Yes, despite Covid’s best efforts, its actually taking place, the HRC Legends of Speed meeting this upcoming weekend of 26/27 March at Hampton Downs will be the opening round of the 2022 Formula Open New Zealand (FONZ) season.
Having lost the opening round in November last year and two South Island rounds in February, the series is now a four-round title fight with all races and rounds counting.
Organisers are expecting a strong field of up to 15 cars that includes last year’s series champion 19-year-old Josh Donohue. Donohue steps up into an FT-50 this year but he’ll be pushed all the way by the likes of Tom Alexander also in an FT-50, Sam MacNeill in an FT-40 and the very quick Swift of James Watson. Also joining the series this year are Fergus Crabb in another FT-50.
Also joining the grid is David Mitchel joining in a Class 2 Mygale SJ12 Eco-boost Formula car. David has experience with Formula 5000 so knows how to peddle. Stepping up from Class 2 Champion for the last two seasons is Grant Rivers who has swapped his Swift Formula Ford 2000 for a very quick Swift DB4 Formula Atlantics. Grant will be one to watch as he is a very accomplished driver. Another of the Swift DB4 Formula Atlantics will be piloted by Ollie Gee when he can get away from his Australian based job.
With the unfortunate cancellation of the 2022 New Zealand Grand Prix, Formula Open becomes one of the only wings and slicks class running this summer. The class is a step up from Formula Ford and offers a valid pathway, or feeder series, into the full Toyota Racing Series (TRS). The ex TRS FT-40’s and FT-50’s are earlier iterations of the current FT-60 so drivers can get the full wings and slicks experience needed to progress onto TRS.
It’s great to see TRS will be back in 2023. Anyone thinking of running in TRS should jump into the FONZ grid. It’ll provide great practice in similar cars and a good chance to work on your racing skills. Donohue, who was confirmed as a driver in the recently cancelled NZGP is aiming to refine his craft in the FT-50 this season with an eye on both FONZ and TRS for 2023.
Having lost the earlier rounds event organisers have added another round at Manfeild, the first weekend in April. So, its two weekends of action in a row which should satisfy the racing fix for those that have seen their machinery sitting in sheds for too long.
With practice days, qualifying and three races over a weekend there is plenty of track time. A new points system and two categories of cars will help keep the competition tight throughout the field. It will be a wings and slicks festival like no other.
If you have a general inquiry about the FONZ series please contact:
Category Manager, John Tomlin, 021 759 820 or johntomlin@xtra.co.nz
If you would like to inquire about purchasing one of the last two FT-40s for sale please contact Tim O’Connor, Vodafone Automotive Racing, on 021 459 376 or tim@acsltd.co.nz
The series events and dates are:
Round 1 – Legends of Speed, Hampton Downs, March 26th & 27th, 2022
Round 2 – Manfeild Circuit, April 2, 2022,
Round 3 – Great Lake Meeting, Taupo BMMP, April 23rd, 2022
Round 4 – Season Finale, Hampton Downs, May 28th, 2022
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