Chris Symon added four more wins to his collection at Taupo over the weekend to now be undefeated in 16 New Zealand Formula First races this season.
After failing to secure pole to Brody McConkey at Hampton Downs last round, Symons bounced back in style to take top spot in Saturday morning’s qualifying by a massive .7 seconds over Liam Foster, McConkey forced to the second row in third.
It was then business as usual for the school principal in Race 1 as he extended his streak to a lucky 13 despite being threatened early by Liam Nicholson.
Nicholson eventually relented as Liam Foster and McConkey caught up, the latter working through with a final lap pass, in the midst of a three car battle, to take second with Symons 3 seconds up the road.
Foster and Nicholson were unlucky to tangle in the same play, both spinning and scrambling to rejoin, Nicholson miraculously holding onto a podium with Foster left fourth.
Harry Scott was once again fastest rookie home in fifth whilst Ron Carter was the first Master home in ninth.
Race 2 brought about more of the same, Symon engaged early on with those behind before eventually pulling just clear to break the tow and win by 1.5 seconds.
The battle for second was where the action was, Nicholson and Foster close all race before Foster pulled one back to get the better of his rival this time round.
Jensen Foster and McConkey also had a superb battle for fourth, Jensen ultimately pulling clear to take the spot by .4 seconds.
Scott was the best placed rookie in seventh whilst Carter was again the best Master with another ninth.
The narrative then change on Sunday morning, Symon put under immense pressure from the pack to hold on for one of his tightest wins thus far, McConkey only .164 seconds behind in second with Nicholson a further tenth back in third.
The three car tussle for the win showcased Symon’s adaptability to differing circumstances, victory also possible in tight tussles if he is unable to pull clear.
Liam Foster maintained contact with the trio but fell just short of a podium, finishing fourth and just shy of a second off Nicholson.
Carter was top Master for the third time this meet as he improved to eighth, Scott still top rookie despite a more challenging run to 12th.
The scene was poised nicely for the final race of the round on Sunday afternoon, Symon seeking his 16th on the trot but those behind hot on his tail.
The race was never in doubt for the defending champion, pulling just clear again to make it 4 from 4 at Taupo and 16 from 16 this season.
A mega late charge from Liam Foster saw him take the second step on the podium ahead of Nicholson, the duo both getting through McConkey on the final lap to see the number 71 fall to an agonizing fourth.
Toby McCormack rounded out the top five, bouncing back from a Race 1 DNF and complimenting his sixth in Race 2 and fifth in Race 3.
Reagan Edwards finally got the better of Scott in the battle of the rookies, persistence paying off for the youngster as he goes from strength-to-strength in establishing himself on the New Zealand stage.
Like Symon, Carter also made it a round sweep in the Masters class, 10th overall seeing him claim class honours and helping his Masters Championship credentials over close rival Bob Dillow.
A busy month for the New Zealand Formula First Championship sees them return in just two weeks at Manfeild, their third February meet this year.
The series then concludes in early April with a second Manfeild round followed by a non-championship 1 Hour Enduro in May at the same venue.
Symon will be looking to go down in history at those events, an undefeated season now a real possibility after 16 from 16 this far. Those behind are definitely catching, some tense moments at Taupo threatening but seeing the series veteran just hold on to keep the streak alive.
Header Image: Tayler Burke (Shots By TayB)
