Front-running Australian Formula Ford Series squad CHE Racing Team will aim to regain the national title in 2023, confirming a three-car attack.
Returning to the line-up in 2023 is impressive rookie Zak Lokbo, who will be joined by national rookie duo Imogen Radburn and Lachlan Strickland.
Lobko enters his second season in Australian Formula Ford with strong momentum following a starring performance at the final round at Sydney Motorsport Park last year where he finished with a trio of seconds.
This year’s campaign begins at Morgan Park, a venue where Lobko scored two top five finishes as he achieved ninth place in the standings.
For Radburn, she steps up as part of the CHE Racing Team development program to the national series following a season at state level. Morgan Park won’t mark her national debut after contesting combined Australian and New South Wales rounds last season.
Strickland is undertaking his first season of circuit racing and made a great start by winning the opening race of the Victorian State Formula Ford Championship as a warm up to the campaign ahead. Making the jump from karts, Strickland will be one to watch as the rounds progress.
All three drivers have enjoyed a productive preparation conducted by the CHE Racing Team courtesy of a Victorian State Formula Ford Championship round at Sandown, test at Morgan Park and Lobko contested a NSW Formula Ford Championship event at Winton where he achieved a clean-sweep of victories.
The Australian Formula Ford Series gets underway at Morgan Park this weekend.
QUOTES
Zak Lobko
“I’m feeling very well prepared,” Lobko stated. “The team and I have been putting in a lot of work during this off-season so we can come out strong to get some good points.
“It’s great to return with CHE as last year the team displayed a lot of pace with Jimmy (Piszcyk) and challenged for the series title, so I’m hoping to do the same.
“We did some testing up there and I was happy with the day. Compared to what we did last year to this season the improvement has been quite good and I’m happy with the pace we’ve got.
“I’ve been able to build my confidence due to the stability and knowing what to expect in terms of the category drivers in addition to circuits, so I’m not coming in fresh having to learn everything. I can be on the pace quite quickly this year and I think that will help us.
“I’d love to win the title, but I’ll take a measured approach during the first few rounds and assess it from there. Two of my best rounds were at Morgan Park and Sydney Motorsport Park, so I’m happy the opening two events are at those venues.”
Imogen Radburn
“I’m looking at this year as an improvement season as I’m pushing myself a bit further by racing at a national level,” Radburn explained.
“Having the stability of remaining at CHE for this next step of my motor racing career is great. I know the team and know how we all operate together is a big confidence booster because you know exactly what the car is going to do so the trust is there.
“I’m looking forward to a good season ahead.
Lachlan Strickland
“It’s exciting to join Formula Ford with CHE this season,” said Strickland.
“The success the team has achieved in the last few seasons was a major reason for me joining as was how they work as a team, which coupled with its performance was a huge reason why we decided to go with them.
“There’s a massive knowledge bank within the team and the drivers, whether it’s the driving or technical side everyone is willing to help.
“I tested the Formula Ford three or four times last year, plus completed a run in February at Morgan park before contesting a state round at Sandown where I picked up my first win.
“In the first few rounds I’m aiming to gain experience before going for podiums and hopefully taking wins sometime later in the season. The goal is to be competitive and learn as much as I can.”
Cameron Hill
Team Owner, CHE Racing Team
“It’s exciting to enter a strong line-up for this year’s Australian Formula Ford Series,” Hill said.
“CHE has enjoyed great success in the last two years with Thomas Sargent winning the Formula Ford and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge titles, while Jimmy Piszcyk went close to winning the national title in 2022 despite missing the final round.
“Zak has displayed rapid improvement since debuting last season as has Imogen as she takes the next step in her career. Lachlan has already achieved a win and will be one to watch as the season wears on.
“It’s great to continue CHE’s involvement in developing young drivers and I can’t wait to watch their progress throughout the season."
