Invercargill racing driver Alex Crosbie achieved a significant milestone by securing his first podium finish in America during the second round of the F4 US Championship at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio over the weekend.
Crosbie’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges, starting with his initial experience of the circuit which he found to be tricky due to its elevation changes and blind corners. However, he quickly adapted and showed improvement, ending the second practice session as the second-fastest driver, just .146 off the fastest time.
During qualifying on Saturday, Crosbie posted the third-fastest time, although he believed he could have done better. A radio issue forced him to return to the pits with five minutes to go, ultimately costing him a higher grid position. Despite this setback, Crosbie maintained a positive attitude and focused on the upcoming race.
The start of race one was marred by confusion as the front row starters lined up on the wrong side of the grid, affecting Crosbie’s initial position. However, he showcased his racing skills by maneuvering through the field and eventually securing third place after a series of on-track incidents involving other drivers.
Race two on Sunday was canceled due to inclement weather, setting the stage for the final race where Crosbie began in third place. Despite challenging track conditions and tire wear, Crosbie maintained a competitive pace and battled with fellow drivers throughout the race. Ultimately, he crossed the finish line in fourth place, reflecting on the valuable learning experience gained over the weekend.
Looking ahead, Crosbie expressed his determination to continue improving and learning as he prepares for the next round of the championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park in July. Supported by Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport and Golden Homes in the Southern Lakes, Crosbie remains grateful for the unwavering support of his parents in pursuing his racing dreams.
As Crosbie reflects on his achievements and setbacks at Mid-Ohio, he remains focused on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in his racing career. With a podium finish under his belt, Crosbie is poised to build on this success and make a lasting impact in the competitive world of motorsport.