Watson dominates FONZ at Taupo

James Watson was in a class of his own at the opening round of the Promains Formula Open New Zealand series held last weekend at the Taupo Motorsport Park as a support category for the 6^th Annual Historic Grand Prix.  Watson set a new FONZ and Formula Atlantic record of 1:24:629 a whole second faster than his own record from last year.

Guest driver Kaleb Ngatoa ran the ex-Dean Hall/ Craig Baird Swift DB4 Formula Atlantic but was plagued all weekend with fuel issues which effectively ended any chance of a much anticipated contest between him and series regular James Watson.

Tony Quinn in his Reynard Formula Atlantic took to the grid, although by his own admission he was there just to drive and help with his recovery.

Kenny Smith, in the ex-Marcus Armstrong Tatuus FT50, also made a return to the grid although an electrical problem robbed him of a qualifying time, so he had to start at the back for race one. Like Quinn, Kenny is still recovering from broken ribs and a shoulder operation from nearly a year ago.

Zac Christensen dominated the Jim Palmer Cup class in his FT40 leading home Leo Francis (FT40) in the only other car in that class. Gary Rush (Swift DB4 F/Atlantic 1600) had a mixed bag of results but it appears he has finally solved the electrical issue that has plagued the car since its new engine was installed and had a great time working his way from the back of the grid showing the advantage the Atlantic has over the FT50’s on this track.

Grant Rivers (Swift DB4 F/Atlantic 1600) and Geoff Harriman (FT50) resumed their tight battle from last season at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon and ended up equal on points for the meeting. Young Ethan Sillay (Reynard 93H F/Atlantic) showed great promise in his newly acquired Reynard but a shortage of a selection of gear ratios hindered his progress for the round but he still finished fifth in class for the weekend just three points behind series new-comer Kaden Probst (FT50).

The series now heads south to the Skope Classic meeting at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Christchurch 3-5 February 2023.