Scotch College

Driving ambition for success

A driving ambition for success

Ever since the age of 10, James Manderson ('98) has had a driving ambition to become a Formula 1 racing driver.

At that tender age he raced go-karts at a club level, then at the age of 16 progressed to Formula Vee, a highly competitive racing car category where all cars are powered by Volkswagen engines.

Success came his way almost immediately when he collected the 1998 Young Guns Award and the 1999 point score, both from the Victorian Formula Vee Association.

His efforts also earned him the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Victoria Encouragement Award, which covers all categories of motor sport in the state.

While contemplating the next step in his racing career, James was literally thrown in at the deep end. Still contesting the Victorian Formula Vee championship which he later won, James was offered a drive in a round of the Australian Formula 3 championships, where cars frequently reach speeds of 260km/h. Although unfamiliar with the

Oran Park track in NSW, James performed most creditably, finishing second in the round and setting a new lap record. It was a remarkable debut in Formula 3, which is the only international racing category in Australia.

An official Australian Formula 3 Championship was established in 2001, and James participated, driving for a professional team. He made good progress at the start of the 2001 championship, but after winning the first round, ill-luck struck. Cars broke down even before they reached the track, and sponsors started to walk away.

The next year proved that 2001 was an aberration. James joined a new team and led the eight-round 2002 championship all the way, securing the title at Phillip Island with one round still to go. His performance at the Island race meeting was dominating, as he took pole position, won both races and set a new lap record.

Having won the Australian Formula 3 Championship, James' sights are now set on the prestigious European equivalent, where winning would open the door to Formula 1. He has been invited to join the Swiss racing team, based on a successful test at the Hockenheim grand prix track in Germany, held the week after the Phillip Island triumph.

But racing doesn't come cheaply. One year's racing in Europe costs around $1 million, and James is working hard to attract investors and sponsors. Former Scotch College Foundation Director of Development Peter Crook has been a valuable source of advice.

Driving is by no means James' only successful field: he completed VCE in 1998 with a TER score of 98.55, and is now in the fourth year of a Mechatronics course at Melbourne University. This is a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science.

James is also a senior advanced instructor for Driveskill International, an advanced driving school, and is an accomplished musician, having attended Scotch on a music scholarship. He has a Grade 8 violin qualification.

James Manderson has demonstrated exceptional driving skills and a strong focus on success in his chosen field of sport.

His eyes are firmly fixed on a career path to Formula 1, the undoubted showpiece of international motor racing.

David Ashton