Aussies dominate US Formula 4 opener

Nicholas Stati fulfilled AGI Sport’s American dream at the first time of asking, winning their first Formula 4 United States Championship race, while Daniel Quimby gave Australia even more success.

Stati took victory on debut in the Kiwi Crosslink Motorsport AGI Sport machine at Road America.

He was followed home by fellow Aussie Daniel Quimby by a commanding 10s, but the latter’s time in the spotlight was to come.

Quimby gave Australian fans even more reasons to cheer as he won Race 2.

The Sydney sider dominated Race 2, winning by 8s with Stati in third and coming away with the US Formula 4 championship lead.

It was an all Australian front row with Stati taking pole with a 2:13.488, being two tenths clear of Quimby, who edged out Kiwi Alex Crosbie.

The opening race was an all green affair with Stati charging into the distance from the rolling start.

It proved to be a perfect drive for the Aussie as he gave AGI Sport a first win since it joined Kiwi Crosslink Motorsport.

“It was a great race,” Stati said. 

“I’d like to thank the Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport AGI Sport team for the awesome car. I controlled the race from the beginning—the car was great, and I was able to maintain the lead with a stable gap. 

Nicholas Stati and the AGI Sport Kiwi Crosslink car in victory lane.

“I really like this Ligier JS F422 car. It’s more stable to drive and easier to maintain quick lap times than some of the other cars I’ve driven in championships around the world. 

“The engine sounds really cool. It’s just a lovely car to drive.”

The start of Race 2 was an exciting affair with the Aussies Stati and Quimby, plus Connor Roberts going three wide into Turn 1.

Quimby managed to win the race and hit the lead but he still had to fend off many challenges to retain it.

Stati remained tight on his rear wing and was just two tenths behind when the race reached halfway, while Roberts was 4s back.

However, Roberts had strong late race pace and made it a three-way fight for victory.

Roberts and Stati ran side by side from Turns 1 to 12 where the Aussie ran wide, allowing the American to snatch second.

This battle allowed Quimby to cruise to a 7.9s win and he was delighted.

“Yeah, it was a tough battle with Nicolas,” said Quimby. 

Daniel Quimby celebrates victory.

“We managed to hold him off. I’d like to say thanks to my Atlantic Racing Team. 

“We worked hard last night trying to put a new floor on after a Turn 1 incident yesterday. I’d like to thank all my sponsors: Motorhome Republic, FIJI Airways, Cruise America. Thanks to the guys for the good race.”

An Aussie hat-trick was denied by Pablo Benites Jr, but only just.

Stati and Quimby were both involved in a fierce five-car fight for victory.

Quimby unfortunately had to drop out of contention with a gear-shifting problem, but Stati pressed on and took the white flag in P1.

But Benites Jr. had the preferred line racing through Turn 5 and Stati went wide, sacrificing the win.

The AGI Sport driver dropped to third in the race, but did enough to emerge from an exciting opening round with the championship lead.

Round 2 is Mid Ohio on June 20-23.

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