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Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship points;
Avon Rookie of the Year - Daniel Erickson The 2009 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship kicks off at the FORMULA 1T ING Australian Grand Prix on March 26-29. |
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mail your news to editorthegrid@yahoo.co.uk 2008 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship ERICKSON WINS LAST RACE, LASKAZESKI TAKES ROUND WIN
Daniel Erickson and Paul Laskazeski ended the 2008 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship on a historical note today, winning the championship's last-ever race and round at Oran Park Raceway respectively. After new champion Laskazeski's victory in Race Two on Saturday, the pair lined up on the front row of the grid for the final race of the season. Erickson swept into the lead on Lap Four as the first half of the race was punctuated by a pair of Safety Car periods, with Laskazeski also losing a place to Kristian Lindbom a handful of laps later. Laskazeski reclaimed second place and set about closing the gap to the race leader, but it was Erickson who took the win, to finish second for the round. Capping a strong weekend for the 2008 Avon Rookie of the Year, Erickson also reset the Formula Ford lap record in the championship's last race at Oran Park .
While he didn't win today's race, second place was enough for Laskazeski to win the round and end his championship year in style. The race was his 21st podium finish from 23 races, and completes his perfect record of finishing all eight rounds on the podium. "It's been a fantastic year," Laskazeski enthused. "The car was awesome this weekend, like it has been all year - I wanted the win and the lap record today, but Daniel just had a little bit more pace than us. I can't thank the Synergy Motorsport team enough for their efforts, they've led the championship throughout their entire first season, and you can't get any better than that." Sonic Motor Racing duo Lindbom and Nick Percat battled it out for third place. Lindbom prevailed, taking third place for the race and weekend, while Percat finishes second in the championship. Their team-mate Lucas Dumbrell remains in a Sydney hospital following a heavy crash on Friday, with all competitors running 'Get Well Lucas' stickers as a sign of their support. "Kristian and I were racing for Lucas today, we're thinking of him," Percat said."Considering I was eighth after Round Three, finishing second in the championship isn't a bad outcome. We made some changes after a tough weekend at Sandown, and since then we've won plenty of races and had a great run." 2008 NSW Formula Ford 1600 Champion Ryan Simpson finished sixth to end his partial national campaign, ahead of Chaz Mostert.
Oran Park Race Three results;
Oran Park round results;
RACE WIN AND CHAMPIONSHIP TO LASKAZESKI
Laskazeski sealed the championship after Race One on Friday was cancelled due to a heavy crash involving Lucas Dumbrell. Dumbrell is currently in stable in a Sydney hospital, with doctors evaluating the extent of his injuries. With the 2008 crown already to his name, Laskazeski got the best of the start and went on to record a lights-to-flag victory in a polished performance. "Our thoughts are with Lucas, yesterday isn't how we wanted to win the championship," Laskazeski said. "The race today went to plan, I got a good start, built a lead and from there I was able to take it easy and look after the tyres. To be honest, it feels like we wrapped up the championship today - I had a huge smile on my face as I crossed the finish line.We've had a fantastic season; it's a credit to Synergy Motorsport to win the championship in their first year." While it was smooth sailing for Laskazeski at the head of the field, Daniel Erickson and Chaz Mostert battled all race for second place. CAMS Rising Star Erickson eventually held on to take second, three seconds behind Laskazeski, continuing a strong home round for the Macarthur resident. "It was a tough race, the heat meant grip was low and everyone's tyres were going off towards the end, it was a battle to stay on the track," Erickson said."I knew Chaz was there and he was good to race against, I was just trying to keep a couple of car-lengths between us.We're in a good position to end the season strongly tomorrow." Third place for Mostert is the 16-year-old's best race finish of his rookie campaign, coming after a season-best qualifying session on Thursday in which he took third place. "I'm pleased with how things have gone in the last couple of rounds," Mostert said."We've made good progress and Laska [Paul Laskazeski] has been helping me out. I've had my best qualifying result and my first Top Three finish so far this weekend; hopefully we can keep out of trouble tomorrow and finish on the podium for the weekend." Kristian Lindbom held out a late charge from Sonic Motor Racing team-mate Nick Percat to take fourth place, while Scott Pye finished sixth. Sydneysider Ryan Simpson, Robbie Storey, Chris Goodman and Glen Wood rounded out the Top 10. Debutants Luke Ellery and Daniel Lewis were 11th and 13th respectively, while New Zealand rookie Richie Stanaway's Mygale succumbed to engine overheating in the oppressive heat.
