Boardman Becomes 2005 North West Formula Ford Champion in Rookie Year!
04-10-2005
Three Sisters Race Circuit Fleet Manager Ian Boardman maintained his customary cool this weekend to clinch the North West Formula ford Championship with a brilliant pair of wins at Croft Race Circuit in Yorkshire.
Neil, in his first competitive years racing since 2001 and first year in cars on ‘real’ circuits has an enviable record having finished on the podium in every race he has entered.
His season started with a well deserved 3 rd in his first ever race at Oulton Park on 23 rd March. He maintained his place on the podium for the next few races before taking his first win at Anglesey on 25 th June. His success continued right down to the wire with the season finale header round at Croft.
‘I was trailing my team mate, and by now good friend, Jonny Lang by 3 points going into the meeting, I felt I had a mountain to climb to win the championship, especially given Jonnys pace in the test the week before.’ Explained Neil. ‘The fact that I had blown an engine in the test before meant I had little chance to learn the track properly. Luckily my other team mate Neil Patten was good enough to share his car with me so I could get some laps in to learn the track better. I was therefore pretty chuffed to qualify on pole position for Saturdays race with Jonny on the second row.’
Neil drove the first race superbly and cleanly, after a race long battle with Jonny the race was won by less than a second, Neil took fastest lap, created a new lap record, and more importantly, gained a crucial one point lead in the championship with the final race of the season the following day.
Sundays race started in the positions finished on Saturday so it would be a straight fight for the championship between Neil and Jonny with the ‘winner taking all’. Neil got a good start but was passed bravely by Jonny later round the lap, Jonny led for the first handful of laps with Neil right on his gearbox. Midway through the race Jonny hesitated passing a back marker and Neil seized the opportunity to take the lead which he held under great pressure from Jonny to the end. Again there was less than a second between them. Neil became a very worthy Champion as he crossed the finishing line.
Season stats:
- 10 podiums in first 10 races
- 4 pole positions
- 3 wins
- 3 fastest laps
- 1 lap record
- Class B champion
- Overall post 89 champion
Neil has been supported throughout the year by his main sponsor Aztec Systems. Colin Bennett, Aztec boss is delighted with his investment ‘Neil has been the consummate professional and is a great Ambassador for Aztec. I knew Neil had talent, but his performance has been stunning, we are all very proud of him.’
Like Colin, Three Sisters Race Circuit are equally proud of Neil, his consistent performance has been outstanding, and his triumph is very well deserved, we are delighted for him.
Neil will be racing in 2006, to discuss partnership/association opportunities, please contact Peter Barnes on:
01942-270230 // [email protected]