New Zealand motorsport’s open wheel proving ground will again fire into life with the first round of the 2014/15 Vortex Racewear Formula First Championship at Taupo this weekend.

The 21-car grid is headlined by the return of multiple National Champion Michael Shepherd, back for another title shot in the two-time defending champion car, driven formerly by younger brother Rowan Shepherd.

Shepherd won’t have it easy though, with established young stars including Ryan Hellier, Brody McConkey, Chris Symon and Bramwell King all signalling their intention to knock the Formula First icon off his throne.

Also showing strong pace in pre-season testing were Jacob Smith and Arran Crighton, of Auckland.

The latest Speedsport Scholarship winner Brooke Reeve has adapted quickly to his Sabre Formula First, with an impressive Manfeild Winter Series debut.

Also debuting in the Winter Series and the focus of much attention was female debutant Amy Smith in the ex-Taylor Cockerton Scorpion chassis. Former Formula First aces Christina Orr and Debbie Lester are a testament to being able to get one over the boys; a reputation which Amy hopes to emulate.

Much interest also surrounds the beautifully built new car from former series Champion and Challenge Vee chassis builder, Taupo’s Craig Greenwood.

Time and again, Formula First has proven an unrivalled development formula for budding young drivers, and some old. The list of successful graduates from the 1200cc, VW-powered open wheelers reads like a ‘who’s who’ of New Zealand motor racing.

Drivers including Scott Dixon, Brendon Hartley, Shane van Gisbergen, Mitch Evans, Richie Stanaway, Jono Lester, Nick Cassidy and countless others have come through Formula First, and are now competing at an international level.

Following in their footsteps are recent graduates including Taylor Cockerton (Formula Ford) and Corey Holmes (Toyota 86) who are impressing in upper level formula.

Vortex Racewear’s Lester family have a long association with Formula First with three generations of the family competing in the class. The Pukekohe-based racewear Company is back as the series’ naming rights sponsor for a second season in 2014/15.

“We are once again pleased to back Formula First and watch its drivers develop and thrive in open wheel racing’s true proving ground,” said Vortex Racewear Director Jono Lester.

“The return of the Michael’s [Shepherd] wise old head mixed with the enthusiasm of the young up and comers is sure to make for another brilliant season of action.

“We’re really encouraged to see a grid of over 20 cars for round one this weekend.”

The Labour Weekend season opener is the first of an eight round calendar that sees the series visit Pukekohe, Hampton Downs, Taupo and Manfeild, running through to Easter of 2015.

Launched in 2010 by the Lester family, Vortex Racewear supplies the market with a large range of FIA, SFI and Snell rated products including helmets, multi-layer race suits, boots, gloves, underwear, teamwear and accessories.

Vortex Racewear can be browsed and purchased securely online at www.vortexracewear.com or by visiting their dedicated premises in Pukekohe, south of Auckland.

More details about Formula First can be found at www.formulafirst.co.nz or by following ‘Vortex Racewear Formula First Championship’ on Facebook or @formulafirstnz on Twitter. Join the conversation using the hashtag #formulafirstnz on social media platforms.