After three incredible races at Hampton Downs over the weekend it’s defending champion Alex Crosbie who emerges with the lead of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship.
The Southlander didn’t have it easy, however, made to work by a strong field of young talent from around the country.
Dylan Grant carried his late 2022 form from North Island Formula Ford, pressuring Crosbie all weekend long and sitting just one point behind after the opening round of competition.
Daniel Brown sits third in the standings with Mason Potter, Blake Dowdall and Sebastian Manson all hot on his tail.
Round honours, however, went to none of the competitors above, instead claimed by none-other than Greg Murphy who proved consistency is key with two fourths and a second.
“I’ve had a lot of fun this weekend,” said Murphy. “There was no pressure on me so it is pure fun and enjoyment although I have felt every bump and knock this weekend.”
After a tantalising battle between Crosbie and Grant on Saturday which saw the latter emerge victorious, Sunday morning was Crosbie’s time to shine, the youngster taking victory over his rival with Dowdall rounding out the podium ahead of Zach Blincoe, Murphy and Brown.
Things were poised for a third race thriller with Grant and Crosbie locked at one apiece, and they didn’t disappoint.
Whilst the defending champion led every lap the pressure was kept on from behind, Grant, Blincoe, Dowdall and Murphy were never far away.
Drama struck on the final lap when Grant and Crosbie make contact, Blincoe pouncing on the opportunity to cross the line first with Dowdall second and Murphy third.
It wasn’t meant to be for Blincoe, however, a technical infringement promoting Dowdall to the race win to claim the Morrie Smith Memorial Trophy. This also elevated Murphy to second and Potter to the podium.
Crosbie was able to limp home for 13th whilst Grant’s 10 second penalty dropped him to 16th.
“It was going well until the last lap when I got hit from behind,” commented Crosbie. “It’s been pretty close racing from all the top cars. The impact bent the rear suspension arms but I managed to get it home for some points.”
“It’s been close racing all weekend,” said Grant. “It looks like it will be a tough season. There wasn’t enough room in that last race so it’s a pity for the both of us.”
The meeting also doubled as the fifth of seven 2022/23 North Island Formula Ford rounds.
Liam Sceats still holds a narrow 29-point lead over Dowdall, Potter and Grant. With his non-entry at the round as well as next weekend’s sixth round at Taupo, the race is on between the latter three for the overall lead.
The 2023 NZ Formula Ford Championship includes two North and two South Island rounds with the Morrie Smith Memorial Trophy up for grabs at the final race of the first round, the Ron Frost Memorial Trophy to be contested at the final race of Round 2 and the Stephen Gillard Memorial Trophy for the highest placed Rookie at the end of the championship.
The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship resumes this weekend at Taupo International Motorsport Park and will be shown live on Sky Sport.
Additional Reporting: Supplied.
