YOUNG DRIVERS ACHIEVEMENTS REWARDED

A trio of drivers from the stepping stone to the elite in motorsport, the Vortex Racewear New Zealand Formula First championship, were recently invited to complete multiple sessions in the premier motorsport classes in NZ; the Toyota Racing Series & TR86 championship.

After eight rounds of frantic Vortex New Zealand Formula First racing, it would be the trio of 2013/14 Vortex Racewear Formula First champ, Rowan Shepherd, along with Cory Holmes and Taylor Cockerton – both runners up in the title chase – who would receive the privilege at the Hampton Downs Circuit. In unrelenting rain, the trio would not look out of place, impressing many including living legend Ken Smith.

Vortex Racewear Formula First champ, Rowan Shepherd would be the first to brave the adverse conditions on the 2.6 km Hampton Downs Circuit. “The first session was daunting in the rain due to everything being so different. Going from drum brakes to disc brakes was quite different and just the general power output was a change,” explained the two time Vortex Racewear New Zealand Formula First champ. “But in the last session of the day everything seemed to click into place in my head.”

Taylor Cockerton’s experience was somewhat similar; “To be honest, I felt right at home from the moment I sat in the car” said Cockerton. “I was under the illusion that they’d be a high-strung, irrepressible machine – especially in the wet, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth.” “I can’t thank Toyota New Zealand enough for the opportunity!”

Meanwhile, Waiuku’s Cory Holmes would spend the day in one of the premier single chassis saloon cars, the TR86. Although coming straight from the Vortex Racewear NZ Formula First series, Holmes never felt out of place in the 86. “A lot of what I’ve learnt in the New Zealand Formula First series does translate to the TR86” Holmes explained. “But even in the wet conditions, the biggest difference was under brakes and the corner speed, it was amazing.”

The 2013/14 Vortex Racewear Formula First season ends with the 37th Safety Step One Hour race at Manfeild Motorsport Park this Saturday, 10th of May. Be sure to check out the action live!

To find out more about the stepping stone to the elite, check out Facebook.com/NZFormulaFirst, or www.FormulaFirst.co.nz