Caine Lobb Says He Can Do It

1st November 2007

Caine Lobb - Formula Ford Winter Series Champion of 2007, South Island Formula Ford Champion 2007 and winner of last months Formula Ford Festival - hopes to make an early impact on the summer series at the first round of the MTA Formula Ford National Championship this weekend at Pukekohe.

The Whangarei driver has been preparing for this championship for over a year with scattered entries in last season's national rounds and a full campaign in the South Island and winter series where he walked away with both titles. He has managed to make himself very comfortable in the car which has helped him stay in or near the front of the vast majority of races he has competed in.

The Formula Ford has been completely rebuilt from scratch after a major crash in January this year by Motorsport Solution's John Crawford and his team. They also run the car at the events and evidently know how to create a winning car. The Formula Ford also has a new and strong engine which will be needed for the fast paced Pukekohe Circuit.

"My aim is to win this weekend and we have the gear to do it, we just need to have a good one because there are a few drivers who will be quite strong at the circuit. Johnathon (Whelan) is pretty quick around there for one." says Lobb of his team mate.

The eighteen year old driver, who is employed as an assistant instructor at the Canterbury Motor Racing School at Ruapuna International Raceway - Christchurch, has ironically not yet competed at Pukekohe in a Formula Ford before. He sees no problem with that however after gaining plenty of experience with racing Formula First there in the past.

"It is actually the first time I've been there in this car but I don't think that will be a problem because I know the circuit well and we have testing on Thursday and Friday before the first race on Saturday. Plus we have a very good car now so we should be pretty quick" he said. "People to watch out for will be John (Whelan), Andrew Waite and I think Hugh Gardiner is running this weekend too."

Russell Hartley will also be there as he and Lobb once again will go head to head with battles similar to those seen at Manfeild Autocourse throughout the Winter Series.

With his successes over the last 12 months in the Ford, Lobb ranks at the top of the field but understands the MTA Formula Ford National Championship will be the stiffest challenge of his career with many talented and experienced drivers competing in the series, most of whom also have strong backing and very quick cars. Lobb's goal however is this season's title and nothing less!

Adding to his chances Lobb has also been working on his physical fitness which he sees as being invaluable. Running, cycling and choosing his foods wisely have been integral in his preparation for the championship.