Round Three of the 2020/2021 Giltrap Group North Island Formula Ford (NIFF) is set to showcase some of the best up-and-coming young drivers New Zealand has to offer.
Auckland Car Club’s 21st February meeting at Hampton Downs doubles up as the opening round of the MSNZ 2021 NZ Formula Ford National Championship, bringing the likes of South Island drivers James Penrose, Zac Christensen and rookie Jacob Douglas to the already talented NIFF field.
Matthew McCutcheon is the man to beat in his Stealth following the opening rounds of the NIFF series. With one win on the October 4th anniversary meeting, McCutcheon romped home to clean sweep round 2, taking pole position and three dominant lights-to-flag wins.
Rookies Kyan Davie and Flynn Mullany are also looking to carry gains made in round two this weekend. The Spectrum drivers both made debut podiums during the last hit-out, Kyan managing to finish in the top three all day. A return to the North Waikato circuit is sure to bring the pair closer to the dominant McCutcheon.
Bree Morris has been kept busy in the months between rounds. Racing in the South Island to stay sharp, the rookie Ray driver will be chasing the top-three and looking for a maiden podium herself. Fellow Ray driver Asten Addy will be wanting some points on the board after a crash in the first race in his debut weekend.
Blake Evans is making his welcome return to the category after a 2019 campaign which saw numerous mechanical issues put him on the sidelines. Liam Sceats also returns in his Stealth after missing round two.
Unfortunately, recently crowned Toyota Racing Series champion Matthew Payne is not returning to the grid this weekend following his move to Australia for the Carrera Cup series.
A strong contingent of Historic Formula Fords is also set to be on the grid. While they may not cross the line first, their racing is just as fierce, close and entertaining as any of the top drivers. The likes of Martin Lucas, Mike Davidson, Phil Folkes and Gerald Duncan always put on a great show.
Main Image: Geoff Ridder