Formula Renault 2.0
Fortec Motorsports is delighted to confirm that Toyota Racing Series Champion Nick Cassidy will join Fortec's Eurocup squad for the 2012 season, completing its four-car line-up. Cassidy enjoyed a fantastic Toyota Racing Series, winning five races in the 15-race Championship on his way to title glory, eventually winning the Series by more than 175 points from his nearest rival.
In 2011, after impressive showings in the 2011 Toyota Racing Series, 17-year-old Cassidy - who is based in Auckland, New Zealand - made it known that he was looking to secure a drive in Europe for the 2012 season. The New Zealander took part in a number of tests across Europe, including a test with Fortec at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona in October 2011. Cassidy was impressive from the outset as he showcased his unquestionable talent, demonstrating that he is more than worthy of a drive in Europe for 2012.
Having achieved one of his aims - the 2012 Toyota Racing Series - Nick is now keen to make headway in Europe:
"I've been working towards racing in Europe from the moment I started karting, so to have this opportunity to race with Fortec is still hard to believe. Racing in the Eurocup is the first step in pursuing my ultimate objective. I'm under no illusions as to how hard it will be and how much work has to be done, but I'm determined to make the most of this great chance." Eurocup Team Manager Jamie Dye is certain that Nick will be a front-runner this season: "Nick has really marked himself out as one to watch over the past season. The Toyota Racing Series is a great Championship which is very competitive and winning by such a large margin is no mean feat and I'm sure that it will have prepared him very well for the Eurocup season that lies ahead. He was extremely impressive when he tested with us which certainly bodes well for 2012 and I'm confident that he'll be challenging at the front from the outset."
Cassidy will race alongside Mikko Pakari, Ed Jones, and McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner Oliver Rowland in the Eurocup Championship, which accompanies the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for the majority of races. Official testing for the Eurocup team begins in March, with the first round of the 2012 Championship taking place at Motorland, Aragon in Spain at the start of May.
Fortec Motorsports press release