Hayes ‘some of the best fun all year’, says British F3’s Chadwick
BRDC British Formula 3 racer Jamie Chadwick believes all drivers should compete in Formula Ford 1600 at some stage in their career after taking part in the Walter Hayes Trophy.
The 19-year-old competed in a Graham Brunton Racing Ray GR15 at Silverstone after agreeing a deal only days before the event.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind [to do it], I said on Twitter and social media I wanted to do it and through Jonny Adam, my old driving coach, he put me in touch with Graham Brunton,” she said.
“I’ve said so many times that the first test session is some of the most fun I have had all year.
“It’s just a really great event, I’m going to have to encourage some of the other British F3 drivers to do it.
“I thought it would be hard, I came in expecting to get my backside kicked.
“A lot of the drivers I have raced against competed in FF1600 in the early stages of their career. Just because they haven’t gone up the career ladder doesn’t mean they aren’t quick.”
After finishing third in her heat Chadwick claimed 12th in one of the semi finals and qualified 23rd for the final.
A problem with the engine on the grid meant she was forced to start from the pitlane and finished 25th and last after struggling with car troubles.