Geelong’s Josh Buckingham wins Formula 500 Australian title

GROVEDALE’S Josh Buckingham is an Australian champion.

The 22-year-old Geelong driver won the 56th Formula 500 Accountability Australian title at Goulburn Speedway on Saturday night.

The three-day event culminated in the final where Buckingham started on pole and led from the start, with 19 other competitors unable to catch him.

His skill behind the wheel, combined with his ability to read track conditions and set his car up to perform accordingly, proved defining against the strong line-up.

As a result of the win, he is now recognised as the best in Australia at present in this class of motor racing.

But his success hasn’t come without dedication and effort.

Buckingham started racing as a 10-year-old and 12 years later has reached the top in the Formula 500 class.

He is keenly followed by many juniors today and demonstrates great sportsmanship and maturity beyond his years — attributes not always seen in the behaviour of all competitors.

Buckingham is supported by a 10-strong local team who all travelled to Goulburn to help and share in the win.

“I am honoured to be recognised as the best at this time in the sport and have my name appear on the perpetual trophy next to such greats as Max Dumesny (’80, ’82), Luke Dillon (’99, 2000 & 2001) and Darren Mollenoyux (2004), all who are very successful sprint car drivers these days,” Buckingham said.

“It was a great event at Goulburn and thanks must go to Goulburn Speedway together with all my sponsors and team. I am now looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and racing again next weekend at Laang, Western Victoria, in The Ken Willsher Classic.”

The Ken Willsher Classic is on Saturday from 4pm at Laang Speedway with more than 60 Formula 500 race cars expected to compete.

Competitors are from Australia as well as some US drivers.