PERCAT WINS TASSIE ROUNDS TO KEEP CHAMPIONSHIP ALIVE
The Pair head to the final round at Oran Park as the only two capable of claiming a series victory in what will be the categories last outing at Sydney's Oran Park circuit on 4-7 December. Laskazeski has one hand on the trophy and goes to the final round holding a 53 point lead with only 61 points up for grabs. Last year's Symmons Plains round winner Kristian Lindbom claimed third overall to claim the final spot on the Tasmanian podium, a solid follow up effort in his Mygale. Race 2 Race one winner Glen Wood got off the line well and out to an early lead in the initial laps of the weekend's second race, and just when he looked comfortable out in front he was challenged by Nick Percat and CAMS Rising Star Daniel Erickson at the Symmons Plains hairpin. With Percat making the pass and taking the lead, Wood later had his race ended in a tangle with CAMS Rising Stars Jake Chapman and Daniel Erickson, an unfortunate coming together that blew his chances of two race wins on the trot. Racing was brilliant at the front of the field, with six cars in the lead group in what was good clean racing; however things came unstuck for Lucas Dumbrell as he seemed to suffer some suspension damage to the front left of his Mygale and then when Chapman, Wood and Erickson were caught in a tangle, it left the gate open for Championship leader Paul Laskazeski and NSW Formula Ford champ Ryan Simpson. Laskazeski's was the drive of the race, having been so unlucky in the opening race yesterday, he soldiered on from 15th on the grid, set the fastest lap of the race and was clearly the fastest man on the track as he systematically picked off his rivals to cross in second position and prove why he has been the pick of the field this year. Ryan Simpson drove a solid race to pick up third place, while Sonic Motor Racing's Kristian Lindbom was fourth with Chaz Mostert rounded out the top five. Race 3 The final race of the weekend loomed as a juicy affair with Laskazeski's only challenger to the title, Nick Percat on pole with Laskazeski joining him on the front row. The two series front runners opened up a sizeable gap on the rest of the field, and went on to showcase some fantastic racing, giving each other plenty of room as the lead switched multiple times during the final race of the weekend. Percat was eventually victorious by less than half a second to Laskazeski, keeping the Championship alive heading to the final round at Oran Park, however Laskazeski is still well and truly in the box seat to claim the 2008 crown. CAMS Rising Star Daniel Erickson put in a sterling performance to come from the rear of the field to finish the final race on the podium in third, while Nathan Morcom drove fantastically on debut in the national category to claim fourth in the last race and clearly gained more confidence as the weekend progressed, with Chaz Mostert rounding out the top five in the final race. Stewards acted on a race one confrontation, with Paul Laskazeski given a suspended fine of $10, 000, with $750 to be paid immediately, while Scott Pye was docked 15 Championship points for their race one incident and resulting confrontation
WOOD TAKES VICTORY AS LASKA DEALT CRUEL BLOW
Race one was well set up for some great racing, with Laskazeski and Daniel Erickson locked ina tense battle for the lead in the early stages, when Laskazeski was an innocent bystander and forced from race proceedings after contact from CAMS Rising Star Scott Pye. Qualifying Championship leader Paul Laskazeski picked up the first point of the weekend after putting his Spectrum on pole for the weekend's opening race this afternoon. Laskazeski was immediately on the pace this morning and was very happy with his speed. "The car felt great, I honestly believe there is some improvement to come in the car as well so I am confident for the opening race," said Laskazeski. CAMS Rising Stars Daniel Erickson and Scott Pye qualified in second and third with Glen Wood and Ben Walter rounding out the top five. Race 1 The opening race was well set up, with Laskazeski leading the opening stages with a fleet of CAMS Rising Stars in Daniel Erickson, Scott Pye, and Jake Chapman following closely. Lap three saw Erickson take the lead as spectators looked set for an intriguing battle between the two, until a cruel passing move ended Laskazeski's race and kept the Championship race alive. CAMS Rising Star Scott Pye went into the final corner of the Symmons Plains circuit with too much speed and with his Spectrum out of shape, he tried to avoid team mate Erickson and swerved into the path of Laskazeski with the resulting contact ending both drivers' afternoons. "It's very disappointing to have your race ended like that, unfortunately that is