Australian based Kiwi Hunter McElrea produced some impressive performances in the Australian Formula Ford Series over the weekend at Wakefield Park in rural Goulburn NSW. McElrea took his first pole position and two sensational race victories, becoming the first Kiwi to secure pole in the iconic championship since Mitch Evans in 2009.
McElrea started the weekend off in style in qualifying putting his Sonic Motor Racing car 1st out of the 29 car field.
“To get my first pole is just awesome, it’s just is a testament to the car I am given, I’m sure it will be the start of many more” said McElrea.
Race one was an interesting race for 17 year-old. Starting on the dirty side of the track, McElrea dropped to P2 and sat behind his team mate with the objective to gap the rest of the field. On lap four McElrea took evasive action which lead to an off-track moment. He then had to visit to pit lane to clear his radiators which led to an 18th place finish.
Race 2 was a race described by many watching as the ‘best Formula Ford race they have seen’. Starting out of grid 18, McElrea got a great start, passing eight cars in the first lap. He was then able to use his pace to carve his way through to 3rd place with 3 laps remaining. After a spirited dice with the leader, he was able to take the lead and win the race.
The outstanding drive from McElrea was later taken away from the Sonic driver in the stewards rooms, inheriting a 10 second penalty for minor contact while taking the lead of the race. The decision was disagreed with by many, including renowned team boss Mick Ritter.
Race 3 saw Hunter start from the 10th grid spot, despite crossing the line in the lead of race 2. Fortunately, it did not phase the young Kiwi, who put in another spectacular drive to get to 3rd place after six laps. After a four lap safety car period, he was able to force his way to the lead and pull away from the field to post his first ‘official’ Australian Formula Ford Championship victory.
“This is the best feeling ever! I could not be happier with my performances today. 18th to 1st then 10th to 1st. After I had my race 2 win taken away, and I am just rapt to back it up in race 3. My team did an outstanding job this weekend as usual, and I could not be more grateful for my amazing group of supporters who are letting me chase my dream” said McElrea.
Hunter now switches his focus to more testing and Round 3 of the Australian Championship at the V8 Supercars Winton Super Sprint on the weekend of 20/21 May.
Comments