NW FF1600 Star graduates to Formula Renault

diz · 10 Feb 2004, 18:24 (Ref:869722)

Let me be the first to congratulate NW FF1600 leading light Stuart Gough on his new drive for 2004. Having spent most of the last two seasons on the NW FF1600 podium with his family run team, his talent has been spotted and rewarded by Richard Ollerenshaw of Hill Speed Racing.

Stuart also fared very well in the FF Zetec Winter Series with KMR.

Ex karter Stuart has been signed to drive for the Yorkshire based outfit in the 2004 Formula Renault Championship, where he will carry race number 5.
It just goes to show the doubters out there that you can progress from the ranks of regional FF1600. Talent will show through.
His younger brother Ian is taking over the family Swift SC95 for an assault on this years Opal Telecom NW FF1600 Championship.

So well done goughy, good luck Jnr Jnr and wipe that huge smile off your face kartingdad.

kickstart · 10 Feb 2004, 19:39 (Ref:869789)

Good luck Stuart, saw him race and Oulton and it was clear that he had a lot of talent. Hope all goes well for him this season.

Russfeld · 10 Feb 2004, 19:43 (Ref:869791)

BARC Renault or TOCA?

Redracer77 · 10 Feb 2004, 19:49 (Ref:869801)

TOCA Russfeld

Well done Stu - good luck for the season. Will be keeping an eye on your results.

dhart · 10 Feb 2004, 21:15 (Ref:869886)

well deserved, sure everyone in NW 1600 will be behind you Stu good luck.

JustinDawkins · 10 Feb 2004, 21:45 (Ref:869929)

Good Luck Stuart!

JohnMiller · 10 Feb 2004, 22:41 (Ref:870027)

Nice one.

An FF1600 driver and a ten-tenther too!

Does this mean the much vaunted (since about 2001) 'new' Swift Zetec has been held over again?

jminsh · 11 Feb 2004, 00:01 (Ref:870095)

Good one Stu, but i did sort of hear last week from KD .

Show em what the NW can produce.

All the best.

Jase.

goughy · 11 Feb 2004, 00:10 (Ref:870100)

Thanks everyone for your support.

It’s a fantastic result; I cannot wait to get out in the car. To be driving in Formula Renault for a team as good as Hill Speed Racing is a credit to so many people that need to be thanked in the NW champ’s for all their help and support over the last 18 months we have been running our own car, you know who you are, so thank you.

I'd like to think, as Diz said, I have shown that FF1600 is a route worth taking and the step up can be made if that’s what you are aiming towards. It’s a superb class so I am looking forward to picking up the spanners this year (for a change some might say!) and help run Ian in the NW Champs. It should be a cracking year.

Hopefully I will do all the NW guys and girls proud and get some good results. I face a very steep learning curve and it will be by no means easy but racing against guys like Hutch and Roberts all year has prepared me to cause a few upsets along the way I hope. I can’t wait for the Oulton Park round and it would be great to see as many of you there as possible.

Thanks once again

Stu

darcym · 11 Feb 2004, 09:38 (Ref:870388)

What happened to the 2004 Swift Zetec drive ?

Gaz · 11 Feb 2004, 09:50 (Ref:870406)

Indeed? Can anyone enlighten us? Seems it's gone the same way at the Glebe/Kite or whatever it was called!
Well done to Stuart as well!Always impressed me when I was at Oulton last year, and good to see a clubby graduating!If he does well it could really, really revive interest in FF1600!

mattray · 11 Feb 2004, 09:59 (Ref:870416)

nice one stuart! good luck!

4thgear · 11 Feb 2004, 10:55 (Ref:870469)

Firstly well done!!

can i comment on the quote below from diz.

Quote:

It just goes to show the doubters out there that you can progress from the ranks of regional FF1600. Talent will show through

Has anyone every doubted this? there is alot of recognised talent out there that have been spotted and offered drives, think the biggest factor here is having the funding. no disrespect i know Stuart is a fast guy and i wish him luck.

blue nose · 11 Feb 2004, 12:57 (Ref:870612)

Well done Stuart blow them all away F1 next year then?

50-SIX · 11 Feb 2004, 18:09 (Ref:870963)

Good to hear Stu, really pleased for you. Myself, and all the Roberts race team wish you the very best of luck for next year.

Its nice to know it can be done!

50-SIX · 11 Feb 2004, 18:26 (Ref:870982)

I meant this year when I said 'next' year.

Oh and Stu, here's a tip, I don't think the FR's run as well as the old swift did without the nose cone! LOL

goughy · 11 Feb 2004, 19:10 (Ref:871035)

Thanks Steve. Yes I had heard that the wings are quite important to how well they go. I'll be sure to watch out for any yellow missiles!

I'll see you at the NWFF Awards ceremony if you are there.

Stu

GolddustMini · 11 Feb 2004, 20:39 (Ref:871147)

good luck

now remember the rule of jumping from formula renault to formula 1 is to be like the least exciting person in the paddock to speak to, then you'll get snapped up like reikenen did, or maybe he was a good driver, hey i dunno, best of luck tho mate

darcym · 11 Feb 2004, 23:28 (Ref:871327)

what happened with the swift deal ????

is the swift still going to run ????

Walshy · 12 Feb 2004, 01:12 (Ref:871390)

Well done Stu and to your Dad and family for all the hard work. I'm sure you'll do the business.
You will have to post the calendar on here so we can come and support you when we are not racing.

All the best mate.

SFonseca · 12 Feb 2004, 08:04 (Ref:871557)

What is the normal budget for a season in NW FF1600?

blue nose · 12 Feb 2004, 11:30 (Ref:871702)

It can be from £3000-£4000 or £30000-£40000 or any where it between?

Redracer77 · 12 Feb 2004, 12:30 (Ref:871787)

sounds like Blue nose will be closer to the £30,000 - £40,000 mark!!! LOL

blue nose · 12 Feb 2004, 13:33 (Ref:871894)

I wish it was only that!

mattray · 12 Feb 2004, 13:35 (Ref:871899)

You have more??