 After a thrilling battle at Winton Motor Raceway, the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship is heading north to Hidden Valley in Darwin for Round 4 of the series.
This year will be the third straight year that Formula Ford has visited the Top End and it could be a pivotal round in this season’s championship battle.
The 2009 champion Nick Percat has won all six races held at Hidden Valley Raceway and he no longer races in the series, which leaves door wide open for a new star to shine.
After losing the championship lead to Chaz Mostert at Winton, Nick Foster is keen to put a frustrating round behind him, starting at Hidden Valley.
“Winton was a challenging weekend for us considering the pace we had, because we were unable to make the most of it,” Foster said.
“It was disappointing to lose the championship lead, but being only two points back is nothing to worry about and we’re looking forward to getting to Darwin and having a strong run.
“Sonic have been traditionally strong in Darwin with Nick winning all the races they’ve held there, so I know the team has a really good base to work from and a lot of good data, which fills me with confidence.”
Foster admitted that qualifying strongly in Darwin could be the key to a strong race result.
“I need to maximise my speed in qualifying like I did at Winton and if I can do that then I think the Steeline Mygale will be in with a good shot of victory.”
Another driver who will be hoping to make amends for a disappointing round in Victoria is Borland Racing Developments driver Ben Jurczak.
Jurczak was one of the stand-outs during Round 2 at Queensland Raceway, finishing on the podium in just his second event, but luck wasn’t on his side at Winton.
“We’re putting Winton down to a learning weekend, which is what this year is all about, but it was a disappointing weekend,” Jurczak said.
“I can’t wait to get to Darwin to continue learning up there and hopefully we can finish in the top 10 and get some more points toward the Rookie of the Year honours.
“We’re struggling for budget a little at the moment and I’m not sure how many more rounds we’ll do this year, so I want to make the most of my time in Darwin that’s for sure.”
This weekend will see 22 drivers contesting Round 4 as the championship continues to attract positive grid numbers. The CAMS Rising Star squad will get another shake-up, with Garry Jacobson returning after sitting out the Winton round. Liam Sager will have another outing, while Stefan Borsato and Sam Howard will make their respective debuts this season. Jon Mills will also return after a round off.
Find the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship on twitter @ffordaustralia to keep up to date with Australia’s premier junior development category.
Weekend Preview:
Round 4 2010 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship
Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, NT
Friday June 18 – Sunday June 20
Weekend Schedule: AEST
Friday
11:10-11:30am - Practice 1 (20 minutes)
16:10-16:30pm - Practice 2 (20 minutes)
Saturday
10:25-10:45am - Qualifying (20 minutes)
14:20-14:40pm - Race 1 (12 laps)
Sunday
10:00-10:20am - Race 2 (12 laps)
13:00-13:20pm - Race 3 (12 laps)
Australian Formula Ford Championship – after three rounds
1. Chaz Mostert, 99
2. Nick Foster, 97
3. Ash Walsh, 84
4. Geoff Uhrhane, 73
5. Adam Graham, 68
6. Ryan Simpson, 64
7. Ben Jurczak, 39
8. Nathan Morcom, 33
9. Andre Borell, 32
10. Matthew Brabham, 20
Formula Ford is the world’s premier junior development motorsport category and has been a prominent fixture within Australia since 1969. Ford has been a proud partner of Formula Ford in Australia since the beginning and will support the category again in 2010 as it continues to grow. The relative parity between local and international makes produces some of the closest and most exciting racing seen on any circuit around Australia.
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