It is all tied up at the top of the Japanese Formula 3 Championship with Aucklander Nick Cassidy now sharing the series lead after the weekend’s racing at Okayama.
“It was tough to get to the flag. A disappointing weekend, but I know I’m always fighting for the win with no problems,” said Cassidy, claiming an average race after being pushed wide at start of race one and finishing fifth.
The former New Zealand Toyota Racing Series champion and New Zealand Grand Prix winner qualified third for both races just 0.1 seconds off pole position, although his TOM’S Toyota Dallara did not have the grip he was looking for in the cold damp conditions.
Cassidy finished fourth in the second race with overheating brakes from the opening lap.
On his previous visit to Okayama earlier in the season, Cassidy had a first and second in the two races.
With his team-mate Kenta Yamashita finishing second behind Mitsunori Takaboshi in both races at the weekend, the championship points have closed right up.
Cassidy and Yamashita both have 77 points and Takaboshi has 76. There are three rounds remaining, with the next event at Fuji on July 18 and 19, where Cassidy had a first and second earlier in the year.
“It’s time to have a good break, and then come back to win the next one,” said a determined Cassidy.
