Chris Symon has added three further wins to his tally in the New Zealand Formula First Championship at Manfeild over the weekend.
Another three victories takes Symon’s total for the year to 21 out of a possible 22, a near-perfect season.
Brody McConkey set the early pace in Saturday’s qualifying, taking pole over Toby McCormack by just .063 seconds. Symon managed third, while Bob Dillow was the fastest in the Masters class.
Saturday’s sole race was run in wet conditions, a tense affair that saw the lead change multiple times.
Ultimately, Symon came through for the victory over Hayden Lines, who had impressively charged forward from seventh on the grid. McConkey rounded out the podium, one spot ahead of top rookie Harry Scott. Ron Carter was the first Masters Championship competitor home in 11th overall.
Sunday’s opener, the penultimate race of the season, saw Symon win again, with the rest of the podium decided in a chaotic final few laps. McConkey had looked set for a podium but was dropped back following contact late in the race. Instead, Scott was in second and Jack Groenewald – who had driven a superb race – in third.
Groenewald’s joy was to be shortlived, a post-race penalty dropping him to 11th and elevating Lines to the podium. McConkey recovered from his contact and was promoted to fourth following Groenewald’s penalty.
Carter was once again the first Master home in eighth overall.
Sunday’s season finale was an extremely close affair and produced one of the tightest margins seen in Formula First to date. Symon claimed victory for a round sweep, however, McConkey only finished .004 seconds off the now three-time defending champion.
Lines finished on the podium once again, in third, ahead of McCormack and Scott, who came home to Rookie of the Year honours. Bob Dillow topped Ron Carter in the Masters Championship, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Carter from taking the title.
The 2022/23 season of Formula First is now finished; however, the field is set to return for a 1-Hour Enduro at Manfeild on May 6.
