He has led races, scored pole positions, proven a tough rival at every turn of a race, recorded fastest laps and attacked in bold overtaking moves across the opening three rounds of the 2015 Toyota Racing Series. Now BRDC Rising Stars programme driver Sam MacLeod inscribes his name on the oldest trophy in New Zealand motor racing. He joins Graham Hill, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren - giants of the sport who have won the NZ Motor Cup in its 83 year history.
Scottish-born racer MacLeod won the 20-lap TRS feature race today at Hampton Downs, sprinting away from the field in a dominant performance on a wet but drying track. In the closing laps of the feature race he even lapped slower cars.
Though the race began on a track with as many wet areas as dry, all but four drivers started on slick tyres, choosing to gamble that no rain would fall. Their decision, taken in consultation with their teams, would prove correct, leaving the drivers who started on wet tyres struggling to grip and pace.
Pole man Brandon Maisano was unable to hold off MacLeod, who has a knack of attacking from the green flag and has been fearless in the first and second corners at Hampton Downs.
MacLeod took the early lead as behind him drivers found their slicks unable to hold a line on the wet areas of turn one. Jamie Conroy and Stefan Riener were among those who found themselves on the grass, but were able to regain the track and continue.
