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?
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 from 2nd 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 with me to experience some major success, especially Dad.
How have you prepared for the move into cars for 2011?
I've really had to up the training, so there has been lots of gym work, running, classes and all sorts to get into the best shape possible. Testing will also be key as there is a lot to learn. With the karting, I knew all the tracks and how a kart should feel. Now its back to square one though learning about the handling and setup, as well as the best line for the circuits.
How will your experience from karting help you this season?
Hopefully the years of karting will have put me in good stead for car racing. Even if the racing line and overtaking adhear to different rules I should be able to pick them up quickly. However, it will be hard to begin with. Everything from how the meeting runs to learning how to win will be different! There nothing there I can't learn though.
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?
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; Andrew Strauss 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
BRSCC Ford Fiesta Championship 2011
Round 1 - Silverstone (Northamptonshire) - 9th / 10th April
Round 2 - Snetterton (Norfolk) - 24th / 25th April
Round 3 - Donington (Derbyshire) - 14th / 15th May
Round 4 - Brands Hatch (Kent) - 25th / 26th June
Round 5 - Rockingham (Northamptonshire) - 16th / 17th July
Round 6 - Snetterton (Norfolk) - 13th / 14th August
Round 7 - Lydden Hill (Kent) - 10th / 11th September
Round 8 - Brands Hatch (Kent) - 15th / 16th October
