Hamilton high school student Taylor Cockerton will be considered as the one to beat by his rivals as the 2014/15 New Zealand Formula Ford Championship heads to its final round this weekend at Hampton Downs. After a hesitant start to the championship the St Paul’s Collegiate student has taken maximum points from the last three rounds and heads into the final three races with a four point advantage over rival Caleb Cross from Christchurch.
“Every point counts,” commented Cockerton. “We are happy to take any advantage heading to Hampton Downs.”
Cockerton has won nine of the fifteen races so far but had the misfortune of not finishing three races in the opening two rounds. Cross has been a consistent finisher along with Te Puke’s Michael Scott who is back in third, only 12 points behind Cockerton.
Each round has a maximum of 225 points and the Hampton Downs circuit is Cockerton’s favourite.
“It’s one of the only tracks in the country with an undulating surface. It’s short but a technical track with a mixture of fast sweepers and hairpin turns.”
“I’ve had four years of racing in the North Island in Formula First and this would be my favourite track. It requires good car balance which our team has been able to get right so I’m heading to Hampton Downs with some nerves but also with some confidence.”
“I think that the last two rounds have shown that I know these tracks where Caleb (Cross) hasn’t had the same experience and has had to adjust. However both Michael (Scott) and Aaron (Marr) will be fast so I expect them to be on the pace.” Whanganui’s Aaron Marr is fourth overall 45 points behind Cockerton and still with a mathematical chance of winning the title.
The single seater championship started back in early November with the first three rounds in the South Island before heading north. This weekend’s final round consists of qualifying and three races.
Taylor Cockerton Racing acknowledges the support of McDonalds NZ, Safetystep NZ Ltd, Pearce Brothers, Pinnacle Hill Logistics Ltd and Neale Motorsport
