At the beginning of the 2008 season, John sat down with racing journalist Barny Whitwham for a chat about life on and off the circuit. Barny has previously interviewed the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Nelson Piquet jr. and written for Bridgestone Europe and Karting Magazine.
BW - How did you start your racing career?
JL - 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 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!
BW - What has been the highlight of your career so far?
JL - It has to be the final round of Super One this year, at Shenington. I hadn't driven there in a TKM and my track time was severely limited over the weekend. I missed the whole of Friday as well as a session on Saturday, but on Sunday I just had the pace - the kart was working well and I clicked with the circuit. I learnt so much during that day about racecraft and driving in general by consistently running with the leaders on merit. I was also pleased that I made a move for the lead instead of settling for an easy second. I'd rather end up 4th than wonder what might have been.
BW - Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?
JL - 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 and mates and generally relax.
BW - What is your favourite circuit and why?
JL - 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.
BW - Who is your hero, motorsport or otherwise?
JL - 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.
BW - What have you learnt from your first season in Super One?
JL - I learnt first hand the extent to which the top drivers attack the circuit, every corner of every lap, regardless of whether it's a practice session or a final. I feel my driving and race technique has improved during the course of this season as I learnt to apply this approach. The longer races also brought home the importance of never giving up, as there is often enough time to recover from any incidents.
Most importantly, I rediscovered the importance of enjoying your racing. If you are happy you're more likely to drive well and get a good result, which makes you even happier!
Introduction to Karting
Super One organises the ABkC national championships for 7 Junior, and 7 Senior classes. It is recognised as the pinnacle of kart racing in the UK and has begun the careers of many future Formula One drivers.
Formula TKM 4-stroke was introduced by Tal-Ko Racing to supplement its popular 100cc 2 stroke class. The class features sealed engines to ensure a level playing field, as well as strong reliability, low emissions and low noise. Its inclusion in Super One in 2003 represented the first time that 4-stroke engines had been included at national level and several drivers have progressed to single-seaters and sports cars.