For one racing driver in the Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain this season they have given up so much.

Jayde Kruger has moved from South Africa to race in the UK and has left his family behind to pursue his dream of a career in racing.

Speaking about the decision he made to move to the UK, Jayde said: “I jumped at the opportunity once we received the offer from Investchem to come over and race. It’s something I have wanted to do for a very long time but without the necessary funding it just wasn’t possible.

“I miss my family a lot but I am determined to put everything I have into this great opportunity as I know this is a chance not many racing drivers get.   My family are just as passionate about my racing as I am so it also helps having their support, the advice and motivation I receive from home.”

Having driven in Formula Ford in South Africa Jayde revealed that the racing isn’t so different in the UK.

He added: “I personally don’t think the racing is too different.  Racing back home is just as competitive and there some very experienced and professional teams. South Africa has also produced some great drivers internationally as well as some top class engineers/motorsport personnel. The biggest difference between racing back home and racing in England is the exposure that drivers receive.

“The amount of spectators at the circuits and the appreciation the spectators have for the drivers is fantastic and it’s great having so many people that are so enthusiastic about motorsport. I wish there was a way to achieve this same enthusiasm and support back home.

“Obviously a lack of track knowledge is a problem but I guess getting good results at circuits you have never seen before helps make an impression and the results slightly more impressive. I am enjoying the challenge of having a limited amount of laps to learn and trying to perfect a circuit and the car setup for that particular circuit before having to go into qualifying. I love racing in the UK and being able to race on such a wide variety of circuits.”

Despite only racing a few times in the UK so far Jayde has already shown his talent by finishing on the podium.

“It was good to be on the podium at my first round and the exposure I have been receiving has been fantastic but at the same time I have come here with my sights set on winning races so our aims and expectations are set higher than my performances so far. We have a good team and I’m certain that once we have all our ducks in a row we will begin to achieve what we have come here for.

“Dan Cammish is doing a great job this season and I think he has a good car underneath him as well. However he is not unbeatable and it’s our job to get everything together and prove that.

Jayde has been part of Rochester based Jamun Racing since his arrival in Formula Ford and reveals what it is like to be part of the outfit.

He said: “It’s great to be part of Jamun as they have many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge.  I think their record speaks for itself.  I get on really well with the team and its good to work with James as well as having Kevin Mills on my car.  These guys have invaluable experience that I really appreciate.

Finally we asked Jayde what his aims are for the rest of the season and whether he has made the most of the six week break, and if he has had time for some testing.

He added: “The top step is where I have been aiming for before I even left home.  It’s not easy as there are a lot of variables that have to be taken into account but I believe we have made good progress and hopefully we can turn the momentum into wins. There is still a lot of racing to be done this year and I have no doubt that all the hard work put in by the team will pay off.

“The break will be good for the team, allowing them to have some extra time to prepare the cars. The break has also given us some time to test between the races and prepare for a busy last half of the season. Personally, I have found the break quite tough and would prefer to be in the car every day of the week.

“Fortunately Snetterton is a circuit where there are no testing restrictions so we have been doing some testing there and have more planned before the race scheduled on the 4/5th of August. Not only does this testing help us fine tune the car but it’s also great to be able to learn the circuit in my own time and after the long break allow me to get my eye in again.”

You can keep up to date with Jayde by following him on twitter @JaydeKruger

Pictures supplied by Tony Beecher.