Christchurch’s Michael Collins is favourite to take the 2014/15 Ace Hire South Island Formula Ford title this weekend at Timaru International Motor Raceway. Fellow Cantabrian Ryan Yardley won’t make it easy for Collins who currently leads the six round championship with just three races at the final round on Saturday to take place.
“It’s a tight track so there are few good opportunities for passing,” commented Collins. “The key is to qualify well which gives you the opportunity to get away from the others and then build on that lead.”
Yardley is currently fourth on the table behind newly crowned NZ Formula Ford champion Taylor Cockerton from Pukekohe and Christchurch’s Caleb Cross. Cockerton wrapped up the national title last weekend at Hampton Downs and has decided not to make the trip south. Cross has not entered either so Yardley expects to move up into a podium position..
“Moving up the leader board is the aim this weekend,” commented Yardley. “We’ve had a few issues this season but have made some great gains and I’ve certainly learnt a lot race craft.”
The 2014/15 Ace Hire Series has produced some great racing and a tight championship. There have been four different round winners with 15 race wins being divided up between the top five on the points table.
Cockerton has won six races and two rounds whereas Collins has four race wins but no round wins. Consistency has been the key and six podiums have helped his points tally, having taken over the championship lead in the fourth round.
Christchurch’s Marcus Armstrong won the first round at his home track and has three race wins gained in the first three rounds. He is currently living and competing in the WSK Masters Kartsport Series in Italy and won’t be at Timaru this weekend. Both Yardley and Cross have one race and round win each.
As well as drivers competing for the overall title the championship has three different classes. Yardley has a great chance to win Class 1 while Collins should secure Class 2 ahead of Stephen Heffernan. In Class 3 Doug Price will be hard to beat having won 14/15 races.
Qualifying and three races will take place on Saturday.
The South Island Formula Ford Club acknowledge the support of Ace Hire (Chch), Avon Tyres, Arai Helmets, Motorsport Solutions (NZ) and Newfield Autos (Invercargill).
