Chris Symon has continued where he left off last year, claiming all three race wins in the Hi-Q Components NZ Formula First Championship opening round at Manfeild.
Having won the previous two titles, the quest for a three-peat started strongly with Symon qualifying on pole for the event, out-qualifying the second-placed Brody McConkey by over half a second.
Things were closer once racing got underway, McConkey not quite managing his way past, finishing second by just .338 of a second. A late charge from Liam Foster was not quite enough to sneak second place at the line, seeing him having to settle for third.
Race 2 saw much of the same for Symon, however it was much more comfortable in this case. The school principal had led early proceedings and pulled away in the second half of the race.
He came home over 4 seconds ahead of the pack with Toby McCormack managing to sneak past McConkey at the line to take second by just .021 of a second.
Symon was challenged by McConkey early in Race 3, the duo locked in battle through early proceedings. As a rhythm was found, McConkey was forced to begin defending from a fast Liam Nicholson.
McConkey locked in battle helped Symons seemingly cruise to the win, Nicholson unable to find a way past and settling for third.
In the new Masters Championship it was Bob Dillow who took honours in the first two races, 11th and 10th respectively enough to see him top of the class. Race 3, however, was taken by Darren Henderson in 12th overall.
Symon, the principal of Newbury School in Palmerston North, will be seeking his third title on the trot this year. His father, Ross Symon, is a previous series victor, winning four times between 1985-1989.
Formula First next returns to Pukekohe, for the final time ahead of the circuit closure, on November 12-13.
