Ford continues the race to the top

By Jane Lee

PRETORIA - Team Ford Racing not only shone but also brought home the gold from the Bridgestone Production Car race in East London, with Gary Formato dominating the class T field with his Focus ST and taking the overall winner’s trophy for the day.

Formato has now bagged four wins from four races in his Ford Focus, showing that he is well in contention for the championship.

Team mate Shaun Duminy kicked off the weekend on June 6 in impressive fashion taking pole position in the morning’s qualifying session. Formato followed suit, lining up second on the grid for the opening heat.

“The car was just perfect,” said Duminy. “The team did a great job rebuilding the Focus that was damaged during the previous outing and both cars were on the pace and able to challenge for the leading positions.”

The Ford Team proved to be faultless in the opening heat with Formato piping Duminy to the post ahead of main championship rival Graeme Nathan who came in third. Formato also set the fastest lap of the heat on his way to the chequered flag.

Race 2 saw the grid reversed but once again Formato sliced through the field. A hard charge from the back of the grid saw Formato fight his way to the front of the field. Nathan took second place with Curt Alchin rounding out the top three.

“We had a really solid weekend. This event was a really important event for us as it marks a pivotal point in the championship. Even with maximum weight we were able to challenge at the front of the field and we now have a lot of confidence as we move to the next round,” explained Formato.

“Later this month we head back to Kyalami. Our aim will be to make up more ground in the championship. At East London, we were able to lock out the front of the grid and our strength as a team is what really shone through, so we’ll be hoping to repeat that next time out.” The next round of the Bridgestone Production Car Championship will take place at Kyalami Grand Prix circuit on June 27.