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The idea behind the Mini Challenge CLUBSPORT championship is for MINI racers to enjoy a close competitive series whilst keeping costs low, making the series ideal for amateur drivers with a limited budget.
The idea behind this monthly talk show is to provide a fun community show where we all come together and enable the racers and business partners to gain extra exposure, with guests on the live shows rotating around the partners and drivers, and anyone else involved in the championship. The show is designed to be light and fun, and will also enable us to promote upcoming activities and discuss those that have already happened. Make sure you tune in to the live shows on YouTube and Facebook, and your comments/questions added during the live shows can even be put up on screen (along with your profile name and photo) and answered live in the interactive episodes. But this podcast also enables you to listen back to the shows whilst driving, walking, or working out!! (or in the pub...)
00:00:00:09 - 00:00:23:05
Chris Dawes
Welcome back to Mini Challenge Club sport talk show. Second series. This is the first episode and we're going to catch up with how everything went in the first rounds. Slight delay in everything. That's due to technical problems. We're doing it a little different. It's not life. We're going to be catching up with people as and when they can, and we're piecing it all together.
00:00:23:07 - 00:00:41:10
Chris Dawes
So let's get ready for episode one of series two. Thanks, everybody.
00:00:41:12 - 00:00:56:10
Chris Dawes
So next up, we've got the, podium position drivers of the S50 three class and, Brands Hatch over the three races that were there. Delighted to say we've got. Where is it that way. DJ Paul Sawyer.
00:00:56:12 - 00:00:59:13
Chris Dawes
Evening, sir. Event.
00:00:59:15 - 00:01:09:23
Chris Dawes
That was, two firsts and the third. We've got, Chris Johnson who got a third, a second on a first. Progressed through the day.
00:01:09:26 - 00:01:10:26
Paul Sawyer
00:01:10:28 - 00:01:16:13
Chris Dawes
And, Ben, suddenly that got a second to third in the second. You kind of did the V there, but.
00:01:16:15 - 00:01:17:24
Paul Sawyer
Yeah, indeed.
00:01:17:26 - 00:01:24:21
Chris Dawes
Fantastic. Paul Sawyer, good to speak to you again, mate. And, good to see you back. Doing the mini challenge again.
00:01:24:24 - 00:01:32:04
Paul Sawyer
Yeah, it's good to be back. Yeah. Another year. Third year doing it. So, yeah, it's been a lot of fun, actually. Already.
00:01:32:06 - 00:01:34:16
Chris Dawes
And very brightly. Car as usual.
00:01:34:18 - 00:01:38:13
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. Guess for all looking the same.
00:01:38:15 - 00:01:43:09
Chris Dawes
See? See, us commentators hate that you guys are just so you know.
00:01:43:11 - 00:01:46:09
Paul Sawyer
I know we're. Luckily, we have got massive numbers on the roof.
00:01:46:12 - 00:02:01:21
Chris Dawes
That's all right, then. And we. Yeah, we are normally high up, so we'd be able to, How did it go? But also, I mean, it obviously looks like it started, really good with the, with the pair of first and the third. In fact, race two, I see that you were fifth overall as well.
00:02:01:24 - 00:02:25:06
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. I'm brands was you know, it was a brilliant opener for me. I'll spend some time there beforehand practicing. I've got a new driver coach this year. I've got Bobby Thompson. So looking after me. So that's making a massive difference. So I was quite confident coming into, brands, but obviously I had no idea how anybody was going to fare, you know, what sort of practice they'd been doing during the winter.
00:02:25:06 - 00:02:39:20
Paul Sawyer
And I knew that obviously Ben was going to be a close rival. And obviously Chris, so yeah, it was I mean, it was a brilliant weekend and it was great to start with two first. So it was just a bit of a shame in the third race, my engine when bang.
00:02:39:20 - 00:02:43:09
Chris Dawes
So I really still managed to finish third.
00:02:43:12 - 00:03:03:22
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. So I was running on three cylinders basically, and just go back and back and I just couldn't hold onto the pace till, but, so yeah, unfortunately, keeping it going like that really well and truly meant a new engine. So, wasn't really the start of the year that I wanted, but, you know, it's just one of those things of racing.
00:03:03:25 - 00:03:15:02
Chris Dawes
What a nightmare that is. I mean, I guess you can still sit there with that confidence, is there even with, three cylinders coming down third. But to start with the pair of victories, you've got to take that confidence, haven't you?
00:03:15:06 - 00:03:16:19
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:03:16:19 - 00:03:27:21
Chris Dawes
What what's what's your what's your, I mean it's it's asking the obvious, but occasionally racing drivers a realistic or something. But is your, objective the title?
00:03:27:24 - 00:03:44:01
Paul Sawyer
Oh, definitely. I came into it this year. I mean, I finished second last year, so obviously I wanted to better that, and win it. And that's obviously my, my goal, as anybody's really that comes into the series. So, hopefully it will continue that way.
00:03:44:03 - 00:04:03:22
Chris Dawes
Well so far so good. Very good start there mate. Well done. Oh, shall I go on to next? I'm going to go with Chris Johnson because he got a first place in this. And So Chris, are you looking at the results? It was a progression over that opening race weekend of third, second, first. Did it literally feel like that for you as well?
00:04:03:22 - 00:04:05:06
Chris Dawes
Progressing?
00:04:05:08 - 00:04:28:07
Chris Johnson
Yeah it did. It was it was quite nice to be able to see the difference from practice all the way through to, race three. Obviously not have it in any pre-season testing due to fund, and it's just kind of boosted boosted me a little bit not knowing where I was going to be and also where the car was going to be, especially with this only being my other, second of a race season.
00:04:28:09 - 00:04:30:16
Chris Dawes
Oh, wow. Yeah.
00:04:30:18 - 00:04:39:05
Chris Johnson
So I mean, I came in, quite fresh last year. No karting, no, no other racing and wow, kind of. Yeah. Went in deep.
00:04:39:08 - 00:04:52:01
Chris Dawes
That is really impressive first outing because I was going to ask the question. It was was that progression through the weekend the car or the driver. And I guess in fairness, the answer was just given there that it was you getting more and more confident.
00:04:52:04 - 00:05:10:29
Chris Johnson
Yeah. It was. Yeah, definitely finding more confidence change in a few little setups, you know, playing around with the rear and trying to mainly get Paddock Hill Bend as best as I can, as that's where you can lose and gain a lot of time coming up to Druids and then obviously out through Clare Wise, just trying to get it nice and settled.
00:05:11:02 - 00:05:28:22
Chris Johnson
So it seems to work nicely. Granted, with Paul having, what we now know is a three cylinder fire and only, yeah, it was quite nice to take it, but not always nice to take it when it's a mechanical. So. Yeah, it was, it was good.
