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Motor-cross talent and Bethlehem College alumni, Richie Stanaway, is back in the Bay at the moment after a hugely successful year – which saw him secure a convincing win at the Formula Three Championship in Germany.
Richie’s Bay of Plenty mentors and supporters joined forces earlier this week to hold a fund-raiser with the purpose of helping to expand Richie's career in motor racing. Mike Farmer, of Farmer Motor Group, George Gordon and Maurice O’Reilly were the key organisers of the event, at which table sales and donated auctioned goods raised an estimated $30,000 to invest into Richie’s promising career. TV3’s motor-cross reporter, Shaun Summerfield, took part in the event alongside guest speaker Bob McMurray.
Mike Farmer commented, “Formula One takes a lot of money. A lot of people that get into Formula One are from exceptionally wealthy families.” As Richie is a local guy, Mike’s hope is that the Bay of Plenty as a whole can collectively be Richie’s ‘wealthy family’ and help him achieves his potential. “I just want to see people from NZ and the Bay of Plenty achieve”, says Mike.
Richie is grateful for the support. “It feels great to have the support of the local community, and it's good to know that there's a lot of people who are really getting behind me and helping me to get closer to my goals.”
He is continuing to power ahead in 2012, and will be driving in Formula Renuault 3.5, otherwise known as the World Series by Renault. Richie explains, “The category is one step below F1, and acts as a feeder category for young drivers trying to bridge the gap into F1. I will be on the Lotus F1 team's young driver program and hope to start testing an F1 car at some point this year, provided that my results in Formula Renault 3.5 are as I hope."
All the best Richie! We wish you every success and will be watching your progress closely. Enjoy the adventures of 2012.
Image from www.richiestanaway.com
