Formula Ford: start of a successful career

After Goa's departure from karting, he gets into Formula 3 with Schäfer. Here he also races against Lechner, to whom he then introduces his brother Stefan. In 1979, while still in his karting career, the latter got a chance to do his first test race with Formula Ford. In Hockenheim he leaves a lasting impression and starts his real racing career after karting. It is already clear at this stage what an extraordinary driver he is and that he was born for great things.

“This insane vehicle control, the extravagant braking points, the looseness of his actions - just gigantic!“

Walter Lechner, Formula Ford team boss on Stefan’s first race 1979

In 1980, things really take off in parallel to his last year of karting. Walter Lechner, Team boss of Formula Ford, is so enthusiastic about Stefan, that he lets him drive despite limited financial resources. In return for the free drives, the rising star has to deliver all his bonuses and look for sponsors shortly afterwards to pay for the races. This is a difficult issue, but with the help of a friend, he finally gets the support of condom maker Fromm - a very brave choice back in Stefan's day, that Stibbich still laughs about. The main thing is he can drive!

“The act of force to get Stefan from the kart into a real racing car was one of the most beautiful but also difficult tasks. At the end of the 70s in Germany, not every young guy who had won a karting race could just get into a racing car or even an F1 career“.

Walter Lechner