00:05:28:24 - 00:05:42:09
Chris Dawes
You got to be in it to win there. So it's all good. It's all good. I mean, what was that like then? Driving around the Brands Hatch circuit? I mean, it's one that we've seen for many years and people jump on it on the same. It's it's challenging, isn't it?
00:05:42:11 - 00:06:01:10
Chris Johnson
Oh, it certainly is challenging. Well, last year with, may not ever go in there. Even on a track day, I was doing a lot of touring work. But as soon as you list, you start at the top of Paddock Hill and you kind of see the gradient. It's a lot different than the same. You don't get that.
00:06:01:13 - 00:06:16:21
Chris Johnson
Feel when the car kind of bottoms out as you hit the bottom of the paddock hill, and then as you then start to rise. Yeah. That sensation that first ever time, you kind of like, oh, okay. This is really, what it feels like. It's absolutely getting used to that. It was great.
00:06:16:24 - 00:06:21:17
Chris Dawes
Especially in a one mate series as well where everybody's close together. I mean, it must be epic.
00:06:21:19 - 00:06:36:21
Chris Johnson
Yeah, definitely. It's nice. Close racing. It seems that, you know, we've all got quite similar, cars set ups. And obviously with the power, everyone seems to be running close or on the power that were, allow for the regulations.
00:06:36:24 - 00:06:55:16
Chris Dawes
Love it. Absolutely love it. What what's your objective for this year that, I mean, second year is obvious for Paul Sawyer to be that close last year and last year's champions moved to the 50 threes. You're new and I know that you're going to be there wanting to win. But what deep down are you hoping for and expecting this year?
00:06:55:18 - 00:07:22:08
Chris Johnson
Deep down I was kind of one. And just to get onto the podium a lot more, last year I managed the third at Snetterton in the wet. So I kind of pushing towards that and hoping that stand on the podium a couple more times than what I did last season, and to be able to stand on each step of the podium in one weekend, it was yeah, it's quite, quite a nice feeling as long as like I wasn't happy with that.
00:07:22:09 - 00:07:26:17
Chris Johnson
I needed to go in second. Then I wasn't happy with the thought guys going first.
00:07:26:20 - 00:07:33:22
Chris Dawes
I love that, I really love that. Well, that give us an insight. What was the emotions like when it was the top step?
00:07:33:25 - 00:07:57:21
Chris Johnson
It was quite hard really, because obviously I had my family there, as well as, a couple of sponsors. So it's kind of. Yeah. Third race. It's quite hard to even consider it, at the start. But yeah, when it, when it did happen, I think it probably took probably half an hour, probably even after I even stood on there to realize what, what I'd managed to achieve.
00:07:57:23 - 00:08:08:05
Chris Dawes
I love that that is so cool. Ben Tremblay, over to you, mate. Like I say you did, Davy, didn't you? The second, the third, the second. Mr.. Around it. Say.
00:08:08:07 - 00:08:33:06
Ben Trundley
Me and Brian. Such are very tricky relationship. I've never really come away from the feeling. Great track day all all race day, quite frankly. Nearly every track day, something is always badly broken. So, yeah, it's I think it's something is always a bit in the mind. Brands Hatch, for me, to be honest with you.
00:08:33:08 - 00:08:38:13
Chris Dawes
So not as in, it's your personal bogey circuit. You just seem to get no rub of the green.
00:08:38:15 - 00:09:01:07
Ben Trundley
No, I don't think so. I'm like I say, I don't necessarily have the most positive views of it. After what's happened over over the period, we had one test I booked in previous to start in this, you know, start in the first round of races and, my spark plug sales were compromised. So it was just a such a simple thing.
00:09:01:09 - 00:09:23:24
Ben Trundley
But then, you know, we've had to change, prep as well. So doing a lot of that also now, with assistance from a couple of mechanics. So yeah, hoping to just sort of go through the cars in a bit better detail and, you know, try and prove a bit more reliability, which. Yeah, we, we didn't have again, brands.
00:09:24:01 - 00:09:42:29
Ben Trundley
I'm still never been able to perfect this out there either. I've not got a, a lovely perfected set up for different, you know, weather conditions. So we'll say we'll try and crack it, you know, with a couple of track days this year if we get a chance. But, yeah, it was it was frustrating. But yeah, a good bit of competition from the boys as well.
00:09:43:02 - 00:10:04:14
Ben Trundley
And something as well that doesn't help. But brands hatches the Backmarkers you get you get amongst the Coopers pretty quick because obviously the circuit's only just over the mile and probably get in there with about 3 or 4 minutes to spare. And some of them understand the blue flag really well and and others not quite so much.
00:10:04:16 - 00:10:23:21
Ben Trundley
Which then you can get held up behind them. And then obviously when you've got a challenge like these two boys, it's, it's not easy to catch back up. If you, you know, lose a couple of seconds, three seconds or so in a corner. So yeah, it wasn't my finest weekend, but yeah, with only half a track day and I was still pretty happy.
00:10:23:23 - 00:10:37:15
Chris Dawes
Wasn't to say to have second, third and second day not you know, that's not a bad way to get your bogey circuit off of your back done and dusted and come away with, with a pretty good hole. What's your objective this year, then?
00:10:37:17 - 00:11:01:23
Ben Trundley
Probably similar to Paul's, really. You know, we both came into it at the same time. We've both had challenges along the way. I think as as drivers, we've both come along really well. And I think back to a little test. Our croft. Sorry. Not Croft. Castle came, very, very early on in our race careers.
00:11:01:25 - 00:11:18:17
Ben Trundley
Yeah. And then sort of you look back now and see where we've both come from to now is very good and and equally, you know, around Chris as well. You see his drive ins dramatically improved and from, you know, beginning of last year to this year. So it's quite a nice little ball.
00:11:18:19 - 00:11:19:08
Paul Sawyer
00:11:19:10 - 00:11:37:04
Chris Dawes
I like that you're all sort of like progressing together. And I know, Chris, we got, a couple of vids from you if you're on board where you did things like, what was it? One I think is a is a brilliant start. One was a bad start, but then the making up for it a bit of everything in your footage there.
00:11:37:06 - 00:11:57:05
Chris Johnson
Yeah definitely. You're right. Race two was, I took my chances around the outside at Druids and I managed to take up three places. Certainly secured the three places by the, Graeme Hill Band, so it's. Yeah, it's quite nice. One is. I'm not sure it wasn't when we had a little bit of bodywork as well in that whole same incident.
00:11:57:05 - 00:12:01:14
Ben Trundley
Now I think Paul probably. Yeah. Thinking too.
00:12:01:15 - 00:12:06:29
Paul Sawyer
Well I'm Ben likes damaging my car. Oh. So.
00:12:06:29 - 00:12:08:08
Ben Trundley
I've got two I.
00:12:08:11 - 00:12:11:18
Paul Sawyer
The body. So you tell you about that?
