How did you start your racing career?

It all started on the go-karts at Butlins in Bognor Regis when I was about 9. A few years later I went to a birthday party at Buckmore Park and decided I wanted to start racing more seriously. I began at my local indoor circuit (Trax, Eastbourne) where I learnt about racecraft and overtaking on a tight, technical circuit. My neighbour was involved in Formula 6 and I went to several meetings while continuing successfully at Trax. Eventually I decided that I needed to start racing outdoors in order to progress and so bought a Solo prokart to compete in Honda Senior Prokart. Thanks to what I'd learnt at Trax, I won my first ever MSA race despite starting the heats at the back of the grid!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

There are two main highlights. Firstly, Super 1 at Clay Pigeon in 2008. Everything fell into place and the kart was great from testing on Saturday through to the final on Sunday. I dropped down to 4th from 2nd at the start and had to battle back for the win. I felt invincible all day, and it was great for everyone involved with me to experience some major success, especially Dad.

Secondly, the Llandow round of Easykart last year. It had been a hard weekend and it wasn't until after qualifying we noticed a problem with the exhaust. With that sorted, I went from 14th to 7th in the Pre-final and was soon into the top 5 in the final. Coming into the last corner I was running 3rd, alongside 2nd place, when the driver behind took me out - I finished 5th. It wasn't the best meeting in terms of results, but it showed I could cut it at that level. I did get 'Driver of the Day' though!

How have you prepared for the 2010 Easykart championship?

I've been doing quite a bit of gym work - like normal! Last year we felt that due to the way the meetings were run there wasn't much racing, so in addition to Easykart I'm entering the DJ Motorsport Enduro series at Buckmore Park. It's once a month on a week night, and should sharpen up my racecraft skills. In addition to this we've purchased a brand new kart. I raced a second hand one last year, and while we did OK, now we should be on a totally level playing field in terms of kart performance.

How will your experience from last year help you this season?

Mechanically, we have a great deal more knowledge than last year. Learning the maintenance, setup and driving style of a 2 stroke compare to a 4 stroke took a little while, and we had some teething trouble; especially on the technical side. We now know what to expect with the way the meetings run, there will be less new circuits and we know more people too, which always helps. It never hurts to have a seeded plate on the kart either!

What is your favourite circuit and why?

It's hard to choose only one, as I like various aspects of different circuits. I would consider Lydd Raceway to be my home circuit and I have had some good races there. Buckmore Park has great facilities and a fantastic layout, but it has not always been kind to me in the past! I also enjoy Whilton Mill and the sheer speed of Clay Pigeon. In terms of car circuits, it has to be Brands Hatch. The fact that it's in a natural amphitheatre is great for spectators and it has a real atmosphere.

Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?

I follow all levels of motorsport from karting through to F1 and I also support England in the major events in rugby, football, cricket etc. Without meaning to sound clichéd, I do enjoy my training for racing which includes weights and CV work. In my spare time I like to play pool at my local club, listen to music, spend time with my girlfriend & mates and generally relax.

Who is your hero, Motorsport or otherwise?

As with circuits, it's difficult picking just one. When I was growing up watching F1 my hero was Damon Hill, partly down to Murray Walker's enthusiasm and the sense of national pride. Since gaining some experience of my own, I have come to appreciate the gutsiness of drivers like Gilles Villeneuve and Nigel Mansell. Having said that, I also admire the likes of Jackie Stewart and Alain Prost for their methodical approach to racing and ability to play the percentages.

Outside of racing, I have to mention John Lennon and Paul McCartney for what they achieved from their backgrounds; Michael Vaughan for his skill and leadership qualities and finally Ewan McGregor for his sheer versatility.

John was speaking to Motorsport Journalist Barny Whitwham. For more information see www.barnyw.co.uk

 

Easykart Championship Race Dates 2010

Round 1 - Ellough Park (Suffolk) - 28th March

Round 2 - Teesside Autodrome (Teesside) - 25th April

Round 3 - Clay Pigeon (Dorest) - 23rd May

Round 4 - Llandow (South Wales) - 13th June

Round 5 - Whilton Mill (Northants) - 18th July

Round 6 & 7 - Rowrah (Cumbria) - 21st & 22nd August

Round 8 - Forest Edge (Hampshire) - 19th September