FORD SAYS: Team Ford Racing shone at this weekend’s Bridgestone Production Car race in East London. The Nando’s sponsored Focus STs of Gary Formato and Shaun Duminy proved to the stars in the class T field with Formato taking the overall winner’s trophy for the day.
Shaun Duminy kicked off the weekend in impressive fashion taking pole position in the mornings qualifying session. Formato followed suit, lining up second on the grid for the opening heat.
“The car was just perfect this weekend,” said Duminy. “The team did a great job rebuilding the Focus that was damaged at 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.
The next round of the Bridgestone Production Car Championship will take place at Kyalami Grand Prix circuit on 27 June.