00:12:11:18 - 00:12:13:23
Ben Trundley
I don't worry about it.
00:12:13:25 - 00:12:28:25
Chris Dawes
I love that that so that I mean, that gives us an insight into how close the racing is, how, you know, you can pull something off in these cars. They're really good at handling. But that that banter that, that sort of rivalry that's there. That's what you want with racing in it.
00:12:29:03 - 00:12:29:19
Paul Sawyer
Oh definitely.
00:12:29:23 - 00:12:35:03
Ben Trundley
Is. Yeah. Well we actually work together outside of racing as well, so it's quite nice.
00:12:35:05 - 00:12:43:02
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. Yeah I mean it's, it's the one good thing about racing, you know, you, you make a lot of good friends along the way. And I would say drivers in the teams and the people that come along is brilliant.
00:12:43:05 - 00:13:09:27
Ben Trundley
Like minded people that, you know, helps you not only to evacuate your wallet in, numbers, but also, to actually, you know, better yourself in business and work together, you know, help each other out. So I just realized today that even, Chris Rock. So I think he's one of your main sponsors. You actually did an install on one of our sites at Sleaford High, right?
00:13:09:29 - 00:13:13:18
Ben Trundley
So it's such a small world. Oh, definitely is.
00:13:13:21 - 00:13:32:22
Chris Dawes
That's really cool. I mean, the other one that I know that I got, the impression was that and it's kind of backed up with that conversation, is that when you go to a circuit and you're all racing together and you like you said, Paul about becoming good friends, is that the spirit in the paddock is is good fun as well as supportive?
00:13:32:24 - 00:13:47:24
Paul Sawyer
Definitely. Yeah. That's really important really. You know, and all right, you might be bumping into each other every now then you might be a bit miffed about it. But at the end of the day you're still mates and then you have a laugh about it afterwards. So, you know, it's all part of it.
00:13:47:27 - 00:13:50:18
Ben Trundley
And you congratulate each other as well and ask for the whole sorry.
00:13:50:21 - 00:13:51:22
Paul Sawyer
Yeah, exactly.
00:13:51:25 - 00:13:53:26
Ben Trundley
Someone's of a good fight. You'll always go and tell them.
00:13:54:01 - 00:13:58:29
Paul Sawyer
Oh, definitely. Yeah, yeah. It makes it more fun if you're battling with somebody.
00:13:59:02 - 00:14:17:19
Chris Dawes
Well, that's the thing. I mean, I remember there's been numerous interviews where someone's finished, second to to the winner, but they're absolutely ecstatic because it was such a good fight. And it's not always just about the way in which I know is what you're aiming for. But if it's been a brilliant fight, you'll have enjoyed that as well.
00:14:17:21 - 00:14:19:12
Paul Sawyer
Oh, definitely. Yeah. Yeah.
00:14:19:15 - 00:14:34:29
Chris Johnson
It was all about having fun on track. And then it's like, yeah, we're all there for the same reason we all got that adrenaline kick. If you haven't got somebody that you've not fighting with anyone, it's almost you're out on the front of the pack or the back of the pack and don't lose the love, but you kind of want in that adrenaline kick.
00:14:34:29 - 00:14:45:29
Chris Johnson
And having that into the corners, it's great. Yeah. You do say the on times drop off every so often. If you know a lot about Lee and I think, oh yeah, I pick back up, I get that catching up.
00:14:46:01 - 00:14:48:09
Chris Dawes
Yeah. Wake up, wake up.
00:14:48:11 - 00:14:53:24
Ben Trundley
Especially if it's the last race on a Sunday at the office for something. You think about how long you got to drive to get home.
00:14:53:26 - 00:14:54:14
Paul Sawyer
Yeah. That's.
00:14:54:15 - 00:15:09:18
Chris Dawes
Yeah, absolutely. Well, listen, guys, I know we could we could chat forever, but I want to do a quick round robin, give you the opportunity to, to thank any sponsors, family, whatever it might be. I started with you, Paul. Sorry. So I'll go with you again, mate.
00:15:09:20 - 00:15:27:10
Paul Sawyer
Yeah, it's. I mean, I've got so many sponsors to thank where you're Silver Lake and the showed systems and Edmondson Electrical and a few others as well. We from we just picked up a new one called Get Goated as well. So you know they will all make it happen for me. So without there might be struggling to be racing.
00:15:27:10 - 00:15:32:14
Paul Sawyer
So, you know, I can't thank them enough. And obviously my family, every time they come along.
00:15:32:16 - 00:15:35:18
Chris Dawes
Absolutely. Nice one. Chris Johnson.
00:15:35:21 - 00:16:04:03
Chris Johnson
Yeah, I just want to thank am level, pit pit lane development, especially this year, providing to you guys in the pits. It allows me to relax a little bit more. Give them a few more responsibilities. I can focus more on the driving, rack. So, providing our tow vehicle, FSG for supporting off track, with any maintenance, and, I've got one already, which is not always good.
00:16:04:06 - 00:16:06:25
Chris Johnson
Advanced caravan services.
00:16:06:27 - 00:16:12:10
Chris Dawes
I know that pressure, guys. Say, if it makes you feel any better is that, you know, you're going to forget.
00:16:12:12 - 00:16:16:18
Chris Johnson
Still do this. And then, I can thank everybody.
00:16:16:20 - 00:16:22:08
Chris Dawes
Absolutely. I do love that. And last but by no means least, Ben.
00:16:22:10 - 00:16:50:20
Ben Trundley
Yeah. I mean, so much the same as Paul up. But, you know, there's we want to close out. You know, racing's not Adrian, and he's, you know, especially got a nine month old daughter. And top line and with me sporting the name on the car, but yeah, in terms of the sponsors, it's obviously trying to group with all our money as well as we can do it without our daily business activities.
00:16:50:22 - 00:17:18:02
Ben Trundley
Cool. Climate solutions, we support 856 Foundation was, which is a men's mental health foundation. Heat sink J.W. Riley contracting and or demolition or aquiline and the list goes on. Almost right list for the next one. So not anybody else, but, yeah. And I couldn't do it without everybody. And, yeah, it's much appreciated to be able to make it happen and hopefully bring a few more sponsors along to, to Donnington.
00:17:18:02 - 00:17:19:26
Ben Trundley
So we're planning to do a bit of an event.
00:17:19:26 - 00:17:34:12
Chris Dawes
So, absolutely. Well, absolutely brilliant. Love. Paul. So you saying that, Bobby, Thompson's, giving you a bit of coaching? I remember that he, I provided media training for him the year that he started in British touring cars.
00:17:34:12 - 00:17:35:21
Paul Sawyer
Really? Okay.
00:17:35:23 - 00:17:36:15
Chris Dawes
Lovely car.
00:17:36:17 - 00:17:37:07
Paul Sawyer
Small. Yeah.
