Albury local, and former Griffith Kart Club member Eli Patten was crowned 2026 NSW Formula Ford 1600 Champion last weekend at One Raceway, Goulburn.

With the amazing support from a Narrandera Based business, Australian Refrigeration Services, along with a range of sponsors spread through the region, the 17.5 year old was able to compete in the four round series.

In his rookie year in Formula Ford Eli managed a clean sweep of all 12 races in the four round NSW championship securing the championship on the penultimate race on Sunday morning of the last round at One Raceway.

A year of action packed racing, continuing improvement, lap records and a spin at 210km per hour was all part of the season.

“Under guidance from the incredible team at Anglo Racing Academy since his 14th birthday, Eli’s achievements and progression this year are beyond expectation,” stated team leader Tim Beale.

The success on track also witnesses Eli winning the John Smith Perpetual Trophy, a highly sought after racing award. The award for the most points in the season outright, across the three classes on track.

Eli had a great year, pushed very hard to be first on the road by Will Liston in a Listec race cars historic Formula Ford and Jason Liddell in his Duratec Van Deimen.

The entire championship saw a squabble between the three to be “first past the post” and it was great to watch.

The team have eyes on the Nationals now, later this year, but Eli’s HSC commitments come first.