The 2019/20 ITM NZ Formula Ford Championship is set for a derby match at Invercargill’s Teretonga Park this weekend. The revamped MotorSport New Zealand Championship class has seen a heated competition across its season to date.
Championship leader James Penrose of Christchurch will be looking to capitalise on his track knowledge in the only South Island event of the season. Penrose’s experience paired with the blistering pace of Billy Frazer, Thomas Boniface and Callum Crawley will create exciting and dynamic racing the entire weekend.
In his second season of Formula Ford racing is Zac Stichbury who will be looking for some strong results having previously raced at the circuit he has a slight advantage over his rivals. One of those rivals is Kaleb Ngatoa who has had a lacklustre season to date with mechanical issues hampering his results. With a fresh engine ready to go Ngatoa will be looking for a resurgence at Teretonga and he too has previous experience at the southern circuit.
Another young gun to watch is Ronan Murphy. Murphy collected his maiden podium in the championship at the previous event and has shown huge promise. Whilst well versed with the North Island tracks, Murphy will have to learn fast if he wants to collect some Teretonga tasties come Sunday evening.
The ITM NZ Formula Ford Championship is derived from the traditional Formula Ford concept which has seen some of the world’s and New Zealand’s best drivers prove their ability in its over 50-year history.
The cars comprise of a space frame chassis built to a strict set of regulations powered by a 1600cc Ford Kent engine coupled to a four-speed Hewland gearbox. Connecting the chassis to the tarmac are two-way adjustable shock absorbers on each corner along with an Avon control tyre. The top speeds at Teretonga Park will reach just over the 200km/h down the front straight.