No Fear racer Nick Percat gave himself the best possible birthday present today when he wrapped up the 2009 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this morning.
Percat, who turns 21 on Monday, clinched the title with his race two victory, but was caught out by the slippery conditions in race three – ending the race for the first time this year off the podium and out of the points.
“It’s such a relief to finally secure the championship,” Percat said.
“We’ve worked really hard this year for this moment so it’s a great reward for the team … I learnt a lot after coming so close last year – just to drive smarter and the importance of consistently earning points.”
Percat thoroughly deserved this year’s title, winning 12 of the 20 races on offer so far this season and secured three pole positions along the way.
“Sonic have really been fantastic this year and I don’t think I could have performed as well as I did in another car,” he added.
“The pressure’s off now so I’m looking forward to having some fun and really enjoying my driving when we head to the Gold Coast.”
After three years in a Formula Ford, Percat will now turn his attention to finding the funding necessary to launch an assault on the V8 Supercar Development Series.
Races two and three this morning were incident packed with several drivers falling victim to the rain affected circuit.
Minda Motorsport were the worst hit, with all three team members coming to grief in a high-speed incident at the treacherous turn one, along with Synergy’s Nick Simmons and Ryan Simpson.
Victorian Trent Harrison collected the Davies, Craig EWP “Hard Charger” Award after finishing race three in third place after starting the weekend back in 16th position.