Two Americans on the Podium in New Zealand Grand Prix

Jan 6, 2002
Invercargill, New Zealand – Young Americans Bryan Sellers and A.J. Allmendinger made a sensational start to their international racing careers by finishing second and third in today’s New Zealand Grand Prix at Teretonga Park.
“It was a very exciting day,” said Sellers, 19, from Centerville, Ohio, after taking the checkered flag just over three seconds adrift of runaway Talley’s New Zealand Formula Ford Championship leader Fabian Coulthard. “There was a good crowd, a great atmosphere and the race went really well for me. I’m a bit sticky from spraying all the champagne, but that’s alright. It was a good start to our campaign over here.”

This was the first time in the history of the New Zealand Grand Prix, which dates back to 1950, that the event had been held for Formula Ford cars. It turned out to be a roaring success. A huge field of 37 entries ensured some spectacular action, and while Coulthard and Sellers managed to edge clear of the main pack, Allmendinger delighted the crowd with a thrilling charge before clinching the final podium position.

“My race was a little more eventful [than Sellers’],” said the 20-year-old from Hollister, Calif. “I lost a few places at the start and I had to make some passes. It was pretty intense out there.”

Allmendinger completed the first lap in sixth place, after starting fifth, but soon worked his way up to fourth before embarking on a thrilling tussle with local driver Nick Ross. The pair exchanged places several times before Allmendinger made a gutsy pass around the outside line into Turn One. After making slight contact, Allmendinger emerged in third, while Ross spun out.

The event was fought over a total of 36 laps, with a brief interruption while the cars were refueled at half-distance. When the race was restarted behind a pace car, two lapped cars were between Sellers and Allmendinger, which effectively thwarted Allmendinger’s hopes of mounting a challenge on his teammate.

Unofficial results after 36 laps: 1. Fabian Coulthard (NZ), Van Diemen, 59m 07.562s; 2. Bryan Sellers (USA), Van Diemen, 59m 11.238s; 3. A.J. Allmendinger (USA), Van Diemen, 59m16.403s; 4. Kenny Smith (NZ), Van Diemen/Stealth, 59m 18.821s; 5. Simon Richards (NZ), Van Diemen, 59m 24.203s; 6. Nelson Hartley (NZ), Van Diemen, 59m 24.097s; etc.

The championship continues next weekend with two races at Levels Raceway in Timaru, New Zealand.