Three-way fight for South Island Formula 1600 title in Invercargill this weekend

The 2021/22 Yokohama South Island Formula 1600 Series title will be decided this weekend between two rivals while a third driver has a mathematical chance of winning. Christchurch’s Matt Hamilton has a 36-point lead over Zac Christensen while Alex Crosbie still has a remote chance of also taking the title. A maximum of 302 points is on offer with two points for the fastest qualifier, 75-points for each of the first two races while the final feature race has double (150-points) on offer.

With three wins from 14-starts, Christensen is confident of winning the title.

“Double points at Teretonga will be good, so looking forward to it,” commented Christensen (Ray GR20). “I think our car suits Teretonga so it will be a good fight.”

While Hamilton (Van Diemen RF88) has a small points buffer, he anticipates that the fight could go all the way.

“We won’t be as fast as Zac’s down the straight as the Class 1 cars has better aero but I think we are reasonably strong at this circuit, so we will see how we go.”

Hamilton has successfully campaigned an older Class 3 car. While disadvantaged by aerodynamics, the current regulations allow for an Avon tyre on a lighter rim while Class 1 and 2 cars run a Yokohama tyre.

The last round held at Teretonga was called off after completing only one race due to inclement weather. This was won by Louis sharp with Hamilton second and Crosbie third. Sharp currently sits third overall and will not be on the grid for the finale as he has headed over to the UK to run in the British Formula 4 Championship.

Also, in contention are three Class titles. Christensen is likely to win the Class 1 (>2000) title from Crosbie while Cameron Freeman (Van Diemen Stealth RF93) has a handy 63-point lead over cousin Dyson Freeman in the battle for the Class 2 (1990-1999) title. Matthew Hamilton, meanwhile, continues his absolute domination of the pre-1990 Class 3.

Saturday morning sees one practice session before qualifying with the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy $500 prize on the line for fastest driver. The award is part of the $60,000 prize pool from the Tony Quinn Foundation with funding for travel and testing opportunities with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ.