Pukekohe Taylor Cockerton had a stellar weekend at the third round of the Ace Hire South Island Formula Ford Championship at Teretonga Park, Invercargill. The seventeen year old won the round with two wins and a third placing to move to third overall on the points table. Christchurch’s Marcus Armstrong continues to lead the series while rival Michael Collins was back on form with a win and two podiums moving him to second overall behind Armstrong.
“It’s been a great weekend,” commented Cockerton. “The whole day flowed well. The car seems to suit the circuit and we have been consistent throughout the round. A big thanks to Neale Motorsport for giving me a great car.”
Cockerton, who has four years in Formula First, made a great start to lead early in the first of three races before Armstrong took over and a battle with Collins developed with the lead swapping frequently. Cockerton was shuffled back to sixth in the early exchanges before working his way back to third after battling with Cantabrians, 14-year-old Caleb Cross, pole-sitter Ryan Yardley and Henry Thomas-Kircher. With a lap to go Cross and Yardley tangled at the elbow, Cross heading to the pits and Yardley staying in the sand-trap. As a result of the incident Cross was a non-starter in the second race after his licence was suspended. The team successfully protested and the licence was re-instated but after the racing had been completed.
Collins went on to win the race but by only 0.002 of a second as he ducked out of the slipstream to pass Armstrong on the line.
“It’s definitely great to come out straight away and get a win,” commented Collins. “Then backing it up with two podiums has been a great reward for the effort the team has put in since the last round.” Collins had crashed heavily in the second round in November with the car sustaining significant damage.
In the second race of the day, Cockerton briefly led before Collins and Yardley settled into a battle for the lead. Yardley eventually got a gap as Collins came under attack from Cockerton who moved into second and then took the lead to win from Yardley, Collins, Armstrong and Thomas-Kircher. Cockerton set a lap record on the way to victory.
Cockerton’s domination continued in the final race of the day, leading all the way after withstanding early challenges from Yardley and Armstrong. Collins, who was initially fifth behind Thomas-Kircher battled his way past Yardley and Armstrong eventually crossing the line 2.2 seconds behind Cockerton who trimmed a little more off the lap record with Armstrong third and Yardley fourth.
Armstrong continues to lead the championship which takes a short break over Christmas before returning for two rounds in January which also double as nation championship rounds. Collins moves into second place while Cockerton’s effort sees him move into third.
While Armstrong leads Class 1, Cockerton moves into second from Ryan Yardley. Collins retakes the lead in Class 2 from Dyson Freeman and Derek Wilson. Doug Price’s run of wins in Class 3 came to an end with a DNF in the final race of the day. Roger McKenzie won the round but is still in second, behind Price with Dave McKenzie third.
The South Island Formula Ford Club acknowledge the support of Ace Hire (Chch), Avon Tyres, Arai Helmets, Motorsport Solutions (NZ) and Newfield Autos (Invercargill).
