Team USA Drivers Ready To Go For Ruapuna Finale

Jan 23, 2004
Christchurch, New Zealand –– Team USA Scholarship drivers Charlie Kimball, 18, from Camarillo, Calif., and Ryan Millen, 19, from Newport Beach, Calif., are entering this weekend’s final round of the Talley’s International Formula Ford Challenge Series at Ruapuna Park Raceway in a confident frame of mind.
Cheered on by Floridian teammate Joe D’Agostino, who continues to make good progress after suffering a broken left arm when he crashed heavily during last Sunday’s New Zealand Grand Prix at Teretonga Raceway, Invercargill, both Kimball and Millen were among the fastest contenders during testing today.

“The test went great,” said Millen, whose car showed no ill effects after being involved in the same high-speed crash that put paid to D’Agostino’s aspirations. “We have a good setup for hot and cool conditions, so we should be in good shape. It was really hot this afternoon and the track was slippery, but we were right down in the low 1m 30s, which is a good time here.”

Millen has an excellent record at Ruapuna, having won three times on the technical, 2.14-mile (3.44 kms) track last year en route to winning the New Zealand South Island Formula Ford (Regional) Championship.

“I’m stoked,” added Kimball, who currently stands fifth in the points table. “This whole experience in New Zealand has been fantastic. I’ve learned so much while I’ve been here, and the car feels really good. I’m ready to go out and win some races.”

The event, which forms part of the historic Lady Wigram Trophy weekend, will comprise three races (not two as previously anticipated). Saturday’s schedule includes a pair of qualifying sessions that will establish the grids for the first two races. Race One, to be held over 10 laps, will take place on Saturday evening. Race Two will follow on Sunday afternoon for 12 laps. Grid positions for the 18-lap finale will be established according to championship positions at that time.

The seven-race International series boasts a host of prizes, including test drives in a Barber Dodge Pro Series car, a Star Mazda car and a Formula Ford 2000 Zetec Van Diemen, plus a free race weekend in the SCCA Formula Russell Championship Presented by Yokohama. All the prize rides will take place in the United States. The series is currently led by Tim Edgell, who holds a nine-point edge, 92 to 83, over fellow New Zealander Chris Pither. Kenny Smith stands third in the standings on 75 markers but has elected not to contest the final rounds. Local hot-shoe Andy Knight is fourth with 73 points, while Kimball leads the American challenge on 56. With 30 points on offer for each race win, plus bonus points available for pole and fastest lap in each race, the series is still wide open.