KART STAR PARRY CHOOSES FLUID

The 16-year-old from Suffolk – recently named by influential racing publication Motorsport News as the most promising track talent in the country – is hoping to continue into car-racing the success which has netted him two national karting titles in consecutive seasons. “I enjoyed the last four years in karting immensely,” said Matthew, “but felt it was time to move on, and I could not have asked for a better team with which to make the switch to single-seaters than Fluid. I am looking forward to playing a part in turning their fortunes around and repaying their faith in me as the year goes on.”

Fluid has signed Parry for a full season, with an option for a second year: “Formula Ford is often a two-year programme, especially for drivers stepping up from karting, who have to learn the circuits as well as the cars,” said Fluid owner Lindsay Allen. “However, we recognise that someone of Matt’s talents could do well enough in their first year to be able to move on.

“Although a Fluid Van Diemen won the Formula Ford Festival in 2010, we are still in the process of rebuilding after a couple of frustrating years and welcome the opportunity to have a driver of Matt’s quality as a benchmark in our bid to return to winning ways. While the Festival success showed what the team is capable of, it has only served as a taster for what we hope to achieve in 2011.”

Parry, who was accepted on to the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence at Loughborough in recognition of his achievements and ability, will make his car racing debut in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain at BRSCC run Silverstone meeting over the weekend of 9/10 April.

Bury St Edmunds-based Matthew was recognised by MN in the publication’s annual ‘Fast Fifty’ list. “Parry shone in British karting last year and has accrued one of the best records in the sport prior to his switch to cars,” it said. “He has shown glimpses of brilliance during his few testing miles with the Fluid Van Diemen squad…”

Added Parry: “It’s a great honour and a confidence boost to have been recognised by Motorsport News and it was a nice way to put a seal on my karting career. I don’t think that it creates any extra pressure, although I certainly hope to be able to live up to the expectations.” His career started on two wheels at the age of eight, with Matthew stepping up to karts at 10 years old. He won the Formula Kart Stars crown in 2009 and last year claimed the Super 1 British Junior Rotax crown.

For more information visit www.britishformulaford.co.uk