Munro Heads For Uncharted Territory

MEDIA RELEASE
29 JANUARY 2013

Munro Heads For Uncharted Territory

Young Christchurch driver James Munro heads into uncharted territory this weekend when he contests Round 3 of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship at Hampton Downs in the Waikato.

Munro, who is the least experienced driver on the Formula Ford grid this season, has never raced at the circuit before. "I have watched the Toyota Racing Series competing there on television and I have viewed footage on You Tube. I saw the place when it was being built but that is all," the recently turned sixteen-year-old says. Munro will get some time on the track on Thursday as part of a rookie test session but it will be a very short introduction to the circuit. "The test will be useful but it will still be tough this weekend."

While learning a totally new circuit will be an added challenge Munro has already made a big impression. He has qualified on pole position at both the opening rounds and he has won three of the six races. Championship leader Brendon Leitch has won two and fellow Cantabrian Michael Collins the other. Munro currently lies third in the championship, a non finish due to a mechanical problem after leading the first race at Timaru proving costly to his points tally. Nevertheless he has made his presence felt in his rookie season. "I want to get some more wins, be consistent and not do anything stupid," says the newcomer who has achieved his success without any sponsorship.

While James has been in fine form on the race track during January he has recently marked another milestone. After notching up two of his three race wins on his sixteenth burthday just over a week ago the following day he sat his drivers licence, passing with flying colours. He can now drive on the country's roads as well as on it's motor racing circuits.

CALENDAR -- 2013 NZ FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1: 12-13 January 2013 - Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 2: 19-20 January 2013 - Timaru International Motor Raceway, Levels, Timaru
Round 3: 2-3 February 2013 - Hampton Downs, Waikato
Round 4: 9-10 February 2013 - Manfeild Park, Feilding
Round 5: 9-10 March 2013 - Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo

Christchurch driver James Munro leads the field in his Mygale during the opening race of Round 2 of the NZ Formula Ford Championship at Timaru International Motor Raceway at Levels near Timaru recently - photo credit Euan Cameron.

ENDS

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