Rangiora’s James Penrose completed a stella weekend at the opening round of the New Zealand Formula 1600 Championship in Timaru on Saturday. The rookie driver finished second in all three races and now stands second on the points table to Auckland’s Josh Bethune.
“Couldn’t be happier with the weekend,” commented Penrose. “It feels great to be running up the front and I am constantly improving every time I get behind the wheel.”
Qualifying second gave Penrose a front row advantage for the first two races. Having challenged for the lead in race one Penrose settled for a close second. In the second race he slipped to third but race winner Bethune was penalised 5 seconds for passing under yellow flags promoting Southland’s Jordan Michels to first and Penrose to second.
With the third and final race red flagged twice, it was eventually started under a safety car. Over the nine remaining laps Penrose challenged and took the lead several times but again had to settle for second.
The event also doubled as the second round of the South Island F1600 Championship. This is currently being led by Bethune from Michels and then Penrose.
The next round is the third in the South Island Series and takes place 1-2 December at Teretonga Park, Invercargill.
2018/19 New Zealand Formula 1600 Championship Points (Top 15)
1 Josh Bethune Ray GR17 113
2 James Penrose VD Stealth 105
3 Jordan Michels Mygale SJ13 102
4 Ben Stiles VD Stealth 70
5 Ethan Anderson VD Stealth 68
2018/19 South Island Formula 1600 Championship Points (Top 15) after 2 rounds
1 Josh Bethune Ray GR17 223
2 Jordan Michels Mygale SJ13 210
3 James Penrose VD Stealth 164
4 Bailey Paterson VD Stealth 151
5 Zac Stichbury Mygale SJ08a 146
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