Just two points separate the top two title contenders—Blake Dowdall and Toby McCormack—in the 2024/25 North Island Formula Ford Series (NIFF) as it enters its second half of the season this weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
McCormack has won the last six NIFF races, including all four at the previous round in Feilding (Dowdall’s home track) in December. Since then, he, along with Reagan Edwards and Campbell Owens, has competed in the first two rounds of the national series in the South Island.
While McCormack holds the momentum, Dowdall had a stellar South Island outing, returning with the national series lead. He’s stood on the podium in all ten races this season, but McCormack boasts six wins to his three. Leo Scott’s return adds another dimension, creating a three-way battle for race wins.
“I’m looking forward to it,” commented Dowdall. “We’ve built good momentum through the national rounds, fixed a few car issues, and I’ve spent considerable time analyzing data to optimize my driving.”
Reagan Edwards, Shane Drake, and Jack Groenewald will also contend for podium places, even a potential win.
Owens competes in NIFF for the first time, battling Groenewald and Fletcher Sloan (NIFF Scholarship car) for Rookie of the Year honors after his Formula Ford debut in the South Island. First-timer Marco Manson joins him, fresh from karting.
The round sees the return of Van Diemen drivers Leo Scott, Kim Crocker, and Nick Buxeda, as well as James Collie in Class 2.
Sunday’s action is packed: a 20-minute qualifying session (with a $500 prize from the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy for the fastest driver), followed by two 12-lap races and a 15-lap feature race. Reliability will be crucial.
“Hampton Downs demands knowing when and where to pass,” said Dowdall. “Three long straights offer passing opportunities, but it’s crucial to do so without involving others. A good start and navigating the two hairpins effectively—particularly gear selection, especially first gear—will be key.”
Here is a look into the current North Island Standings heading into Round 4 this weekend:
1/ Blake Dowdall 684
2/ Toby McCormack 682
3/ Reagan Edwards 505
4/ Shane Drake 499
5/ Jack Groenewald 433
6/ Fletcher Sloan 420
7/ Leo Scott 337
8/ Dylan Grant 209
9/ James Collie 204
10/ Nick Buxeda 189
11/ Kim Crocker 84
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