00:17:37:07 - 00:17:53:10
Chris Dawes
Really nice. We always catch up. So make sure you say hi to him, okay as well. Listen, guys, wonderful opening race weekend. From in the S50 threes. Congratulations on your podiums. And keep up the great work.
00:17:53:12 - 00:18:01:20
Chris Johnson
Thanks very much. Thank you for your interview.
00:18:01:23 - 00:18:20:21
Chris Dawes
So now we turn our attention to the, s 56, which, of course, invariably tends to be the overall as well. And, welcome to Ollie. Well, Andy Langley will also be catching up with Freddy as well. That will be a little bit separate, bringing them all together like herding cats at the best of times. I'll start.
00:18:20:21 - 00:18:30:19
Chris Dawes
It goes without saying with Oliver. Ollie. Defending the championship kind of went rather well at Brands Hatch. The triple victory.
00:18:30:21 - 00:18:33:19
Oli Willmott
Yeah. It did.
00:18:33:21 - 00:18:40:17
Oli Willmott
It was a quick one as well. We did a lot of work over the winter, and it definitely paid off.
00:18:40:19 - 00:18:51:09
Chris Dawes
Does that mean that you went in, Billy? No, I never like to say knowing that you were going to do that, but really feeling confident that it was there?
00:18:51:11 - 00:19:04:18
Oli Willmott
No, we just in noisy English, we bought a bag of shit last year and we decided to go further and rebuild it. And yeah, it just paid off massively.
00:19:04:21 - 00:19:08:14
Chris Dawes
So actually you went in a little bit unsure where it would be.
00:19:08:16 - 00:19:24:04
Oli Willmott
If we had no idea. We were looking at times compared to last year, we didn't really test it because I've got two different jobs going and we live abroad, so it's all trying to plan it all and yeah, and we went in and yeah, definitely paid off big time.
00:19:24:07 - 00:19:37:15
Chris Dawes
It didn't it just Andy Langley, greetings, Andy. The, the reigning, 53 or 53, champion. That's probably not what you want to hear. Really? Is it that.
00:19:37:17 - 00:19:48:07
Andy Langley
Not really. No. I mean, we knew we were up against this year. Different car. But we still felt still felt confident, but, Yeah. Yeah.
00:19:48:07 - 00:19:59:20
Chris Dawes
I mean, yours was all three, three third places. So you're banging on the podiums in on the first race. Me I mean, all things said, you can't be disappointed with that, surely.
00:19:59:22 - 00:20:01:22
Andy Langley
I can't be.
00:20:01:24 - 00:20:05:11
Chris Dawes
I was trying to be positive. I.
00:20:05:13 - 00:20:28:10
Andy Langley
Yeah. No, I mean, yeah, you know, it's first time in 56 class. Yeah. To say where we were with that car. It's pretty good. We were hot on the heels of Freddie. We were pushing him a long, I was, you know, looking promising. Just really didn't have an opening to get past. Freddie. But, yeah, to say we only did one drive testing.
00:20:28:15 - 00:20:40:06
Andy Langley
We had a couple of us, so we only did one dry test in here, but I was happy with it. I was happy, I knew, I knew where we were. She's a handful at times, but but yeah, we knew where we were.
00:20:40:08 - 00:20:45:05
Chris Dawes
Is it very different to the, 53?
00:20:45:08 - 00:21:06:11
Andy Langley
Yes it is. Yeah. So, obviously we're run the car, we run the Clubman car, so it's a slightly different shape. We got a bit of extra weight hanging out the back, an extra length. So I guess for some corners it helps stability. But defensively, you know, to set it up where you need it to be.
00:21:06:13 - 00:21:10:23
Andy Langley
She's very tricky. She can be a bit bit spicy in certain corners.
00:21:10:28 - 00:21:26:06
Chris Dawes
So I love it. I love to get that insight. I mean, Ollie, you got the three victories, but we're hearing from the guy that got the three thirds. And of course Freddie got the three seconds is that there's no time to relax there, is there?
00:21:26:09 - 00:21:29:21
Andy Langley
No. And then it's when it's close race.
00:21:29:21 - 00:21:34:24
Oli Willmott
And it's it's close and it's a good feeling.
00:21:34:27 - 00:21:40:18
Chris Dawes
I and I guess that's what you want, isn't it? You don't want me to be, you know, clear domination anyway.
00:21:40:20 - 00:21:50:16
Oli Willmott
No, not at all. When we, when like the first race, we, or qualifying as well. We were pretty gobsmacked how much further we were.
00:21:50:19 - 00:21:55:17
Chris Dawes
Fair play. Have you raced much at Brands Hatch?
00:21:55:19 - 00:21:57:09
Oli Willmott
Yeah, yeah.
00:21:57:11 - 00:22:01:02
Chris Dawes
So that helps us. That helps as well. Then.
00:22:01:05 - 00:22:03:28
Oli Willmott
Juniors, junior times and everything else.
00:22:04:00 - 00:22:27:11
Chris Dawes
Okay. Yeah. I thought that the you probably had, What I mean, you, I kind of almost have two questions. A really Ollie is what before you went into Brands Hatch, was your objective for the season and what's your objective now? You had that blistering opening weekend.
00:22:27:13 - 00:22:36:15
Oli Willmott
To win the title again, first thing, we just went in with all the eyes open. Just. Yeah, we.
00:22:36:15 - 00:22:38:01
Oli Willmott
We had a really good.
00:22:38:03 - 00:22:46:27
Oli Willmott
Last year and then we were, me and my mechanic Ben. We put together like, Dream Team. So we went in and said, we're just going to blitz. And we.
00:22:46:27 - 00:22:47:20
Oli Willmott
We did it.
00:22:47:22 - 00:22:50:28
Oli Willmott
In a nice style as well.
00:22:51:00 - 00:23:02:12
Chris Dawes
I can't argue with that one. So, so going for the defense of it, but and the yeah, I can tell you've just got such a serious face about this. We're not gonna let that happen.
00:23:02:12 - 00:23:25:29
Andy Langley
And I try not to. Yeah. You know, we've obviously got work to do. We we know what was going on. Brands, you know, certain issues, power wise, talk wise, whatever. But, yeah, we've got some things to figure out. Yeah. Still. So, Yeah, we'll see what happens. Watch the space, as I say.
00:23:26:02 - 00:23:37:23
Chris Dawes
Yeah, I mean, it. That first race meeting of the year is always a challenging one, isn't it? Because you kind of even if you tried to do prep, there's this degree of semi cold until you get going with that first race meeting.
00:23:37:25 - 00:24:01:17
Andy Langley
Yeah. I mean you know, we did a test probably a couple of weeks before it was like I said, it was the only dry test we did. But at times well we're way past the last yet. Obviously, Ollie raised up a bit more. So, so yeah, we, we, we knew we had some issues, but, but yeah, considering it's pretty good.
