Brendon Leitch of Invercargill, New Zealand, had plenty to learn during his Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway April 8-9. The promoter test day held on Friday was the first experience the young Kiwi had behind the F4 U.S. wheel.
As the weekend progressed, Leitch, 21, started showing strong pace, scoring a triple round of 12th place finishes in the F4 U.S. season kick-off.
“For a start on Friday’s first practice, we had to run the gearbox in and make sure the car was good to push,” said Leitch. “From there, the team and I just made our way through the steps, improving all the time before qualifying at Saturday. The majority of the front runners in this field are quite quick and good to race against. The Homestead-Miami road course is very exciting as it is includes the main oval. The ovals allow for good speeds and lots of opportunity to pass!”
By the practice session on Saturday morning, Kiwi Motorsport was constantly improving the car, trying to find the perfect set-up for the legendary Roval banks.
The New Zealander qualified 13th during the 30-minute qualifying session, but not without damaging two tires, leaving him with just one full set for the rest the race weekend. Under FIA cost-controlled regulations, F4 U.S. competitors are issued eight Pirelli PZero tries to manage throughout qualifying and the three-race event.
Penalties imposed on two faster qualifiers moved Leitch forward in the starting grid.
“Race 1 and 2 were bit of a struggle,” said the No. 86 pilot. “We lacked some straight-line speed and, with the full course cautions, I was just pleased to be able to battle with drivers around me.”
Despite some early setbacks, Leitch set the third quickest lap time in Race 2, which allowed him to start in the front row after pre-season testing penalties were imposed on Cape Motorsports driver Kyle Kirkwood of Jupiter, Florida.
Leitch pulled away from the field, but after three laps the tire wear from previous sessions became apparent.
“I think overall we will have some very impressive pace heading into the next round at Indy,” said Leitch. “I’m very excited about the potential. To have been to Indy previously will also help. There was a bit to get used to with the way the races were run, especially the full course cautions instead of safety car periods or red flags, as there was a few in each race which certainly compresses the field.”
Before Leitch travels to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June for Event 2, he will test in Dallas to continue to break in the gearbox and gain more experience behind the wheel.
More information on Leitch is available on BrendonLeitch.co.nz, including details of the Brendon Leitch Supporters’ Club, or follow Leitch him on Facebook.
