Our Toyo Tires F1600 Championship Driver Profiles kicked off with a pair of class champions, and today the spotlight shines on a driver awarded something equally cherished when we last met at Granite Brewery.
Steve Bodrug was the recipient of the Spirit of Gord Lowe Award for 2017, and while any that have sat in for a post-race ‘debrief’ with Steve will be familiar with some of this information, here in fine detail is much more of the story.
How long have you been racing?
I’ve been in the sport for 30 years.
How long have you raced F1600?
My first race was in a 1969 Lotus 51 and I have raced vintage Formula Fords on and off ever since. I got into current F1600 in 2000.
How many race cars have you owned?
I’ve owned 6 in total.
- 1969 Lotus 51 FF
- 1962 Gemini Formula Junior
- 1965 P&G Mk 5 Sports racer
- 1972 Hawke DL2A FF
- 1974 Cosworth Vega (co-owned with B. Tebbutt)
- my current car that I race is a 1993 Van Diemen F1600
What is your # and why did you choose it?
41, I wanted 42, the meaning of life and everything according to The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. Unfortunately Keith Lobban already had it so I settled for one less.
What other classes have you raced?
From 1987 until 2000 I predominately raced vintage formula cars and sports racers.
What track raced has been your favourite?
Mosport, Mosport, Mosport! Road Atlanta was cool until they filled in the Dip.
What track would you love to race around?
Spa in Belgium. I think the track and its setting would be the total experience.
What is your greatest racing memory?
Funny but it’s not the track experience but winning the Dick Baker award in 1989 for best prepared car when I debuted the Gemini. That was special and winning the Gord Lowe Memorial this year is a true honour.
Favourite driver from any generation?
Giles Villenuve, I was lucky enough to see him race Formula Atlantic and F1
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
Wouldn’t miss it.
Feature Photo by Diane Dale
Driver/Car Photo by Richard Coburn