00:24:01:19 - 00:24:22:14
Chris Dawes
Are you, are you obviously you come off the high of winning the, the 53 into this new car. Is there a degree of, being I'm going to use the word realistic. I don't mean it in that's true sense, but, you know, that's what people say about I'm going to be realistic. Or if you come in going, right, I've won that.
00:24:22:14 - 00:24:29:02
Chris Dawes
I'm jumping. It's a different car. I'm gunning for the championship and going for it straight away.
00:24:29:04 - 00:24:35:09
Andy Langley
Yeah, I was always that was always the plan, to be honest. Yeah, that was what it was.
00:24:35:12 - 00:24:38:19
Chris Dawes
I haven't the correct answer, but I.
00:24:38:21 - 00:24:39:03
Chris Dawes
I.
00:24:39:05 - 00:24:51:05
Chris Dawes
Think that's brilliant. Again, race had a mini, challenge club Sport. It's such, a vibrant place, isn't it?
00:24:51:08 - 00:25:06:18
Andy Langley
Yeah. It's great championship to be part of. You know, there's a lot of familiar faces this year and some new ones as well, which is good. You know, the group's grown. Yeah, it's just nice. Nice bunch of people.
00:25:06:20 - 00:25:18:25
Chris Dawes
Exactly. And I mean, only from your side. Obviously, you and your dad come over from abroad. Is. It's got to be nice to have that sort of nice, friendly paddock to spend that race weekend with.
00:25:18:27 - 00:25:34:10
Oli Willmott
Yeah, definitely. And like Andy said, if something goes wrong and you don't have enough people to help and you still want to get all those cars out on grid that everyone just comes in, ask, do you need help, blah, blah, blah. So it's it's a nice feeling.
00:25:34:13 - 00:25:48:27
Chris Dawes
I like that, that is really, really good. Big one, an opportunity to, to thank, sponsors and family. Ollie is you got the triple picture. I start with you. Who do to you? Thanks for for that opening weekend.
00:25:48:29 - 00:26:07:12
Oli Willmott
Well, thanks to the family, of course. Thanks to Ben and, the fellow speed shop without him and this group. Well, wouldn't even be possible. And ski set banging. So if anyone wants to come and ski in this beautiful town, hit me up.
00:26:07:15 - 00:26:17:11
Chris Dawes
I'll just quickly making that myself. I must be honest. I've never even been skiing. But it's on my bucket list. I gotta be honest. Thanks, Ollie. I'm the same question to you, mate.
00:26:17:13 - 00:26:35:29
Andy Langley
Yeah. So biggest thanks have got to go to Norfolk, cos really, they've supported me right from the start and, you know, they've trusted me with their cars the last couple of years. I know, last year we were meant to be driving it, but this year was with very much planned. So yeah, a big thank you to them.
00:26:36:03 - 00:26:54:00
Andy Langley
So, you know, everything they've done for me. Got to also thank Ben and Ian. So, you know, with a got our own little mini team, if you like, in the paddock and we, you know, we do a lot of things together and also, you know, they've give me a bit of work over the winter when things have been slow for me.
00:26:54:00 - 00:26:56:16
Andy Langley
So yeah, thanks to them as well.
00:26:56:19 - 00:27:10:22
Chris Dawes
I do love that. And obviously Ollie, you get the, the Utopia is that of course it's dad and lad time, isn't it? With, dad racing in the, in the, in the, Cooper class as well. That's gotta be cool.
00:27:10:24 - 00:27:13:18
Oli Willmott
It's it's a nice feeling.
00:27:13:18 - 00:27:26:03
Oli Willmott
Yeah, but the the plan was to race together. But if we race in the same category, I don't think you. It would come out in the, green side, let's say that way.
00:27:26:05 - 00:27:27:17
Chris Dawes
Yeah.
00:27:27:19 - 00:27:56:12
Chris Dawes
I just thought it was brilliant that there was such a long pause. Then I went, oh, I've got you in trouble now. I have no, but I think it was a good answer. In the end. And the final question to you, really, we've just touched on how the 53 and the 56 race, a couple of the different cars, if anybody was, in in are in about race in these minis in mini challenge club sport what would your advice be as a car in a championship and getting to learn a bit of your craft as well?
00:27:56:14 - 00:28:14:01
Andy Langley
I think really the best starting place because I've done the Coopers as well. So it has to be in the Cooper class. I think more people, more people should go into that because they are just the best, but they're amazing cars to drive. You know, you're on it the whole time. It's no respite. And, you know, the numbers are bigger this year.
00:28:14:01 - 00:28:34:20
Andy Langley
So I'm actually, I kind of it was a difficult one this year because I like to get in there to have a good scrap. But I, you know, they're great cars to learn. I would definitely recommend people to, you know, don't dismiss them. Just have a going on, try it and yeah, you know, I regret.
00:28:34:23 - 00:28:52:10
Chris Dawes
I love it. I'd completely forgotten you'd done the Cooper class as well. And the apologies. Well, that's a wicked answer. Even better than I went for. Gents, listen, congratulations on a fantastic opening, race weekend at Brands Hatch. And, best of luck, and I'm sure we'll catch up with you as the season goes.
00:28:52:13 - 00:28:54:17
Andy Langley
Thanks Chris, Cheers Chris.
00:28:54:19 - 00:29:01:09
Chris Dawes
Thanks both.
00:29:01:11 - 00:29:24:06
Chris Dawes
So at this time, I'm joined by Freddy Hewitt, who, who had the fabulous Brands Hatch as well. Well, I think it was, but I got I got a feeling that he's a bit frustrated. Freddy, thanks for joining me, mate. I know we're a week later than, than Ollie and Andy. But three second places. When I asked you that a second ago off, er, you kind of went.
00:29:24:09 - 00:29:28:26
Chris Dawes
Yeah. Average a still a not a bad start to the season is it.
00:29:28:28 - 00:29:46:09
Freddy Hewitt
No. It's not a bad start to the season. But we, I mean I'm a born race winner. That's, that's what I, that's what I want to do. And that's, that's if, you know, winning, you're if you're the first loser at least. And that's how I feel walking away from Brands Hatch.
00:29:46:12 - 00:30:09:04
Chris Dawes
That's, I mean, I, I know we've all heard that phrase. It's so brutal, but I get it. I understand, and that's why I love commentating on, on you guys because it is, it's so competitive, which makes it so exciting. Can you, can you recall how do they actually go? How do you feel that the weekend evolved?
00:30:09:07 - 00:30:37:26
Freddy Hewitt
The weekend. How evolved? All that is a difficult one. So, yeah. Qualifying. We'll practice. We'll start off with, car felt pretty good. We're a bit concerned as to why we were a half second off Ollie. But when you look back at last year's practice and qualifying times, I was half second off Ollie, so it wasn't something to really be concerned about.
