The CHE Racing Team returns to home turf this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park for Round 2 of the Australian Formula Ford Series.
Zak Lobko got his second national season off to a near-perfect start by taking his maiden pole position and victory at Morgan Park to sit second in the standings after a consistent run of podiums.
New national teammates Lachlan Strickland and Imogen Radburn enjoyed strong results, which both hope bode well for Sydney Motorsport Park.
Strickland was impressive on national debut to be among the frontrunners almost straight away, while Radburn scored her first top 10 result.
Sydney Motorsport Park is a familiar hunting ground for the CHE Racing Team trio, Lobko finished his maiden season at the venue last year with a podium clean-sweep and level on points with the round winner.
Round 2 of the Australian Formula Ford Series will be held in-conjunction with the New South Wales Motor Racing Championships at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 15-16.
QUOTES
Zak Lobko,
#7 CHE Racing Team
“Last year there was a three-way tie for the win and we missed out, so hopefully I can go one better this weekend,” said Lobko.
“Morgan Park was a really good event, we’re only three points off first in the series. I could’ve asked for a better round, but it’s still very good and we’re right up there in the running.
“We just need to keep finishing the races in the top three and see how we go. I don’t think there is any reason why I can’t do that, I’d love to win all three races this weekend, but I believe it will be quite close.
“There is a different driving style required compared to Morgan Park here at Sydney Motorsport Park such as having to manage tyres here, but it’s nothing we haven’t done before.”
Imogen Radburn
#29 CHE Racing Team
“I’m feeling pretty prepared as it’s our home track, so we’ve tested a lot at Sydney Motorsport Park and I’ve been on the simulator a bit,” Radburn explained.
“I’m going after a top 10 finish again this weekend. Last round gave me a massive confidence boost by finishing in the top 10 and I was really happy about that. Qualifying is where I’m hoping to improve most by ensuring I put a lap together without mistakes to put me in a good position for the start of the weekend.
“I found my confidence has grown since last year within myself now I know what to do in tricky situations, but I’m obviously still learning. We’ve noticed a lot of improvements, especially in data by how I’m driving as I’m picking up pace every time I get in the car.”
Lachlan Strickland
#47 CHE Racing Team
“Morgan Park was good, I think the team and everyone put a good car together for me,” Strickland reflected.
“I was quick in qualifying, but I made too many mistakes from my end to be down the order where we should have been top four or five. Though, it was my first national weekend, so I can’t really complain.
“It’s familiar, but not at the same time. I’ve been here a lot of times during the past decade, just not in a race car and driving it for the first time last week. I’m still trying to get my head around it a little bit more, but hopefully come the weekend we’ll be quick.
“I want to match my qualifying from Morgan Park and put a full race weekend together without too many mistakes.”
