this season, he holds a 43 points lead, courtesy of picking up nine podium finishes in ten rounds and being the only driver to score in all races. Hot on his heels is Australian Pye, who despite recording six wins this season, has been unable to gain the championship lead. Both will be looking to continue their impressive seasons at Rockingham
The series is proving to be very competitive this year, with nearly a dozen drivers being more than capable of challenging for podiums and wins. As well as the three in the championship, Josh Hill and Dennis Lind have picked up wins, while Antti Buri, Tio Ellinas, Dan de Zille and Jake Cook have all finished on the podium. Alongside these, Jamun drivers Emil Bernstorff and Jeroen Slaghekke have shown good pace and will be hoping to push for podium finishes at Rockingham.
As well as the battle at the front, there is a tense battle emerging in the Scholarship class, with the winner outright earning the prize of a Van Diemen chassis and Scholar engine for 2011. A three way battle is emerging, between Luke Williams, a four time class winner this year, Tristan Mingay, a three time winner and Mexican Dani Domit, a double winner. With only 10 points separating them in the standings, a good weekend for any of them could see them walk away from Rockingham top of the class.
Rockingham is also going to be a big weekend for 22-year-old Ashley Grant, who is making his circuit racing debut in the series. After an extensive karting career, Grant will be looking for some solid finishes in his first outing, driving the second Mygale in the Harkesport team. It is also hoped that Chrissy Palmer, who won the 2009 Formula Ford Festival, will be able to race at Rockingham, after injuring his hand in an accident at Castle Combe.
With two compelling title battles and a host of quick drivers to look out for, Rockingham promises to deliver two exciting, action packed races in the 2010 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.
Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain
Provisional championship placings after round 10 (of 25)
1 Scott Malvern GBR 248
2 Scott Pye AUS 205
3 Daniel Cammish GBR 176
4 Antti Buri FIN 174
5 Josh Hill GBR 158
6 Tio Ellinas CYP 138 etc
Scholarship Class
1 Luke Williams GBR 178
2 Tristan Mingay GBR 171
3 Dani Domit MEX 168
4 David Ellesley GBR 81
5 Adam Parsley GBR 70
6 Max McGuire GBR 49
