TAUPO, New Zealand – Callum Hedge continues to lead the New Zealand Formula 1600 Championship heading to its penultimate weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park this weekend (February 2-4). The 14-year-old hasn’t had it easy with fellow Aucklander Josh Bethune showing on track that he is his closest rival when the two traded first and second places at the last round at Teretonga Park, Invercargill, in their respective Mygales.

“It should be a cool track,” commented Bethune. “I’ve only been there once and expect it to be fast and flowing.”

Hedge has six wins to his credit this season while Bethune has two, with five second placings.

Second placed overall Ethan Anderson from Southland is still to decide whether he will make the trip up north or focus on contesting the South Island F1600 Championship with one remaining round in March.

Also looking for wins are Van Diemen Stealth pair Bailey Paterson, from Christchurch, and Auckland’s Kurt Peterson, who sit fourth and fifth on the points table. Peterson took his first win of the season at Teretonga while Paterson has finished on the podium seven times.  

Three classes make up the field and while Hedge leads the top Class 1, Robert Toshach (Van Diemen) continues to extend his lead in Class 2 from Southland’s Noel Atley (Swift). The Christchurch driver has consistently been the fastest in the class over the 10 races so far.

In the Historic Class 3, Nelson’s Matt Butchart (Van Diemen RF88) has continued to build points on second placed Joseph Oliver (Crossle) from Invercargill. Joining the Historic class will be Paul Dold (GLH) and Dave Silverton (PRS RH02), while Tony Fitzpatrick (Van Diemen Stealth) and Jordan Mountfort, aboard the ex-Brendon Hartley Stealth, will join Class 1.

Qualifying takes place on Saturday morning with racing on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Photo please credit Euan Cameron; prepared by SB Networks on behalf of the South Island Formula Ford Club