From Formula 3 to StreetCar Novice

Typically, most competitors come through the StreetCar pathway to search for an affordable form of motorsport as they enter the sport for the first time. However, this is not the case for a former F3 driver who just couldn’t shake that motorsport bug and sought out an affordable way to keep his love for motorsport alive.

Steve Maxted is a former F3 British racing driver who has battled it out against the likes of David Coulthard, and even raced in the 1989 F3 British Grand Prix on the same day as motorsport greats such as Aryton Senna, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell were competing in the F1 race. After years of competing, Steve took a step back from racing and decided to retire, leaving the sport he loved.

After just a few years of retirement from motorsport, Steve just could not shake his passion for competing and so began searching for a way back into the sport. Steve’s main criteria for jumping back into motorsport were two-fold, he wanted an affordable, entry-level form of competition, and he wanted to have fun! It didn’t take Steve long to stumble across the StreetCar campaign and immediately, he was hooked!

After reading up on how easy it was for him to get underway with StreetCar, Steve submitted his ‘get started’ form and was quickly made aware of the Oxford Motor Club AutoSOLO. Not knowing what to expect, Steve bought a cheap MX-5 and took to the tarmac!

Coming from a circuit racing background Steve was met with a completely different environment and skill set, mentioning “I’m just trying to find the balance between taking it easy and overdriving!”, after attending his first StreetCar event he also stated “Grassroots motorsport is where it’s at! It’s been great to meet a bunch of likeminded people having loads of fun”.

The Oxford Motor Club AutoSOLO kickstarted a new passion for Steve as he intends to try his hand at a number of different StreetCar disciplines. We look forward to seeing how Steve progresses as he continues his motorsport journey!

After what was an exciting introduction to grassroots motorsport, Steve commented “The great thing about this is it’s affordable motorsport, I’ve had a great day out and it’s not cost me a ridiculous amount!” Watch some highlights below from Steve’s first AutoSOLO.

You’re just a few clicks away from getting your motorsport journey underway, find out more about how you can get involved by submitting a ‘get started’ form here.