A fourth-generation Timaru racing driver is off to winning ways after returning to compete in the Mazda Pro8 New Zealand Championship.
After finishing runner-up in the Toyota TR86 Trophy Series in July this year, Corban Sprague decided to hop back in his Mazda and is already showing he may be the man to beat after a dominant opening round performance.
Held at his home track, Levels Raceway, Sprague threw down the gauntlet early and finished top of the pile in qualifying with a rapid time of 1min 07.559sec.
The grid for the first two races of the round were decided by a marble draw and saw Sprague start race one from 14th place.
He would go on to finish the race in seventh.
In race two and three, Sprague started from fourth and second respectively and would go on to win them both.
He was pleased with his start to the series.
‘‘It was really positive, a lot better than our first round last year with two DNFs.
‘‘It’s good to start the season on a strong high, get a couple of race wins and to come out leading the championship is also a bonus.
‘‘Everyone in the field seems to have stepped it up this year, so that was sort of keeping me and everyone else on their feet a bit more, which is great.’’
It still was not a perfect performance though, he said.
‘‘There’s definitely a few more things I need to work on for the next round. I made a few mistakes, just little ones, like missed gear changes and little bits and pieces like that.
‘‘I think overall, I felt pretty comfortable in the car but I’ll still be looking for a bit more speed going into the next round for sure.’’
Sprague also recorded the fastest race lap of the round with a 1min 08.4sec. He said consistency would be key.
‘‘The car was going really well, so I’ve just got to keep myself consistent in the car and keep collecting points.
‘‘We treat each new round as a reset and hopefully we can keep this form rolling.’’
He was very thankful to his sponsors and supporters for their continued support.
Round two of the championship will take place at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell on November 22.