motorsport and I live to fight another day, I've still got the Championship lead and I will be doing everything I can to come through the field tomorrow," said Laskazeski. Erickson then found himself with a small race lead out in front of the field, as experienced campaigners Glen Wood and Nick Percat gave chase along with Jake Chapman. Erickson looked poised to continue his Phillip Island form last round where he was victorious in two races, however he ran wide and gifted the race lead to Glen Wood. From there on in, Wood was never headed and won on his return to the Australian series after returning from the British Formula Ford Championship earlier this year where he gained some invaluable international experience. "To be honest I was lucky to get the win, but I'll certainly take it and I was happy with the way I drove," said Wood. "There are definitely some big differences between Australian Formula Ford and the British category, you get a little more room over here and it's great to be back home racing." Jake Chapman crossed in second position after qualifying in sixth place, while Nick Percat was third and seems to be the only driver in the Championship capable of challenging Laskazeski for the title. Krisitian Lindbom was fourth while Erickson recovered well to finish fifth. Qualifying top five
Race One top five
CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER SECURES PHILLIP ISLAND WIN
"I'm very happy with the way this weekend has panned out, you couldn't get the smile of my face with half a lap remaining in the final race," said Laskazeski. "I worked really hard with Justin and the team at Synergy Motorsport heading into this weekend and it's certainly paid off with the round win today. Although I've been doing the right thing each round, driving smart and keeping out of trouble, Percat just kept inching closer and closer to my lead and I was starting to worry, but I found great speed today and race three went my way. "Erickson, Percat and I have been fighting for position all weekend - there's been some great racing here at Phillip Island." CAMS Rising Star team mates, Daniel Erickson and Jake Chapman, secured second and third respectively for the round. Erickson was on pole early in the weekend, before taking out race one on Saturday and race two earlier today, he was on track for the hat trick when an incident with Percat ended his weekend. "Percat hit me and I found the wall," explained Erickson. "Heading into turn two I was leading, I took the turn a little wide and Percat barrelled through the inside and clipped my wheel." An appeal is currently pending on a 20-point penalty imposed on Percat for his part in the incident. Erickson's second place rockets him to second in the standings for Rookie of the Year, only 11 points behind current leader, Ben Morley, and sixth in the Championship. "There's still two rounds remaining, and as you can see from this weekend, a lot can happen in a short time, but yes, Rookie of the Year is on the radar now more than ever, it's so close and a little bit of healthy competition never hurt anyone," added Erickson. Chaz Mostert secured his best round result for the season finding sixth place in race two and eighth in race three after switching outfits from Howards Racing to Synergy Motorsport. "We weren't happy with the way things were travelling with Howards so we decided to go with a professional team and the result was obvious on the track, I'm really happy with the way things are going and I'm looking forward to Tasmania," said Mostert. RESULTS Race Two 1. Daniel Erickson Spectrum 1:38.92 2. Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 1:39.05 3. Nick Percat Mygale 1:39.07 4. Jake Chapman Spectrum 1:39.46 5. Bradley Lowe Spectrum 1:39.61
Race Three 1. Paul Laskazeksi Spectrum 1:38.84 2. Jake Chapman Spectrum 1:39.12 3. Martin Swindells Spectrum 1:39.26 4. Kristian Lindbom Mygale 1:39.61 5. Ben Walter Spectrum 1:39.23
Provisional Round Points 1. Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 50 2. Daniel Erickson Spectrum 41 3. Jake Chapman Spectrum 40 4. Ben Walter Spectrum 22 5. Bradley Lowe Spectrum 19
ERICKSON SECURES FIRST RACE WIN AND RACE LAP RECORD
Erickson fought off championship leaders Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum) and Nick Percat (Mygale) to take the 20 points and James Moffat's record, while Percat and Laskazeski settled for second and third respectively.
"I was conscious throughout the race of where Percat was positioned, the aim was to keep ahead of him," said Erickson. "I knew I had good speed coming into this round after testing here two weeks ago, I'm familiar with the track and I knew that would be a major advantage, I never thought Moffat's record was on the cards, but it's certainly a nice surprise.
