Battle for the top continues as North Island Formula Ford Series hits Manfeild this weekend

The battle at the top for the 2024/25 Giltrap Group North Island Formula Ford Series (NIFF) title continues this weekend at the Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon in Feilding. Four races over the two-day meeting will see Blake Dowdall (Spectrum 015) wanting to extend his series lead over Toby McCormack (Spectrum 015) and Reagan Edwards (Spectrum 015).

“We know the track really well, and the fast way around it,” commented Dowdall. “Really looking forward to it.”

McCormack was round winner three weeks ago in Taupo winning two of the three races and has the momentum going into this weekend.

“We’re pretty confident heading to Manfeild,” said McCormack. “Although it’s Blake’s (Dowdall) home track, we know we will be quick, so looking forward to it.”

The ability to draught is considered the key to doing well on this circuit. So-much-so, it can be difficult for any driver to create a gap to the chasing pack and is more about being in the right position to take advantage of a ‘tow’ heading into the final laps.

Also, in the mix is Reagen Edwards who will be looking for more podiums and his first Formula Ford win. He currently sits fourth overall.

Also making an impression this season is leading rookie Jack Groenewald (Mygale SJ07A). Having earned his first podium at the opening round at Hampton Downs in the rain, Groenewald continued to show good pace at Taupo and has finished every race this season in the top five.

Fastest qualifier will have the added incentive of a $500 cash prize from the Hampton Downs NZ Driving Academy. The award offered at each round is part of a $60,000 Formula Ford prize pool from the Tony Quinn Foundation with funding for travel and testing opportunities with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ. NAPA Auto Parts has prizes for both Driver of the Day and Rookie of the Year and Yokohama continues as the tyre of choice for Formula Ford Racing in NZ.

This weekend’s racing will be a key focus for drivers as Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon hosts two rounds of the NIFF. The second round in April 2025 will also double as the third round of the national championship.

This summer sees a collaboration between Rodin Cars and MotorSport NZ to create a new pathway to Formula 1 with the NZFF champion and selected Formula Ford drivers invited to an all-expenses-paid, three-day testing and evaluation program with Rodin Cars in New Zealand. From there a driver who exhibits exceptional talent has the possibility to test with Rodin Motorsport in the UK with the possibility of securing a seat in one of Rodin’s F4 teams.