Loui Hounsell says he has “nothing to lose” as he hunts a prized top three finish in Class B in the Racing Hondas Championship’s season finale at Snetterton.
The 20-year-old will go into the event on 20 October lying fifth in the Class B standings – 26 points off current third-placed Nick Charlier with a maximum 37 on offer (Charlier will be ineligible to score in the event).
A top three will earn him a paid-for registration into 2025’s championship and there’s even a chance he could catch Dave Buky (currently 32 points up the road in P2).
“Being the outsider I’ve got nothing to lose whereas the others have. My only tactic is to just go for it,” says Jeakins Race Preparation driver Hounsell.
“My team-mate Alfie Jeakins has already got the Class B title done. I helped him a bit at Brands Hatch so I hope he can return the favour on track at Snetterton but it will be difficult with Buky and Tommy Knight (currently P4) as they are team-mates, too.”
Hounsell, who mixes two jobs away from racing (caravan technician and also supercar driving instructor!), has achieved six podium results in Class B from the 14 rounds so far but not yet a win.
“Cadwell Park was gutting. I qualified on class pole and was leading race 1 comfortably when my car retired three corners before the finish.
“The same problem meant I couldn’t take up pole position for race 2 either.
“But slowly we’ve been developing the car and in the last two events, at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, I’d say we took some good steps forward.
“It’s given me confidence for the Snetterton 200 circuit which I’ve driven before and like. And, if it rains, we’re now also on the Yokohama tyres which we tried at Brands and I know work better in the wet.
“It’d be great to finish the season with a win or two preferably and they’d give me the best chance of that P3 in class.”
Hounsell has praise for the Racing Hondas Championship from what he’s witnessed in 2024.
“It’s a very cool thing to be a part of with the big crowds and the fun activity for the public off the track too – there’s nothing else like that really for the club competitor in the UK.
“The 15-minute warm-up on race day morning is also a valuable thing to have for the driver as it helps you dial in your car that more.”
The Racing Hondas season finale on Sunday 20 October is part of organiser Club Time Attack’s huge Modified Live show which is set to attract thousands of modified cars and public to the Snetterton circuit. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.