Battling the treacherous conditions at Goulburn Speedway last Saturday night, it was Steve Caunt who managed to outlast his rivals in the chaotic feature race to reclaim the ACT Formula 500 Title crown.
While he already had plenty of reason to celebrate after winning what was the third ACT Title of his career, having previously won the 2006 and 2007 events, last Saturday night’s result became even more memorable for Caunt as he shared the podium with his son Lachlan, who placed third, after starting from position four.
ACT Title Lachlan and Steve Caunt Maximum Action Photography cropped
Photo: Maximum Action Photography
“Winning my third ACT Title was definitely a pleasing achievement for me, but being able to share the podium with my son was such a special experience and one that I won’t soon forget,” commented Caunt, whose son has only completed a handful a race meetings in the Formula 500s class.
Overall, it was the perfect night of results for Caunt, who didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the event, winning each of his three heat races and starting the feature race out from pole position.
Surprised to be taking to the track during a heavy downpour, which only seemed to worsen throughout the course of the feature race, to say that was a race of attrition would be a huge understatement, with Caunt and his 17 rivals changing position constantly during the distance, which amazingly went flag to flag with no cautions.
Battling for the lead with Victorian Josh Buckingham in the closing stages, the pair continued to trade the lead while wrestling the slippery track, with Caunt leaning on the fence in order to hold his line around the outside of the track, eventually managing to pip Buckingham on the final lap to claim a narrow win.
“It certainly wasn’t an easy race to win,” admitted, Caunt who believes that the fact the race went without any caution periods is an incredible testament to each of the drivers.
“I’ve never raced in conditions quite like that, so it was really a test of skills for every driver out there and we were pleased to have been able to use our experience to hold on for the win.”
ACT Title Podium Lachlan Caunt Steve Caunt Josh Buckingham Maximum Action Photography cropped
Photo: Maximum Action Photography
Off the back of his pleasing ACT Title victory, Caunt will contest one final race meeting at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway on April 28, before bringing his 2017-18 season to a close.
Caunt would like to thank the following 2017-18 season sponsors: Yoshimura R&D California, D1 Chassis (Jake Hagopian), Factory Kahne and Fire Service Plus. Special thanks go to Kyle Caunt (son), Marcus Kelly, Don Guhl, Craig Munday and Gary Olson.
To find out more about Caunt and his team, LIKE them on Facebook by searching SCR Steve Caunt Racing.
Article Credit: Steve Caunt Media