aving already broken every record in the book during the course of his outstanding, title-winning Star Mazda Championship campaign in 2012, gifted Bradford-born single-seater ace Jack Hawksworth is priming himself for further success in 2013 after tying up a sponsorship agreement with top-tier racewear brand Sparco.
In what was only his second season in cars off the back of a glittering national and international karting career, the US racing rookie sped to an extraordinary eight victories, 11 pole positions, 12 podium finishes and 11 fastest laps with Team Pelfrey in Star Mazda this year.
He clinched the coveted crown with a round to spare by triumphing in the penultimate outing at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California, following a dramatic last lap tussle for the lead. Whats more, his stunning stateside form saw Hawksworth presented with the prestigious Henry Surtees Award by motor racing legend and former F1 World Champion John Surtees OBE, and selected as one of just six finalists for the elite McLaren AUTOSPORT Young Driver of the Year Award.
The 21-year-old British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) Rising Star confirmed earlier this month that he will compete for the benchmark Sam Schmidt Motorsports (SSM) outfit one step further up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder in the Firestone Indy Lights Championship in 2013 and he reflects that as he bids to maintain his winning form, he has hooked up with the perfect partner.
Ive been a massive fan and admirer of Sparco gear ever since I began racing, affirmed the TORGOEN Swiss brand ambassador. Ive always considered it to be top-notch; as far as Im concerned, its the best quality racewear around and is a product that I would never have any hesitation in going out and buying. Its fantastic to now have a personal association with them, and I hope it will be a long and successful relationship.
Those sentiments are echoed by Sparco USA Motorsports Development Manager Billy Deakins, who revealed that Hawksworth had been on his radar for some time and that he is confident the highly-rated Cullingworth hotshot will look the part both on and off the track in his new gear.
Sparco USA is excited to announce its support for reigning Star Mazda Champion Jack Hawksworth in 2013, remarked Deakins. Sparco has a history of working closely with some of international motor racings top drivers including F1 World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and multiple Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti and we firmly believe Jack has everything it takes to follow in their illustrious wheeltracks.
We monitored his progress throughout his 2012 debut season in US open-wheel racing and think he is an incredibly talented driver. Jack's Star Mazda results really caught our attention, and wrapping up the championship before the last race was very impressive.
We are delighted to be a part of his programme as he moves up the US racing ladder. Sparco USA is looking forward to this new partnership with Jack and to supplying him with the highest quality, most technical racing gear available for 2013 and beyond.
