Former AMSF International Rising Star Tim Blanchard has reunited with the ultra successful Sonic Motor Racing Services to secure a drive in the ex Triple Eight Ford Falcon V8 Supercar. This is the car that James Moffat used to great effect as runner up in the 2009 V8 Supercar Development Series. Announcing the deal in Melbourne yesterday, Blanchard confirmed that his year away from driving in 2009 was put to good use in building a platform for his assault on the 2010 Championship. “The time I spent away from Australia driving in the 2008 British Formula Ford Championship was a great learning curve for me,” Blanchard said. “I realised that to really step up I had to get many things in line here. I saw too many instances in the UK of drivers not being prepared to face the professional side of motorsport,” Blanchard added. Blanchard’s reunion with Sonic is a position team principal Michael Ritter has welcomed. “Tim delivered the 2007 Formula Ford Championship to the team and I was very impressed with his 2008 season in the UK. Runner up in that championship is no mean feat in your first year in the UK,” Ritter noted. “I am pleased to be able to see a Sonic driver return to tackle the next level.” The Fujitsu V8 Development Series kicks off the first of seven rounds at the Clipsal 500 in March and Blanchard and the Sonic Team hope to come out of the blocks with both cars at the front of the field. Rodney Jane has confirmed he will continue in the ex Whincup BF Ford Falcon. Blanchard has also been announced as the 2010 CAMS Rising Star Driver Coach, where he is assisting the future stars of motorsport. Tim will work with drivers Matthew Brabham, Jack LeBrocq, Liam Sager and Garry Jacobson and pass on his knowledge and expertise of the craft of the Formula Ford category. “Everything is starting to fall into place. It is great to be back with the Sonic team and be able to pass on some of my thoughts to the Rising Star drivers this year,” an excited Blanchard said. “We are looking for a really strong year and there is no reason why we can't have the championship firmly in our sights. The year on the sidelines has given me a new sense of determination to make the most of this opportunity.” For further information visit www.timblanchard.com.au
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