December 13, 2015

 

As the Christmas break continues so does the preparations for the teams as we close in on the 2016 season, with Epic Racing confirming their FC line-up and a new charity partnership.

Epic Racing team manager Lee Davidson has today confirmed a new partnership with charity organisation War Child as well as the team's two drivers for the upcoming 2016 Formula Challenge season.

Since being confirmed of their place on the grid for next season at GPVWC Day, Davidson was able to confirm an exciting line up of experienced drivers to lead their second season since making their comeback. "I believe continuity is paramount in the founding years of any team, regardless of sport, in order to achieve those solid foundations from which to grow from. With that in mind I looked internally at our current talent pool to find our 2016 line up. First of all, Rob Mason will be retaining his seat, driving the number forty-nine car that he took over so well mid way through 2015. Rob is well respected within GPVWC and has shown a fantastic commitment, going from test driver to full time racing driver during his tenure with Epic." said Davidson.

"Partnering Rob will be a driver we worked with in two series last season, WSS and ITC, the latter where he performed at an incredible level throughout the season. Driving the number thirty eight entry will be Geoffrey Fournier. We are thrilled to offer him his first full season in the GPVWC Career Ladder having spent part of last year with Racing Team Schroten, where he performed well beyond his experience with the car. Along with Rob, I'm satisfied that the team has a line up that can build on last year's success and firmly install us as a constant front runner in what is sure to be another competitive field. Supporting both Rob and Geoffrey will be Mike Schroten, remaining with the squad after racing with us in 2015, Mike is a extremely well respected member of the team who I'm sure will be relied upon to assist in every way he can in his test/reserve driver role, something I deem critical to any success."

He then touched on a new deal that will see War Child's logo adorn the team's liveries throughout 2016. "Considering we don't make any money, it felt silly not giving exposure to someone who really needs it, that's why myself and Christian Zorner, our chief designer, decided to look at charities. Christian came forward with War Child and it was really a no brainier. Seeing the work they do for children affected by the atrocities of war hit home that they were the ones to have on the machine. It's only a small favor but if it even achieves only one supporter, then it can be considered a success."

Afterwards, Epic's new line up gave their thoughts;

"I'm delighted to be confirmed at Epic for a full Formula Challenge season in 2016." said Rob Mason, "The last season has been really positive for me and I feel I've made a lot of progress which I will carry with me. The 2016 season will be a whole new ball game though, and tyre management is going to be key. This is an area I've struggled with in the past, so I will be making the most of the extensive pre-season testing this early announcement allows. I'm looking forward to continuing the work with Epic and Geoffrey. Personally I will be aiming for a top 10 finishes, with maybe a few reverse grid surprises."

"First of all, thanks again to Lee Davidson for the confidence he has in me." said Geoffrey Fournier, "It's going to be my second season in the team, and it's like my second family. I'm happy to team up with Rob Mason, who was also in the team last year. About the goal, we don't know what to expect because of the switch to rFactor2, but I think we will be able to achieve some points finishes quite often if we work like we've always done."