Formula Ford star to graduate Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

Talented 19-year-old racer, Tom Sargent, has revealed his racing plans for the 2022 season, announcing he will compete in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge national series with the CHE Racing Team.

Sargent’s progression to a full-time Porsche drive comes off the back of his impressive performances in the Formula Ford junior development category over the last four years, including numerous race wins, round wins and lap records, along with victories in both the NSW and Victorian State Championships.

Sargent will not be left wanting for front-running equipment or team support; he will race the very same Porsche 991 Gen 2 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car currently leading the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship in the hands of Cameron Hill and it will be operated by Hill’s CHE Racing outfit.

19-year-old Sargent, who hails from the regional NSW town of Young, said he can barely wait to get behind the wheel of the Porsche.

“A Porsche is one of those brands of cars you dream of racing as a kid, so to say I’m excited for next year is an understatement,” Sargent said.

“I’m very impatient for my turn behind the wheel, but Cameron has a Carrera Cup title to win first!

“We identified Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge as a logical next step for my career, because of the exposure it receives as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

“It also enables me to participate in the Porsche Michelin Junior Driver Programme, which will give me access to excellent opportunities.
“We’ve seen with drivers like Matt Campbell, Jaxon Evans and Jordan Love, that there is the chance to forge a successful international career if you do well enough here in Australia.”

Hill, who has mentored Sargent through his Formula Ford journey, is looking forward to seeing his young protégé take the next step.

“I have been unbelievably impressed with Tom’s performances in Formula Ford, both his driving and his feedback to the team out of the car,” Hill said.
“He has the ability to analyze very specific details about how he is driving and how the car is behaving, and he uses those skills to maximize his performances every time he is on track.
“I can’t think of a more worthy driver to take over my Porsche next season and I’m looking forward to throwing him the keys after the Carrera Cup Australia season has finished.
“Tom has a few more Formula Ford races this year, so we’ll focus on those before giving him some seat time in the Porsche to prepare him for next season.”

Should the South Australian border restrictions permit, the final two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge 2021 series, will take place at The Bend Motorsport Park from the 10-12 December.