"Scott and I managed to close the Rookie of the Year gap today and hopefully I can stay in form tomorrow, I'm happy having secured pole, a race win and the record all in the same weekend."
Sonic Motorsport's, Nick Percat, is contemplating a change of strategy heading into race two on Sunday.
"There were a number of tussles for the lead today and the top-three moved around quite a bit, tomorrow I'll look to sit back just a little and fire up towards the end of the race," said Percat.
"There were a few moments today that I feared Laska and I may take each other out of the race, so I'll just pace myself tomorrow and aim to take a race win."
Race two kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 9:15am AEST and race three at 11:45am AEST. Race three will be televised on the Seven Network.
RACE ONE RESULTS 1. Daniel Erickson Spectrum 1:38.65R 2. Nick Percat Mygale 1:38.94 3. Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 1:38.72 4. Jake Chapman Spectrum 1:38.80 5. Scott Pye Spectrum 1:39.77
PERCAT CLEANS UP AT QUEENSLAND RACEWAY
Sonic Motorsport's Nick Percat (Mygale) proved Hidden Valley was more than a fluke by taking out round five of The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship today at Queensland Raceway. The 19-year-old South Australian has impressed fellow team mates and competitors with his focus since a disastrous Sandown and has put Championship leader, Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum), on notice. "I'm going to keep on doing what I'm doing; I've got my eye on the prize," said Percat. "I've had six race wins in a row - you've got to be happy with that, but to get pole as well, it's a clean sweep this weekend! We are testing between now and Phillip Island, we won't be changing much, the team has done an excellent job to get the set up on this car right so I'll keep working away and training, and hopefully repeat this win in round six." Sonic teammate, Kristian Lindbom, shadowed Percat all weekend, securing a new race lap record, a second place finish in each race and the second for the round. "I tried to pass Nick, but only succeeded a handful of times," said Lindbom. I'm running Dumbrell's bad spare engine at the moment, it is consistently three tenths off Nick's pace so I'm fine to keep up with a tow, but once I'm in front, he has the speed on me. "I was very happy to come away from this weekend with the new race lap record, it's nice to think my name will be on a record until we next race here - or even beyond." Current Championship leader, Synergy Motorsport's Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum) found third for the round and held on to his lead. "I'm still 40 points ahead of Percat," said Laskazeski. "I'm not worried just yet; I'm looking forward to Phillip Island, it's my favourite track with plenty of speed, I just need to stay out of trouble and collect points - I plan on being in front when we get to Oran Park." Britek Motorsport's Adam Graham found third in race one, while Laskazeski and Daniel Erickson (Spectrum) rounded out the top five. Laskazeski took third in race two, with Erickson and Graham on his tail in fourth and fifth. New Zealand entry, Martin Short, withdrew from competition after race one with extensive, unrepairable damage to his Mygale. Ben Morley (Spectrum) remains Rookie of the Year leader in fourth position with Scott Pye (Spectrum) close behind in sixth as The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship heads to Phillip Island 12-14 September for the L&H 500. RACE TWO RESULT
RACE THREE RESULT
PERCAT DOMINATES AT QUEENSLAND RACEWAY AND LINDBOM SETS NEW RECORD
Sonic Motorsport's Nick Percat (Mygale) dominated day two of The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship today at Queensland Raceway. Percat secured pole position before holding on to greet the chequered flag in race one ahead of the field. "I've always had the pace, but now I've found my focus and I'm closing in on Laska's lead; this weekend I'm looking for a repeat of my round win at Darwin," said Percat. Today's win moves Percat from third position in to second, with Ben Morley (Spectrum) falling to third; Synergy Motorsport's Paul Laskazeski maintains his Championship lead. "After today I'm second in the Championship and I definitely have my eye on the top-spot; it's within my reach," added Percat Kristian Lindbom (Mygale) started race one from fourth position and shadowed teammate, Percat, across the finish line in second place and take with him a new race lap record - set by Ashley Walsh 12 months earlier. "The record was actually broken three times today and our races are earlier tomorrow, meaning cooler track conditions, so I have no doubt that record will be broken again this weekend," said Lindbom. "Even so, it's nice to be able to say I currently hold it (the record) and hopefully I can still say it tomorrow afternoon!" Britek Motorsport's Adam Graham (Spectrum) secured third in race one with Laskazeski and Morley in tow to round out the top-five. "I was involved in a tangle on the opening lap, which bent my steering, so there's no reason why I can't improve on today's result in race two and three tomorrow," said Graham. Racing kicks off with race two at 8:40am tomorrow (Sunday) and race three at 12:40pm. QUALIFYING RESULTS
