Warm-up win at Snetterton sets Ross up nicely for tilt at his second consecutive British title
Racing star Ross Martin is aiming to make it a double, as he starts the defence of his BRSCC National Formula Ford 1600 title this Saturday at Oulton Park.
The 20-year-old former Balfron High pupil took eight wins from 20 races in his Allied Vehicles backed Van Diemen last year on his way to the title - and warmed up for Saturday’s season opener with victory in the Champion of Snetterton race last weekend.
And Ross admitted it was good to get back on track, even if it was in unusual circumstances - as he targets a second consecutive British title, in the shortened three round championship.
He told the Observer:“Last weekend was a last minute decision, we were supposed to take a week off from work.
“The team owner said to us to come down for a holiday, so that was planned anyway, and then when the round was planned he said how about we make a cheap weekend of it. You jump in the car and take the rust off and me and your dad can mechanic.
“It was a bit of a one off.”
On a packed grid, Ross is optimistic about his chances of making it a fourth title in as many years - having won the Scottish Formula Ford title twice prior to taking the British crown.
He continued:“I’m fortunate in that I’m one of these guys who can jump in a car having been out for a while or not been on the track before and get back on the pace pretty quickly.
“Considering there are only three rounds, and two are at Oulton Park and Anglesey where we were strong last year, we’ll have a right good go at it.
“We’ve signed up to do the first two and if they go well then we’ll take things from there.
“It will be nice to get back racing, there is a 36 car grid this season though so it’ll be really tough.
“There are some quick Americans coming over it, but they don’t tend to do much wheel banging unlike the British drivers.
“I’m still in the same car, and we know it’s got good pace. I’ve got some quick teammates this year to back me up too, but they’ll obviously be the first guys I’m looking to beat.
“Three wins on Saturday would be ideal, but realistically I’ll be happy to start with just a couple of podiums.”