Sharp wins in Timaru and takes lead of Yokohama South Island F1600 Championship

Rookie Louis Sharp has taken the overall lead in the 2021/22 Yokohama South Island Formula 1600 Championship after winning two races at the second round of the season at the Timaru International Raceway. It’s the first race wins for the 14-year-old who comes into the category with a stellar kartsport CV.

“It was a good weekend,” commented Sharp (Spectrum 015). “We were able to nail the setup, weren’t quite there in qualifying but able to push in the races.”

It was another rookie driver, Simon Hunter (Mygale SJ10A), who was fastest in qualifying and winner of the $500 cash prize from the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy. While Sharp had an ‘off’ in the first race, Hunter went on to win the opening 10-lap race from Wigram Cup winner, Matthew Hamilton (Van Diemen RF88), followed by Zac Christensen (Ray GR20), Sharp, Alex Crosbie (Ray GR21), Dylan Petch (Ray GR20) and Daniel Brown (Ray GR21).

“It was good to get the monkey off my back,” said Hunter. “At the end of practice, I had confidence that we would be quick. We were quick again in the morning, so the aim was to match what I did in qualifying.

“I got beaten at the start but got back through to take the lead. It all went to plan and I won by a number of car lengths”

The second race saw a battle for the lead between Sharp and last round winner, Matthew Hamilton. Unfortunately, a touching of wheels between Zac Christensen and Hunter saw the latter drop down the field, finishing eleventh. Sharp crossed the line for his first race win, ahead of Christensen, Hamilton, Crosbie and Daniel Brown.

***#21 Zac Christensen ahead of #60 Louis Sharp and #59 Matthew Hamilton Photo Terry Marshall***

“We had a good battle at the beginning of the third race,” said Sharp. “I managed to get into second and was then able to catch Simon (Hunter) and manage the gap while he had to defend his position from Zac (Christensen).

“Last weekend at Ruapuna we had good speed, but I wasn’t able to use that to finish well. This weekend I’ve been able to adjust and get the wins.”

Sharp has a 26-point lead over Hamilton followed by Christensen, Hunter, Crosbie, Brown and Petch. Cameron Freeman (Van Diemen Stealth) continues to lead Class 2. Drivers and teams now prepare for the third round 4-5 December 2021 at Teretonga Park in Invercargill.