00:30:37:28 - 00:31:00:14
Freddy Hewitt
Because we then managed to have the race pace over him. But then going into qualifying, we still seem to be off. Made a few changes with the car between qualifying and race one to to see, you know, if it's me not being up to it. It's the first round of the season. I've had a long time off, done a lot of relaxing.
00:31:00:17 - 00:31:25:00
Freddy Hewitt
It's. I, it could have been me. But, yeah, we just we just seem to be off on Ollie's pace. So then going into into race one, got a great start. That's something we have been good at this year. One of the only things I would say, got a great start. Managed managed to hold the lead for the first lap.
00:31:25:03 - 00:31:34:08
Freddy Hewitt
But Ollie just had enough come out of the last corner to, get ahead. And from there, just just just take over. Really?
00:31:34:10 - 00:31:46:14
Chris Dawes
Fair enough. And, I mean, this is the same car as last year, isn't it? Have you been doing much to it in the winter, or is it that age old thing with racing drivers where you go, oh yeah, we're racing this weekend.
00:31:46:16 - 00:32:07:18
Freddy Hewitt
Yeah. It's like you finished, you finished last season and you say, oh yes. Alright. We've got six months, we've got six. Yeah. And then and then people ask how the racing's going through the winter and you're like, well it's the winter. But you know it'll be coming up soon. And then and then all of a sudden it's like, click your fingers, we're time to load the trailer up and get racing.
00:32:07:21 - 00:32:25:17
Freddy Hewitt
But but no, we, we always, you know, just to just do the kind of standard pre-season checks. Really. You know, I've not got a massive budget. I can't go around throwing new parts on willy nilly. So, you know what? I've. What I've got is what I'll, what I'll take to the circuit.
00:32:25:19 - 00:32:53:06
Chris Dawes
Fair enough. I mean, you know, all competitive edge aside, at the very least, it's a solid start to the season. You know, you've got the good foundation to be able to, to work on from. Then. What are your thoughts? What? I mean, I'm sure it's a silly question when you've already expressed how competitive you are. What is your goal for this season and what are your beliefs coming away from Brands Hatch?
00:32:53:09 - 00:33:11:26
Freddy Hewitt
The the goal for the season, of course, is to is to win. There's, anything else is not good enough in my mind. And yeah, that's that's the goal. That's what we want to do. That's what we that's what I show up for, because there's no better feeling.
00:33:11:29 - 00:33:25:19
Chris Dawes
I get that, and the. So how do you feel about the, you know, the, the, the your chances as you come away from Brands Hatch? I mean, I'd imagine you're sort of back on the car a little bit.
00:33:25:22 - 00:33:52:06
Freddy Hewitt
Yeah, we're working on things back at base between the Twin brands and Thruxton. There's always room for improvement. There's always things we can do. Set up, look at the suspension. Look at power. What? We. What what are we able to do? The car's being on the dyno a little bit. Doing some checks. Doing, you know, seeing if we're missing out in any, any small areas.
00:33:52:08 - 00:34:11:09
Freddy Hewitt
Because it seems to be grunt where we lost out, brands. So. Yeah. And, you know, it's it's one of those things where racing is never there's always something, as a racing driver that you want to be better. Or better. So so that's what we're, what we're looking at.
00:34:11:12 - 00:34:32:22
Chris Dawes
That's fair. And I get it. Listen, well done on the, you know, the clean sweep of seconds. At the very least, there's good consistency there. And, you know, things like that can win championships. Best of luck carrying on. And I'm sure we'll catch up with you as the season evolves. Anyway, who would you like to thank in terms of sponsors, family, all those kind of things?
00:34:32:24 - 00:35:00:18
Freddy Hewitt
There's a big list. We'll start with. We pulled it up and, who's who's helped me out loads in the last couple of years, we've got low financial solutions. Do you come on board this year? As sponsors, we've got, got a partnership with Tough stuff, great people to work with, with pitlane development who, support, people trying to get into motorsport with work experience.
00:35:00:20 - 00:35:12:27
Freddy Hewitt
We've got, but a bit of a, snap on, local snap-on dealer, Simon, he helps us out with some tools, and I'm trying to think we've got so many sponsors.
00:35:12:29 - 00:35:13:28
Chris Dawes
I know the feeling is.
00:35:14:00 - 00:35:18:03
Chris Dawes
Yeah, yeah.
00:35:18:06 - 00:35:30:17
Freddy Hewitt
Oh, I'm going to be crucified if I miss someone out. Dad? Mum. Girlfriend, sister. Because I stole her car. I used to this day. And I hope it money for it, but we'll gloss over that one.
00:35:30:19 - 00:35:33:19
Paul Sawyer
Yeah.
00:35:33:21 - 00:35:41:18
Freddy Hewitt
And, and David, who comes along our pitlane development worker who, comes along and Callum for his support.
00:35:41:20 - 00:35:58:09
Chris Dawes
Fabulous. Listen, I apologize for putting you on the spot with that one. Well done. I'm impressed with the job you did there. If, if he's forgotten anyone, it's my fault I didn't prep him. I was going to watch that sort of lesson. Freddie, listen, thank you for joining us, mate. Well done on Brands Hatch. Best of luck with the rest of the season.
00:35:58:12 - 00:36:02:20
Freddy Hewitt
Thank you very much.
00:36:02:22 - 00:36:25:18
Chris Dawes
And next up we're going to catch up with the Cooper class and see how they got on at Brands Hatch as well. Delighted to say I've been joined by three of the four different podium visitors. Sadly, Jacob Baldry couldn't join us. Congratulations on your third and pair of seconds, mate, but sorry that you can't join us for this one, but the rest of them are still here.
00:36:25:21 - 00:36:36:06
Chris Dawes
I'm gonna start. I've got two. Jacob. Hey, Jacob. What a way to start the season at Brands Hatch with three straight victories. How did he feel about that?
00:36:36:09 - 00:36:57:13
Jacob Heap
Yeah, brilliant. I mean, coming into the weekend, I didn't know what was going to come out first. I'd been in the car since I'd, actually the middle of last year. Obviously freshly built car didn't have chance for any testing. So we had issues with it and it kind of came down to the wire. So I thought, you know, just to get on the podium, be really nice, and then to come away with three wins and two fastest laps as well.
00:36:57:13 - 00:36:59:08
Jacob Heap
Yeah. Yeah. It was absolutely brilliant.
00:36:59:11 - 00:37:07:27
Chris Dawes
Wow. That's that is an incredible story. I mean, at which point did you start to sort of think, hold the thought. This is going rather well.
00:37:08:00 - 00:37:37:09
Jacob Heap
Yeah. Well I mean in the first I mean I thought I second which was I was over the moon with really, Daniel did a great job much he's facing qualifying. And then when he came into the race, a great battle with Daniel and Jacob Bolger as well. It's brilliant all the way through. I mean, I dropped to third, and then I went down and Jacob had a bit of a, moment together, and then I managed to sneak in first and then hold out for the first win and then second race.
