Lachie Mineeff takes first Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship victory
Lachie Mineeff has become the fourth winner in the 2026 Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship after taking a thrilling victory at Queensland Raceway.
An intense race-long battle for the lead highlighted the opening race on Sunday, but Mineeff took the honours from sixth on the grid ahead of Seth Burchartz and Isaac Demellweek.
Pole-sitter Burchartz led the field for the opening three laps, while jostling behind resulted in Will Lowing at the head of a pack featuring Mineeff, Hunter Salvatore and Oli Wickham, who dropped to fifth off the start.
The Pace Car was required shortly after in response to Jett Leicester running wide exiting Turn 1, which damaged his suspension and caused him to spin into the sand trap.
During the Pace Car, Lowing was forced to pit and lost a lap elevating Burchartz back to the lead ahead of Mineeff, with Wickham third holding off Salvatore.
After a previous attempt to pass at Turn 3 barely failed, Mineeff the next lap took the lead at the same corner and defended from Burchartz successfully.
This kicked off an action packed lap, with Wickham being spun by Salvatore at Turn 6 and Burchartz getting airborne after contacting Mineeff.
Far from over was the race lead as Burchartz took it back exiting Turn 2, but behind Salvatore led Rowe, Demellweek and a charging Sam March from 10th.
On the penultimate there was plenty of action when Mineeff took the lead for good at Turn 3 and Demellweek locked up diving under Rowe at the final corner allowing Salvatore to slide through.
It was Mineeff scoring his maiden win ahead of Burchartz, Demellweek, Salvatore and Rowe held off March to complete the top five.
A stunning drive from Kaleb Belak sealed seventh ahead of Tabitha Ambrose, Will Hickey and Brad James.
Behind was a tale of woe featuring Wickham, Lowing, Leicester, Henderson and Rio Campbell.
The final race of the weekend is due to start at 3:40pm AEST live on SBS and Kayo Sports.
