Jordie Ford Takes Maiden Australian Title in Williams Racing 1-2
| team press release | 23 September 2015 |
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The crew of Team Williams Racing left the Shannon’s Nationals at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday night in high spirits after a great weekends racing.
Their performance, which culminated after three years of trying, in Jordan Ford securing the Australian Superkart 250cc National Championship and teammate Dale coming home second, making it a Williams Racing 1-2 in the championship.
Above: The new National Champion in 250 National - Jordie Ford sports the #1
Ford’s weekend literally started with a bang in the first qualifying session as a piston failure while running in left him stranded by the side of the track. With a short turn around between sessions, the team rapidly changed power plants for the qualifying two, bolting on a new development engine only finished the Friday of the meeting.
From there Jordie, went largely unchallenged as he dominated qualifying by securing pole position by over two seconds. Fastest heat laps and clean sweeping all four races making him the new record holder for most wins in a Australian Superkart Championship season across all Superkart categories, eight race wins from eight races.
“This is really special”, said Ford, “I have to thank Scotty and Dale for all the work they’ve done this year and for building a brand new engine after that drama in qualifying. Winning a national championship has been a lifelong dream of mine and I’m glad I could’ve done it with Williams Racing. We’ve been quick in all the races but the reliability made the difference as some of our rivals struck trouble”
Above: Team drivers running together at the famous seaside circuit
Dale Williams capped off his Superkart career with 3rd place overall in the round and 2nd place overall in the championship, making it three years in a row where he has finished Top 3 in the standings.
Qualifying second, Dale finished second in the first Saturday race but struggled with carburation and jetting on Sunday. Third place in the final after a battle with John Pellicano dropped him to third for the round, but the points haul guaranteed his runner-up championship position.
“It’s not a bad way to hang up the helmet!” exclaimed Dale, “It’s been a real team effort from all of us this weekend and we’re glad it’s paid off finally. Jordie has raised the bar in this class, but I’m satisfied with what I have accomplished”
Above: Round 2 podium for 250 National
Rookie Tyler Williams had a great debut weekend with a couple of top 3 places in the first few races before an electrical problem forced him to retire on the warmup lap before the last race began and relinquished his chance to score a podium. However, he was still happy with the results he gained from the weekend, consistanly running at the front and dicing with his more seasoned competitors.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed that I didn’t have a chance to race in the last race and see if I could’ve been on the podium, but the kart has been great to drive all weekend and I’ve had some great on track battles with Dale and others so I’m really looking forward to next season.”
Team Williams Racing would like to proudly thank their sponsors Peter Ford Catering, Burbank Homes, Slipstream Signs, Yamaha, Anderson Karts, PowerFlow, Dunlop Kartsport, R&J Batteries, JMTF Fitness and Development and Sunbury Collison Centre for all of their support throughout the whole year. Also the support from our family and friends to pursue a passion we love can never be underestimated.
Bring on 2016 where we hope to run internationally as well as locally!
