Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

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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Second Place for Hazelwood at Phillip Island

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd racing at Phillip Island

Todd racing at Phillip Island

17-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has finished second in the Forpark National class in a thrilling finale at Phillip Island for the sixth round of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship.

The South Australian had previously raced at the Phillip Island circuit last year in Formula Ford; the first time in this year’s championship Hazelwood had previous experience at a circuit.

Qualifying saw Hazelwood set the third fastest time in the Forpark National class, enduring a close battle with his teammate throughout the session and also lapping the original track record.

The teenager finished third in the first 9-lap race, second in race 2 and had a fantastic battle with his teammate in the final feature 14-lap race to finish second for the round.

“I had a great battle with my teammate in the final race,” said Hazelwood.

“Going side by side through turn 1 and also the last three corners certainly got the heart rate racing!”

Once again Hazelwood continued to show his pace and his place in the Forpark National championship, currently running in second.

“This weekend has once again been very consistent and successful, but it wasn’t strong enough,” said Hazelwood.

“I felt this weekend was my best opportunity to close the gap to the Forpark National class championship leader, but unfortunately the gap has slightly increased.

“I really enjoyed racing at Phillip Island, previously having great success in the past and it was great to continue my strong form at this exciting circuit.”

The South Australian will be working super hard in preparation to ensure he finishes the year off with a good result and to thank everyone involved who has made this year in Formula 3 happen.

The final round of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship will be held at Sandown Raceway on November 15-17.

Todd Hazelwood More Than Ready for Phillip Island

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd ready to race. Picture: Coopers Photography

Todd ready to race. Picture: Coopers Photography

PREVIOUSLY RACING Formula Ford at the Phillip Island circuit last year, Todd Hazelwood is more than ready to attack the island in his Fujitsu Racing/R-Tek Dallara for the sixth round of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship.

Currently second in the Forpark National Formula 3 Championship, the 17-year-old is more than confident in closing the championship gap, for the first time this year having previous experience at a circuit on the Formula 3 calendar.

Since having a few weeks break since Queensland, the South Australian has been busy competing on season three of the Shannons Supercar Showdown show, keeping Hazelwood more than ready for this weekend.

“The championship so far has been really close, and racing at Phillip Island this weekend will make the title chase closer than ever,” said Hazelwood.

“I haven’t raced on the track since it’s been resurfaced, so I’m looking forward to going out on the track for practice tomorrow to see what elements of the circuit have changed.

“I have had good success in the past at Phillip Island, hopefully we can continue that form and put it towards our championship.”

Todd Hazelwood will hit the track tomorrow for two practice sessions, commencing at 10:45 local time. To follow Todd’s progress throughout the weekend, like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.

Shannons Nationals Schedule: Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship

Friday
10:45 Practice 1 – 25 minutes
13:50 Practice 2 – 25 minutes

Saturday
10:25 Qualifying 1 – 20 minutes
14:30 Race 1 – 9 laps

Sunday
10:35 Race 2 – 9 laps
14:05 Race 3 – 14 laps

Hazelwood Closes Championship Gap at Ipswich

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has once again showed his stance in the Forpark National Formula 3 Championship, finishing a thrilling second position for the fifth round of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship.

Having never raced at the circuit before, Hazelwood was once again quick, picking up the track in no time and setting the quickest lap time in practice.

Qualifying saw the 17-year-old start from second on the grid in the Forpark National class, but had clutch dramas causing Hazelwood to start on the back-foot for race one finishing in third.

Race two saw Hazelwood pick up second position in the 12-lap race after just being edged out for the top step of the podium.

The third feature race saw spectators stand up on their seats, having made a great comeback from the start and catching the lead pack in the Forpark National class within two laps on cold tyres. Hazelwood then battled with his teammate for the entire 16-laps, only just being edged out for the win finishing second overall.

“This weekend was great to show our true car speed that we’ve been showing good signs of in the last few rounds,” said Hazelwood.

“Our speed is consistently quick and from track-to-track I am feeling confident we are a true contender to win this year’s championship.

“Racing around the Willowbank circuit was difficult in a wings and slicks category, with being stuck behind someone with dirty air unfortunately determined our end result for this weekend.”

The teenager also set the fastest lap in all three races, showing the rest of the competition he’s got what it takes.

With Hazelwood currently second in the Forpark National Formula 3 class, he will be looking at closing that gap to the series leader heading into Phillip Island and Sandown.