RACE ONE RESULTS
PERCAT IN CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION AFTER ROUND WIN AT HIDDEN VALLEY Sonic Motorsport's Nick Percat has secured his first round win for the 2008 Championship at The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Hidden Valley debut this weekend. Percat (Mygale) and Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum) battled it out in race two and three today before Percat greeted the chequered flag ahead of Laskazeski in both races. CAMS Rising Star, Scott Pye (Spectrum), secured third place in race three, cementing his sixth place position in the Championship standings. "The racing has been fantastic this weekend, it's been tight and clean," said Percat."The team has worked hard to get the car set-up right, we've managed to win all three races and take the round win, so we couldn't be happier with the result. Queensland Raceway is only two weeks away and the aim is to close the gap on Laskazeski, after this weekend I definitely have my eye on the title. As of this weekend we are halfway through the 2008 Championship so winning the title is certainly within my reach." Laskazeski extended his championship lead to 59 points (182) at Hidden Valley, while Percat rocketed from seventh position to secure third (121), putting him into serious title contention. Ben Morley (Spectrum) has hung on to second position with 123 points
RACE TWO RESULTS
RACE THREE RESULTS
PERCAT TAKES OUT RACE ONE AT HIDDEN VALLEY
Percat (Mygale) took control of the race early with Synergy Motorsport's Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum) a close second with the two changing position throughout the race "There was some healthy competition today, especially when it came to the top-three, it was tight and exciting - great racing for the crowd here at Hidden Valley and of course our television audience," said Percat.
"We'll be making some changes on the car tonight which should give us some more speed tomorrow; the track temperature in the early race should benefit our car setup."
CAMS Rising Star, Daniel Erickson (Spectrum), set the race lap record on his fourth lap of the race; he secured third position moving him to seventh in the Championship. Morley finished the race in fourth position just ahead of CAMS Rising Star, Scott Pye (Spectrum), rounding out the top-five.
Laskazeski has extended his Championship lead to 49 points, with Morley the closest in second position.
Today's win moves Percat up the Championship leaderboard to round out the top-five. Race three will be broadcast tomorrow with the V8 Supercar coverage live from Hidden Valley on the Seven Network.
RACE ONE RESULTS
1. Nick Percat Mygale 1:13.67 2. Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 1:13.86 3. Daniel Erickson Spectrum 1:13.46R 4. Ben Morley Spectrum 1:13.99 5. Scott Pye Spectrum 1:13.92
Penalties:
- 30 second penalty applied to #3 Lucas Dumbrell.
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Ben Morley Spectrum 1:12.12R 2. Nick Percat Mygale 1:12.20 3. Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 1:12.32 4. Andrew Waite Spectrum 1:12.37 5. Jake Chapman Spectrum 1:12.52
LASKAZESKI EXTENDS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH ROUND WIN AT SANDOWN
In a day of racing plagued by carnage, Laskazeski secured a win in race two and second place in race three to take the round win. "I took it easy on the start in race three as everybody's been a bit crazy this weekend, I didn't crank up the speed until the closing laps," said Laskazeski. "I'm really happy with my run this weekend, the team is happy and we're looking forward to heading to Darwin for round four." Laskazeski teamed today's round win with a new race lap record in race two, slicing just over two tenths of a second off his own record from race one yesterday. Of the nine Australian Formula Ford races contested this season, Laskazeski has recorded the fastest lap time on six occasions.
"I'm really happy with the result today, coming away with not only my first race win but also my first podium," said Chapman. "At the start of the year the plan was to be in the position I'm currently in, but after the first two rounds of the year I didn't think it was a reality after I was caught up in some crashes at Wakefield Park. It's been a great feeling today to finally show what I'm capable of. “ Team mate, Scott Pye finished the weekend with second for the round after taking second place in race two and third in race three.
