Jan 22

Jan 22 Callum Hedge storms through the FR Oceania field to win at Teretonga

Andrew Rickert

Toyota Racing Series

Callum Hedge took out race two of the Formula Regional Oceania weekend at Teretonga after starting seventh on the grid.

Callum Hedge stormed to pole position in difficult conditions at Teretonga. *(Bruce Jenkins / Toyota GAZOO Racing NZ)*

The Kiwi mastered the difficult conditions to muscle his way through the field and onto the top step of the podium.

“I had my work cut out for me but when the track started to dry I knew that was my moment to push," said Hedge

"That was also when I was faster than the other cars so it was either a win it or bin it moment to be honest."

Hedge had his moment early in the race, pushing onto the grass at the exit of turn one as he attempted a pass on Jacob Abel.

“I came around the outside and I did get run off into the weeds which was fine but I did then decide to get a bit more aggressive and get the move done."

The win allowed Hedge to gain valued points against championship leader Charlie Wurz, who finished fourth.

The race started in damp conditions after showers in the morning, with the field starting on wet tyres and having to negotiate the drying track.

“It was definitely a difficult race," said Hedge.

"At the start I was on the radio saying we might need slicks and in the first half of the race we did need slicks, but then in the second half of the race we needed wets."

"It was up and down but I’m stoked for the team.”

Ryan Shehan started on pole ahead of Aussie Ryder Quinn in the reverse-grid race, with Quinn into the lead around the outside of turn one on the opening lap.

The American was under intense pressure from Kiwi James Penrose, with Liam Sceats and Jacob Abel waiting in the wings.

Penrose made a number of brave attempts around Shehan, but the American was able to hold second as the most action-packed race of the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania season got underway.

Shehan then made his move for the lead in a tense multi-lap battle with Quinn as the top five compressed behind them.

Further back, Callum Hedge had beaten rival Charlie Wurz off the start and was charging through the field, up into fifth and joining the rear of the podium battle.

Hedge dispatched Liam Sceats and Ryder Quinn in successive laps before passing Shehan for the lead and his second victory of the season so far.

Shehan and Aussie Ryder Quinn completed the podium.

At the back of the pack, round one feature race winner David Morales was tagged by Aussie Tom McLennan, retiring from the race with damage.

McLennan received a drive through penalty and finished 12th.

Round two of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Series wraps up with Charlie Wurz on pole for the Spirit of A Nation Cup on Sunday afternoon.

2023 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania - Teretonga Race Two