LEITCH CHALLENGE BESET BY PROBLEMS
After the sensational form that saw him on the podium at the last round of the MTA Formula Ford Championship, Invercargill driver Damon Leitch had little chance of a repeat at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch this weekend. The fifteen-year-old's challenge was beset by problems that impacted heavily on his results from the very beginning of proceedings. At the end of the third round of the championship he described the experience as "very tough."
After running well in testing at the 3.3 kilometre circuit on Thursday, the following day the Zero Fees Stealth was less effective, prompting the team to make changes to the car. However, before any meaningful conclusions about the changes could be reached the throttle stuck open curtailing Damon's running time.
Qualifying the following day was also fraught with problems as Leitch battled handling issues, an overheating engine and brakes that were sticking on. He nevertheless managed to set the eleventh best time of the session. When the first race was held later in the day the James Hargest College student began picking up places quickly only to be taken off the circuit by another competitor, prematurely ending his race.
The car was repaired overnight only for the team to discover a cracked cylinder head just one hour before the second race on Sunday morning. With the engine replaced Leitch brought the Zero Fees Stealth home in eighth spot after again making up several places during the race. From tenth on the grid on Sunday afternoon Leitch again made good progress although he lost a place when the car cut out on the final lap.
The young Southlander was philosophical after the final race accepting that things do not always run smoothly in the hard fought sport.
The championship now takes a short break until after Christmas when it resumes at Timaru International Motor Raceway from 9-11 January. However Damon will race the Zero Fees Stealth in the South Island Formula Ford Championship at his home circuit, Teretonga Park, next weekend .
Damon's campaign in the 2008/2009 MTA Formula Ford Championship is supported by Zero Fees, EH Ball ITM Building Supplies, Ray White Real Estate,Toll Tranz Link, BNT, Kingsford-Smith Motor Painting Ltd, Advantage Advertising, Caltex Invercargill Oil Shop, Turntru Machining, Discount Tyres, PPG, Trade Tools, Teng Tools, Collingwood Foodcentre, Macaulay Ford, Courtesy Ford South Auckland, Howard Anderson Upholstery, Laker House Of Travel, Print & Copy, Office Shop, the Bell Booth Group, C&G Rothbury and Leitch Motorsport.
Damon Leitch hustles the Zero Fees Stealth through a corner at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch during Round 3 of the 2008/2009 MTA Formula Ford Championship this weekend
Photo: SportProMedia.com
Lindsay Beer
