Liam Williams made an impressive start to his Formula 500 career this season and looks set to have a big impact in the series nextseason. By Marc McGowan
BERWICK’S Liam Williams may have only competed in the final two rounds of this year’s Formula 500 season, but he left a lasting impact.
The 19-year-old speedway racer enjoyed a stellar junior career and looks set to be just as successful in the senior ranks.
Williams, who won back-to-back Victorian titles in speedway go-karts in 2002 and 2003, was awarded the karter of the year out of all junior categories in 2002 and has been victorious in multiple club championships.
He delayed his debut in Formula 500, which is the stepping stone to the premier Sprintcars class, until he had enough money behind him to be a legitimate threat to the top drivers, while also concentrating on his studies.
“I took two years off so my dad and I could save up and I was mostly studying,” the second-year graphic arts student at Victoria University said.
“If you want to run at the front, it’s pretty expensive. So far this year, including the two race meetings I’ve competed at, I’ve spent $25,000, which includes expenses for buying the car, the engine, spare parts, tyres, fuel, and going to and from tracks.”
Williams, whose father John had a notable 20-year career that took in the Formula 500 series, reaches speeds of up to 150km/h on the track and loves the adrenalin rush the sport provides.
“It’s pretty exciting, especially when you’re going wheel to wheel with other cars,” he said.
“I still have to learn a lot more about car control and being aware of my surroundings because you can’t see tyres or anything, so you have to be aware of how close you can get to others.”
If Williams still feels he has much improvement to come, opposition drivers had better watch out, judging by his impressive initial results.
At his first meeting, he managed seventh, eighth and fourth placings on his way to qualifying and finishing 12th in the final.
Williams was even better in the season’s last round, where he registered a second, a first and a fifth in the heats before storming into third spot in the final.
“I definitely want to take it to the next step and see how far I can go,” he said.
“I’m going to try and get to the top-level Sprintcars, but at the moment I’m concentrating on going as good as I can in this class.
“I’d also definitely love to head over to America, but I’m not quite sure of when because it’s pretty tough competition over there.”
