CHE racing has started off 2023 with a win in the books complements of driver Zac Lobko claiming both his first pole position in the National Formula Ford Series and also his first win in the category.
In only his second year of racing in the National Series, the 20 year old posted the fastest lap in the qualifying session this morning with a 1.17.60 in a hotly contest session which saw the top 10 cars separated by 1 second. Matt Hillyer started race 1 from P2 after setting a time of 1.17.842 with Jake Santalucia third fastest with a 1.18.022.
In a close fought tussle on the track between Lobko and Hillyer, Lobko lost the lead momentarily when Hillyer past him on an outside run at turn 1. Zac took the lead back before Matt had another crack at the races 75% mark but went wide through turn 3 and locked up in turn 4 giving Lobko the momentum to carry through to the end of the race.
The battle for 3rd and 4th was as hot as the 33c air temperature with Jake Santalucia and Eddie Beswick having a great battle for the final place on the podium. Beswick working his way up from p7 at the start of the race finishing in 4th behind Santalucia and ahead of Lachlan Strickland finishing 5th.
Xavier Kokai (6th), Kobi Williams (7th) Tom Davies (8th) and Conor Somers (9th) also provided plenty of highlights throughout the race. Kobi Williams running as high as 4th during the race while Tom Davies led the group for a fair stage of the early part of the race until he went wide at the exit to turn 7.
Racing continues tomorrow with a 12 lap race 2, before an 18 lapper to finish the weekend.
Race 1 results
1. 7 Zak Lobko
2. 2 Matthew Hillyer
3. 4 Jake Santalucia
4. 30 Edison Beswick
5. 47 Lachlan Strickland
6. 10 Xavier Kokai
7. 94 Kobi Williams
8. 42 Thomas Davies
9. 71 Conor Somers
10. 34 Kyle Evans
11. 80 Cody Maynes-Rutty
12. 13 Harrison Sellars
13. 15 Lachlan Mineeff
14. 43 Liam Loiacono
15. 97 Oliver Loiacono
16. 29 Imogen Radburn
17. 88 Lachlan Evennett
18. 6 Paul Zsidy
