The 2022-23 Hi-Q Components NZ Formula First Championship will begin later this month, marking 55 years of racing for the VW-based racing formula in New Zealand.
A large field is expected in the season opener at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon over labour weekend (21-23 October), a stark contrast to the season opener in 1967 where six cars took to the grid for the first-ever race in Levin.
The series was known as Formula Vee then, and has since evolved to become a breeding ground for the development of top New Zealand drivers.
Included among former competitors are 2022 Bathurst 1000 winner Shane van Gisbergen, IndyCar driver Scott Dixon, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley and, more recently, Formula 2 race winner Liam Lawson.
Chris Symon is among the confirmed competitors this season as he chases down a three-peat in series victories, whilst Liam Foster makes the return from a season abroad in the United States.
In addition to this, a range of seasoned campaigners will make the return, as will a selection of up-and-comers, including several rookies.
“We’re super excited to finally be going racing for our 55th year,” Ian Foster, President of FVANZ, said in a release.
“Formula First has such a strong and proud history in New Zealand motorsport, dating way back to the late 60s. You only have to look at the long and growing list of Formula First competitors who have gone on to become international star drivers to understand how important our class is to an aspiring driver’s career.”
Following the opening round at Manfeild, the series will head to Pukekohe for the final time on November 12-13. Round 3 at Hampton Downs (26-27 November) sees in the holiday break.
Round 4 will see the series return to Hampton Downs in February (3-5), while a trip to Taupo follows the week after.
Two further rounds at Manfeild see out the competition, over 24-26 February and 1-2 April respectively.
Velocity News will keep you up to date on the series in what promises to be an exciting 55th year of competition.
Banner Image: Tayler Burke
