Sonic Rookie takes Round 1 AFFS honours
By Timothy Neal
Date posted: 20 March 2023
Sonic Motor Racing’s Rookie Matt Hillyer has taken out the opening round of the Australian Formula Ford Series at Morgan Park.
Hillyer featured on the podium throughout the weekend, taking back-to-back wins on the Sunday, whilst CHE Racing’s Zak Lobko took out race 1 for his first AFFS win, after also taking a maiden pole position.
After claiming the Victorian title last season over national front runner, Jordan Sinni, Hillyer made an instant impact, qualifying in P2, before taking P2 in the opener.
Hillyer’s Sonic teammate, Jake Santalucia, also took the podium in Race 1 after qualifying in P3. He also scored a P4 in Race 2, before contact with Eddy Beswick took him out of action in the third.
Sonic’s Santalucia had a strong debit, qualifying in P3 and taking a podium
Hillyer was too good in Races 2 and 3, whilst Beswick and Lobko filled the podium in Race 2, whilst Lobko scored a P2 over another debutant, Xavier Kokai, in the finale.
“I’ve had never been to Morgan Park before, and it’s a good fun track,” said Hillyer.
“Practice gave me a chance to learn the track and I felt like I came up to speed pretty quickly.
“The weekend went pretty smooth. Everyone at Sonic has done really well to get me up to speed. They are a great bunch of people and nothing ever fails. It’s a great team to be.
Lobko started the year in style with a pole and a win in Race 1 of the 2023 AFFS season at Morgan Park
“After finishing second in Race 1, I went back and looked at it all, limited the mistakes and was able to drive away from the pack in Race 2.
“It was great to take the Race 3 win too and it sets me up for a good championship.”
The next round of the 2023 Australian Formula Ford Series will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 14-16, before Australia’s strongest emerging field heads to Tasmania in support of the Supercars.
For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
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