A near perfect night from Josh Buckingham resulted in him romping to victory in last Saturday night’s South Australian Formula 500 Title at Murray Bridge Speedway.

After a win and a second in the heat races, Buckingham qualified on pole position for the South Australian Title deciding feature race, and he then went on to dominate every single lap of the 25-lap distance.

Buckingham was quick to admit that being able to handle the slick-track conditions throughout the night best was one of the keys to his breakthrough major victory in what is only his third season in the Formula 500s class.

“I felt confident all night and it was great to be able to carry that confidence throughout the night and come away with the win,” the 18-year-old from Geelong expressed.

“A slick track really suits my driving style, because it’s not all about horsepower but more about setup and driving consistently, and that was one of the most satisfying things to come out of the South Australian Title win.”

The South Australian Title is now a new career highlight for Buckingham.

“I’ve been racing speedway for the past nine seasons, this is my third in Formula 500s and I ran six seasons in Junior Sedans before that, but this South Australian Title is my new career highlight,” said the Vic # 49 Slayer Racing Engines / Colour Tech Coatings supported Yamaha R6 powered PMP driver.

“The Formula 500s are one of the most competitive classes in the country, so be able to claim a big win with my small budget team and with only limited experience in the class is something that my family and I are very proud of.”

Buckingham is now looking forward to the opening Speedweek Series round at Simpson Speedway on the Sunday night of December 27.

“My South Australian Title win is certainly a great way to head into Speedweek,” he enthused.

“Speedweek is a very tough challenge and my confidence has been boosted by the South Australian Title win, and the goal is to continue my current front-running form on a consistent basis.”

It’s been a great start to the 2015-16 season for a number of Geelong-based Formula 500 racers. The opening three state titles of the season have been won by Geelong residents following James Aranyosi winning both the ACT and Victorian Titles, and now Buckingham winning the South Australian Title.

Buckingham would like to thank his 2015-16 season sponsors: Slayer Racing Engines, Colour Tech Coatings, I&J Speedway Equipment, Online Signs, and North Geelong Auto Electrics. Special thanks: Craig (dad), Allison (mum), Brooke, Trent, Nathan, Rhianna, and Nan.

-ENDS-

Josh Buckingham Media Enquiries: Daniel Powell from Redline Media
Mobile: 0432 126 210
Email: daniel@redlinemedia.com.au
Website: www.redlinemedia.com.au

Photo courtesy of Savage Shots Photography