Darren Steeden claimed the 2013 Acuform Touring Car Challenge category championship in the iRace Independent Race Series. Competing against fields of up to 41 cars in his 350 Chevy-powered Mk I Escort Sports Sedan, Steeden's results validated both the driver and the drivetrain - a Speedmaster limited slip differential delivering consistent traction at over 500 horsepower.

The Format

The iRace series uses a format designed to test more than outright speed. The first two races start from qualifying order. The final two are reverse grid with time-delay handicaps, levelling the field and placing the outcome squarely on driver ability and mechanical reliability.

The Results

"We won all races we competed in. Won the first two from pole. Third and fourth races are reverse grid - went through the field into first place. In the third race, we were hit from behind and punted off, which damaged the car and we couldn't finish. We repaired the car for the fourth race, started from last position, and won that one too. Our times were the best we've done - the only car lapping in 59 seconds. The Speedmaster limited slip differential gave us traction through the most demanding corners over the series." - Darren Steeden

Steeden's Mk I Escort, producing over 500 horsepower at the rear wheels through its 350 Chevy engine, was the only car in the field running consistent 59-second laps - a direct reflection of the drivetrain's ability to put power down under load.

The Build

Complete Third Member: Speedmaster 35 Spline - Sportsman Series

Configuration: Special setup for circuit track

On Track

Watch the XD hot lap from Round 5 at Sydney Motorsport Park - GP South circuit, onboard with Darren Steeden in his Mk I Escort V8.