FORD SAYS: Gary Formato is the 2009 Bridgestone Production Car Class T champion in his Ford Focus ST, the first track championship for Ford since Sarel van der Merwe in 1993. After a successful one-two finish in Cape Town at the penultimate round, Team Ford Racing and Formato had a slim one point cushion going into the final round at Kayalami on the weekend, which with a bit of motorsport luck, turned into a championship title.
It wasn’t without challenge, however, as the Highveld weather laid on intermittent showers throughout the day. Arch rival Graeme Nathan was in determined mood to steal the title away from Formato, the two having all to play for as one of many championships that were decided in dramatic fashion on the day.
“It has been a momentous title fight this year,” explained Formato. “We were one point adrift going to Cape Town, and one point ahead when we went to Kayalami this weekend. We knew we had no room for error, and fortunately we stayed out of trouble to win the title.”
The balance of power tipped in favour of Nathan after a dry Race One when the powerful GTi took the top step of the podium. But Nathan got tangled at the start of the wet second heat putting him out of the running on lap one. Formato capitalised to the fullest extent and took the race win and the title in the process for the Nando’s Ford Focus ST.
“Any championship is a team effort and this most rewarding one could not have been possible without the mammoth dedication of Team Ford Racing, the mechanics, Shaun (Duminy), the Ford management and, of course, Nando’s and Sasol,” said an elated Formato. Team mate Duminy played a supportive role throughout the season, recording excellent results in the process for the team’s Nando’s sponsored Ford Focus STs.
“Our home track treated us well this weekend and the results are just reward for the dedication displayed by the team the whole year,” continued Formato. “We made good progress throughout the year on the Ford Focus STs, gaining reliability and performance, and coupled with consistent results, the title is deservedly ours. We knew there was no room for complacency despite our strong finish to the season and the title is a very exciting and honourable reward.”
It wasn’t without challenge, however, as the Highveld weather laid on intermittent showers throughout the day. Arch rival Graeme Nathan was in determined mood to steal the title away from Formato, the two having all to play for as one of many championships that were decided in dramatic fashion on the day.
“It has been a momentous title fight this year,” explained Formato. “We were one point adrift going to Cape Town, and one point ahead when we went to Kayalami this weekend. We knew we had no room for error, and fortunately we stayed out of trouble to win the title.”
The balance of power tipped in favour of Nathan after a dry Race One when the powerful GTi took the top step of the podium. But Nathan got tangled at the start of the wet second heat putting him out of the running on lap one. Formato capitalised to the fullest extent and took the race win and the title in the process for the Nando’s Ford Focus ST.
“Any championship is a team effort and this most rewarding one could not have been possible without the mammoth dedication of Team Ford Racing, the mechanics, Shaun (Duminy), the Ford management and, of course, Nando’s and Sasol,” said an elated Formato. Team mate Duminy played a supportive role throughout the season, recording excellent results in the process for the team’s Nando’s sponsored Ford Focus STs.
“Our home track treated us well this weekend and the results are just reward for the dedication displayed by the team the whole year,” continued Formato. “We made good progress throughout the year on the Ford Focus STs, gaining reliability and performance, and coupled with consistent results, the title is deservedly ours. We knew there was no room for complacency despite our strong finish to the season and the title is a very exciting and honourable reward.”
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