After a lengthy COVID-induced break from motorsport, talented Leeton driver Noah Sands has returned to the racetrack in style, scoring a trio of second-place finishes in the NSW Formula Ford Championship round at Sydney Motorsport Park on the weekend behind his CHE Racing team-mate, Tom Sargent.
After qualifying fourth, the 17-year-old made an excellent start in the opening race, slotting into second behind Sargent.
The weekend’s second race was held in wet conditions and Sands raced wheel-to-wheel with Sargent, even taking the lead for a few laps, before ultimately following Sargent across the line.
Sands made another excellent start in the third race, leading the field into the first corner but was forced to run wide in the second corner to avoid contact from another driver and he once again slotted into second behind Sargent.
“Overall, it’s been a great weekend, just fantastic to go racing again after such a long break,” Sands said.
“The first race in the dry was good, but the second race was even better – I managed to get past Tom and led for a while. It was the most fun race of my life – Tom and I had a great battle and we both really enjoyed it. I think everyone in the team was a bit nervous watching us though!
“To come away with second again in race three behind Tom completed a strong weekend with the CHE Racing Team. Previously, I’ve been following Tom from behind, so to have the speed to be racing wheel-to-wheel with him is really satisfying – we all know how good he is in these cars.”
Sands’ attention now turns to the next round of the Australian Formula Ford Championship at Winton next weekend.
“Competing in this state round in front of all the Supercars teams and with the TV coverage was a fantastic experience, but our focus is on the national series where we’ll be aiming to cement our top three position,” Sands concluded.
