Darwin Northern Territory

Maxwell Finishes Fifth on Debut in Australian Formula Ford Final Round

Formula Ford, Thomas Maxwell
Thomas Maxwell racing to an impressive fifth at Island of Magic

Thomas Maxwell racing to an impressive fifth at Island of Magic

NORTHERN TERRITORY’S Thomas Maxwell has finished an impressive fifth on debut in the final round of the Australian Formula Ford Championship, held in conjunction with Phillip Island’s Island of Magic.

The 16-year-old had competed throughout the Victorian State Series in Formula Ford throughout this year, but overcame all rookie odds to finish inside in the top five out of a 32 car field, racing with one of the oldest cars on the grid.

The teenager had also qualified in fourth for Race 1, which was a personal best for the rookie at Phillip Island.

“What a fantastic weekend it was,” said Maxwell.

“Being able to run up at the front and race wheel-to-wheel with Australia’s best drivers was unbelievable.

“The qualifying lap was crucial, being able to put it on the second row of the grid played a big part – especially with the amount of cars in the field.”

“It was a fantastic way to cap off an outstanding rookie year in Formula Ford!”

Maxwell had also recently raced at the Phillip Island circuit in October, finishing his first strong year in the Victorian State Series coming home in seventh in the championship.

The Bosch Car Service Centre driver has had a great first season in Formula Ford with the team at Sonic Motor Racing Services, and is looking forward for what is yet to come in the 2015 racing season.

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Consistency the key for Todd Hazelwood’s championship

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd in race two. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

Todd in race two. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

17-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has stayed out of trouble in an eventful round at the Hidden Valley circuit for the third round of the Australian Formula 3 Drivers Championship to take out his third second-place podium for the season.

Hazelwood showed his pace early on in the round, having the quickest time in the Forpark National class on Friday.

The South Australian continued his strong success in the racing, steering clear in an eventful race one which consisted of three safety cars and was cut short by one lap. Races two and three were green throughout, developing some great open-wheel racing.

Todd Hazelwood finished second in all three races this weekend, continuing his strong form in this year’s Forpark National Formula 3 Championship.

“Race one was very eventful, I thought it was best to keep the car straight,” Hazelwood said.

“It was great racing under green for the other two races to really feel what the Fujitsu Racing Dallara was capable of and we showed that in our results.

“For now I am focussing on my championship and looking forward to my first time out at Sydney Motorsport Park for the fourth round of the series.”

The teenager also gained some local support while racing in Darwin.

“It was great to have Hydrokleen and Bosch Service Centre on the side of the car for the Skycity Triple Crown event,” Hazelwood stated.

“Without the local support, this race would have not been possible.

“The atmosphere of the event and the local supporters was overwhelming and I can’t wait to race in Darwin again in the future.”

The Fujitsu Racing driver is currently in second place in the Forpark National Formula 3 Championship.

Todd Hazelwood’s next race is held at Sydney Motorsport Park for the fourth round of the Australian Formula 3 Drivers Championship on the 12 – 14 June.

Hazelwood Quickest in Practice

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood in the Fujitsu Racing F304. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

Todd Hazelwood in the Fujitsu Racing F304. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

TODD Hazelwood has finally showed the pace he’s had all year and was quickest in today’s first practice, setting the pace for the Forpark National Formula 3 category.

This is the 17-year-old’s first time at the Hidden Valley circuit, with Hazelwood looking forward for what is to come in this weekend’s racing for the third round of the Australian Formula 3 championship.

“It’s good to finally show everyone that we are fast enough to win,” Hazelwood said.

“It will be super close this weekend in the Forpark National class, as neither of us drivers have raced at the Hidden Valley circuit.

“Hopefully we can continue our good form in qualifying and in the first race tomorrow.”

The South Australian has also picked up some local sponsors and supporters for this weekend’s event.

“Without the local support from Bosch Car Service and Hydrokleen, this weekend would not be possible,” Hazelwood stated.

“Hopefully we can re-pay them with some good results.”

The Formula 3 cars were also fastest category today to hit the Darwin circuit, setting the pace for the Australian V8 Supercars who are also racing at the Skycity Triple Crown event.

Todd Hazelwood will hit the Hidden Valley circuit tomorrow morning at 9:10 AM for qualifying and at 12:25 PM for the first race.

To keep track of Todd Hazelwood Racing’s progress at the Skyctiy Triple Crown, like his page on Facebook or follow Todd Hazelwood on Twitter.