Future INDY NXT rivals Jacob Abel and Callum Hedge ensured MTEC Motorsport’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship season ended on a high at the hallmark New Zealand Grand Prix event at Highlands Motorsport Park.
Hedge was drafted in for the event ahead of his maiden INDY NXT season and was right on the pace, while Abel matched the New Zealander as it proved a healthy rivalry across the weekend.
Australian Elliott Cleary continued his development after missing the previous round due to commitments in Australia, while Lucas Fecury gained crucial experience to complete his campaign.
Highlands Motorsport Park provided a stunning finale for the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship and also presented a unique qualifying scenario. Three stages were conducted as the first 15-minute segment decided not only the grid for Race 1 but also the final five positions for the Grand Prix. The next stage took out a further five, leaving the remainder to duke it out for the Grand Prix pole.
Hedge led the way for MTEC all weekend by qualifying third in the first segment, first in the second and was runner up in the final 15-minute session.
Scoring second in the opener and fifth in Race 2, the stage was set for Hedge to take New Zealand Grand Prix glory. Despite an intense battle for the lead during the early running, Hedge had to settle for second as he now heads off to the US.
“It was great to return home before I begin my season in America,” he said.
“I just didn’t have enough in the New Zealand Grand Prix, but it was a great warm-up for the year ahead. I can’t thank the MTEC Motorsport crew for providing me with the opportunity.
“Although disappointing not to win the New Zealand Grand Prix, congratulations to Liam (Sceats) on a great performance.”
Abel matched Hedge in most areas providing MTEC with its strongest line-up this season as he placed fifth, sixth and third in each stage of qualifying.
This was followed up by second and fourth in the opening two races. Defending the final podium place early on during the New Zealand Grand Prix, Abel failed to hold on and finished fourth to end his cameo in a strong position.
“I’ve really enjoyed my return to New Zealand and working with the MTEC Motorsport crew,” Abel reflected.
“It was great to get some trophies for the team, but it was a shame not to win a race. It was great to blow the rust away ahead of a big season for myself back home, and I can arrive with momentum from these two events.”
After finishing on the podium at the National Trans Am event at Sandown in Victoria, Australia, Cleary came back and was immediately close to the pace.
Narrowly missing the final stage of qualifying, leading to ninth, Cleary maintained this position in the opening event before finishing 10th in Race 2. He was able to score another top-10 finish to cap off a solid maiden season in open-wheelers.
“I’ve learnt so much from these five events and I believe it has helped my progression as a driver,” said Cleary.
“I’ve continued to make progress at each meeting, and I can enter my season in Australia with confidence, having gained seat time during the past month.
“I’d like to thank the crew at MTEC Motorsport for helping me adapt, and it’s been awesome to race these circuits in New Zealand.”
It proved a difficult finale for Fecury as he qualified 16th and elevated to 14th in the opener, before finishing 17th in Race 2.
For the Grand Prix, he rose up to 14th to cap off the Castrol Toyota Formula Oceania Regional Championship season.
“It’s been a tough season, but I’ve continued my development as a driver through these past five events,” Fecury said.
“It’s been a great experience racing in New Zealand and I have really learnt a lot.
“Racing here has really helped in preparing me for the 2024 season.”
