Team JLR started 2004 as reigning triple Formula Ford champions having taken the Team's Cup, Drivers' Championship and Scholarship Drivers' Championship titles in 2003. With all new drivers the Team would again battle it out in Formula Ford. However, 2004 would also see a new challenge; The UK Formula Renault Championship. It was a big step for the Batley based team; new championship, new cars, new drivers, new staff........Team Boss Richard Dean looked forward to the challenge ahead: "Having won everything in Formula Ford last year, we were looking to take the next step. Formula Renault is highly competitive and seemed the logical progression. We knew it would be an adjustment running in two Championships, but the Team is ready for it and I know we can do a great job in both".

The Formula Ford driver line up saw experienced Ford racer Daniel Clarke joined by talented Americans Joe D'Agostino and Charlie Kimball along with race car rookie Alexis Sabet. Despite smaller grids in 2004, Formula Ford proved it had lost none of its competitiveness. Team Manager Paul Haigh commented "Ford was tough this year. Our four drivers were new to us and three of them were new to the Championship. We really earned our results".

Joe D'Agostino

Team JLR retained the Scholarship Class title with Joe D'Agostino winning the class for year old cars. Joe notched up 14 class wins, 10 class fastest laps and 8 class poles. The Team were unlucky to miss out on the main championship. Daniel Clarke put in a strong end of season challenge to secure himself second place. The young English man took victory on the historic grand prix circuit Spa Francorchamps in Belgium - adding to the Team's total of 4 overall victories in 2004 with 2 from Charlie Kimball at Oulton Park and 1 from Joe on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.  

The most significant Formula Ford victory happened at Brands Hatch in October at the annual Formula Ford Festival; the World Cup of Formula Ford. Team JLR had never taken victory at the prestigious event in its 40 year history. After a tense, close fought race, there was genuine emotion and relief from the Team as Daniel Clarke crossed the line to take victory and Team JLR's first World Cup title.

Dan Clarke lifts the Festival trophy

2004 saw Team JLR enter an unprecedented 25 race meetings. During 2003 the Team had run four cars in one Championship - by the end of 2004 that had doubled. The Team had steered eight drivers through two championships. Whilst enjoying a long earned break over Christmas, Richard Dean reflected on the season's events: "2004 has been an unforgettable year for us; to finally win the Formula Ford Festival was fantastic. Formula Ford has been a surprise this season. The level of competition was astounding. It has been tough after being so dominant in 2003. Next year we have to work hard to get back on top."

Richard added that he was also confident for the 2005 Formula Renault season "The Winter Series' wins have shown us that we can succeed in Formula Renault. That progress has been due to the hard work and dedication the drivers and Team have put in this season."

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