Welcome to our winter-long series of Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Series Driver Profiles that will highlight our drivers as we get to know each other just a little bit better.
On pole position is 2017 B Class Champion Graham Lobban:
How long have you been racing?
I started racing when I was 16. Ice racing on the lakes around Minden ON was my first taste of wheel to wheel competition. I coerced a couple of high school friends who knew nothing about racing to share costs and the car. My first road race was just before turning 17 at Shannonville, in a Mallock. It was nothing like ice racing, with the higher grip levels and more power, it took some getting used to!
How long have you raced F1600?
I entered the series in 2012, after learning about the introduction of the Honda Fit motor and seeing the consistent performance level from the Toyo Tires. I saw the engine as a reliable package that would allow me to focus on car setup and driving. The series provided very close competition with a car class steeped in history and focused on driving without the limitations of a one make series.
How many race cars have you owned?
I have owned or part owned 7 different road race cars over the years, a Mallock Mk17B, Van Diemen Rf 83 and Rf 85, both F-2000’s, a second generation Mazda RX-7, 2 Van Diemen Rf 94’s and a first generation Toyota MR2.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
The current car number is 12. Really nothing special there, although I do have a photo of Jim Clark at Monaco with #12 and one of Gilles Villeneuve at Montreal, also #12.
What other classes have you raced?
I’ve raced in the Ontario region racing sports racing class, Canadian Tire and Export A F-2000 series as well as the Canada GT Challenge Cup.
What track raced has been your favourite?
Mosport is a perennial favourite, but all the tracks I’ve run present a different challenge which makes them all enjoyable! Shannonville will always be special as I managed my first overall win there, this past year.
What track would you love to race around?
For sure some of the classic European tracks would be fantastic to race at. The old Nurburgring, Spa, Monaco, Monza, to name a few!
What is your greatest racing memory?
I don’t really have any single wow memory. A couple of the races at Mosport last year were incredibly competitive and close, with 4 or 5 passes and repasses for position in a single lap! At one of the races this year, Craig Willis and I managed a 1-2 finish in our older B-class cars, beating much newer cars in the wet.
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
As long as real life responsibilities don’t get in the way, I’ll be out for another go for sure in 2018!
Feature Photo: Michael Haley
Car/Driver Photo: Richard Coburn