00:37:37:11 - 00:37:55:06
Jacob Heap
I was just defending the entire time. Was struggling with the clutch all weekend. So getting off the line was bit hard at times. But managed to defend throughout that whole race and clutch was getting worse start the weekend, so I thought I'd be happy just to finish on the podium for the third race, whether that be second or third.
00:37:55:08 - 00:38:02:07
Jacob Heap
And then other brilliant battle with Jacob Baldry again. And to come away with three wins here is absolutely brilliant.
00:38:02:09 - 00:38:19:03
Chris Dawes
And it is amazing when everybody tells us about how, phenomenally competitive the Cooper classes. I, I think some of the others are like, envious because it's just so back and forth. And so to see the three victories that doesn't tell the tale in the slightest, does it?
00:38:19:06 - 00:38:27:03
Jacob Heap
No. I didn't come away with much of a lead at all. It was always really close, every race, which makes it even more fun and.
00:38:27:03 - 00:38:29:21
Chris Dawes
Yeah, exactly that.
00:38:29:23 - 00:38:39:21
Jacob Heap
During the Indy circuit, the short circuit, the Cooper S's came up behind pretty quick. And as they were overtaking and coming around the outside of corners, the inside, I thought I was going to lose the lead a couple times, but,
00:38:39:24 - 00:38:44:02
Chris Dawes
Because, you know, those guys behind you are waiting to take advantage of that chance.
00:38:44:05 - 00:38:45:14
Jacob Heap
Definitely.
00:38:45:17 - 00:38:57:14
Chris Dawes
There's no question about that. One of those, of course, Daniel Truman, Daniel, defending champion, of course, going into this year, started well, that second in the first race.
00:38:57:17 - 00:38:59:19
Chris Dawes
But a pair of fifth thereafter.
00:38:59:19 - 00:39:03:03
Chris Dawes
I mean, is that just a sign of how competitive it is?
00:39:03:05 - 00:39:24:19
Daniel Truman
It is also, I mean, yeah, obviously. So the weekend. Very well, with Paul, which was a little bit unexpected of practice. And yeah, it's a mistake. They didn't get any tested. So the car was sort of fresh out winter. You know, with the, proven release. So. Yeah, let's get Paul with brilliant. And then.
00:39:24:19 - 00:39:46:27
Daniel Truman
Yeah, brilliant battle throughout race one with, Thanks, Jacob. That bit closer than it, has been before, but it's brilliant. But, you know, a lot of, you know, position changes and stuff like that never really know where you're going to end up. You know, and then the Sunday was a little bit frustrating for us, really.
00:39:46:29 - 00:40:07:06
Daniel Truman
Struggled with up front of him. Throughout the whole weekend for him. Worse on the Sunday and little bit, wrong place, wrong time, little bit. Yeah. What's the position. Better things like that. But so just you can get the luck of the draw. But ultimately, you know, it's the assessments, the competitiveness of the class and the championship.
00:40:07:08 - 00:40:13:28
Daniel Truman
You know, they've got pretty much everyone on the grid can win a race. And that's brilliant to be a part of getting.
00:40:14:01 - 00:40:26:24
Chris Dawes
No. And I mean, that, is a great sign that as competitive as everybody is, there still remembering that it's about enjoying it as well.
00:40:26:26 - 00:40:45:15
Daniel Truman
Oh, yeah. I mean, so that was one of our highlights of the weekend was coming out of, stairways, in the first race and looking in mirrors and painting the clouds quite close and then looking behind. Yeah, it's the point where I can see why. It's why it's in Jacob's eyes, in my mirror. And then looking back again.
00:40:45:15 - 00:40:56:07
Daniel Truman
You can see Jacob's solid like everyone's there, you know, all lining up. And that's that's pretty racing is, you know, that's just fantastic.
00:40:56:10 - 00:41:12:28
Chris Dawes
I mean, I've got to ask you obviously come into this year is the defending champion is the goal to actually defend that champion. And does that mixed bag to some extent of brands. Has it changed that. Has it focused you on certain things.
00:41:13:01 - 00:41:34:02
Daniel Truman
Is definitely yes, obviously. Obviously the the aim is to win it again and you know, keep championship. And it was definitely a wake up call. Like, you know, I need to find extra I mean, you always want to find more, but it was definitely, you know, like going, yeah, we need points. Yeah. No stone unturned sort of thing.
00:41:34:05 - 00:41:56:06
Daniel Truman
And between sort of friends and person who pretty much take sort of four weeks on trial where everything was just trying to find something. Yeah. Is it perfect? Is this right? You know, what can we do better than that? Crew set up and dates and all sorts of stuff. Yeah, just kind of extract the maximum base thing I did.
00:41:56:09 - 00:42:09:01
Chris Dawes
As I suspected that you would turn round and say. I mean, Jacob, I didn't ask you the question. You get those three victories. What is that now done for your, targets for this year?
00:42:09:03 - 00:42:17:17
Jacob Heap
Yeah, definitely. Why? I mean, you know, since since the first win in the first race really was I want to go out and, and win that championship.
00:42:17:20 - 00:42:29:15
Chris Dawes
And that's the key points for me. So did that mean that ahead of that, it hadn't quite entered your mind to that much bravado when that victory suddenly made you go, oh, hang on a minute.
00:42:29:18 - 00:42:50:04
Jacob Heap
Yeah. I mean, coming into the championship my first year in this championship, the two years in different mini class, until the first race qualifying, you're not sure you know how you're going to fare? Obviously coming out was pretty big accident last year. How am I going to drive? Because, you know, it's always in the back of your head.
00:42:50:06 - 00:43:03:29
Jacob Heap
But definitely after three race wins, go away. Now focus on the car. Let's get that right. Focus on what I can do to improve. Just like Dan said, there's always areas to improve in. And let's go out and win the championship.
00:43:04:01 - 00:43:28:06
Chris Dawes
That's fair, that's fair. Loss. But by absolutely no means least the math man from the, from the mountain area, calling them, calling honestly, your your big grin gets me every time, man. It really does. You you finished with a pair of thirds in races two and three. You kind of went the other way where you started with the pace and then built the pair of thirds.
00:43:28:09 - 00:43:32:09
Chris Dawes
What was the story, first of all, of race one.
00:43:32:12 - 00:43:35:14
Colin Willmott
What's your point with me going forwards?
00:43:35:16 - 00:43:36:07
Chris Dawes
It's all good.
00:43:36:09 - 00:44:10:10
Colin Willmott
He's so since the last time, Chris, that I did a sprint race running start, I think it was 20 years ago and apparently since then they've introduced something called track limits so far. But I think I had four four lap times deleted. I don't understand why. I took it up with the authorities. They ignored me. Didn't take me seriously.
