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Martin & Walsh Share Formula Ford Success At Sandown |
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John Martin and Ashley Walsh won a race apiece in today's Australian Formula Ford Championship round at Sandown (Melbourne).
Martin's day started well with a win in the first of three races that make up the round, though only after a tough battle with Tim Slade in the opening laps before the pole sitter went off the track and retired.
Nathan Caratti, Tim Blanchard and Dale Wood all pressured Martin with the lead swapping through the tight corners at the end of the long Sandown straights, as well as down the straights themselves with slip streaming becoming a strong factor in the race.
Blanchard was a big improver early after qualifying eighth and found himself running second at the race's end.
Samantha Reid was forced to retire as did Taz Douglas, who came to a stop on the main straight on debut in the national series.
But the action was up front and with Martin beginning to pull a small gap, Ashley Walsh made a move up the field and began to challenge for second place.
Up front it was Martin who extended his lead from Blanchard and Scott, who made huge ground from his qualifying position of 12th, who finished third.
Brad Lowe came in for a strong fourth and Wood recovered to finish fifth in front of Walsh and Sam Sewell.
Race Two was another eventful affair with Martin starting from pole position but he was quickly passed by Blanchard on the opening lap.
Still running strongly, series leader Martin's race was ended on lap five in an incident with Dale Wood, resulting in a full-course yellow-flag situation.
On the re-start, the field was headed by Walsh followed by Lowe and Scott, until Tim Slade's Dexion Racing entry sailed off the track at the end of the back straight.
The damaged Slade car brought out the red flag, forcing the end of the race.
The result was declared one lap prior to the incident with Slade awarded fourth place, while Walsh claimed the race victory.
"It feels great to get the race win," Ashley Walsh said.
"Now this sets me up with the chance to take my first round win, which would let me back in the championship hunt.
"I've had speed at other rounds but luck wasn't on my side, so it's good to have things go my way today."
Race one winner, John Martin had mixed feelings at the end of the day's racing.
"We started the weekend in the best possible way; the car was awesome," John Martin said.
"Our car was so fast and it's a shame to finish the way we did.
"I'll be starting from the back of the field in race three tomorrow. There are a fair few passing opportunities and we have 10 laps, so hopefully I can work through to the top five."
Martin's main series rival, Tim Slade also had a difficult day at the track, with the #3 car requiring overnight repairs prior to tomorrow's final race.
"The damage in race two was mainly just to the right-hand corner and bodywork and we will be able to get it fixed for the race tomorrow," Tim Slade said.
"The car had good speed and I got the fastest lap, so I was hoping to pass a couple more guys in race two.
"At least I'm not up the back of the grid for tomorrow; starting fourth will make it a bit easier for race three."
Enjoying his best result to date, Brad Lowe was delighted with his performance.
"I feel great, the car feels good and not much needs to be done to improve it," Brad Lowe said.
"It's still anybody's round so it will be great racing and hopefully I can do the job tomorrow."
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Last Updated ( Friday, 05 January 2007 )
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