Clean sweep for Jake Fouracre at Mallala

Jake Fouracre scored his maiden pole position and win at Mallala on the weekend. Competing in round 3 of the South Australian championship, Fouracre and his team used the event to prepare for the annual Formula Vee National Challenge to be held at Mallala on 30th of October.

TeamPana pushed Fouracre hard during Friday practice, demanding quick track familiarisation and driver feedback. The maturing Fouracre produced the goods, and provided detailed and accurate driver feedback for the team. In what was Fouracre’s first Mallala appearance, he scored pole position by a mammoth 1.7 seconds and went on to win 4 of the 4 races over the weekend.

The team made scores of changes to the car over the weekend, and collected mountains of data which will be used in Fouracre’s National Challenge campaign later this year.

This being Fouracre’s first year in the Formula Vee category, and only his 5th race meeting, it seems likely that Fouracre will progress into another category as his motorsport career takes hold.

Teampana’s drivers classified in Australia’s top 10

Teampana.com drivers, Jake Fouracre and Kleo Mandikos, competed in Round 2 of the2010 Australian Formula Vee Driver’s championship at Sandown on the weekend.

The team spent an unprecedented amount of time developing the cars and drivers in the two month midseason break. Team principal, George Pana, was ecstatic with the weekend’s results. “Kleo Mandikos undoubtedly one of Australia’s top 10 drivers, and Jake Fouracre officially inside Australia’s top 3.”

Jake Fouracre continued impressing the category heavyweights and Formula Ford scouts with his car control skills and strategic thinking. The rookie finished 4th overall, behind drivers with several seasons of experience. The rookie went head to head, with the 2009 national series champion, Ben Porter, in a wet qualifying session, qualifying 3rd. Jake was unfortunate enough to get unstuck in race 1 by an oil patch whilst in P2.

In race 2, he drove hard and smart from 19th to 6th. Race 3, 6th to 3rd. Fouracre set to take 3rd in the final, as he had the upper hand over the current National Series leader, Daniel Renolds. The frustrated Renolds, resorting to a ‘high risk’ move under brakes on the last lap, shunting Fouracre off the track where he recovered to 10th.

Kleo Mandikos had a terrific weekend, finishing inside the top 10 in all but one of the races. He drove smart throughout the difficult wet conditions and drove like a seasoned Formula Vee racer in the dry sessions, often jostling for position in a pack of 20 cars.
Mandikos’ efforts at the gym are translating directly into good results, and motivating him to ‘pump more weights’. A special mention to Mandikos’ number 1 fan, Neil, who attended the event with severe flu symptoms.

TeamPana pushes the boundaries at Sandown.

Formula Vee sensation, Jake Fouracre, continued his amazing rookie year with an overall 2nd place at Round 3 of the Victorian State championship this weekend.

He made the most of his maiden Sandown appearance, qualifying 4th, finishing 2nd in the final, and leading for a few laps in most of the races. This completes his 'apprenticeship' of the 3 Victorian circuits, making him a real contender for the 2010 championship.

The quiet but determined Fouracre is letting his results do most of the talking for him, as the rookie has maintained his lead in the Victorian Championship. "Team orders this weekend were to follow the experienced guys and learn from them. I was stoked when I took the lead in a few of the races."

Kleo Mandikos had a frightening experience in the first race, loosing traction at over 140 km/h and spinning the car over the notorious Rothman's Rise. The lucky Mandikos, brushed the wall on the outside of the corner, finished his spin facing forward, engaged first gear, and continued his race with minimal loss of positions. Kleo recovered to a respectable 9th in the final.

Both TeamPana.com drivers now have their sights set on the next round, to be held again at Sandown (23-25 July). The next round is classified as a National round, where the best drivers from across the country will attend as part of the Australian Formula Vee Driver’s Championship.

Unfortunately for Jake, limited resources prevents him from participating at the interstate rounds. Jake is actively seeking partnerships from local organisations that can help him get to the interstate rounds, where he can compete for the national crown. If you can help in any way, and be part of the beginning of an international motorsport champion, contact Jake via jakefouracre.com

teampana's rookie drivers inside the top 5 at Round 2 of the Victorian Championships

Finally, Kleo (Mandy) Mandikos made it to Phillip Island for round 2 of the Victorian Formula Vee Championship. He was due to make his Phillip Island debut late in 2009, however, was sent home with a severe case of bronchitis.

Mandikos, who has been working vigorously between race meets with his personal trainer, has lost several kilos and increased his fitness levels. The fighting fit Mandikos (play Rocky theme music here) entered the track on Friday for his first practice session and steadily increased his speed.

The quiet achiever qualified a 'disappointing' 13th, but worked his way up the field, and reduced his lap times to a respectable 1.56.2, less than a second off the 'pace'. Without too much fuss, and a few car setup changes, the mature Mandikos reached the front bunch in the final race, watching, learning from the top guns.

