April 25, 2015

 

With a third of the 2015 year almost in the books, Epic Racing has enjoyed a positive start to it's return to GPVWC action.

Having been included on the grid for three series, it's certain been a busy, but exciting time for team manager Lee Davidson as he looks to cement Epic's place on the grid for years to come.

Now he gives a review of the year so far, hoping of course that it doesn't put a jinx on events to come!

"2015 was always going to be the make or break year for this team. After the horrors of 2013 and eventual lost year of 2014, we came back with one very simple aim - to rebuild our reputation and lay the foundations for a team that will be at the heart of what GPVWC is all about."

"I was lucky that I still maintained contact with Mike Schroten from when I drove for Measuric in the World GT Series in 2012. We talked about Epic coming back and quite fortunately he was looking for a drive, so it was only natural that I repay the favour he gave to me. He was also able to bring Wopke Hoekstra into the mix and I think, having such an experienced lien up was probably what got us onto the Formula Challenge grid this year."

"We had targets of grabbing points finishes, top tens would be an incredible achievement. I think it's safe to say we have already exceeded those and I think I'll be readdressing them not before long! Wopke is a superb talent who obviously deserves to move on to Supercup next year."

"His drive last time out in Istanbul was nothing short of magic, especially when you look at his Fastest Lap in Race 2, set as he came back through the field. Mike had his struggles early on as he got used to the new machine but he soldiered on and is now looking forward to more points in events to come, his season is certainly far from over."

"Epic also want to keep one eye on the future, and this is quite evident with our test driver in Formula Challenge, Rob Mason. A points scorer in FC, I was actually pleasantly surprised that he decided to take up our offer. I think it stems from the fact he seems to have a similar philosophy to us, playing the long game and committing to the strategy the team has laid out."

"He's been a superb support to Mike and Wopke and has come on very well since the start of the season, making the most of the Open Series to hone his skills, whilst racing alongside a very experienced racer in Tom Parker in our World Sport Series squad. I'm excited for Rob and looking forward to seeing him grow further within the team."

"Moving on the WSS, it was always our intention to dovetail our participation in FC with WSS, I feel it is still the most prestigious of the Independent Series and is a great opportunity for those who are unlucky enough to find themselves on the sidelines of the career ladder."

"So naturally I immediately slotted Rob into the squad, but I wanted to give him the support of an experienced sim-racer who has been there and done that in GPVWC. So I was quite lucky that on the day I set out to find the second driver, Tom Parker put his advert up for a drive in WSS."

"It's safe to say I jumped at the opportunity and haven't looked back. His performances have been superb and I'm certain Rob has gained a huge amount from Tom. It is also a statement of just how far Epic is coming that we can attract such talent."

"Then there is the International Touring Cup, which wasn't actually in our plans to begin with. However I felt the team was on a bit of a crest of a wave and figured we'd submit an entry and see what happened. Sure enough we got in! With our participation confirmed, I again took the team in a direction where we looked to the future, so not only did I want two newcomers driving the cars, but I also wanted to hand the reins partially onto to someone who could one day become a top manager."

"I've known Christian Zorner for most of my Sim-Racing 'career' and have often enjoyed battles with him on track. He's always lurking behind the scenes with Epic and so I suggested to him it'd be a natural move to start getting a little more hands-on. We opted for Geoffrey Fournier to drive one of our cars based on his Open Series performances, hearing first hand fro Rob how good a racer he can be."

"We partnered him up with Chris Shepherd based on Chris' previous touring car exploits in other communities. The two have worked together in the past so it was a match made in heaven and one I'm certain will bring the team even more success during the remainder of the year."

"I think if I was to sum up the season up to now, I'd honestly say it's been an enjoyable experience. I've got a great butch of guys working together for the good of the team, realising it's and their own potentials and striving to achieve the goals set out ahead of them."

"Work now needs to start on getting Epic's message out to the series beyond the three we are currently competing in, I am planning a social media strategy that I hope to incorporate during the summer. Most of all, I'm pleased that Epic is starting to garner a reputation within the GPVWC community and look forward to seeing how the rest of the season pans out."