Sponsorship for promising Cerrigydrudion racing driver

Jun 11 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A PROMISING young racing driver from Cerrigydrudion is in pole position after securing backing for this year’s Formula Palmer Audi race series.

Racing ace Ash Davies, 21, signed a new sponsorship deal with H2O Networks, part of the i3 Group which brings super fast fibre optic networks to homes and businesses across the UK.

The deal has enabled Ash to enter the 2009 programme and will see him race the H2O Networks-branded car at circuits across the UK, including Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Silverstone.

The Formula Palmer Audi (FPA) is seen as a springboard to even more prestigious competitions, and success there has opened doors for many drivers.

Ash cut his motorsport teeth on the karting circuit before entering the Formula Renault 2.0 in 2007 and 2008.

When not racing, Ash works as an engineer with the family business, the Glan-y-Gors Park kart circuit.

He said: “This sponsorship will cover the running costs of the car and my race entry fees, without which I wouldn’t have been able to compete this season.

“I’ve always aimed for the top in my sport, but taking a year out would have been a disaster for my career so I’m incredibly thankful for the support from H2O Networks.”

This will be Ash’s first season in the FPA and already things are going well. After his first three rounds at Brands Hatch he got a top 10 finish from a grid of 22 cars.

“It’s amazing to be racing on the Grand Prix circuits. I was pleased with the top 10 finish, especially considering it was my first time on the course,” he said.

“I know some of the other circuits far better and would hope to improve on this further.”

Elfed Thomas, chief executive of the i3 Group, has long held a passion for motorsport, and had been looking for a chance to get involved at grassroots level when he met Ash.

He said: “Ash is a very determined young man and has great ambitions for the future.

“It seemed appropriate for us to support the prospects of a young man who has super fast aspirations of his own.”

Ash raced the H2O Networks car in the FPA rounds four, five and six at Silverstone last weekend.

For more information on the FPA see formulapalmeraudi.com

samantha.castle