RACE THREE RESULT
ROUND RESULT
RACE LAP RECORD HAT TRICK FOR LASKAZESKI Synergy Motorsport's Paul Laskazeski secured his third race lap record in as many rounds in The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Sandown Raceway today.(Sunday) The current championship leader, Laskazeski recorded a time of 1:15.43s on lap six of race one. "Everything has gone to plan so far this season," said Paul Laskazeski. "To secure pole position, take out race one and collect another race lap record all on the same day - I'm really excited and looking forward to tomorrow! "I'm hoping to repeat today's results in races two and three tomorrow, and increase my championship lead." Laskazeski was favourite heading into race one today after securing pole position earlier in the day. Scott Pye and Adam Graham secured first and second position after the race was declared on lap eight; the result of a red flag.Lucas Dumbrell connected with Chaz Mostert on the opening laps of the carnage plagued race, resulting in the first safety car of the session. With the race reduced to 10 laps, a second safety car was called as Blake Varney came off the track after seven laps. Britek Motorsports' Adam Graham found the wall - gearbox first - after a brake rotor exploded, resulting in the red flag. Race two gets underway at 9:00am tomorrow (Monday) morning. Race three starts at 1:30pm and will be broadcast live on the Seven Network.
RACE ONE RESULTS
1 Paul Laskazeski Spectrum 1:15.43R 2 Scott Pye Spectrum 1:15.58 3 Adam Graham Spectrum 1:15.95 4 Daniel Erickson Spectrum 1:16.01 5 Ben Morley Spectrum 1:16.16
LINDBOM WINS WAKEFIELD ROUND, LASKAZESKI NEW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER
After finishing first and second in yesterday's two races, Lindbom was in a race-long battle with Laskazeski, who was on the recovery trail after an opening-race spin. Lindbom led the majority of the race until he ran wide at turn four on lap 10 and allowed Laskazeski through, moments before the safety car was called for a race-ending, multi-car incident. It gave Laskazeski the race win, second for the round and the championship lead, after Ben Morley finished 18th as a result of early-race contact. He also leaves the weekend with a new lap record, 1:00.1986, almost two seconds quicker than Jamie Whincup's former record set in 2002. "After the spin in race one, we were in recovery mode and just kept inching our way up there," Laskazeski said. "We had good pace all weekend and were able to catch and get past Kristian today. To leave here with the new lap record and the championship lead is a great bonus." Lindbom took the round win and jumps up to fifth in the championship after missing the season opener at Eastern Creek. "It would have been nice to get the win today, but it has still been a really good weekend," he said. "Our goal was to get a good result to help finding some sponsorship so we can keep going and do more rounds - we needed to do well and hopefully winning the round will help." Rob Storey crossed the line in third place, but was later excluded for a technical infringement. He was still third for the round, while Scott Pye picked up third in race three. Having moved from 22nd to seventh in race two, Pye made further inroads in the final race, and was on-track to finish ahead of Storey before a mid-race spin. Blake Varney and Martin Swindells were fourth and fifth respectively, while Scott Auld, Trent Harrison, series debutant Nick Tanti, Chaz Mostert and Robert Munnerly completed the top ten. Harrison's drive was from the rear of the field after missing race two, while Mostert - who turns 16 this Thursday - eclipses Nick Foster's 24-hour-old record as the youngest-ever driver to score a point in the championship. The race ended early after a multi-car incident involving Nick Percat, Adam Graham, former championship leader Brad Lowe, Foster and Lucas Dumbrell, who were battling for positions in the bottom-half of the top 10. "There was a car on the outside of the track as we came onto the back straight and a massive cloud of dust started rolling over the track," Graham explained. "I went to the inside, thinking the car would be on the outside, but it had rolled back onto the track. I couldn't see anything, hit it pretty much flat out and was hit from behind by Nick [Percat] who was in the same situation, which launched the car up in the air." All drivers escaped injury, but their teams have significant repair work to do ahead of round three of the 2008 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Melbourne 's Sandown Raceway on 7-9 June. Race three from Wakefield Park will be broadcast during Channel 7's telecast of the V8 Supercar Hamilton street race on 19-20 April.
Wakefield Park Race Three Results
Wakefield Park Round Results
LINDBOM AND STOREY SPLIT SATURDAY WINS On a dramatic day of racing, Kristian Lindbom and Rob Storey shared the Saturday spoils in round two of the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Wakefield Park .
