Congratulations on being part of the Duckhams Racing team this season. What does it mean to be associated with a brand celebrating its 125th anniversary?
Celebrating Duckhams’ 125th anniversary has been an honour. We’ve had so many comments about how awesome the car looks with the Duckhams branding. I’m over the moon to represent the brand during its milestone year.
Duckhams has a rich history of success in motorsport. How does this inspire and motivate you as a young driver coming into BTCC?
I’ve known of Duckhams and their association with motorsport for many years, seeing them in Formula Ford, on the Porsches, and in the British GT. As a young driver, it’s inspiring to represent such an iconic brand. Famous drivers Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard all received backing from Duckhams with its Classic Q and the high performance QXR range of engine oils in the early days of their careers. It’s an honour to add my name to that list.
This is your first full year in the BTCC, and it marks the return of Duckhams to BTCC. How does it feel to be part of this history?
It honestly feels amazing. It’s incredible to have the whole team around me, pushing for results. We’re aiming to get that blue and yellow Duckhams livery further up the field and chase some wins.
Could you give some insight into the preparation and strategies you and the team have adopted to be as competitive as you’ve been this season?
At the start of the year, we focused on building a team to take on the series. We’re getting stronger and faster every week. I’m spending countless hours on the simulator, in the gym, and preparing for race weekends. So much preparation goes on behind the scenes, and I’m just so grateful to be on the grid this year with an amazing crew and to have Duckhams’ support.
What have been your standout moments from the season so far?
Croft was a standout. On track, we won the Jack Sears, and even though we got a ten-second penalty that cost us the trophy in the end, it showed all the hard work we’ve put in.
Duckhams has a big social media presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. How important is social media for engaging with fans and getting younger people involved in the sport?
Social media is incredibly important these days for publicity and engagement. As a young driver, I like to push the brand and myself on social media. We’ve made some fun TikToks and videos. It’s all about involving people and giving insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
As a young driver, how do you balance the pressures of racing and the pressures of life?
It’s tough, to be honest. Racing is a rollercoaster of emotions. On track, I’m in my happy place, but off the track, there’s a lot of work that people don’t see. When we perform well, the joy comes from knowing all the hard work paid off.
What does the future hold?
I am excited that the team, Un-Limited Motorsport with Duckhams Racing, has announced plans to build a competitive car during the off-season and add a second BTCC entry in 2025. I hope to have the opportunity to continue improving my skills and pushing for the podium – etching my name in Duckham’s iconic motorsports legacy.
