Aaron had a successful trip to Sears Point the Infineon Raceway on Monday & Tuesday 9th / 10th February after a Invitation from the Jim Russell Racing Organisation to test for 2 days and evaluate their Championship as a option for Aaron in 2009.
"Going out to America to a new arena i was very excited. The guys at the Jim Russell racing drivers school were very professional and made me feel right at home. Which gave me the confidence to quickly get on the pace, pushing the FJR-50 to the limits, around one of Americas most challenging circuits!
Experiencing 3.1G was a neck braking experience, which i had to quickly adapt to. Help was on hand from every direction, and every question i had was quickly and efficiently answered. Nicolas Rondet, chief instructor at Sears point, with his abundant supply of useful tips and advice on the breath taking circuit in California, was a great person to have around. Which really helped me get into the groove straight away.
I certainly enjoyed the whole experience, and can't wait to go back! Californians are so friendly and the lifestyle is immense, it sure is one to be experienced!
Not to mention the weather is a little bit better than at home..."
Aaron will travel to The Infineon Raceway near San Francisco for 2 days intensive testing on the 9th / 10th February, with the Jim Russell Racing school, to evaluate the possibilities of competing in the 2009 Jim Russell racing Championship.
Aaron is really excited about this opportunity, and will most certainly want to make the most of it, he quotes -
" We have talked about the American option a lot during my career, I cant believe this opportunity has now arisen, I will be more than focused during the 2 days on doing a good job, so I can impress upon the team, which can only help me secure and finalise my plans for 2009, I am really looking forward to challenge of driving the Infineon Raceway after experiencing it on Grand Tourisimo on Playstation !, "
The Jim Russell Racing Championship uses identical Lola FJR- 50 which is based on the Lola BO6/30 Formula 3 car which won the German Recaro F3 Championship in 2006, breaking the domination that Dallara has had on the class since 1993, the Lola is coupled with a Mitsubishi 1998cc in-line four cylinder Turbo charged and intercooled unit which produces 300bhp.
Don't forget to check out the Aaronsteeleracing.com web site next week to see how Aaron's experience in America worked out.
Further to Aaron's Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award Nomination, Aaron has been notified that he has also been nominated to receive "Rising Star" status from the BRDC. This recognition will be secured, upon completion of a successful personal interview at the BRDC building at Silverstone.
Rising Star status is by invitation only from the BRDC, (British Racing Drivers Club), the BRDC was formed in 1928, and has for the past 81 years been the most exclusive club in Motor sport, the membership is only bestowed upon those that meet the exacting qualification criteria.
The BRDC scouts felt that Aaron's performances during the 2008 season marked him out as one of the very best drivers of his generation.
This recognition can only help support & progress Aaron's career, this would see Aaron involved with individuals with unparalelled experience to advise Aaron to make sure he is guided to what he aspire's to.