MTA NEW ZEALAND FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP

SENSATIONAL YOUNG GUNS TO SET HOT PACE AT PUKEKOHE

As the MTA New Zealand Formula Ford Championship heads into the second round at Pukekohe Park Raceway this weekend, there is already a buzz in the air following the surprise results from the opening round at Taupo last month. The reason is quite simple as we are once again witnessing what appears to be the rise of another teenage Kiwi motor racing sensation together with what will be another closely fought Championship round.

This weekend, the name on everyone’s lips is Mitchell Evans, a 14 year old from Auckland who has been promoted to the Formula Ford class from last season’s Formula First Championship. He now leads the points standings after his Championship debut when he qualified on the front row of the starting grid then recorded two wins and a second placing. Mitchell comes into the second round with a 21 point lead over last season’ forth placegetter and MTA Scholarship winner, Stefan Webling (Oakura) who qualified on pole position and took out a feature race win at Taupo.

Webling is a very astute competitor who came into the season as a favourite and will be looking to put the youngster back in his place on the fast and demanding Pukekohe circuit. He was the initial pace setter in Round One and is still seen as the man to beat but considering Evans’ obvious talent it is impossible to predict an outcome. Having now had a full season of Formula Ford racing behind him we can expect to see the 19 year old call on his experience to regain prominence over his surprisingly fast rivals. 

Other drivers are also making a great impression and were in touch with the race winners throughout the Taupo weekend including Richie Stanaway (Tauranga), Martin Short (Hamilton), Jamie McNee (Wellington) and Simon Evans (Auckland). Stanaway and Short were most impressive as they were debuting the all new Mygale manufactured cars and appear to have them well sorted early on in the Series. Another factor in the equation is the return of another front runner from last season, Daniel Jilesen (Taumarunui) who is more than capable of causing an upset.

Another factor in the equation this weekend could be the variable Pukekohe weather. Although drivers experienced a mixed bag of wet and dry at Taupo, Pukekohe can be a treacherous circuit in the rain as was seen in last season’s opening round when chaos ensued. However, varying track conditions can be a real test of driving skill but hopefully the rainclouds will stay away to enable drivers to race hard and fast in order to ascend to the top of the points ladder heading towards Round 3 of the Championship.

Racing action this weekend will follow the familiar format of practice on Friday with qualifying Saturday morning and Race 1 in the afternoon. Sunday morning will see Race 2 with the feature race set to go early in the afternoon. 

 

END.            

 

For Further Media Information Contact:

Kevin Lancaster

Ph. 09 627 8219 (Home)

Ph. 021 627 824 (mobile)

Email: kevlancs@xtra.co.nz