Toronto, Ontario (June 24, 2014)- Proudly flying the flag for Canada in European open-wheel racing, Milton’s Luke Chudleigh took time out from his 2014 Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS campaign to field some questions concerning his season to-date and what he sees in his future.
Q: You’re back in Canada for a couple of weeks after a fairly hectic race schedule taking in your full-time campaign in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series and some one-off starts in the Formula Renault 2.0 EuroCup Series. What’s your number one priority when you’re back home?
Luke Chudleigh (LC): “Taking time off is so important. Mental pressure is so fatiguing, stepping back and coming home lets me reboot the systems and come back to the circuit with a fresh mind and new ideas. While I’m home, I spend time with friends, family and sponsors. Fifty percent of the job is keeping partners happy and excited.”
Q: There were some technical issues that blighted the start of your ALPS campaign, but successive events have seen you comfortably in the top-ten and inching closer to your first European podium. What’s your take on the season so-far?
LC: “Yeah, for sure it was a difficult start. The first four races of the campaign were hindered by technical problems, which affected my enthusiasm. We worked very hard to find the solutions and keep in the championship hunt. Our races in Austria and Belgium were problem free and we’ve been able to finish in the top five consistently since. So I’m looking at the second half of the championship with a bunch of motivation and I’m determined to show what I can do.”
Q: What’s the major difference between EuroCup competition and the ALPS Series you’re contesting?
LC: “ALPS is an awesome championship, with completely max grids. The championship races at many Grand Prix tracks and the level of competition is of the highest league, but there are only a handful of guys who make up the top five every race. What EuroCup lacks in numbers, it makes up for in absolutely stacked drivers. There are legitimately twenty guys who could win the race, it’s always a close fight. It’s amazing to be involved in such a high caliber of racing”
Q: You’re now in your second season of living and racing in Europe. What was the biggest challenge you faced last year and presumably this season it’s been easier to dial yourself into the way of life, the team atmosphere etc?
LC: “Of course the second year in Europe has been a lot more comfortable. Tech1 has been consistently part of my life and routine, I’m very thankful to them for not only being part of my racing life, but my social life as well. This year I’ve been able to focus almost all my efforts on racing exclusively.”
Q: What are your expectations for the rest of the ALPS season knowing you’re racing at classic Italian venues such as Monza and Mugello then wrapping the season in Jerez in Spain?
LC: “The ALPS season should be very interesting! Each race hosts new achievements for the team and I! I raced at Mugello and Monza last year, so I’ll be very comfortable right from the get-go. Podium spots are on the horizon.”
Q: Can you share where your thoughts are regarding the 2015 season and progressing up the European open-wheel ladder?
LC: “Being in the ˜World Series by Renault’ weekend offers a lot of insight to the European racing ladder. I’ve had a great start to the season to allow myself to staple my name as one of the fast 2.0 drivers in both the EuroCup and ALPS championships. World Series offers drivers something very unique in racing – a clear path. Unlike many series, World Series has created a ladder system that has proven to take drivers all the way to Formula One. I’m happy to be part of it, and competing among the best.”
Q: While you’re over in Europe, do you get the chance to check out other races? Have you been able to support friend and mentor Robert Wickens in DTM yet?
LC: “Robert and I are supporting each other as best we can. Robert and Trevor come out to many of my races, and it adds a lot of stability for me. I’ve been racing with those guys since the beginning and it’s very nice to have their support. Later in the year, the DTM and Renault schedules don’t collide as much as they did earlier this year, so we’ll have more opportunities to see each other!”
Q: Finally, given Formula One is your career goal, what’s your take on the way the 2014 season’s been shaping up?
LC: “With recent technical changes Formula One is a bit of a game of musical chairs right now! It’s amazing to watch the development of teams and drivers over this first half of the season. It’s still up in the air for the World Championship. It’s a good reminder that the hard work never stops, drivers and engineers are tested at all levels of open wheel racing.”
Luke Chudleigh is supported by Vitamindrip®, Chudleigh’s, ARM Training, Tech1 Racing, Adidas and PRIME/Wickens Management.
Series Links:
Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS: www.renaultsportitalia.it/en/championship/f-renault-2-0-alps/
Partner Links:
Vitamindrip: www.vitamindrip.com
Chudleigh’s: www.chudleighs.com
ARM Training: www.armtrainingsystems.com
Tech1 Racing: www.tech1racing.fr
Adidas: www.adidas.com
From: Stuart Morrison Public Relations
26 Woodcroft Street, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec H9A 1G6, Canada
{fcomment}
Discussion about this post