A solid weekend was all that was needed to secure the 2020/21 Formula Open New Zealand (FONZ) title for young Josh Donohue from Wellington. Piloting an ex-Toyota Racing Series(TRS) FT-40, Donohue came into the weekend with the overall points lead and only had to maintain some solid placings at the Hampton Downs circuit to secure the title.
But it didn’t go all Donohue’s way with both Tom Alexander and Sam MacNeill showed good speed on race day. While struggling with set-up issues, Donohue reverted to staying out of trouble over the three races. Alexander winning two out of three races with MacNeill second in all three. Donohue ending the day with a fourth and two third placings.
James Watson in his impressive Swift DB4 was the only other podium placer after winning the first race. But mechanical issues saw him drop back in the second race and unfortunately a DNF in the last race.
The strong showing by MacNeill ensured the Vodafone Automotive team took a one two finish in the series. MacNeill sealing second place overall from Gary Rush in another of the Swift DB4’s.
It was Donohue’s finishing third for the round that was enough to take the title and be crowned Formula Open New Zealand Champion. In his first year in the class it’s an impressive debut.
Right from the first round in November, Donohue got stronger and stronger as he’s perfected the craft of driving the Tim O’Connor owned Vodafone Automotive FT-40.
“It was tough weekend and a bit stressful,” said Donohue. “I had some good starts and some early pace, but we just couldn’t get the car to last the race distance. I’m glad we stayed out of trouble and did enough to win the title overall.
“I’m stoked to have my name on a trophy that’s got names like Kenny Smith on it. It’s great to see the Vodafone Automotive team take the first two spots in the series”.
In Class 2, Grant Rivers was the series champion. With many of his rivals stepping up into Class 1 cars throughout the year, Rivers easily piloted his Swift SE3 into first place for the round and first for the series.
Hampton Downs proved the competitive nature of the class with FT-50s, 40’s and Swifts all battling at the pointy end of the grid. It makes for intriguing racing. And with more drivers expressing interest for next season it should be a cracker.
Organisers are already hard at work making things bigger and better for next year. Six rounds are planned for next summer including a couple of South Island rounds. Bigger grid numbers and a revised points system will see a tightly fought competition in a full wings and slicks class that’s only one step away from the full TRS series.
Round 6 Results
1/ Tom Alexander (FT-50) 345pts
2/ Sam MacNeill (FT-40) 325
3/ Josh Donohue (FT-40) 305
4/ Gary Rush (DB4) 280
5/ Leo Francis (FT-40) 250
6/ Paul Cooper (FT-40) 235
7/ James Watson (DB4) 215
8/ James Harriman (FT-50) 155
8/ Grant Rivers (SE3), Class 2, 350
FONZ Final Championship Points
1/ Josh Donohue (FT-40) 1780pts
2/ Sam MacNeill (FT-40) 1720
3/ Gary Rush (DB4) 1605
4/ Geoff Harriman (FT-50) 1480
5/ Paul Cooper (FT-40) 1290
5/ Tom Alexander (FT-50) 1040
6/ Leo Francis (FT-40) 1020
7/ Guy Griffith (FT-50) 365
8/ James Watson (DB4) 215
9/ James Harriman (FT-50) 155
10/ Grant Rivers (SE3), Class 2, 1820
11/ Jeff Sharp (FH20RNZ, Suzuki), Class 2, 580
12/ Leo Francis (FH20RNZ, Suzuki), Class 2, 455
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