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Debut at Levels Raceway
Thirteen-year-old Edendale driver Nixon Cripps excelled on his debut in the South Island Formula Ford Series over the weekend at Levels Raceway in Timaru.
Qualifying and Opening Race
Cripps began the meeting by qualifying fourth fastest on Saturday against several more experienced competitors, setting a lap time just .608 of a second off the fastest time of the session. In Saturday afternoon's opening race, the Edendale racer secured a third-place finish, crossing the line behind experienced Christchurch competitor Dylan Petch and Seb Eskandri, who was the runner-up in last year's New Zealand Championship.
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Sunday Podiums and Standings
Cripps continued his strong showing on Sunday, taking three second-place finishes behind Petch across the trio of races staged during the day. Following that run of four top-three results across the weekend, Cripps leaves the opening round holding second place in the overall series standings.
Upcoming Calendar Dates
The South Island Formula Ford Series next heads to Euromarque Motorsport Park at Ruapuna in Christchurch over the weekend of 27–29 November. Following that event, Round 3 is scheduled to take place at Cripps's home circuit, Teretonga Park in Invercargill, over the weekend of 5/6 December.
Transition Support and Championship Goals
Former New Zealand Formula Ford Champion Jordan Michels is assisting Cripps with his transition into car racing. Michels praised the young driver's performance, remarking that “it was an absolutely stellar debut from the young man” and that “it blew our expectations away really.” Michels explained that the focus has now turned to determining how they can win the overall championship, calling it a very nice position to be in.
Karting Background and Sponsors
Cripps brings national title-winning experience to the category as a former New Zealand kart champion who has twice represented New Zealand in Italy. Following his debut round at Levels Raceway, Cripps acknowledged the help of his parents, his grandparents, and Jordan Michels, alongside his group of sponsors: Leithfield Nursery, Haakman NZ Bulbs, Circa Marine & Industrial, OneForest/IFS Growth, Sign Solutions, and Evolution Motorsport.
