For many in the Toyo Tires F1600 Championship, racing is a family affair, but there is only one family that can consistently fill out a row on the grid! Graham Lobban was on pole position of the driver profiles after capturing the B-Class Championship last summer, and now big brother is up!
After a 21-year competition hiatus to raise a family of his own, Keith Lobban got back behind the wheel in 2012, and five years on shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon!
How long have you been racing?
I received my racing license in 1980 and completed my first race that fall, racing continuously through 1991 when I retired to raise a family. I returned in 2012.
How long have you raced F1600?
I returned to racing in 2012 and chose the F1600 class for the simple reason of competition. It is by far the most competitive class, with a worldwide reputation. The introduction of the Toyo R888 as the series tire and the involvement of Honda with their development of an alternate engine further made the choice of this class a simple one.
How many race cars have you owned?
I started racing with a Mallock MK17B (Clubman’s sports racer), then moved into F2000 with a pair of Van Diemens – first an RF83 followed by an RF85. A plethora of ice racing Toyota MR2’s bridged the gap to my current car, a RF94 Van Diemen.
What is your # and why did you choose it?
42. According to the “Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” it’s the super computer Deep Thought’s answer to “the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”
What other classes have you raced?
CASC sports racer (now Formula Libre), MotoMaster F2000 series, Export A F2000 series, SCCA Formula Continental, various CASC ice race classes.
What track raced has been your favourite?
We are blessed with having one of North America’s top tracks on our doorstep with Mosport. It’s a track I’ve grown up with, I know its history, the grounds, it’s such a comfortable place, like being home.
What track would you love to race around?
Hands down the Nurburgring. So much history, at over 14 miles it poses phenomenal challenges.
What is your greatest racing memory?
First time I ever got a chance to drive a race car at Mosport. Growing up I had watched all the fast and famous: Clark, Stewart, McLaren, Hulme, Andretti as well as some very good local drivers like Bremner, De Sadeleer, Burritt, Scratch, Lambke, Commachio… So to get the chance to race on this track that first time was something special.
Favourite driver from any generation?
Jim Clark. Even when he was at the pinnacle he still raced everything: Formula 1, Formula 2, sports racing cars, touring cars, Indycars, and would win in all of them. Plus he had the bravery to drive a Lotus!
Do you plan to be on the grid in 2018?
Plans are underway for 2018 and hopefully we’ll see everyone back again for opening race of the season!
Feature Photo: Diane Dale
Car/Driver Photo: Richard Coburn