Even though the 2015 competition season is over for 16 year-old rally driver Tom Delaney, the youngster from Droitwich Spa is continuing his development, with a pair of tests in his recently-acquired Suzuki Swift rally car.
Throughout 2015, Tom was competing in the Formula 1000 Junior series in a 1000cc Suzuki Alto. However, towards the end of the season, he and his father Dominic acquired a left-hand drive 1600cc Suzuki Swift to use to bring Tom's development on, with tuition from a range of experts.
Recently, Tom carried out both a gravel and a tarmac test in the Suzuki to gain valuable additional seat-time and remain match-fit in anticipation of the start of the 2016 rally season.
The first was at a wet Sweet Lamb Rally Complex in Wales, where he drove for only his second time on gravel. A week later, he was back at the wheel, this time on asphalt at the Curborough hill-climb venue with tuition from respected expert, Peter Gwynne.
Gwynne was impressed with Tom's smoothness and empathy with the tyres, particularly considering the amount of speed he carried into and through the corners.
Commenting, Tom said; "It was a very successful couple of tests. I really enjoy the extra power and speed from the Swift and it really helps to develop my skills further. I enjoyed driving on gravel again, even through the conditions were horrible and the tarmac session with Peter was really good."
Father Dominic, who runs Porsche and motorsport preparation company SVP, said; "I was really impressed with Tom's approach to the two tests once again. I was also really pleased to hear Peter's comments on his driving style, which seems to be very easy on tyres. As we know, that is a very useful skill in larger rallies, so if he can maintain that quality, it will stand him in good stead for the future.
"The purpose of the tests were two-fold: to keep him in the seat so that he doesn't get rusty over the winter break. Also, because he turns 17 part-way through the season in 2016, we may look to do some multi-venue events later in the year, when he has passed his driving test.
"If we do, then the Swift would be a very good car. It would be a step up from the Alto he uses in the Formula 1000 series but not so far that it would be too much. It will also help to start getting him used to left-hand drive, which the majority of cars are."
Tom will also be busy in the New Year, as he will be representing the Motor Sports Association at the Autosport International show at the NEC 914-17 January) in his capacity as a member of the MSA motorsport apprenticeship scheme and one of its athletes. Tom will be at the show on press day, Thursday 14 January 2016.
