Invercargill’s Alex Crosbie returns to America this week to tackle Round 2 of the F4 US Championship at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, from 20-23 June.
The two-time New Zealand Formula Ford Champion showed plenty of speed as he collected two sixth placings and a fourth at the opening round at Road America last month in what was an eventful weekend for the seventeen-year-old.
As he prepares to return to the States, Crosbie has reflected on the opening round, saying, “It is a very competitive championship despite the small field.
“There is lots of close racing, especially at the race starts, with rolling starts being employed at this stage. It means we are a lot closer, and there is more contact than usual. I will be aiming to avoid that at Round 2.”
Crosbie missed some valuable track time with battery issues in testing at Road America but still qualified third fastest. He finished sixth in the first race after being hit and spun early on before crossing the line fourth in the second race, only to be penalised 30 seconds, which dropped him to another sixth-place finish.
He then placed fourth in the final race, just .208 of a second off the podium. In each race, Crosbie recorded lap times within the top three, including the fastest lap of the finale.
Preparation for the second round has included some practice on the simulator as he familiarises himself with circuits that are completely new to him.
“Mid-Ohio looks like it will be a fun track to learn, there are a few corners that are a bit tricky,” he said. “It should be a good passing track. I want to avoid contact and have good, clean, consistent races and bank some good points.”
The circuit is 2.4 miles long and has fifteen turns. Testing is available on Thursday and Friday. On Friday, qualifying is held, followed by one race on Saturday and two races on Sunday.
The new Ligier JS F422 chassis used in the series is very similar to a Formula Ford car in which Crosbie achieved two New Zealand titles.
“They are fun to drive,” he says. “The American racing scene is definitely big with huge transporters and big teams, while the Road America venue was impressive.”
Alex competes in the F4 US Championship with Crosslink / Kiwi Motorsport, and his American campaign is supported by Golden Homes in the Southern Lakes. He also acknowledges his parents’ support for his racing.
