WHANGANUI racer Aaron Marr is poised for a crack at the big time and possibly follow in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi driver Scott Dixon.
After a successful first three rounds of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship Marr sits in second place, just four points (one win), behind hismain rival, Michael Scott from Te Puke. With three rounds to go this puts Marr in a great position to take the NZ championship and the prizes that go with it.
If he wins, he will get the first ever entry for a New Zealand driver into the Road to Indy Shootout and Racing Series Scholarship.
The 2015/2016 champion will earn a ticket to this international shootout in the United States that will determine who wins a US$200,000 fully-supported drive in the Cooper Tyres USF2000 2017 Championship.
The shootout will be an international gathering of drivers from other countries, all national champions of similar classes.
With New Zealand drivers doing so well internationally at the moment the potential exposure gained from being at this event is immeasurable, and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
But first, Marr has to win.
He is on 627 points, while Scott is on 631 with Feilding's James Webb way back in 488 in third.
"After two years of development work we think we finally have the car running at close to its optimum," Marr said yesterday.
"All we need now is for me to perform behind the wheel and to have a little of lady luck on our side. The car is going great and handling beautifully, so a win this weekend in Taupo is definitely on the cards. The following weekend we race in Fielding at Manfeild and the final round is at Pukekohe on April 15-17."
The Wanganui Toyota apprentice mechanic said while he is amped by the chance to compete in the Road to Indy Shootout, he was realistic about how difficult it would be.
"I'm definitely amped, but I also know how hard it will be to win it. It's just a great opportunity and I'll be glad to get it if I can win the Formula Ford championship," Marr said.
Previous winners of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship includes Craig Baird, Scott Dixon, Fabian Coulthard, Jonny Reid and Richie Stanaway.
