HIGHAM NEAR PERFECT @ ROUND 1

After six long months the 2011/12 Weldwell NZ Formula First championship got underway over the weekend and it picked up right where it left off, with three races that would continue set the bar high for the classes following.

The season kicked off with a bang, as an epic four car battle during the race would turn to a controversial four wide finish, with last season’s runner up Ryan Hellier taking the win from Matt Higham and Kyle George, with rookie Rowan Shepherd claiming fourth.

Sunday brought in the wet weather for race two, which saw Higham and team mate Kyle George drive away from the pack for a one-two finish, with Ryan Hellier claiming third.

The final race of the day saw the top three of Higham, Hellier and Rowan Shepherd battling it out for the win. But with a few laps to go, Shepherd would run wide and allow the other two drivers to fight for the victory.

In the end, Matt Higham would take his second victory of the weekend to go along with his pole position, taking the points lead heading into round 2 at Taupo Motorsport Park. But with Hellier, Shepherd and George close behind, the 2011/12 season looks to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.