Ming finishes second in final F1600 race

Guyana’s Calvin Ming copped a second place finish on Sunday when the Formula 1600 Series concluded with the 21^st and final race at the Virginia International Raceway.

With two fourth place finishes in the earlier round on Friday and Saturday, Ming was locked in a photo finish with championship winner Neil Verhagen, who had the benefit of drafting off the Guyanese heading to the final corner.

Verhagen, who took the win by .011 seconds from Ming, said, “It was about race strategy to put myself in the best position for the end of the race.”

Ming said after the race, “It was a good experience to finish on the podium again and a good way to end the season. I think the season overall for my first year in USA was really good; I learned a lot and I’m just looking forward to 2017.”

Overall, Ming ended in fourth position behind K-Hill drivers Verhagen and Peter Portante and his Team Pelfrey teammate Phillippe Denes.

“It was a good season with them, Team Pelfrey. They have helped me out so much with the coaching, the mechanics; I can’t give them enough thanks.

“The line-up of drivers this year everyone was so talented. We had a good set of drivers with us; everyone brought something different to the table so it was a good learning experience.”

Dwelling on the positives of competing at the championship, Ming said, “Originally, when we started the F1600, we did it so we can learn as much as we can going forward into the higher championships from next year, what I take away from next year is a lot of car control.

“What people know or may not know is that the F1600 don’t have any downforce with no wings so I’ll take away all like the car experience I’ve learnt here.”

Credit: Mings Products and Services, B.M. Soat, National Sports Commission, Buy Me Auto Sales and Coffee Bean Eatery

Photo credit: F1600 Series