FOSTER SET TO DEBUT A NEW MYGALE AT QUEENSLAND RACEWAY

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Brisbane teenager Nick Foster will have Christmas in July when he enjoys an early Christmas present in the form of a brand-new Formula Ford at Queensland Raceway this weekend.

Foster, who has campaigned a Van Diemen chassis for the opening half of his debut season, will this weekend climb aboard a French-made Mygale SJ08a chassis in round five of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship.

‘We had originally planned to upgrade to a new car later in the year as 2008 is all about learning the tracks and the characteristics of a Formula Ford before setting myself up to be in a competitive position for next year,’ said 16-year-old Foster.

‘After the opening few rounds I really feel comfortable in the Van Demen and because of this we decided to bring the new car on a little bit earlier than originally planned. This way it will put me in a more competitive position for the 2009 championship.’

The Steeline Metal Framing Systems driver tested a Mygale chassis late last year at Victoria's Phillip Island and Winton circuits.

When looking for a suitable venue for the 3.1km Queensland Raceway circuit Foster and the team at BF Racing, who prepare Foster's machinery, seemed to a perfect fit given the teenager's experience in state level competition aboard a Formula Ford at the track.

‘As a part of my preparation and training for the Australian Series I've competed in a number of races at both Morgan Park (near Warwick) and Queensland Raceway so it is the perfect track for me to debut a new car,’ said Foster.

‘I know the track well and given it is my home round I can't wait to get out there in front of my family, friends and sponsors.’

Foster will take to the circuit for the first time aboard the #13 Steeline Metal Framing Systems Mygale during practice on Friday morning. He will then contest qualifying and the opening 12-lap race of the round on Saturday followed by a further two 12-lap encounters on Sunday.

Entering this weekend's fifth round of the eight round series New South Wales driver Paul Laskazeski is leading the championship standings ahead of Ben Morley and Nick Percat. After finishing 12th at the previous round in Darwin, Foster is currently in 19th position.

2008 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday July 18
8:25am ˜ 8:45am ˜ Practice 1
10:45am ˜ 11:05am ˜ Practice 2

Saturday July 19
9:25am ˜ 9:45am ˜ Qualifying
2:40pm ˜ Race One (12 laps)

Sunday July 20
8:40am ˜ Race Two (12 laps)
12:40pm ˜ Race Three (12 laps)

Championship Points after 4 of 8 rounds
1. Paul Laskazeski - 182
2. Ben Morley ˜ 123
3. Nick Percat ˜ 121
4. Adam Graham ˜ 110
5. Kristian Lindbom ˜ 104
=5. Scott Pye ˜ 104
7. Daniel Erickson ˜ 71
8. Brad Lowe ˜ 62
9. Jake Chapman ˜ 47
10. Robert Storey ˜ 46
19. Nick Foster ˜ 3

FACTS AND FIGURES ON NICK FOSTER
Age: 16
Born: Brisbane, Queensland
Lives: Daisy Hill, Queensland
Occupation: Student, year 11
Favourite Sports away from racing: Mountain bike riding, surfing and AFL (favourite team ˜ Essendon)

Round One ˜ Eastern Creek, NSW
Qualifying: 22nd
Race 1: 14th
Race 2: 21st
Race 3: 16th

Round Two ˜ Wakefield Park, NSW
Qualifying: 21st
Race 1: 15th
Race 2: 9th
Race 3: DNF

Round Three ˜ Sandown, VIC
Qualifying: 18th
Race 1: 16th
Race 2: DNF
Race 3: 12th

Round Four ˜ Darwin, NT
Qualifying: 17th
Race 1: 17th
Race 2: 10th
Race 3: 11th