New South Wales F2 round two summary

2002 New South Wales Formula 2 Championship
Round 2 Wakefield Park April 20 - 21.

Ted Dunford came into the second round of the State Championship as a clear favourite to take the spoils in his Reynard 903. As it happened he didn't have it all his own way, with Craig Dawson and John Muddle taking it up to him. A smallish field of 8 cars showed up to Wakefield, but it was quality not quantity for the spectators.

Qualifying was 15 minutes in very cold conditions. Getting heat into the tyres for a flying lap seemed to be the problem for all competitors. Nigel Clark was making his debut in Terry Robertson's Cheetah Mk 7 and it was a welcome back to Fred Baudzus and Rod Swadling. Dunford and Dawson battled for top spot with both Reynards getting into the 1m03's. But Dunford did enough for pole at 1m03.0841. Dawson was content with third ahead of Muddle and Robertson's Sirch. Robertson had brake trouble witch would eventually see him miss the three races. Fifth was round one winner Brian Burman, with Swadling sixth and Baudzus seventh. Nigel Clark was eighth in his first run.

Race 1 on Saturday afternoon saw Dunford make a terrible start and Dawson took the lead. Everyone got away well. Dunford eventually fought his way up to second, but Dawson was long gone in the 5-lap dash. John Muddle settled with third, ahead of Burman and Fred Baudzus. Nigel Clark was sixth with Rod Swadling failing to finish. Dunford set the quickest lap of 1m02.3919.

Race 2 on Sunday morning bought more of the same cold weather, but a distance of 12 laps made getting heat in the tyres by lap 11 at least a possibility. Dunford got off the line well this time and held of Dawson and Muddle into turn one. Dunford eventually cleared out and lead home Dawson by nine seconds. Muddle came home third followed by Burman, Baudzus and Clark. Swadling again failed to finish. Dunford again posting the fastest lap of 1m02.4010.

A depleted field of five greeted the flag for race 3 on Sunday afternoon. Dunford again was the class of the field posting his second race win ahead of Dawson. Muddle came home third ahead of Baudzus and Clark. Burman had clutch problems, Robertson with brakes after qualifying and Swadling scrumming to problems in race 1 & 2. Dunford again the quickest race lap of 1m02.0615.

So a cold weekend at Wakefield has opened the Championship up. Dunford making up for his poor start at Eastern Creek and Burman's consistency sees him near the top as well. But its Craig Dawson who leads them into Oran Park as the Championship leader. See you on the grid.

-nswf2c/ks-