Richie Stanaway Wins MTA Formula Ford Championship

However, Stanaway did not have an easy weekend and may have been fortunate to have held a comfortable points lead going into the final round as his car was found to be technically non-compliant which saw his pole position qualifying time and Race 1 victory eliminated from the results.

Although his nearest Championship rival, 14 year old Aucklander Mitch Evans, could have closed in dramatically, a clutch failure during Race 1 effectively ended his hopes with retirement from the event which saw him finish runner up on the final points standings. Stefan Webling (Oakura) enjoyed another solid weekend to take the third Championship position. Once again the surprise overall Round 7 winner was Invercargill’s latest hot shot, Damon Leitch which gives the 16 year old his second overall round victory. Webling was second overall for the round with Evans elder brother, Simon, taking the third podium position.

The opening 10 lap race of the weekend saw Webling score an excellent win ahead of 15 year old Wellington sensation Jamie McNee who was followed by Leitch, Simon Evans, Russell Hartley (Katikati) and Brett Sullivan (Nelson). Matthew Penrose (Rangiora) saw his chances of a Championship podium fade when he was eliminated in a three car excursion. Perhaps the biggest accolade should have gone to Webling’s team who worked through Friday night rebuilding his car after serious damaged was caused after striking an earth bank when avoiding a spinning car in Friday’s practice session.

Race 2 (10 laps) was a thriller as Stanaway battled his way up the running order from the rear of the starting grid but it was Mitch Evans who dictated terms to the chequered flag with Stanaway 2nd while Leitch scored another 3rd ahead of McNee, Simon Evans and Penrose. Hearts were pumping as Stanaway experienced a big moment coming over the hill onto the front straight but he gathered it nicely losing little time in the process despite the large gap to Mitch Evans.

Race 3 (15 laps) was another closely fought affair with the top seven cars trading places as drivers attempted to out-manoeuvre each other. This time it was Simon Evans turn to perform the “big moment” but he too controlled the situation with skill but lost a few places in the process. Stanaway confirmed his Champion class by sealing victory but only a mere 0.039 secs ahead of Leitch who was closely followed across the line by Mitch Evans, Penrose, Simon Evans and veteran campaigner Kim Crocker (Tauranga).

So ended another fantastic and memorable season of hard fought Formula Ford racing which is now dominated by the teenage phenomenon sweeping International motor racing worldwide. With 14, 15 and 16 year olds now challenging the top end of the field we can be assured that next season could be the most competitive yet as more young drivers are expected to join the fray and take the fight to the “old hands” who return.