Chris Wooton visits Moree and inspires locals

Australian Formula BMW Junior, Chris Wootton, took time out from his preparations for event two of the Formula BMW Pacific season to visit the North-Western New South Wales town of Moree recently and deliver motivational speeches to various groups in the town.

Wootton visited an unemployed group in Moree, before heading to one of the local high schools. He spoke of his experiences as a Formula BMW Junior and the sacrifices that he has to make to ensure he continues in the BMW Junior Scholarship program.

After his presentations, Chris signed autographs and posed for photos.

“It was a really worthwhile experience,” Chris said. “I am pretty fortunate that I’m able to go and drive Formula BMW, but the people I met with haven’t had many lucky breaks, so it was humbling to meet them and listen to their stories.

“It seems like they got a lot out of my visit and hopefully it will motivate them to strive and reach whatever goals they may have. Moree was an interesting place – quite often it is overlooked, but a dedicated group of locals is working hard to change that perception, which I am extremely happy to be playing a part in.

“Many people made the point across the weekend that there is a real interest in motorsport in Moree, but not many in the industry embrace country centres like that as a fan base. From that perspective, it was quite cool to give them first hand access to motorsport.”

Once the serious side of his visit was over, Chris was invited to partake in ‘Moree on a Plate’ – a food and wine festival that showcased local produce. He was one of the honoured guests at the official Ball to launch the festival.

After that, it was straight back to Brisbane and training for the re-scheduled event two of Formula BMW coming up May 29-31. Chris will have four races on the full Sepang Grand Prix Circuit in an effort to ascend the Formula BMW Pacific ladder.

“It’s going to be great, we’ll head there for a day’s worth of testing first with Eurasia Motorsport,” he concluded. “I think we can find more in the car. With it being the same track as I was on last event, we’re hoping it will go very well.”

CHRIS WOOTTON SUPPORTER’S CLUB – ONLINE

Chris’ Supporter’s Club is online and gathering pace.

For as little as a ‘Dollar a Day’, you’re able to join the Supporter’s Club. Discounts with many of Chris’s corporate partners are available by joining the Club and you can make special offers to other Members.

Already, many members have proven active in networking with one another and creating business opportunities, which is one of the cornerstones of why the Club established.

To join the Chris Wootton Supporter’s Club for just $1 per day (charged monthly or annually), visit www.chriswootton.com. There are a range of packages over and above the ‘Dollar a Day’ package available, each with benefits commensurate with the contribution being made.

“We’re incredibly grateful for those that have signed up to the Supporter’s Club already and would really like to see more people jump on board,” Chris said. “The members that have joined are already seeing the benefits and there has been quite a bit of business done already as a result of launching the club. We would love to see it as a micro-community grow even further.”

The next event of Formula BMW Pacific will be conducted May 29-31, once more at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. This event will see rounds 3, 4, 5 and 6 take place.

WHAT IS FORMULA BMW?

Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry level open-wheel Formula racing category.

The Formula BMW FB02 weighs 465kg excluding driver. It is powered by a 1.2 litre four cylinder engine which accelerates to 100kph in less than four seconds and will hit a top speed of 230kph.

All cars are identical and innovations such as the FORS (Formula Rescue Seat) were developed by BMW Motorsport specifically for Formula BMW.

Formula BMW is conducted in three territories – the United States (Formula BMW Americas), with Formula 1 Grands Prix in Europe (Formula BMW Europe) and Formula BMW Pacific in pan-Asia.

 
WHO IS CHRIS WOOTTON?

Chris is a 20-year-old race driver from the Brisbane suburb of Birkdale. He started karting competition in 2005 and quickly showed potential – taking out Rookie of the Year honours in two classes.

At the end of 2007, Chris underwent the Formula BMW Scholarship program. He impressed the judges with not only his ability behind the wheel, but approach to the sport and fitness. He was then offered a scholarship for the 2008 Formula BMW Pacific Series.

Finishing as the second highest Rookie in the Series and seventh overall, being offered a scholarship for the second year in succession is testament to his dedication.

Aside from motorsport, Chris takes a strong interest in a majority of sports. Taking cues from his mentor – Mark Webber – he concentrates on being one of the fittest drivers around, becoming a regular in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge. In the two Challenges he has completed, he finished in front of many well-known sportsmen and adventure racers.

Chris will chase the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific Series victory with Eurasia Motorsport.
 
2 – 5 April  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (F1)  1 (2nd) & 2 (2nd)
21 – 24 May  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (AFOS)  3, 4, 5 & 6 
16 – 19 July  Indonesia  Sentul Int. Circuit (AFOS)  7, 8, 9 & 10
24 – 27 Sept.  Singapore  Marina Bay Circuit (F1)  11 & 12 
29 Oct. – 1 Nov.  Japan  Okayama Int. Circuit (WTCC)  13  & 14
18 – 22 Nov.  Macau  Guia Circuit (MGP)  15
 

- Matt Payne-