Oli Wickham seizes victory in opening Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship race at Queensland Raceway

A dramatic opening lap incident failed to derail Oli Wickham’s quest for victory in the opening Yokohama Tyre Australian Formula Ford Championship race at Queensland Raceway.

Wickham took his fourth win for the season in a chaotic opener at Queensland Raceway as title rivals Seth Burchartz and Isaac Demellweek rounded out the podium.

Starting from pole, Wickham won the rolling start to lead through the opening corners from Will Lowing and a chasing pack.

After a season best qualifying performance, Jett Leicester’s race ended early following a collision with Lowing at Turn 3.

Leicester went straight on at Turn 1 and jinxed to the inside to avoid the field, but struck the unlucky Lowing. As a result, both cars entered the sand trap and Leicester rolled.

The two drivers emerged under their own steam after the incident as the red flag was displayed to signify a race stoppage.

Following the stoppage, the race restarted and it was Wickham leading the way, while a frantic battle for the minors took place.

In the end, a last corner lunge by Burchartz was successful to demote Demellweek to third ahead of Jamie Rowe.

Hunter Salvatore set the fastest lap on the way to fifth ahead of Lachie Mineeff, Xavier Henderson, Brad James, Kaleb Belak and Sam March, who charged inside the top 10.

Race 2 for the Yokohama Tyre AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship is set to commence at 3:25pm AEST.