130R Performance supported driver Rob Welham got his race season underway at Silverstone this weekend, a favourite venue from his last two seasons of competing in the F1000 UK series. Rob opened the season with a declaration of intent on his goal of consistency, picking up a good haul of championship points including two fourth place finishes around the short National circuit layout.
Those of you who follow Rob Welham Racing on social media will know that over the last two years the team have run with a distinctive visual identity (designed by sponsor GCD Agency) unifying the car design and Rob's online/print media presence. We therefore took the opportunity to spend a day with Sprite Photography getting some images of the new for 2021 livery on the Jedi chassis, and caught up with Rob in preparation for the Silverstone weekend to get his thoughts on the year ahead.
I’m really excited and feeling positive to get the new season underway. The difficulties of the previous two seasons have helped me mature in my race prep and performance, in a large part due to the support from my team, family, friends and sponsors.
Following a 2020 campaign that was disrupted by both the global pandemic and technical issues once racing resumed, this year Rob has high hopes to build upon his four wins, driver of the day awards, and numerous fastest laps in the F1000 championship. The talented youngster will be going all out for more race victories and be hopeful of a shot at the overall series title.
My goal is always to win. However taking into account the exceptionally strong field, and that I am still learning due to limited running in my previous two seasons, this year is going to be all about consistency. As part of that I am learning to manage the pressure I place on myself and play the long game, recognising and working towards a long term goal rather than short term reward. Above all this though... it’s about always doing my best and enjoying my racing!
This year the F1000 Championship will once again visit some of the most popular circuits in the UK in a six-round schedule. The low cost series is known for providing close racing and healthy grids of competitors, which benefit from full factory spares and tyre support at every race meeting. Weighing only 410kg (including driver), the well proven 'slicks and wings' Jedi racing car is powered by a 1000cc high performance motorbike engine, providing impressive performance of 0-60mph in just 3 seconds, and on to 150mph while revving to around 14,000rpm.
You can catch Rob in action at the following races this season. While we wait for the gradual return of spectators being allowed at circuits over the next few months, the events will also be live streamed on YouTube as part of the 750 Motor Club weekend package.
24/25 April: Silverstone National
22 May: Donington Park
12/13 June: Brands Hatch Indy
7 August: Silverstone International 4 September: Oulton Park 16/17 October: Snetterton 300
All photos: Sprite Photography