Sheargold Prepares for GT Round With Formula Ford Test

Mike Sheargold is hoping a recent Formula Ford test day will give him some extra track knowledge ahead of this weekend’s second round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint, where he will again share the RAM Motorsport/GWR Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Garth Walden.

Sheargold completed the Formula Ford test a few weeks ago with the West Australian-based Fastlane Racing squad, his first time driving around the Wanneroo circuit.

“It was my first time driving an open-wheeler, so there was a lot to get used to, but I was focused more on learning the track than trying to master the car,” Sheargold said.

“I achieved what was required in terms of getting a feel for the flow of the circuit, so when I roll out for the first GT practice session, it won’t be totally unfamiliar.

“It’s not a long track, but it has some very technical sections – some high-speed corners and big braking zones.

“Garth and I have spent some time on the simulator together, where we’ve analysed each other’s driving techniques and bounced ideas off each other, which has really helped our preparation.”

Coming off the back of a mixed opening round at Bathurst, Sheargold feels there is more to come.

“Bathurst was a tricky weekend with some changing weather conditions and red flags in practice and qualifying, which meant I wasn’t able to produce a representative lap time.

“We raced pretty well considering the mixed conditions; obviously we had the tyre issue in Race 1, but we recovered for a decent result in Race 2.

“The goal for Perth will be to put the entire weekend together, to start on the right foot in practice and continue that form into qualifying, so we’re not behind the eight-ball once we get to the races.

“Bathurst wasn’t a disaster by any means, but there is plenty of room for improvement so it’s important for us to be constructively critical and ensure we’re maximising our potential.”

This weekend’s two races will be shown live on FOX Sports and Kayo.

GT World Challenge Round 2 Schedule

Friday, 28 April

9:10am – Practice 1 (40 min)

12:00pm – Practice 2 (40 min)

Saturday, 29 April

9:10am – Qualifying 1 (10 min)

9:25am – Qualifying 2 (10 min)

12:40pm – Race 1 (60 min)

Sunday, 30 April

10:25am – Race 2 (60 min)