Formula First marks five years of Hi-Q Components sponsorship

Hi-Q Components NZ Formula First Championship

The Hi-Q Components NZ Formula First Championship is set for another season of close and exciting racing when it kicks off this weekend at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon.

In its 52nd year of racing, the class celebrates another milestone with the confirmation of naming right sponsor, Hi-Q Components, coming on-board of their fifth consecutive season. Hi-Q Components, distributors of plastic and electrical components, have helped support a class who has nurtured the likes of international stars Liam Lawson and Conrad Clark during their time as a sponsor.

“We’re really proud to continue our relationship with Hi-Q Components,” said Ian Foster, President of FVANZ.

“The class is lucky to have such great support from Richard and his team, they enable us to give so much back to our competitors.”

Thanks to the support of CMS Ltd, Formula First TV returns in an improved format. A Friday preview will be broadcasted on location with video updates going live through-out the weekend.

This season another fresh crop of rookies racers will line up against the experienced campaigners the class has come to produce. Six rookies will face off for the rookie of the year honours while reigning champion Reece Hendl-Cox, 19, of Whakatane, returns to defend his title over eager Palmerston North school teacher, Chris Symon, 28. Both Hendl-Cox and Symon will swap their traditional race numbers to one and two respectively, reflecting their finishing positions in last season’s standings.

The championship will be contested over an eight-round calendar again, starting this weekend at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon before heading north to Pukekohe Park on November 8-10. The third round takes place three weeks later on November 29-1 December at Pukekohe Park again before the Christmas break.

January 10-12 sees the class’ sole visit to Bruce McLaren Motorsport in Taupō for round four.

Hampton Downs makes its entrance to the calendar on January 31-2 February for round five, part of a SpeedWorks Events double-header. The class then joins the revamped NZ Motor Cup event at its new location, Pukekohe Park, a week later on February 7-9 before taking a break.

The penultimate round of the season sees competitors head back down to Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon on February 29-1 March before the finale at Hampton Downs on March 27-29.