Dempsey: ‘System didn’t suit me’ cause for British F3 split with Hillspeed
Cliff Dempsey Racing has ended its partnership with BRDC British Formula 3 team Hillspeed, coming into effect immediately after the season finale at Donington Park last month.
The two teams entered into a partnership in 2016 with Cliff Dempsey Racing continuing to run in the National Formula Ford 1600 Championship.
But team boss Dempsey revealed the tie-up had now run its course.
“I think both of us knew it wasn’t really working for us,” he said. “The system just doesn’t suit me. I was very happy with the staff that were there, happy that the car was quick. But at the end of the day I’m so used to running my own team that it’s very, very hard to work with anyone else. That’s really what the problem is.
“My handshake is my word so I stuck there until the end. When [Jordan] Cane left [to join Douglas Motorsport] I could have gone with him but I didn’t. Chase [Owen] was still there and I said I’ll stay there as long as he does.”
But Dempsey did not rule out a possible return to F3, running with his own outfit.
“If I find two drivers with the money then I’d run in F3 myself,” he added. “I love the series. If there is budget then I’ll set it up properly but my first consideration is FF1600.”
Now the deal has ended, Dempsey is looking to increase his participation in FF1600 for 2018. This follows the announcement that the championship will support the inaugural season of TCR UK, and Dempsey plans to run four cars having had two this year.