Leitch makes name for himself
Southland driver Brendon Leitch has thrust his name in front of everyone in the United States motorsport scene with a stunning performance in Ohio during the weekend.
Leitch is taking part in his first campaign in the United States, taking part in the US Formula 4 Championship as part of the Kiwi Motorsport team.
In the fourth round of the series at the weekend, he produced a remarkable showing to firstly win his first race competing overseas and then to go on to win the overall round in Ohio.
‘‘It’s been an unbelievable weekend,’’ he said reflecting on what he had achieved.
He started 8th on the grid in the first race on Saturday and thought his chances had been dashed when he was taken out and pushed back to 19th in the field. Bit by bit he climbed his way back up the field during the 30-minute race and with two laps to go he found himself in fifth place.
When he got to second place heavy rain started to fall, making for tricky conditions. The leader lost control while Leitch kept calm to hit the lead and claim the win.
‘‘It was the boy from Invercargill winning in the wet,’’ he joked about his many hours racing at Teretonga Park in the rain.
‘‘When I got taken out and was back at 19th I thought my weekend was probably over. I guess it is the old story, you should never give up.’’
The race meant Leitch joined a select group of New Zealanders to win a race at Ohio, which includes Scott Dixon.
Leitch also managed to find some bad luck in the second race. He started on pole but ended up doing a 360-degree spin in his car and was pushed back to 11th spot.
But again Leitch was able to weave his way through the field and ended up with a third-place finish.
In the third and final race of the weekend, the Southlander started at third on the grid and finished second to ensure he picked up the overall round win.
Leitch started the weekend in 16th place in the standings and is now fifth with three rounds still remaining.