Surrey 16-year-old Don de Graaff has today been confirmed as Russell Racing’s second driver signing for the 2008 Formula Renault BARC Championship; the Junior Max kart racer all set to make his single-seater debut in the category’s headline FR2000 Class. De Graaff, who has just four years of national level karting experience under his belt, is delighted to be making the step up to Formula Renault BARC with Russell Racing and is setting his sights high for his maiden season in cars – the teenage sensation aiming to become a top five finisher before the end of his maiden campaign.Joining experienced Formula Renault BARC runner Aaron Steele in the Russell Racing ranks, de Graaff brings a great deal of promise to the Sunbury-on-Thames based squad and is looking forward to his first ever single-seater test which is expected to take place early in the New Year.Speaking on his deal, the Weybridge teenager said: “I can’t wait for the season to start, I’m really excited about my first year in cars and my debut test can’t come soon enough. We had quite a few meetings with Allen Orchard and Matt Russell from the team before we signed the deal so we’ve already built up a good relationship. Plus the team is based, literally, just down the road from where we live so that’s another bonus.“We’re confident it will be a good year and I’d be disappointed if I’m not able to secure a top five finish before the end of the season. I’m very pleased to be making my car racing debut with Russell Racing and really looking forward to working with a proven driver like Aaron Steele. I’m certain we’ll all enjoy success in 2008.”Chertsey-born de Graaff, who will celebrate his 17th birthday in February ahead of the start of the Formula Renault BARC season on Easter Weekend, competed in the Super 1 Junior Max category in 2007. He actually enjoyed the perfect conclusion to his career in karts by scorching to a lights-to-flag victory in the season finale at Buckmore Park.Delighted to confirm his team’s second driver signing before the New Year, Russell Racing owner Tim Russell commented: “Announcing Don de Graaff as our second driver signing for 2008 is fantastic news for the whole team and although it will be his first ever season in cars, we’re confident he has the ability to progress very strongly.“I’m confident we already have one of the most exciting and promising driver line-ups of any team in Formula Renault BARC and we’re hoping to confirm more exciting team developments within the coming weeks.”

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