HELLIER & SHEPHERD CLOSE IN ON HIGHAM @ RD5

After successive round wins to the championship leader Matt Higham – it was the return to form of Ryan Hellier that would take the headlines over the weekend of the 28/29th at TaupoMotorsport Park.

Hellier, second in the Weldwell New Zealand Formula First championship, stamped his authority on his challenge for the 2011/12 title with two race wins and a second overall - claiming the round by one point infront of Rowan Shepherd.

Shepherd, third in points, also had a decent run - taking his inaugural championship victory in the final race of the weekend. This, along with two second place finishes keeps Shepherd in the stakes for a Championship in his rookie year.

Meanwhile, championship leader Matt Higham would keep a consistent pace throughout the weekend. From qualifying 0.02 off pole without drafting, to his two third place finishes, Higham would cap it off with second place finish in race three.

With only four days before the Weldwell NZ Formula First circus heads to HamptonDowns for the NZ Motor Cup weekend, the pressure to perform is greater than ever for the championship contenders.

With the Toyota Racing series headlining the event, be sure to check out two days of action this weekend at Hampton Downs Motorsport park.