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?

My first Super 1 win, round 5 of the 2008 season at Clay Pigeon. Everything fell into place and the kart was great from testing on Saturday through to the final on Sunday. I won the first heat comfortably and picked up some solid results in the other heats, putting me second on the grid for the final. It was so satisfying as I dropped down to 4th at the start and had to battle back for the win. I felt invincible all day, and it was great for everyone involved for me to experience some major success, especially Dad. The weather was great too!

How does Easykart compare with TKM Super 1?

The karts are capable of similar laptimes, but they are very different to drive. Being 2 stroke, the Easykart delivers more power despite being a smaller engine, but the tyres provide much less grip, so they are slower through the corners. The difference in driving style has taken some getting used to, but hopefully we will be fully up to speed by the first round.

How will your experience from S1 help you this season?

I think it will help in several ways, even though the karts and series structure are quite different. Before Super 1, I competed in championships with many more rounds per season and you could afford to make the odd mistake. However, Super 1 has only 6 rounds and you have to drive much more precisely as any errors can be very costly. In addition, the level of competition in Super 1 is so high that it really pushes you and makes you drive harder. I hope to translate this into the Easykart scene.

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