Despite failing to finish the Bill Hempstead Memorial feature race last Saturday at Tamworth City Speedway in North Western NSW; Sprintcar star Ian ‘Wazza’ Loudoun made quite an impression during his Formula 500 debut where he drove for the Steve Caunt Racing team.

Steering the A.C.T # 9 Steve Caunt Racing owned and prepared Stallard; Loudoun was struck down by the misfortune of a mechanical issue during the running of the feature race and recorded a DNF which robbed him of a possible podium finish.

“I was running pretty strongly during the feature race in third place and I felt pretty comfortable but then the engine went off sound and I decided not to risk it and retired to the infield,” explained Loudoun, who had performed strongly during his three heat races by registering two third place finishes and a second. “During the heat races I drove consistently and built up more and more speed and experience with each lap I did.”

The former Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway Sprintcar Track Champion was extremely grateful to the whole Steve Caunt Racing team for the opportunity to sample what it’s like to drive a Formula 500.

“I really had a lot of fun and big thanks must go out to everyone involved with Steve Caunt Racing team in particular owners Dee-Ann and Steve Caunt,” he expressed. “It’s always great to take on new challenges and step out of your comfort zone. They [Formula 500s] have similar characteristics to that of a Sprintcar but also a number of differences such as the smaller size of the cars themselves, engine performance and a real need for more consistent throttle control.”

Aside from the performance of Loudoun, the Steve Caunt Racing team enjoyed successful results with former Australian Formula 500 Champion Matt Brown winning the Bill Hempstead Memorial and pocketing a winner’s prize $1000 for his efforts, while Steve Caunt finished in fifth place.

 

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