By Sam Tickell, photos supplied.
Toowoomba’s Jordan Lloyd has stepped up from the Formula Ford category to the new-for-2015 Australian Formula 4 Series and he has made it his own. He won the first round at Townsville and has gone onto take a commanding Championship lead in the Series.
He won the first F4 race of the weekend at Sydney Motorsports Park, a couple of weeks after he was working with Bob Power Formula Ford – yes, that is Will Power’s father at Queensland Raceway, where we caught up with him. Lloyd has been impressed with the F4 package after stepping up from Formula Ford.
“They are a very good car to drive. They have put a lot of time and effort into the design of these cars, they are the same cars that they are running overseas. As far as things I have driven they rate very high.”
“I am thrilled with the first couple of rounds. To be one of the fastest cars and win the first couple of rounds. If we can carry the momentum, I am looking to carry on with the Championship lead.”
“There were a few technique changes going from the Formula Ford with treaded tyres and no wings to wings and slicks, a flat bottom car. All things that you need to be prepared for as you move up the career ladder.”
He has handled the new cars better than anyone else in the field – a field with a few names that could be stars of the future.
Its place within CAMS (the governing body in Australia) and as a V8 Supercar support series has been a seen as benefit for many in the Series.
As Lloyd was looking to make the next move in his career, moving to something that would get him the best exposure was important.
The buzz of being with something new that has a global footing was also a good attraction.
“Being the first year that it has come to Australia, it is always good to get on board with something new and exciting. There is a lot of backing and they run with the V8 Supercar Series which means plenty of exposure and TV time.”
The international attraction is something that he knows well, having gone to test a F2000 car in the United States in the off-season. The combination of going and trying a new car, racing somewhere completely different and meeting Toowoomba compatriot, Will Power has helped him for this season.
The trip to the States though was a great experience.
“The F2000 was a very big step with my career. The cars were pretty good with their aero. The atmosphere was intense and it gave me more experience with these sorts of cars and you learn something new with every new car you drive.”
Back to Australia and the season, he knows it will be a hard fight, no one giving an inch, all wanting to impress.
“We have the momentum, we have a lot of other guys – everyone is picking pace up, with the end of the season or even mid-season we will see more wheel to wheel battles.”
And as the future beckons, it is clear the Lloyd is committed to motorsport, loving it. We have heard of V8 Supercar drivers working with Formula Ford drivers on the off-weekends. Lloyd was doing the same and that commitment will be good for him as he moves forward.
Unlike many others too, he is not boxing himself into any one career goal, and will let his pace and passion do the talking.
“Anything is my option – I am open to driving anything I can.”
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Photos by Sam Tickell August 2015
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