Despite being one of four drivers capable of winning the 2017 Australian Formula Ford Championship, luck did not fall favourably for Gold Coast based Kiwi Hunter McElrea last weekend at the final round held at the Phillip Island Circuit in Victoria. Max Vidau clinched the title becoming the first South Australian to win a national Formula Ford title since Nick Percat in 2009, and also winning entry into December’s prestigious Mazda Road to Indy $200k Scholarship Shootout in America.
Having already scored two pole positions during the season, a drive shaft failure meant McElrea wasn’t able to set a time and would have to start race 1 from the rear of the grid.
In the opening race, the teenager was able to pass 17 cars taking him through the field to fourth position while setting the fastest lap in the process. Unfortunately side on contact meant Hunter would be hit with a 12-second penalty dropping him to 15th on the result sheet.
Race 2 again saw McElrea carving through the field from 15 position to fourth, also setting fastest lap of the race. However a mistake from the young driving saw another penalty for passing under yellow, again putting him back to 15th.
Race three saw McElrea fight through the field this time to an impressive second position in the first six laps. An unexpected downpour enabled McElrea to close the gap to just one second before the race was stopped.
“Overall this weekend hurt my Championship massively,” commented McElrea. “However, on the whole, the year was a massive success with multiple poles (positions), race wins, and fastest laps.
“I have learnt so much this season and have so many people to thank including my family, sponsors and supporters and everyone from my team Sonic. A massive congrats to my team mate Max (Vidau) for his championship win!”
Australian Formula Ford Series – Top 10 Points (final)
1. Max Vidau – 245
2. Cameron Shields – 231
3. Jayden Ojeda – 195
4. Hunter McElrea – 189
5. Liam McLellan – 137
6. Nathan Herne – 132.5
7. Cooper Murray – 130
8. Harrison Jones – 128
9. Zac Soutar – 78.5
10. Adrian Lazzaro – 77
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