Denyer shares seat time with Rookie at first Ford Rising Star test
Release Date: 19/02/2007

Speed FX Racing's new Ford supported driver development squad, Ford Rising Stars Racing (FRSR) had its first outing yesterday with a test at Sydney-s Oran Park race circuit, which saw driver Grant Denyer share his V8 with rookie Daniel Elliot.

FRSR's two Falcon Supercars hit the track in full liveries, which will be publicly unveiled in a team launch at Sydney-s Cronulla Beach this Tuesday 20 February at 5.30pm.

2007 FRSR drivers Denyer, Michael Caruso and reserve Elliot all scored plenty of seat time in a trouble free first session, under the guidance of team owner and renowned developer of future talent Jim Morton and the watchful eye of Ford Racing Manager Ray Price.

Denyer and Caruso both set impressive times and Elliot had his first taste of V8 Supercar driving in preparation for his debut at Clipsal, where he will fill in for Denyer who will be absent due to television commitments.

"It was a real buzz to get behind the wheel," Daniel Elliot said.

"I was pretty nervous as I was under strict instructions to look after the car with Clipsal in only a few weeks time.

"It took me quite a few laps to find a rhythm but the car has awesome power and brakes."

The Rising Stars concept has come to fruition thanks to the efforts of Morton, Price and a host of others, including sponsors Lawrence & Hanson, Auslec and Summit Fleet Leasing, and the program expands beyond propelling talented drivers into motorsport success.

"The Ford Rising Stars concept is certainly about furthering the careers of talented drivers, but it is just as much focused on giving opportunities to young mechanics and engineers wanting to develop a career in motorsport," FRSR Commercial Manager, Kim White said.

"We have put on a new young mechanic, Travis Reynolds, who helped us at Clipsal last year as part of the South Australian Government Apprentice Scheme.

"We also have on board two young engineers who are looking to be future top race engineers and are playing a hands on role in developing their skills.

"Yesterday's test was all about settling the drivers into the newly formed team and making sure that as a team we feel like a fully cohesive unit.

"We have spent an enormous amount of time in the workshop to get everything ready and it-s a credit to the boys who have put in some very late nights to make it all happen."

The Ford Rising Stars Racing team will hit the track for its first 2007 race at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide 1 - 4 March.

Public can catch the team including Grant Denyer at the Ford Rising Stars Racing launch where liveries will be unveiled, next Tuesday 20 February, 5:30pm onwards at Cronulla Beach, and one lucky bystander will have the chance to win a Hot Lap.