Aussie Stars shine at Indianapolis

Photo credit: Photos @ Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography

Over the weekend, Australian Formula Ford drivers Hunter McElrea and Cameron Shields tested wings and slicks machinery during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test, organised specifically for the Mazda Road To Indy. Our current championship leader, Hunter McElrea, topped the outright USF2000 charts around the Indianapolis circuit, with a 1:24.5064, one tenth of a second quicker than American driver Darren Keane. “First, many thanks to everyone at Pabst. It was an amazing experience to be driving with these guys," reflected McElrea after another dominant weekend behind the wheel. "We ended up P1 overall and I am really happy with that. Obviously, that’s where you want to be. There are a few things that I need to work on, but overall I’m very happy and it’s an amazing experience to be driving a USF2000 car here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "I am massively happy for this opportunity and want to thank all my supporters who made it possible for me. I didn’t have any expectations coming into the weekend. I just wanted to make sure I did my best and I knew I was in really great hands with these guys." Toowoomba-based driver Cameron Shields had his first experience on the Road To Indy program, steering a Pro Mazda car for Juncos Racing. The 270hp Mazda-powered Tatuus chassis is significantly different from anything he had ever driven before. Shields finished the weekend with the 7th fastest time in Pro Mazda and gained plenty of mileage, logging more than a 130 laps around the Indianapolis road course. With two rounds to go, the Mazda Road To Indy Shootout ticket offered to the 2018 Australian Formula Ford champion is still up for grabs, with McElrea currently the man to beat. McElrea and Shields will be back on Aussie soil this weekend for round six of the 2018 Australian Formula Ford Championship at Phillip Island.