Toowoomba driver chases IndyCar dream

Toowoomba's Cameron Shields turns his focus to securing USA race car drives.

ON TRACK: Toowoomba's Cameron Shields has set his sights on IndyCar racing after testing for Juncos Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week. Picture: Contributed

MOTOR SPORT: Home after a flying visit to the United States, Toowoomba's Cameron Shields has a new plan.

Driving for Juncos Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week, Shields hopes to secure more racing and testing opportunities in the US.

"It was an incredible experience,” Shields said.

"Now we're looking at the next step for next year - we think our best option is to go down the Mazda Road to Indy pathway in America.

"Now it's about trying to get sponsorship and funding together to try and race over there and get back for more testing.”

Racing in a car quicker than his Formula 3 drive, Shields said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I was driving a Pro Mazda car,” he said.

"They've got about 275 horsepower which is actually more than the Formula 3 I've been driving but with about half the down force.

"The top speeds are a little over 260km/hr and our average lap speed was about 180. We're driving on the oval, we were on a GP circuit but used the main straight.

"It was an absolutely incredible experience.

"To drive at such a venue was absolutely enormous

Shields hopes to follow in the footsteps of Toowoomba's own IndyCar and 2018 Indy500 champion Will Power.

"I've known Will for a fair while now and to be able to follow in his footsteps and make the move over there would be absolutely awesome,” Shields said.

"Hopefully now that can become a reality but there's a long way to go yet.”

Originally published as Toowoomba driver chases IndyCar dream