Team Manager – Comment on 2007 Season

Well I have to start by saying ”What a fantastic year!”

I am very happy and proud to announce the Icon Motorsport team as the 2006 NSW Formula Ford Champions! In the short three year history of the team, this year’s results are by far our most successful. It’s great to see the team rewarded with this great result.

Early in 2006 it was confirmed that I would be the lead driver in our Spectrum 09 for the 2006 season, after an 8 year absence from driving in the series. I initially accepted the drive with a great deal of excitement, then with not wanting to do any worse than the second I achieved in 1998, a bit of pressure and nervousness started to build.

Now looking back, it has been a tremendous season. From the first round, where we qualified on pole and won all three races, right through to the end of the year. I’ve been involved in some of the hardest fought and highest pressure racing I’ve experienced with various competitors and have enjoyed every minute of it.

At the 5th round of the season, it was possible for us to close out the series. We again, qualified on pole before having an engine problem. We were required to do an engine change in between Qualifying and Race 1. For the whole team, it was one of the biggest adrenalin rushes we experienced all year. It was one of those moments that we all got stuck in and for 3hrs franticly changed engines. Thankfully we just got this done in time and got out there and won the race.

Although our team was slightly smaller this season than last, it allowed us to be more focused on what we needed to achieve. It also allowed us the time to expand our team into the Production Sports series with a series six RX7.

It has been a great experience and learning curve for the Mazda driver Brad Gower. Brad is living his life long dream of racing cars and is thoroughly enjoying himself. Slowly the team is developing the Mazda into a more competitive car and is looking at running two Mazdas in the 2007 NSW Production Sports series as well as some 1 hr endurance races.

This season has been one of mixed results for Derryn Harrison who competed in the 2nd Formula Ford, an 06B Spectrum. Unfortunately at some rounds Derryn’s race preparation was interfered with due to his busy work schedule. But as team owner Derryn was thrilled with the teams successful year and was still able to achieve his target of finishing within the top ten on a number of occasions.

After such a great year, I would like to thank everyone involved in helping myself and Icon Motorsport have such a successful season. I must say a special thanks to Borland Racing Developments and Peter Larner Engines for their support. We are now looking forward to next season and are feeling quietly confident of another good year.

Thanks again and see you all next year!

Ben Morley
Icon Motorsport Team Manager.