Wright claims NSW Formula 500 title
BY JEM ANSHAW
With the 2021/2022 speedway season coming to an end recently, Kobi Wright has plenty to be happy about.
The Muswellbrook teen has taken out the NSW Formula 500 junior title.
“It’s pretty rewarding with the good season that we had,” he said, reflecting on the 12 nights they contested for the NSW title.
“We’ve got good setups everywhere, we’re fast everywhere, and we’re understanding the car more.
“It’s showing – we’re at the front every night and finishing there.”
This consistency came in part thanks to the crew who are around Kobi, allowing him to focus on driving and watching racing to understand track conditions and racing lines, while they take care of the car.
When asked if there were any particular races or events that stood out, night one of a double header in Tamworth at the start of the season came up.
Not able to get into clean air during the heats, Kobi started the feature in third and took advantage of mistakes made by the car in front prior to a yellow flag.
“There was a competitive car in front of us and I was just thinking that if the opportunity comes I’m going to go for it because there’s no point sitting back and waiting there,” he recalled.
“Off the restart he slid off a bit on turn one and I got under there and we pulled I think about an eight second lead from there.”
With a few months off now until the competition calendrer starts again in September Kobi’s car has been stripped down to be prepared for next season where his sister Abbie will join him on the track.
A new car and engine are on the way for Kobi who will race his last season as a junior.
The Wright Racing team also took out the best presented crew for the competition, a testament to the passion and dedication they have for their sport.
Kobi acknowledged the support from his family – parents Andrew and Hollie, grandparents Ray and Peg, sister Abbie and cousin Justin for their support during the season.
Others who have helped make his racing possible are family friend Moose, Matthew Symons and Dylan Willsher, as well as sponsors KOAB Industries, Complete Parts and Solutions, Scotty’s and Paint, Osbornes Transport and Eliminator Race Wings.
Other locals were also up there in the points, with Cooper Norman from Murrurundi coming third in the Junior F500 placings, and Kenny Norman from Denman placing third in the seniors.