After a weekend of suspense, excitement and more, great racing, Hamilton racing car driver Martin Short, has won this years ZOAGN Formula Ford Championship. Although Martin went into round six at Taupo with a comfortable points lead, car problems caused the point’s gap to quickly close, but Martin remained determined to fight till the bitter end.
The weekend got off to an intense start as the usual quartet battled for pole. Martin set the second fastest time just 0.415 secs behind a flying Cassidy who signalled his intention to challenge Martin’s points lead, claiming pole position. The duo were followed by Williams just 0.230 secs back ahead of Matthew Penrose (Rangiora), Kim Crocker (Tauranga), a disappointed Damon Leitch (Invercargil) and Brent Sullivan (Nelson).
Erring on the side of caution, Martin held back during the beginning scramble of Race 1, dropping back to fourth place to avoid contact. As the field widened, knowing all he needed was a few more points to secure the championship, Martin quickly went on offense to regain his position taking advantage as Penrose overshot the chicane. Williams desperately challenged Short who defended superbly retaining second place.
However in the final two races bad went to worse, as issues with Martins car bought uncertainty to his points lead. It was a sore sight for Martins team as the ZOAGN car sat listless on the grid at the start of Race 2, refusing to fire due to issues with the battery. Quick thinking at a bit of ingenuity saw a jumper pack strapped on and Martin started from pit lane. The mechanical black flag was raised however, leaving Martin classified in a disappointing 7th, but gaining enough points to secure the championship.
There was nothing to be lost in final race of the season but a pinion failure denied the new champ his final hurrah. Moving into second, battling for the lead Martins diff carrier broke, as the young champion lost drive and got a DNF.
While Taupo was a disappointing weekend for Martins team, he has raced an excellent season all round, securing his first Formula Ford Championship, constantly challenging the barriers and showing great sportsmanship and determination within his career.
“My sponsors have been instrumental in my success this season. ZOAGN, my father, and my team have been such a great support and I have learnt a lot from them.” Martin Says.
Martin is looking forward to his future in motorsport:
“We struggled a bit in the final round with a battery issue in the first race then a gearbox issue in the last. It was a pleasing championship win and we had a great season overall. Next weekend we will be over in Melbourne for the Australian Formula Ford Championship races at the Grand Prix and hopefully next year we will be able to start our V8 Championship campaign” he said after the podium ceremony.
Championship Points after Round 6 (Final):
1. Martin Short (Hamilton) = 1102
2. Nick Cassidy (Auckland) = 1090
3. Matt Williams (Christchurch) = 1049
4. Damon Leitch (Invercargill) = 886
5. Matthew Penrose (Rangiora) = 789
The weekend got off to an intense start as the usual quartet battled for pole. Martin set the second fastest time just 0.415 secs behind a flying Cassidy who signalled his intention to challenge Martin’s points lead, claiming pole position. The duo were followed by Williams just 0.230 secs back ahead of Matthew Penrose (Rangiora), Kim Crocker (Tauranga), a disappointed Damon Leitch (Invercargil) and Brent Sullivan (Nelson).
Erring on the side of caution, Martin held back during the beginning scramble of Race 1, dropping back to fourth place to avoid contact. As the field widened, knowing all he needed was a few more points to secure the championship, Martin quickly went on offense to regain his position taking advantage as Penrose overshot the chicane. Williams desperately challenged Short who defended superbly retaining second place.
However in the final two races bad went to worse, as issues with Martins car bought uncertainty to his points lead. It was a sore sight for Martins team as the ZOAGN car sat listless on the grid at the start of Race 2, refusing to fire due to issues with the battery. Quick thinking at a bit of ingenuity saw a jumper pack strapped on and Martin started from pit lane. The mechanical black flag was raised however, leaving Martin classified in a disappointing 7th, but gaining enough points to secure the championship.
There was nothing to be lost in final race of the season but a pinion failure denied the new champ his final hurrah. Moving into second, battling for the lead Martins diff carrier broke, as the young champion lost drive and got a DNF.
While Taupo was a disappointing weekend for Martins team, he has raced an excellent season all round, securing his first Formula Ford Championship, constantly challenging the barriers and showing great sportsmanship and determination within his career.
“My sponsors have been instrumental in my success this season. ZOAGN, my father, and my team have been such a great support and I have learnt a lot from them.” Martin Says.
Martin is looking forward to his future in motorsport:
“We struggled a bit in the final round with a battery issue in the first race then a gearbox issue in the last. It was a pleasing championship win and we had a great season overall. Next weekend we will be over in Melbourne for the Australian Formula Ford Championship races at the Grand Prix and hopefully next year we will be able to start our V8 Championship campaign” he said after the podium ceremony.
Championship Points after Round 6 (Final):
1. Martin Short (Hamilton) = 1102
2. Nick Cassidy (Auckland) = 1090
3. Matt Williams (Christchurch) = 1049
4. Damon Leitch (Invercargill) = 886
5. Matthew Penrose (Rangiora) = 789
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