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Joey Foster wins second Formula Ford Festival title at Brands Hatch

Joey Foster scored his second Formula Ford Festival victory at Brands Hatch on Sunday - 14 years after first lifting the title.

The Cornishman, 35, won every race he started at the weekend, beating Irishman Keith Donegan to the flag in the final by just 0.107s.

Foster, who last won the prestigious event in 2003, started the final from second but pulled a stunning move on pole-sitter Neil Maclennan at Paddock Hill Bend to take the lead.

Foster chased by Maclennan in the final. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Foster chased by Maclennan in the final. Picture: Simon Hildrew

"It was a really tough race," Foster said.

"The only way to make a move at Paddock was around the outside, it was either the gravel or the lead, and it worked.

"I was pushed all the way."

Festival winner, Joey Foster. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Festival winner, Joey Foster. Picture: Simon Hildrew

Foster, who has previously competed in the Australian Formula 3 Championship and Le Mans Series, says his second win means more than his first.

"The aim was to win it for my team," the Don Hardman-run Ray driver said.

"They gave me my first drive and my first victory, so I would say this one is sweeter.

"It was great to do it for them."

"The aim was to win it for my team..." - Joey Foster

Two pre-event favourites were forced out of contention on Saturday when national champion Luke Williams retired with throttle cable failure and Jake Byrne crashed heavily at Clearways while leading his heat.

Foster enjoyed better luck to beat Maclennan in his heat, and led Matthew Cowley home in the semi final on Sunday to earn second on the grid for the final.

Donegan, who climbed from sixth to second behind Foster in the final, showed strong pace throughout the weekend in his Van Diemen.

"I would have loved to have come away with the win, but second is really good," the former Ginetta Junior star said.

Darren Burke, from West Kingsdown, finished seventh in the final. Picture: Simon Hildrew
Darren Burke, from West Kingsdown, finished seventh in the final. Picture: Simon Hildrew

"I was up against really good competition but the car was great - I couldn't have asked for better.

"I went from seventh to second earlier in the weekend and it was good to do that again."

Maclennan finished third ahead of Josh Smith, Chris Middlehurst and Cowley, who lost ground after a trip through the gravel at Paddock.

The event - which entered its 46th year at the weekend - celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Formula Ford category.

Formula Fords will return to Brands Hatch on Saturday when the Champion of Brands series holds two races. Tickets cost £15. Visit www.brandshatch.co.uk for details.

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