Need for Speed

As long as I can remember, I've always been into motorsport.

When I was younger I really liked motorbikes. My favourite t-shirt was a Valentino Rossi top which we'd bought from Silverstone. It was my first visit. We'd been to see the rally cars on the course in the middle of the track and passed by the shop in the The Wing afterwards. Of course, there's always a shop on the way out.

From then on I pestered my dad to take me to the local motorcross track so I could learn to ride a bike, but being motorbikes, he wasn't too keen.

Roll on several years and one day my dad took me and my brother to the local TeamSport karting track at Dunstable. I was hooked.

I beat my brother, who managed to put his kart under he barrier on a bend which was suddenly where he expected a straight to be. My first red light moment.

I can't remember what my lap time was. Unfortunately it was on an old user account which we don't have access to any more, but it wouldn't have been the fastest.

It didn't matter.

I wanted to go back, regularly. I joined the Race Academy and we had a great coach, Philip Randall. He was superb, he coached us with our skills, racing lines, and general race craft. Without Phil I doubt I'd have had the best start. Sometimes it's all about how someone can ensure confidence and fun - something Phil was really good at. Sure, I was in a low powered cadet cart, but that didn't matter.

I was a racer!