David Besnard by Phillip Whelan

Racing was an early passion for David Besnard, starting in Karts at the tender age of eight years old.

In 1992 aged 15 years Besnard headed for Italy for a three-year season of Karting in an international market.

Returning to Australia in 1995 Besnard decided to compete in the National Formula Ford Championship. His debut race at Oran Park was a victory, however two months later he had a bad accident at Eastern Creek breaking both his legs. He set off for Bathurst with a pin in his leg giving trouble and a car five years older than his rivals, still he managed to finish second in both races.

In 1996 he bought a Van Diemen chassis and formed his own team. He dominated the season, including achieving five pole positions from the last six rounds, a feat that has never been achieved before in this category.

Heading to the US in 1997 Besnard tried the F2000 Championship, though a limited budget meant he could only contest five races his results continued to impress.

The following year, with a full budget he made history, achieving eight poles, eight victories and an impressive nine qualifying and race lap records.

Career Highlights

2002

- 1st Queensland 500 with Simon Wills
- 3rd VB 300 at Barbagallo Raceway

2000

- 5th Konica V8 Lites Series
- 8th Queensland 500
- 40th Australian Touring Car Championship

1999

- Besnard returned to Australia and tested for the Stone Brothers - result a three-year contract!

1998

- 1st US Formula Ford 2000 Championship

1996

- 1st Australian Formula Ford Championship

1992

- 1st European Junior Karting Champion

JAN05

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