Racing student gears up for Formula Renault opportunity

An aspiring racing driver is preparing for his biggest test yet as he lines up alongside some of the country’s top talents at the home of British motor sport.

Ashley Crossey, a third year 3D Product Design student at Plymouth University, has been signed up to race in the final rounds of the Protyre Formula Renault Championship at Silverstone later this month.

He has spent the season so far racing against far more experienced drivers in Formula Ford single-seaters, but has regularly finished in the top four and secured pole position in his last race.

It is that success which triggered interest in him from bigger teams, and he will now line up for Core Motorsport in two races at the Northamptonshire circuit at the end of September.

Ashley, who previously enjoyed huge success in national karting competitions, said: “This is a great opportunity for me to show team managers what I can do. It has been a great year so far, balancing my racing with my studies at Plymouth University, and I am hopeful this appearance can lead to a full championship campaign next season. The grid is full of young, hungry drivers but I am confident I can go out there and get on the podium.”

Ahead of his first Formula Renault race meeting, Ashley will have several days testing with his new team as he attempts to get to grips with his new car. This includes adjusting to the increased speeds and grip of what he calls the ‘slicks and wings’, which race as part of the British Touring Car Championships broadcast live on ITV4.

Ashley, who lives near Bristol, has also signed up to compete in the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone in November, a race won in previous years by current GP3 drivers.

Find out more about studying 3D Product Design at Plymouth University, visit http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/4313/pages/3d-design-specialist-disciplines%20further%20information.aspx.