Ajax racer Kelly MacPhaden tweaked the attention of onlookers with her awesome debut in a 2.0L Formula Ford Zetec

Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs
Ontario Regional Racing
Formula F1rst
Driver: Kelly MacPhaden #144
 

Ajax racer Kelly MacPhaden tweaked the attention of onlookers with her awesome debut in a 2.0L Formula Ford Zetec at Shannonville Motorsports Park. The Formula F1rst racer was presented the opportunity by Greg Beresford of Beresford Box Co., to test his Formula Ford race car on the regional test day. MacPhaden, who has never driven a race car of this magnitude, mentally and physically prepared for the challenge prior to her test day. For the first time at Shannonville this year, the Ajax woman piloted the winged race car equipped with slick tires around the track like a natural.

Kelly’s rapid adjustment to the high powered car was reflected in only a few sessions where she displayed progressively quicker lap times comparable to more experienced 2.0 L racers. MacPhaden states, “Driving that car is a very humbling experience. I couldn’t believe the amount of grip in the slick tires and how hard I could push the car. I was really impressed with the responsiveness, that car is fast and twitchy where one little mistake can put you off in the grass. I would like to thank Greg Beresford for that eye opening experience.”

On Saturday Kelly jumped back into her FF1rst car and set the best lap time for the weekend. Her success in the winged car carried over onto Saturday’s afternoon’s race where she finished in 1st place. For the second racing event, MacPhaden continued to dominate Sunday morning and took the checkered flag finishing in 1st place.

On Sunday afternoon, Kelly fought hard with FF1rst veteran driver Guy Bellingham of England. Dog fighting for first and second place positions throughout the race, Kelly lost control in attempt to pass Bellingham allowing him to gain a 13 second lead. After 6 laps MacPhaden continued to charge and made a tremendous come back and was once again nose to tail with Bellingham. On the last lap Kelly’s car was tagged by the rear marker as she passed rookie Dominic Lebreton on the outside corner before the front straight. Kelly was knocked out of the race however was able to maintain a second place finish.

“I really worked hard this weekend. It was nice to see that after the race I was thanked and noticed for my efforts. It was unfortunate that I was taken out of race after an amazing come back so unexpectedly. I would like to thank my team partners Alcom Enterprises Inc.-An approved agent of Telus mobility, Aura Bar and Lounge, Guardsman Security Service Inc., World car auto service, Signman and JPM refinishing for putting me behind the wheel.”