V8SDS: Decina Racing adds two new drivers

DECINA RACING SIGNS CADET FOR AUSSIE RACE CARS

HPDC V8 Supercar Team Decina Racing has unveiled two new additions in Canberra this week with the announcement that 17 year-old former karter, Jake Williams has joined the team as a cadet and will be racing a new Decina Aussie Race car.

At a cocktail party held in Canberra, on the eve of the second round of the HPDC V8 Supercar Championship at Wakefield Park, Williams' Decina Aussie Race Car was unveiled alongside Warren Luff's Decina Racing BA Falcon.

Williams will race an Aussie Race Car 'Falcon' for the remainder of the 2005 Wright Patton Shakespeare Championship with all the rounds sharing billing with either of the V8 Supercar classes. These include rounds in five states.

Williams is obviously excited about his opportunity which sees him continue a relationship with Decina Racing team principal Jim Morton.

"I first met Jim (Morton) at Eastern Creek and then last year he invited me up to Bathurst just to get the feel of what it is like at a big race meeting," said Williams.

"Originally Jim was going to help me out through karting, but I made the decision to step up into cars and dad and I decided on the Aussie Racer category. Since making that decision, Jim has become involved as a sponsor of the car, which is just awesome and I am really looking forward to being a part of the Decina team."

Williams has already had two hit outs in the car and has enjoyed the experience.

"My first run was at Eastern Creek and the second was at Wakefield Park which enabled me to get more of a feel for the car," said Williams.

"Now I'm really looking forward to getting out on the track with everyone else and my aim is just to race fast and clean. I want to build my experience on the bigger tracks with the aim of being a front-runner in the category."

Having some experience at Wakefield in one of these cars should help a bit this weekend."

Paul Cruickshank Racing team principal Paul Cruickshank and Morton are hoping that the team's involvement with Williams will help establish his career. In fact, Morton has had a long involvement with talented junior drivers over his fifteen years in karting, playing a key role in the developing careers of drivers like Jason Bright, Leanne Ferrier, Mark Winterbottom, Michael Caruso, Alan Gurr, Adam Clarke and James Courtney.

"Mark Winterbottom was the last I helped out for a full season and we won both the major senior titles, Formula A and Clubman Lights that year," said Morton.

"Towards the end of last year we helped Jake a little and he came to Bathurst with us and joined the crew for the weekend. Everyone was impressed by his attitude and we promised to stay involved in 2005."

Williams has graduated from three successful years in karting, which culminated in him placing second in the top class of junior karting, the 2004 Junior ICA class.

'Junior ICA' is in fact the top class World wide and one in which Australian James Courtney won the first of his two World Championships and Michael Caruso won the North American Championships while driving for Morton.

Williams also won the NSW and Queensland Championships last year and the NSW Premier State Cup with Morton in the crew.

For 2005 Williams' Falcon Aussie Race Car will run in the Decina Racing colors and signage with Williams receiving logistical and technical support from the V8 Team. Even though he has missed the first round of the WPS Aussie Race Car Series, the team is confident he can be a frontrunner and this is the first step towards his goal of a career in motorsport.

"Jake will come to most of our events this year and get used to the on and off track driver requirements of a V8 team," said Cruickshank.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for a17 year-old to get to know the business," said Morton.

Decina Bathroomware is the largest specialist bath, shower and spa bath manufacturer in Australia. Their products are sold Nationally through better bathroomware outlets and plumbing supplies and the function in Canberra tonight launched their prestige range o spa baths, 'Dolce Vita Line'.

-www.decina.com.au