While I suppose people might think I’m on the way down, here’s another local driver for you to look out for on the way up – James Runacres. James is 20 and has been through the usual apprenticeship of go-karting, even winning on his first outing in one.
Following expert advice that he has to move up from karting, he has now commenced on the long climb to the top, with the ultimate being Formula 1.
Towards that end, James entered Asian Formula Renault (AFR) this year, with the determination and support from existing formula drivers to achieve a respectable placing, thus his ultimate acceptance into Formula 3, Formula Renault 3.5 or BRDC F4.
James Runacres,
If you are to aim for F1 (open wheel racing category) it is best to start with an open wheel class, and this was why James joined Asia Racing Team and has been entered in the Asian Formula Renault Series (AFR) which consists of races across Asia.
The Asia Formula Renault Series is held between March and November, with six large, widely promoted, extremely popular and well attended events. The race meetings span between Zhuhai, Shanghai and Macau in China, and Sepang in Malaysia.
James is a totally focused driver, regarding this sport as a personal challenge to be better than the current winners and will not accept anything but being the best. His performance is already very impressive within this series, with lap times far better than those with greater experience at this level.
The first race at Zhuhai, China in March, confirmed the enormity of spectators attending the circuit and the extensive interest by the Media in AFR. The race was televised across China and the rest of Asia, adding to the exposure of all the sponsors involved.
James, being one of just a few European drivers, became a central figure and now enjoys a massive following for a young driver. He qualified 2nd for his first ever race in Formula Cars, posted fastest lap in the race and second fastest in race 2, confirming that he is a driver whose going to succeed.
The following round of AFR in Sepang gave James an opportunity to race on an F1 track and he managed 2nd in round 3 & 4, putting him into a very strong 2nd in the Championship.
Like all levels in motor sport, AFR is expensive, and higher up you go on the ladder, the more expensive it gets. For James, to run at the top of AFR here is the breakdown of his costs:
Which brings James to see me, hoping I can help him find sponsorship. For potential sponsors, the Asia Formula Renault Series is an excellent opportunity to obtain exposure throughout the Far East, particularly in China, Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. Sponsors of the drivers within this series are already reaping the results of these events, which being its 16th Season, has an immense following of fans, both at the events and from TV coverage.
You can get more details from James himself
email: [email protected]
Tel: +66852777556
Instagram: http://instagram. com/jrunacres/
(I found him a very polite and pleasant young man with his feet on the ground, rather than a head in the clouds. If you are a potential corporate sponsor, I do suggest you look at his sponsorship proposal. But of course, if all you want is to come along to local race meetings and have an ale afterwards, there is an Mk 1 Ford Escort that would love to meet you!)
| Formula Renault 2.0 entry cost | USD 90,000 |
| Additional Practice days | USD 5,000 |
| Additional Tyres | USD 5,000 |
| On Track and Personal Insurance | USD 15,000 |
| Total for one years is then | USD 115,000 |
| Bringing that to “real” money | THB 3.9 million |
