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South African racing driver Andrew Rackstraw commenced his international career with a memorable come from behind victory in Saturday’s 2024 Jim Walsh Trophy United Formula Ford races at Silverstone in England. 2021 Investchem South African Formula 1600 champion Rackstraw will race Formula Ford in the UK in preparation for the annual Walter Hayes Trophy, alongside a campaign in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

After being taken out of the lead battle in the first race, Andrew had to come from the back of a battle-filled second heat to overhaul locals Alex Ames and Jason Pribyl for the win. “Today was so much fun!” the delighted Capetonian admitted. “Unfortunately we were taken out while fighting for first in the opening heat, but that took nothing away from a great day overall.”

Andrew is however primarily in England to race in Porsche Carrera Cup GB, starting with the opening round at Donington park over the weekend of 27-28 April. “Our Formula Ford campaign is simply to prepare for the Walter Hayes Trophy at the end of the year,” Rackstraw explains. “I was on the podium last year, so the aim is to climb on that top step in 2024!.

“Our main focus this year is however our campaign aboard the Investchem 992 GT3 Cup in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB series this year. We have been testing with JTR Racing in preparation for my debut next weekend and it’s gone pretty well. So we really can't wait for the first race of the season and I look forward to flying the South African flag high this year.”

No stranger to tin-top racing, former karter Andrew stepped up to GTC South African Touring Cars in 2022, following his Investchem Formula 1600 title. He won twice through the year aboard his Investchem RDSA LTR Volkswagen Golf GTC and took overall honours in the season finale. Andrew relocated to England through the off season in order to focus on his 2024 commitments.