The Australian Formula Ford Series reaches its halfway stage at Winton supporting the Shannons SpeedSeries this weekend as Zak Lobko holds a slender lead in the standings.
Despite a disappointing qualifying result in Tasmania, Lobko came back to score a podium in the opening race and enjoyed a consistent run to leave Symmons Plains on top of the standings.
Entering Winton, Lobko is best prepared for the challenges the rural circuit provides after contesting the recent Victorian Formula Ford Championship round and a CHE Racing Team test completed at the venue prior to Symmons Plains last month.
The weekend at Symmons Plains ended in spectacular fashion for Lachlan Strickland after scoring top five finishes in the first two races, but he is focused on improving and learning a new circuit as he maintains fifth in the outright standings.
Continuing her development this season is Imogen Radburn as she targets a top 10 series finish in 2023.
Three races will be contested as part of Round 4 for the Australian Formula Ford Series at Winton Motor Raceway on June 9-11.
QUOTES
Zak Lobko
#7 CHE Racing Team
“Tasmania was good, I kept my nose clean and finished all three races with two podiums, which was enough to give me the lead,” said Lobko.
“I have no doubt we’ll be up the front at Winton, then we’ll push to start the races from the front of the grid for the first race on Saturday.
“Race 1 at Symmons Plains was great to be able to recover from such a low starting position on the grid to be fighting for the lead at the end of the race and to grab points, which this series is going to be about.
“I really need to get that lap in during qualifying and ideally, I’d love to build a gap at the top of the standings to try to set myself up for Sandown. We do have a break between the two rounds, so if I can get a bit of a lead after Winton it gives me confidence heading into the back half of the season.”
Lachlan Strickland
#47 CHE Racing Team
“It’s the first race of the season where I’ve tested at the venue before numerous times,” Strickland stated.
“I had my first ever test day there with Cam in September last year and have tested at Winton on four occasions, so I know my way around there!
“We got away pretty lucky after the incident in Tasmania, it could have been a lot worse. The crew has done a great job, the car’s all prepared and ready to go.
“Winton will provide good racing, it’ll be close no doubt.
“The season has been a whirlwind. My first test was at Winton in September last year and to see how far we’ve come is amazing. Both working with the team and what I’ve learnt, I couldn’t have imagined this last year.
“I’ve had two weeks of exams ahead of Winton and I’m fortunate to be part of a program within ANU (Australian National University) for elite athletes, which enabled one of these to be deferred until next semester as it clashed with my Formula Ford commitments this weekend.”
Imogen Radburn
#29 CHE Racing Team
“I’ve always been very confident at Winton and I know the track like the back of my hand,” Radburn explained.
“It’s going to be about getting good times to ensure I can get the results I am aiming for.
“My target is making more positions off the start instead of holding back as the field tends to space out during the mid-part of the race when I’m quick, so I need to take advantage earlier.
“I’ve got no excuses this time, I know the track and the car.
“It’s been a great help having stability on my step up to national level competition by remaining with the CHE Racing Team as it has aided my improved confidence.”
