The North Island Formula Ford Series (NIFF) roars back into action this Sunday (5 October 2025) with the opening round of the 2025/26 season at Hampton Downs as part of the Auckland Car Club one-day event. The season sees the return of several drivers, along with a number of new rookies.
Current NIFF champion Toby McCormack returns to the grid in a Spectrum 010 bought out of Australia, along with a raft of racing experience in the National Australian Formula Ford Championship. He competed in two rounds, achieving consistent top-ten results at both Phillip Island (Victoria) and Morgan Park Raceway (Queensland).
Jack Groenewald returns in his Mygale along with Shane Drake (Van Diemen RF92), James Collie in his Class 2 91 Van Diemen and Tony Graham in his Van Diemen 85.
Several new rookie drivers will make their way to the grid on Sunday. William Beck (Spectrum 010) competed in several Winter Series rounds, having gained some valuable experience.
Joining him will be Campbell Owens (Spectrum 015), who has also completed four Winter Series rounds. Both Owens and Groenewald have already been quick in testing at Hampton Downs leading up to the opening round.
Ollie Sentch (Van Diemen Stealth) comes to the grid with saloon car experience as well as competing in the Formula Open NZ in a Formula Atlantic wings and slicks single seater. He has the aim to learn more race craft, which this category is known for.
Braxton Kraayvanger makes the step up from kartsport to single-seaters and will join the grid in a Van Diemen RF02.
This summer, the NIFF Series will consist of five rounds, with the second event scheduled to take place at the Taupo Motorsport Park on 9 November.
The third round at Manfeild Circuit, Chris Amon in Feilding, will be a two-day meeting before a three-month break before the final two rounds in March, which also double as the final two rounds of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship.
Hampton Downs will host the fourth round, on 14-15 March 2026, with four races. A fortnight later, the finale will take place in Taupo, on 27-29 March 2026.
Drivers and teams face qualifying and three races on Sunday.
The NIFF organising committee welcome the return of major sponsor the Giltrap Group, along with the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy cash prize for fastest qualifier at each round.
Yokohama is continuing its backing of the series, along with the support from NAPA with its Driver of the Day award.
Giltrap Group North Island Formula Ford Series Calendar:
- Round 1: 5 October 2025, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Auckland Car Club – one-day event
- Round 2: 9 November 2025, Taupo Motorsport Park, Auckland Car Club – one-day event
- Round 3: 6-7 December 2025, Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon, Feilding, Two-day event
- Round 4: 14-15 March 2026, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, NZIGP Four races
- Round 5: 27-29 March 2026, Taupo Motorsport Park, NZIGP Four races
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
