To be mentored by James Walker

Jerseyman Jack Butel is to be mentored in his second season in the fiercely competitive MSA Formula single-seater series by the highly experienced and fellow Jersey resident James Walker.

19-year-old Butel had a strong first season in the MSA Formula Championship claiming several top 10 results with a season best sixth overall at Silverstone last September. In 2016, Jack is looking to progress further up the grid for the season ahead.

The JHR Developments driver will commence his second season in the MSA Formula series powered by Ford Eco-Boost on the 2/3 April at Brands Hatch. Between now and then, Jack has a busy schedule of testing, training and media appearances before his season gets underway in anger next month. James Walker’s involvement will certainly help him cope with his demanding schedule and further improve his racing performance.

“I am really excited that James [Walker] has joined us for the 2016 season.” Enthused Butel.

“His experience is invaluable as he has been there and done that. We can relate to each other as he knows what it is like out on track and in high-pressured situations. To have someone like that in Jersey is fantastic and something I can use to my advantage.

“This means I can work closely with James and train hard locally and just worry about the racing when I get to the UK. I look forward to working with him in the coming weeks ahead of the season opener at Brands Hatch.”

Fellow Channel Islander James Walker has a strong reputation in the motorsport industry having driven around the world in single-seater categories such as British Formula Ford, Formula Three, World Series by Renault and Superleague Formula as well as sports car outings at Daytona and Le Mans.

“I am delighted to be working with Jack in 2016,” said Walker. “ My role will be to work with him away from the track, improving his mindset and physical fitness and being there to assist in any way possible. Coming from racing in Jersey to a national series is a big step and as I have been there myself, I would like to use my experience to help guide him and make sure he avoids the mistakes young drivers tend to make.

“Jack had a solid year in 2015 as he learnt the car, circuits and how a race weekend works – so for this year we can come back to those circuits and achieve a quicker rate of development. He has already made a good start in the two tests this year and I look forward to seeing him progress in the months ahead.”

Jack will next be out in the car on 23 March at Rockingham before the championship gets underway at Brands Hatch on the 2/3 April under the spotlight of thousands of spectators trackside and hundreds of thousands watching live coverage on ITV4.

If you would like to support Jack please follow him on social media, facebook.com/JackButelRacing and @ButelRacing96 on Twitter and if you would like to get involved with Jack and his team please contact Derek Butel on 07797857728 or alternatively email [email protected] for further information.