Arai has signed Jack Barlow for the internationally renowned helmet manufacturer’s driver support programme.
After a string of strong performance in his rookie year in the Junior Rotax class, including finishing 3rd overall in the Euro Max Challenge and winning the Rotax Cup, Phoenix Distribution (Arai’s British importer) moved to sign the highly-rated Strawberry Racing driver.
Commenting on the decision, its Motorsport Brand Manager Toby Warrington said “We are always looking for the best available talent to represent the brand and Jack is living up to that billing. We have looked at him for a year now and have been impressed with his results and the way he conducts himself on, and off, the track.”
He added, “We are very selective and try to pick stand-out people in their categories. Individuals who others look to, and those who have the edge on their competitors. Based on these criteria, Jack is doing everything right.”
As part of the agreement, the 15-year old will now wear an Arai GP5 helmet and says “I have always worn Arai helmets, because they’re the best. It is a great honour to be chosen to represent them and I am glad to have rewarded their faith in me with victory in the Rotax Cup. I hope it will be the first of many and am looking forward to working with Toby and his colleagues to promote their karting and motorsport range throughout my future career.”
Jack’s first role as an ambassador for Arai was at the recent charity fundraiser for injured Superleague Formula racer, Chris Van Der Drift, at Daytona Milton Keynes, where he teamed-up with Toby and Formula Renault star Robert Foster-Jones.
“I’ve never done anything like that before,” explained Jack. “I was racing against the likes of Red Bull F1’s Daniel Ricciardo, 2005 World Kart Champion Oli Oakes, Lotus F1’s Fairuz Fauzy and other up and coming drivers. It was pretty lively at times, but a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to help a fellow driver. We came 6th overall - which wasn’t bad considering the sheer amount of talent on the circuit.” Jack returns to action this weekend (25/26 September) in the penultimate round of the Formula Kart Stars championship at Three Sisters and returns to the Lancashire circuit two weeks later for the conclusion of the Super 1 Rotax series.
