Hendy helps top racing driver on road to Formula One
A 16 year old racing driver from Dorset is gearing up for a key season on the racetrack as he bids to become a Formula One driver.
Hendy Group is supporting James Hedley who has signed to leading team JHR in the BTCC FIA F4 British Championship, powered by Ford EcoBoost, which kicks off at Donington on August 1st.
The youngster, who lives in Poole, won the Ginetta Junior Championship last year and was named the most promising newcomer in a BARC championship for 2019.
Hendy commercial director Mark Busby said he was delighted that Hendy would be supporting James’ efforts this year and his F4 car would be sporting the Hendy name at racetracks around the country.
“James has already shown himself to be an incredible young driver with tremendous talent and we are looking forward to supporting him and following his career with interest,” said Mark. “F4 is a great stepping stone to Formula One and we hope that James is the next British driver to take his place on the Grand Prix grid.
“The car James will be driving is powered by a racing version of the iconic Ford EcoBoost engine and this bonds perfectly with the long and successful partnership of Ford and Hendy.”
James said he was delighted to have Hendy on board for the BTCC FIA Formula 4 championship even though the start has been delayed by Covid-19.
“The single seater racing car is very different to the Ginetta salon car I was driving in the championship last year bBut F4 is a stepping stone to Formula One and that is where I want to be.”
He has been back testing since lockdown and said this went really well.
“The first one was just dusting off the cobwebs, it felt a bit weird to be back. We were quick straight away, so it’s good to know we can still do it after all that time. “So far, so good, testing is going well.”
JHR team principle Steven Hunter said he is confident that James’ positive pre-season testing will translate when the season gets underway.
“His drives in the Ginetta Junior Championship last season were eye-catching. He was seriously quick, but also able to manage his races and performances to secure the ultimate goal, which was the championship title. He has a maturity beyond his years and we can’t wait for the first race of the season to finally begin.”