Title Fight Goes To Lobb

Media Release: Sunday 16th September

Whangarei driver Caine Lobb left Manfeild Autocourse on Sunday night as the 2007 Formula Ford Winter Series Champion.

After four gruelling rounds of a series he has dominated since day one, Lobb managed to hold off a hard charging Russell Hartley who was the only contender within reach of overtaking him in the points at the final.

With three podium finishes from the three races held on Sunday Lobb placed second for the round overall and convincingly held his championship lead.

Starting from second place on the grid Lobb battled hard and eventually finished Race One in second behind Hartley.

In Race Two Lobb had yet another tough fight on his hands but managed to outbrake Hartley on turn one about two thirds through the race. Managing to hold on to the advantage from that point he took the win.

In the third and final race of the weekend and the 2007 series both Lobb and Hartley decided to relax somewhat knowing there would be nothing to gain for either driver in the event of going off the circuit. With a hard charging Andrew Waite looking for a do or die race win and the championship wrapped up by Lobb, the two settled down and quietly took their podium finishes with a second for Hartley and thrid for Lobb. Waite was left to win the race.

Young 18 year old Caine Lobb finished the series becoming the 2007 Formula Ford Winter Series Chamopion with a lead of 42 points over Hartley after a very successful campaign where he showed remarkable speed, maturity and consistency in the all-new Hydraulink Ford.

The New Zealand Formula Ford Championship which starts in November this year will be Caine Lobb's next serious challenge. His pace and consistency from the winter series will hopefully spill over into the nationals where he will surely be looked upon as a favourite for winning the 2007-8 championship.

Race Two on Sunday was hailed as the "race of the season" as both Lobb and Hartley battled it out around the Manfeild Autocourse. Those seeking some entertaining motorsport would do well to catch the NZ Formula Ford Championship where these two will again go head to head in more exciting on-track battles for the 2007-8 title.

Formula Ford Winter Series 2007 (top 3)

1) Caine Lobb          805

2) Russell Hartley    763

3) John Whelan