With the Gymkhana Gird Finals, just around the corner in November, we have managed to catch a few words with one of our brand ambassadors who will be competing for the AWD Class Title against the likes of Petter Solberg and Ken Block. With the event taking place in South Africa, James’ car is already all packed up and on its way, ready to be greeted by James on the 18th November. James, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and speak with us at Racinglines! 1. Becoming a Racing Driver, were there any unexpected benefits?
Yes of course, the support. I really can't believe the support of companies and individuals every time I take the wheel. I never thought I would Have "fans" so to speak but through social media I get messages of support from all over the world. It's amazing and I'm truly grateful for them all. 2. Becoming a Racing Driver, were there any unexpected challenges?
Yes like anything there is always more things under the blanket than you expect to find. Although I never considered myself to be "out of shape" I have had to revisit my fitness program and get back into the gym. Being physically tired during an event has a massive effect on your mental ability and missing an apex can cost so a vital tenth of a second. 3. Looking back to when you started, how did you see this journey originally taking you?
When I started at the age of 7 I had intended to follow the more traditional Motorsport route with circuit racing. Unfortunately, when I lost my funding and gave up I really never expected to get back behind the wheel. Even after my first Gymkhana event I could never have predicted getting to race at the opposite side of the world in South Africa or even amazing country's such as Finland or Greece. I think I enjoy it more now than when I originally went racing all those years ago. 4. Think about another person in the same situation as you were in when you started. Given what you know now, what advice would you give them?
I would give them some serious advice on how to attain sponsorship and teach them the value of what they are getting. With Motorsport being such a costly thing a lot of amazing drivers sadly don't get very far due to lack of financial backing. Mental deconstruction is a very handy tool, after every run or race I sit with my headphones on and go through everything step by step see what I did wrong and what I got right, so I don't make the same mistake again and get my line perfect. Besides that, just get as much seat time as possible, all the little tricks and traits become secondary nature behind a wheel but you need Seat time. 5. If you were going to start this over again, what three things would you do differently?
In all honesty nothing really, my journey has been far from perfect with lots of up's and down's but because of that I have understood things others haven't. I wouldn't have changed that journey and the people met along the way for the world. 6. Why did you choose to work with Racinglines?
Racinglines is a great company, fantastic products and team behind it. For my new car I needed a well-established reliable company to supply my fluid transfer hose and fittings. I reached out to them and they were extremely excited about my project that they offered to come on-board. It's a nice casual friendly company that supply great parts. No reason I wouldn't want to work with them really. Thanks again for your time James. We wish you luck in South Africa, and with the build for the 2018 Season! Keep an eye out for James in the Gymkhana Grid Finals!
Yes of course, the support. I really can't believe the support of companies and individuals every time I take the wheel. I never thought I would Have "fans" so to speak but through social media I get messages of support from all over the world. It's amazing and I'm truly grateful for them all. 2. Becoming a Racing Driver, were there any unexpected challenges?
Yes like anything there is always more things under the blanket than you expect to find. Although I never considered myself to be "out of shape" I have had to revisit my fitness program and get back into the gym. Being physically tired during an event has a massive effect on your mental ability and missing an apex can cost so a vital tenth of a second. 3. Looking back to when you started, how did you see this journey originally taking you?
When I started at the age of 7 I had intended to follow the more traditional Motorsport route with circuit racing. Unfortunately, when I lost my funding and gave up I really never expected to get back behind the wheel. Even after my first Gymkhana event I could never have predicted getting to race at the opposite side of the world in South Africa or even amazing country's such as Finland or Greece. I think I enjoy it more now than when I originally went racing all those years ago. 4. Think about another person in the same situation as you were in when you started. Given what you know now, what advice would you give them?
I would give them some serious advice on how to attain sponsorship and teach them the value of what they are getting. With Motorsport being such a costly thing a lot of amazing drivers sadly don't get very far due to lack of financial backing. Mental deconstruction is a very handy tool, after every run or race I sit with my headphones on and go through everything step by step see what I did wrong and what I got right, so I don't make the same mistake again and get my line perfect. Besides that, just get as much seat time as possible, all the little tricks and traits become secondary nature behind a wheel but you need Seat time. 5. If you were going to start this over again, what three things would you do differently?
In all honesty nothing really, my journey has been far from perfect with lots of up's and down's but because of that I have understood things others haven't. I wouldn't have changed that journey and the people met along the way for the world. 6. Why did you choose to work with Racinglines?
Racinglines is a great company, fantastic products and team behind it. For my new car I needed a well-established reliable company to supply my fluid transfer hose and fittings. I reached out to them and they were extremely excited about my project that they offered to come on-board. It's a nice casual friendly company that supply great parts. No reason I wouldn't want to work with them really. Thanks again for your time James. We wish you luck in South Africa, and with the build for the 2018 Season! Keep an eye out for James in the Gymkhana Grid Finals!