In the final 3 laps, he mixed it up with the front guys, finishing inside the top 6. A great debut for Mandikos, who has now completed his debut of all the Victorian tracks.

Jake Fouracre assumed competition number 48, used successfully by his father John Fouracre many moons ago. Fouracre had what could only be described as a 'hectic' weekend. The rookie qualified 6th and finished 5th in the first race. He then catapulted to the front on Sunday morning, only to be served a 35 second post race penalty for passing under yellow flags.

Starting 20th in the final, the adrenaline induced Fouracre charged his way to P1 in the first 3 laps but observed a drive through penalty for rolling past his starting grid before the commencement of the race. The officials sighting "zero leniency for the young rookie given his talent and pace".

Team owner George Pana reporting "a positive weekend for team, a few classic mistakes by our rookie drivers [laughs], we've all been there, Mandikos knocking on the door, and Fouracre with the fastest lap of the weekend. Overall I feel we are in the top 5 and have our sights set on P1 and P2."

A special mention goes out to Phil Oakes who qualified on pole for the first time. Oaks, who has recently graduated to the 1600 class, made significant progress after attending a day of teampana competition driver tuition.

Jake Fouracre debuts on top of the Victorian Formula Vee Championship

Jake Fouracre's remarkable debut into open wheelers sees him on top of the Victorian State Circuit Race Series and Victorian Formula Vee Championship pointscores. Not since Cameron McConville in the early 90's, has a "first time" competitor blitzed on debut.

Racing against a high calibre field, some who have been racing for more than 10 years, Fouracre finished inside the top 5 all weekend. Fouracre managed to mix it with the leading bunch, absorbing and learning the unique Formula Vee race craft required to win.

Fouracre stepped out of Karts (Leopard Lite & Pro) and joined the leading 2010 Formula Vee team TeamPana.com. It was a weekend of firsts for the team, with Fouracre debuting TeamPana's new Jacer.

"It was an amazing weekend, close racing and a couple of 'ding dong' battles. I feel I've barely scratched the surface and I'm looking forward to learning more about slip streaming at Phillip Island." Fouracre, a quiet 18 year old, studying Motorsport at TAFE, could hardly contain his excitement on the weekend, managing a rare smile on a few occasions.

Fouracre shares 1st place in both championships with the current National Champion, and will be working closely with his team to take the lead in his own right.

Kleo Mandikos, also driving a TeamPana Jacer, managed to crack the top 10. Kleo continues to improve and is build upon his race experience. We hope to see Kleo in the top 5 shortly.

Michael Kirsch claims the 2009 Australian Hill Climb Championship - Formula Vee 1600cc category. Oct 2009

Michael Kirsch drove TeamPana's Irwin to win the 2009 Australian Hill Climb Championships. Michael had competed at the new circuit throughout the year and was delighted to take home the national trophy. His new trophy sits beside his 1999 Australian Hill Climb Championship trophy. Michael has "retired" (again).

TeamPana sponsored the Formula Vee 1200cc category at the national event, where Max Bonney claimed first place.

Michael Kirsch claims the 2009 1600cc Formula Victorian State Hillclimb Championship. Oct 2009

Michael Kirsch competed at 5 Victorian Hill Climb rounds in TeamPana's Irwin to secure the Victorian Hill Climb championship.

Phillip Island, round 5, forecast... Showers, then some more.

Bill Fifis was all excited about racing at Phillip Island for the first time. He was welcomed by rain, showers and storms for the entire 3 days of the event. In the unforgiving conditions, Bill did extremely well to crack the top 4. TeamPana driver Kleo Mandikos was granted a leave of absence to baptise his daughter that weekend, giving Frank Haire, multiple national winning competitor, an opportunity to race in the TeamPana Jacer. Although Frank hadn't competed for 2 years, he did well to keep the car on the track in almost impossible rain affected conditions and also cracked the top 6.

TeamPana welcomes another 2004 Jacer into the team. September

TeamPana has purchased Cameron Waters' 2004 Jacer. A very competitive car that has recently won races in South Australia, NSW and Queensland. The car will be prepared for the 2010 pre season testing.

TeamPana attends the 4th round of the Vic Championships with 2 cars. August 2009

The TeamPana crew worked overtime preparing new driver Kleo Mandikos in the Jacer, and rookie driver Bill Fifis in the Irwin. This event was Kleo's second ever Formula Vee event. He did well to finish all the races and eventually into the top 10. Bill had an outstanding event, cracking the top 5.

Mike O'Donald's 2007 Championship winning car is now part of TeamPana. July 2009.

After viewing several vehicles, TeamPana has purchased a 2004 Jacer and will form part of TeamPana's fleet.

Bill Fifis competes at the Shannon's National Round. June 2009

For his second Formula Vee event, Bill entered into the Shannon's National event, where the best drivers from around the country compete for the prize of the "National Series Champion".