The pair
each claimed a race win, while Ben Morley
Contesting his first round of the year, Lindbom led Morley home to take out an incident-packed opening race.Lindbom was on-track to take another victory in race two before eventually finishing second after a pair of late-race moments. "In the first race, we lost the lead to Rob [Storey] early, but were able to get back past him and take the win," the Sydney youngster said. "Race two started like a dream but ended up as a bit of a nightmare. "We had a good lead, but the front-right tyre started to grain which allowed the other guys to catch up, before I got caught out on dirt someone else dragged onto the track and then had to go around a spun car. Storey led early in race one, until sustaining rear suspension damage in a concertina as the safety car was deployed and dropping to third.
He made amends in race two, making a bold, last corner pass on Nick Percat to take the win, the first win anywhere in the world for a Duratec-powered Comtec Spirit chassis. "To get my first national series win and the first-ever win for a Comtec Spirit with a Duratec engine is a great feeling," Storey - contesting his third Australian Formula Ford Championship round - said. "We made a minor adjustment to the car before race two and had really good pace. "At the last corner, it was a bit make-or-break, so I had a go and full credit to Nick for giving me room."
Like Storey and Lindbom, Paul Laskazeski snuck past Percat on the run from the final corner to the chequered flag, the four drivers covered by under one second.
It capped a strong comeback for Laskazeski, who started race one from pole position, only to spin at turn nine on the opening lap and eventually finish 12th. "I had a good start in race one and was pushing hard on the opening lap, but just overcooked it," Laskazeski said. "We didn't expect to get back up to third in race two, but we stayed out of trouble and it all went well."
After his second-place finish in race one, Morley was fifth in race two and takes the championship lead. "We've been having another good weekend on the back of our Eastern Creek results," he said. "I ran a little bit wide early in race two and lost a couple of places, but now we'll turn our attention to tomorrow's race."
Adam Graham claimed a pair of sixth-place finishes today, while Scott Pye bounced back from a race one incident to finish seventh in the second race.
Daniel Erickson, Nick Foster and Blake Varney completed the top 10 in race two, Foster becoming the youngest-ever driver to score a point in the national championship aged 16 years and 52 days.
Brad Lowe, who led the championship entering the weekend, endured a tough day, delayed by an incident each race to finish 13th and 14th.
The third and final race the weekend will commence at 11:55am tomorrow, Sunday
Wakefield Park Race One Results
1. Kristian Lindbom (Mygale) 2. Ben Morley (Spectrum) 3. Rob Storey (Spirit) 4. Nick Percat (Mygale) 5. Adam Graham (Spectrum) 6. Daniel Erickson (Spectrum) Wakefield Park Race Two Results
1. Rob Storey (Spirit) 2. Kristian Lindbom (Mygale) 3. Paul Laskazeski (Spectrum) 4. Nick Percat (Mygale) 5. Ben Morley (Spectrum) 6. Adam Graham (Spectrum)
BRAD LOWE WINS OPENING ROUND
Synergy Motorsports' Brad
Lowe(below) has today(Sunday 9th) piloted his Spectrum to a
round one win in the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford
Championship at Eastern Creek (Sydney).
In a dream first round for the team, Lowe and team mate Paul Laskazeski took first and third respectively on the podium, with Club Icons' Ben Morley securing second overall for the round. Laskazeski also recorded a new Formula Ford lap record on his way to the final podium position. After winning race one and two, Lowe had a good start in race three, but was passed by Morley on the straight heading into lap two. Morley held onto the lead while Nick Percat made his way up the order from fourth to finally pinch the lead on turn one with only two laps remaining. Percat maintained his lead to greet the chequered flag ahead of the field, with Morley second ahead of Lowe. Earlier today, Lowe easily repeated his race one win well-ahead of the field in race two, while team mate Laskazeski finished in third. Lowe pulled away from the field early. Ben Morley and Daniel Erickson passed Laskazeski simultaneously with Laskazeski settling into fourth with Blake Varney close behind. Lowe held onto his lead for the entire race. Morley maintained second until lap eight, when Laskazeski broke through, Morley regaining the position on lap nine. There was a battle on the straight for second as Laskazeski closed in on Morley, but the latter hung on to grab second in a close finish. Brad Lowe, "After everything that happened here last year, I just wanted to finish the round. To finish on the podium is a bonus and it's great to have Laska up here with me. Laska is a great guy; it would have been nice to have him a little higher, but this result is great for our team at Synergy Motorsport. I'm ecstatic; this has been the perfect weekend."
