Daniel Erickson shelves season plans

Daniel Erickson's 2010 racing plan hits GFC pothole

A familiar scenario in these harsh economic times - lack of funds - has forced Daniel Erickson to shelve his plan to contest the 2010 Formula Star Mazda Championship.

The 22 year-old Sydney driver had high hopes of contesting the US 'development' openwheeler series following a sensational test session with leading Star Mazda team Mundill in December (see news release, December 3, 2009), but despite his best efforts the necessary financial backing hasn't materialised.

"It's a historically bad time for young drivers seeking commercial partners to further their careers," a disappointed Erickson said.

"The global financial crisis is a big pothole that motorsport hasn't been able to avoid.

"It's had a major effect on the amount of money that's available for sports partnerships, and motorsport is no exception.

"I've lost count of the marketing managers who've told me 'Come back in six or 12 months, and then we'll be in a better position to consider your proposal'.

Putting his racing plans on hold is a bitter pill for the 2009 Australian Motorsport Foundation International Rising Star.

"This is the first time since my karting days that I haven't had a racing program confirmed by the early months of the year," Erickson said.

"At this time in 2007 I was looking forward to making my Formula Ford debut in the NSW Formula Ford Championship, in 2008 it was the Australian Formula Ford Championship, and last year the British Formula Ford Championship.

"In 2010 I was planning to graduate to a 'slicks and wings' formula, and Star Mazda provided the most cost-effective opportunity to do this," he said.

Typically, the setback has only made Erickson more determined to resume his journey, after an unscheduled delay, towards Formula One.

"I'm determined that missing the first few rounds of the Star Mazda Championship, or even the entire 2010 series, will only postpone my racing career," he said.

"My track record shows that I adapt well to difficult situations, so the prospect of joining a competitive series like the Star Mazda Championship mid-season doesn't worry me.

"The front-running teams can usually prepare an extra car at short notice, so it shouldn't be a problem to begin my 2010 campaign during the season."

Erickson said that he's canvassing Australian companies, especially those who want to increase their exposure in the world's biggest economy - or any other economy.

"Star Mazda is the top American development formula, but I'm open to competing in equivalent level series in other countries.

"Whether it's Star Mazda, F3, GP3, Formula Renault or Formula Masters, they're all training for motorsport's pinnacle: Formula 1.

"Meanwhile I want to thank everyone who has come on board for 2010, including my Team Erickson supporters.

"Be assured that I'll be racing again as soon as I can secure the additional funding."

-source: danielerickson.com.au