Given the tough competition, and limited experience, Bill drove very well and learnt alot over the weekend. Bill worked his way back into the top 10 of an experienced field.

Bill Fifis steps into a Formula Vee. May2009

Bill Bifis stepped into the Irwin at the second round of the 2009 Vic State championships. Bill was amazed at the close racing throughout the weekend, and progressed well to finish inside the top 10. Bill's main aim for 2009 is to regain is national competition license. Bill has previously raced Formula Ford and many sports cars in his role as a high performance driving instructor. We hope to see Bill within the Formula Vee ranks in the near future.

Previous TeamPana driver promoted to Formula Ford. March 2009

Paul Sharman, who raced with TeamPana in 2008 has a Formula Ford drive in the 2009 season. We wish Paul all the best.

Michael Kirsch takes on the 2009 Victorian Hill Climb Championship. Feb 2009

Previous Australian Hill Climb title holder, Michael Kirsch, will be contesting the 2009 Victorian Hill Climb Championship with TeamPana. It will be the first time Michael has driven the 1600 spec car having previously dominated in the 1200 spec car.

The 2009 Team Pana Driver has been working hard on lightening the car and himself, in order to meet the minimum weight specifications. Keep an eye on this site for his race updates.

The Team Pana car is still available for the Victorian Circuit Racing Series.

Paul Sharman tries it on at Phillip Island. Nov 2008.

2008 1200 State and National Champion, Paul Sharman, stepped into the TeamPana car at the annual Island Magic event. Having driven the car for the first time on Friday practice, Paul pumped out fast and consistent times.

Paul qualified well and finished mid-field on the weekend. He learnt alot about 1600 racecraft, and mixed it up with the front running guys. We hope to see him in the 1600 field in 2009.

2008

A was a year of 'firsts' for Team Pana, unfortunately, it wasn't related to the podium. The team missed their first round in 5 years, due to engine issues. A lack of track time meant less than average driver performance. George hang the boots midway though 2008. He achieved all that wanted, and decided it was time to step into an instructor's role.

Contrary to some rumors, George did not retire because of his Stig commitments.

2007

TeamPana's most challenging year, finishing 2nd in the championship. The championship was 'in the bag' until George crashed heavily at Phillip Island, missing his chance to score any points for that round. TeamPana's car dominated the year and passed countless scrutiny checks and 3 engine strip downs within a 12 month period.

TeamPana also competed on a National level, attending the national round held at Phillip Island. TeamPana beat Australia's "best of the best" that weekend, a highlight for TeamPana.

2006

At the end of 2005, there weren't many 1600 Formula Vees for sale. At the time, it was better to convert your own 1200 spec vehicle, rather than buy a ready made 1600 spec car. So TeamPana spent an extraordinary amount of hours in the workshop completely rebuilding the car to comply with the new 1600 specs. It was completed 'just in time', on the Thursday night before the first round of Friday practice.

The existing 1600s had a 12 month head start, however, by the end of the year, Team Pana was dominating the races, finally finishing 5th in the championship.

2005

With the introduction of the 1600cc option, all of the front running competitors converted their race cars over the summer break. TeamPana, together with several other long standing competitors, decided to contest the 1200 championship. TeamPana dominated the year with many pole positions, race and round wins. TeamPana won the 2005 1200 Club Championship and was the first 1200 in the CAMS open pointscore. See archive for race reports.

TeamPana will not defend the 1200 championship in 2006, rather, they will compete for the 1600 championship. The Irwin race car will be known as one of the most successful 1200 format 1200 Formula Vees.

2004

The year began without a top 10 finish within the first 3 rounds. However, Team Pana competed in 2 separate series, competing in 11 events throughout the year, more than any other Victorian Formula Vee team. Team Pana was soon recognised as the team with the most track time and quickly turned track time into results. Team Pana won the 2004 AASA Victorian Motor Race Series made up of 7 race wins, and 1 pole.

Team Pana finished 6th in the CAMS pointscore, 8th in the Open Club pointscore, 4th in the Club poinstcore and voted most Improved Driver for 2004.

2003

2003 proved to be a steep learning curve for the team. The team was new to Formula Vee and racing. Many long ours and hard work paid off towards the end of the year with a top 10 qualifying position and several top 15 finishes. However, the year also consisted of 3 broken nose cones, 1 bent front suspension, 1 rear suspension failure and the cause of 2 safety cars. (apologies to fellow competitors)

Previous to Team Pana

The Team Pana Formula Vee is an "Irwin". The car was built by Dean Irwin and was completed in late 1992. In its first year of competition, Dean Irwin won the Victorian State Championships. Since then, the car also won the Tasmanian State Championship. After several years of remaining dormant, Team Pana acquired the car for the commencement of the 2003 Victorian Championships.