ONE-TWO FOR SYNERGY MOTORSPORT
Brad Lowe
Lowe's team mate Laskazeski was happy with the team's effort and is looking forward to race two tomorrow. "We had a good start and a good ending today. This is a great result for the team," Paul Laskazeski said. "I got past him (Lowe) briefly but he just took it straight back. I have no doubt we can repeat this result tomorrow." Percat couldn't repeat his Qualifying form, dropping through the field to fifth. QUALIFYING Nick Percat led the charge with his Mygale early in today's qualifying session securing pole position for race one with a lap time of 1:35.61. He was closely followed by Brad Lowe in his Spectrum with a 1:36.03 best, despite completing only three laps during the session. Qualifying top five
RACE ONE Nick Percat and Brad Lowe got off to a clean start with Percat slotting in ahead of Lowe. Lucas Dumbrell found trouble on turn two, driving his Mygale up the back and over the top of Rob Storey, causing Dumbrell to flip and putting both competitors out of the race. "I came in too hard and too hot and couldn't pull up. It's disappointing in the first race of the season. We were 15th in practice, we struggled a bit in qualifying but we started this race in 10th and moved up a few places on the start," Lucas Dumbrell said. "Blowing out on turn two of the first lap isn't the best start to the season." Lowe and Laskazeski finished in a one-two respectively with Ben Morely shadowing them in his newly purchased Spectrum. "We're racing today with a brand new car. We only took ownership of it two weeks ago, so my time in it has been limited," Morely said. "Really we've been doing all of our testing in practice and qualifying, but I got an awesome start, just launched off the line and kept going from there." Chaz Mostert and Ben Walter both found trouble, neither finishing the 10-lap race.
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"I'm
rapt, it's a great way to end the year," Erickson,(right) who is
eyeing a move to Europe
After
his podium finish in Race One, Mostert was fifth for the round, his best
result of the year, while Glen Wood, Rob Storey and Trent Harrison
rounded out the Top 10. 
New
Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Champion Paul Laskazeski has
continued his dominance of this weekend's season finale at Oran
Sonic
Motor Racing's Nick Percat claimed to victories in the Genuine Ford
Parts Australian Formula Ford Chanmpionship at Symmons Plains today,
keeping the title race alive with current Championship leader Paul
Laskazeski fighting back after a disappointing day yesterday. 
After
qualifying in pole position during this morning's qualifying session,
Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship leader Paul
Laskazeski was dealt a cruel blow in the opening race of the weekend,
with Minda Motorsports Glen Wood taking line honours and victory in his
return race to the series. 
Genuine
Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship leader, Paul Laskazeski,
took home the round win today in the L&H 500 at Phillip 
CAMS
Rising Star, Daniel Erickson, today secured his first race win and race
lap record for the 2008 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford
Championship at the L&H 500 at Phillip Island.
Sonic
Motorsport's Nick Percat has won race one of The Genuine Ford Parts
Australian Formula Ford Championship at Hidden Valley today
Synergy
Motorsport's Paul Laskazeski today won round three of The Genuine Ford
Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Sandown Raceway. 
CAMS
Rising Star, Jake Chapman, was the winner in race three today, gifting
him with not only his first race win - but also his first podium. 
In
an almost perfect return to the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula
Ford Championship, Kristian Lindbom(pictured) took out
round two of the 2008 series, while Paul Laskazeski won race three to
claim the championship lead. 
moves
into the championship lead after a consistent day.
and
Paul Laskazeski have taken a one-two finish in race one of the Genuine
Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at Eastern Creek
(Sydney) today for Synergy Motorsport. Pole winner Nick Percat led early
before being passed by Lowe on lap five, Laskazeski following him
through to second. From there it was a high-speed drag race to the line,
Lowe winning narrowly."It was nice to pass him (Percat) a few laps into
the race. It was actually the same move that I made last year which
ended in an accident, so I was happy that it paid-off this time," Brad
Lowe said. "I've had a tough couple of years so it's good to finally
start the year on a positive note."