Faulkner fathers new Young Lion program
22/12/2002 18:08 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Holden’s privileged Young Lion cubs will have to fight their way through the junior Konica V8 Supercar Series to earn their stripes in 2003, as part of a new-look youth development program.
Retired V8 Supercar racer John Faulkner will run a two-car Young Lion campaign, backed by the Holden Racing Team.
Faulkner's Level 1 franchise has been contracted by the Kmart Racing Team and he will now start afresh with a Level 3 franchise and a new Gold Coast base.
The 46-year-old and his family will relocate from Melbourne to establish the new operation.
With current Young Lion Rick Kelly expected to be promoted next season, Faulkner will look to Australia’s junior racing formulas for fresh talent.
The new recruits will be announced prior to the start of the six-round Konica Series, along with the team’s sponsorship arrangements.
They will race the VX Commodore Faulkner drove this season, with technical input from HRT.
Faulkner said his new team would become the primary school for Holden’s V8 Supercar program.
"It's vital that we have some sort of feeder system to ensure we keep drivers coming through the ranks as the V8 Supercars continue to grow," he said.
“What we're trying to do is...give a chance to young drivers or drivers who haven't had the same opportunity as others due to a lack of funds."
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