Steve Gillard’s newsletter, round 1 of the North Island Formula Ford Series…..
Well we made it. Some said it couldn’t be done, there weren’t enough cars, is there enough interest, etc etc. But we could, there were and there is.
The weather was not flash, in fact it was crap, but there were seven cars entered and they all showed. One car and driver hadn’t raced for 5 years, another came from the South Island and one competitor had entered his first race meeting EVER!!
What a challenge. Racing in a relatively complex car, at a track he’d never seen, in the worst weather ever. And he was smiling!! In fact all 7 competitors were smiling despite the conditions.
To all those who said well done to Jordan, Karen and I, thank you. It’s your series and it’s our pleasure. We can only go forward from here, so spread the word. I know some are ‘just watching’, some at Taupo even admitted as much.
So roll on Round 2, Pukekohe, Saturday October, 17th. See you there.
The Racing
Qualifying started around 10am and the Taupo weather was very wintery. Wet and cold. The rain stopped, but the track was very, very wet. Most had a spin or two, but Jordan must have misheard someone, and kept going around and around whilst going around the track. Wonder he wasn’t giddy.
Henry Thomas-Kircher ended up on pole, ahead of Tony Graham driving Kim Crocker’s Stealth (Kim’s away o’seas, don’t tell him) followed by Richard Vickers. Richard having his first drive for 5 years!! These three were followed by Grant Campbell, Dave Silverton, Jordan Mountfort and Andrew Burden.
Race 1 – The heavens opened up again so the track was very slippery. I gave everyone instructions to take the corners single file and pass down the straights. No point having the fastest car sitting in the trailer all bent and buckled. Everyone wheel-spun at the start. No one listened to the ‘single file advice’. They were racing. Bloody red mist.
It was very pleasing to see this NIFF idea actually get underway. The racing was great with various battles throughout the field. Tony Graham was the only one not to spin, although Dave did get a helping hand when Grant gave him a little ‘tap’. Tony won the race comfortably from Henry and Richard.
Race 2 – Conditions were much the same as Race 1. Tony and Henry had a great battle ‘til Henry spun. Richard had some gear selection problems and I made a ‘schoolboy error’ by not putting enough fuel in Grant’s car (used the wrong measuring stick). Dave thought he’d missed the chequered flag, due poor visibility, so followed Grant and Richard in.
Tony won again from Henry, with Jordan 3rd.
Race 3 – The rain had stopped and the track was mostly dry but still a little greasy, but this did not affect the racing. Henry lent Richard a better set of tyres (the others were 5 years old!!), a decision he may regret now. Tony muffed the start and left the grid dead last.
He put on a masterly display catching and passing those in front. On the way, Henry, Richard and Tony put on a display worthy of any championship round. Tony won and Richard passed Henry in the last lap to take second.
Summary – that was it. The first round of the North Island Formula Ford Series was over. All cars were straight and ready to go. Some wished there was another race. I’ve never seen so many happy faces in such appalling conditions. Gosh it was cold.
So after the first round, Tony leads the series and Class 1 from Henry and Richard. Andrew leads Class 2 and Dave leads Class 3.
Finally, a big thank you to Taupo Car Club, who had the faith to give this idea a go. When they said ‘yes’, we only had hopes and dreams.
See you at Puke,
Steve
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