MEDIA RELEASE- For Immediate Release, November 29

DREW RUSSELL TO TAKE PART IN WORLD FORMULA BMW TEST

At a time when many of his fellow school leavers are reflecting on trips to the nation’s various ‘schoolies’ locations, Drew Russell is preparing for a trip of a very different kind.

On January 12-15 the 17 year old will travel to Bahrain International Circuit, to take part in a Formula BMW test. Russell, who has just completed his HSC exams, was selected to be one of the 24 motorsport rising stars from around the world that will take part in the test.

At the end of the four day test at the state of the art circuit, three drivers will receive a US$50,000 scholarship to use in raising the funds to compete in their Formula BMW championship of choice.

In recent years, Formula BMW has been used to propel many young drivers’ careers, including those of Australian's James Davison, Michael Patrizi and Nathan Antunes.

“It’s a great opportunity to be selected for the test,” said the Newcastle based youngster.
“We sent over my CV and they have invited me over to take part in the test.

“Even if nothing comes from the test, it will be great to go up against the other young drivers they have selected to be there.

“I won’t be going there putting any pressure on myself, instead I’ll just take it all in and learn as much as I can about driving in a new environment.”

The four day test will be Russell’s first taste of the state of the art 5.42km Bahrain International Circuit.

“I have seen a couple of races at the track and it looks awesome. Everyone says it is an impressive facility and that there are some good corners so I can’t wait to get there and try it out for myself.”

Confirmation of the trip comes at a time when Russell is assessing his options for the 2006 racing season, including in Australia and overseas.

“We a have few different options for next year. It’s just a matter of looking at them all, working out what we can afford to do, what series’ will take us where and where we ultimately want to end up.

“Formula BMW is one of those options but there are also a number of options here in Australia which we are also weighing up.”

Russell currently sits second in the Shannons Australian Production Car Championship, and wrapped up the Class A honours with one round to spare in the most recent round of the championship at Oran Park in September.

He will return to the wheel of the Go Karts Go Honda S2000 for the final round of the championship which will be held at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway on December 3-4.

“It’s unrealistic to think we can win the outright championship, but we’ll go to Eastern Creek with Class A in the bag and pretty close to wrapping up second outright which is a great result for our first full year in the championship.”

Global Racing Industries thanks the support of Go Karts Go, Best Western Mount Panorama Resort, MC Racing Group, Oran Park Raceway, Ray White Real Estate Bathurst, Koala Glass, Kloster Honda and Bells Radiators.

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A selection of copyright-free, high-resolution photos of Drew Russell in action and driver profile can be found on the www.tokencameo.com/resources/global/