Zack Scoular makes it an all-Kiwi opening day for FR Oceania at Hampton Downs
Scoular had an impressive start from second on the grid and build a healthy gap to take the race win.
WAIKATO, New Zealand–It was two wins for two Kiwis on day one of the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy series at Hampton Downs as Zack Scoular took victory in race two.
Yevan David was on reverse-grid pole with Scoular alongside, and the race began in the same fashion as the day's earlier action, with Scoular having a much better start and into the lead by turn one.
"We got a very good launch of the line, and went from there," said Scoular.
"You do need to use the push to pass strategically, and it is a bit of a learning curve but it’s great to win in this field."
Freddie Slater was also straight on the offensive from the start, passing David for second into turn two before Aussie James Wharton spun and stalled on track, bringing out the safety car.
An intense battle emerged from the restart behind the leaders for the final podium position, with Kanato Le losing his front wing in the action and leaving Jin Nakamura in third, Slater in fourth, and Ryan Wood in fifth, closely followed by Ryan Wood and race one pole sitter Ugo Ugochukwu.
Scoular made the made of the clear track ahead and squabbles behind to build a gap to his rivals, as Nakamura moved into second past Yevan David.
David was soon under pressure from Freddie Slater, with the pressure also bringing Ryan Wood into the mix. Both were able to pass the polesitter, with Slater holding off Wood in the final laps to claim the final podium position.
Following race two, Ugochukwu moves to the top of the standings on 43 points, closely followed by Nakamura on 40, with the Kiwi trio of Louis Sharp, Zack Scoular, and Ryan Wood tied on 38 points, and Freddie Slater bringing up the rear of the lead pack in sixth on 36 points.
The Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy series returns for another two races on Sunday.