00:44:10:12 - 00:44:33:25
Colin Willmott
Yeah. No, it naivety, ignorance. Things have clearly changed since, so I've they're not to change my driving lines. Let's say to stay within boundaries. So. Yeah. So I think I'll forget where I qualified. Seventh or eighth. Hi. Cupping. So you had a great race to finish in fifth. I thought that's probably the position I was.
00:44:33:27 - 00:44:56:03
Colin Willmott
I was that coming out of, retirement. The second race was a bit more fun. And yeah, I managed to done. Did I hold off you for third? Yes. Yeah. And that was a it was a great race. Thank you. And, you know, and then in the, in the third race, I, I didn't have a great start.
00:44:56:03 - 00:45:14:16
Colin Willmott
I think I dropped back a couple of places but got myself back up to. I actually know, in fact, that Dan, did you you had a battle with Dan Butcher Lloyd. Then I think I'll call it on the back of both of you and sneaked past you with a couple of laps to go. I think you did. I always remember following you very sideways.
00:45:14:16 - 00:45:41:14
Daniel Truman
Dan Patrick, it's. Well, you go up in sort of Dan and then I followed you through and then greeted by you pretty much broadside in front of me, right. So somebody said that these minis with were loose. Yeah. Yeah. I guess I had a whole load of fun. I think they're great. I think Dan said in the past a few times the cars are great fun.
00:45:41:14 - 00:46:14:18
Colin Willmott
They're. Yeah, they are often sideways as as we're finding out. I started the season, I could hear, Jacob's answers. So I didn't have any preconceived, plans, ideas, thoughts before the start of the season, we bought the car, kind of hoping to encourage more younger people to get into the series by offering arrive and Drive. I have said that I'll always jump into it until we've got somebody that that's that's willing to take over.
00:46:14:18 - 00:46:25:26
Colin Willmott
So while it's there, while it's available, jump in all over play. I didn't have any expectations. Have I got any now? I don't know if I'll let you know.
00:46:25:28 - 00:46:33:27
Chris Dawes
Well, that was where my mind was. Go in after getting that pair of, thirds. It's like suddenly your mind suddenly goes, actually.
00:46:34:00 - 00:46:55:13
Colin Willmott
For quite. Actually, I quite like this. I'm gonna have another go ahead. I it's one I love, I've loved, I love to extend again. I haven't driven that for 20 years. And yeah, a whole load of sorry can be daunting. I love the thought of Thruxton. I haven't been there for 20 years. Yeah, I the racing is is great.
00:46:55:15 - 00:47:05:17
Colin Willmott
I'm amazed at how close the racing is. And and good and clean and and and a whole lot of fun and respectful.
00:47:05:20 - 00:47:13:21
Chris Dawes
100%. And, you know, and I think that certainly we can get the impression from you that fun and friendly paddock as well.
00:47:13:24 - 00:47:37:05
Colin Willmott
Now it's a great paddock and you know, that's that's testament to Tom and you know and his team Glen and James. You know they all work so hard behind the scenes and and they are creating a great a great paddock a great atmosphere. There was some threat about the Sunset Garden going, but, I'm sure that that that's going that was a just a vicious rumor.
00:47:37:07 - 00:47:43:03
Colin Willmott
And then to be resurrected apparently was getting all too competitive. Yeah.
00:47:43:06 - 00:48:13:06
Chris Dawes
I'm watching Tom chuckling in the little camera behind underneath us. Right. Yeah. He is chuckling although I think he's going to he's going to have you for that one. I it is it I love it I love seeing such a friendly, paddock to say the least. I'm going to start with you then, Colin. I mean, normally at this stage, I say, right, who do you want to thank in terms of sponsors and family, obviously your your dad and, you know, all of your sons racing as well, but is there still people that you.
00:48:13:06 - 00:48:15:26
Chris Dawes
Thanks for being there.
00:48:15:28 - 00:48:44:13
Colin Willmott
Yeah. I've probably got to thank my wife, Tracy, for putting up with all of the, the demands that motorsport puts on a family. Yeah, I, and I'll be honest, sat next to me. He's, you know, again, his enthusiasm, his his commitment to the cause, his determination. Yeah. You know, he's in his quietly confident, and he's good at what he does.
00:48:44:13 - 00:49:06:22
Colin Willmott
And, you know, because of that, we we have a great, fun weekend. Ben, who looks after it, looks after both of the cars alone. So he does it in his in these, spare time outside of his workshop. Ours comes down to the race weekends. He looks after both cars. I said yeah. So, Ben, fellow speed chop needs a big a big mention.
00:49:06:25 - 00:49:12:17
Colin Willmott
And our, main sponsor then, and they're amazing.
00:49:12:19 - 00:49:14:15
Chris Dawes
Which is where you are right now, isn't it?
00:49:14:15 - 00:49:16:25
Colin Willmott
Which is where we are right now. Yeah. You sense.
00:49:16:25 - 00:49:18:04
Chris Dawes
The envy of my voice when I.
00:49:18:04 - 00:49:24:17
Colin Willmott
Said, yeah, well, there we've got cloud cover. We've not said, oh, really? Yeah.
00:49:24:19 - 00:49:25:23
Chris Dawes
Oh wow.
00:49:25:25 - 00:49:35:24
Colin Willmott
So but yeah. No, it's you know, and then looks at, you know the racing, the championship. So, so again you know thanks to, to all those involved with the organization. But they're doing a great job.
00:49:35:27 - 00:49:55:04
Chris Dawes
I'm final word with you, Colin, on this is because you've said that you've got this car and your objective was to, you know, have it is in a drive and drive to try to get, youngsters is your, your number one remit for other people. What would you say to somebody that is, is thinking that they want to go and race?
00:49:55:06 - 00:50:21:11
Colin Willmott
For me I would, I'd race a, I'd race a, a wheelbarrow. Getting involved with racing any of it is super good fun to get involved with with this mini championship. Like like you said a few times, the paddock is super friendly. The paddock is super supportive, the racing is super close. You know it's proper what make racing home, you know, without spending big, big money.
00:50:21:13 - 00:50:25:12
Colin Willmott
Whereas we have such good fun. It's great.
00:50:25:15 - 00:50:33:18
Chris Dawes
I love it. Wonderful words Colin. Thank you for that. Daniel Truman, who would you like to to pass? Thanks on to.
00:50:33:20 - 00:51:02:06
Daniel Truman
Quite a few less, you know, staffing team. So there's about eight of us who will make up the sort of team you know, you get it all behind the scenes for me. So all of them put in a lot of effort, a lot of time. And, you know, as well, friends, family, if all that sport and sponsors as well, I've got a brilliant sort of community of sponsors now who support me, and it simply wouldn't be possible without them.
00:51:02:06 - 00:51:19:07
Daniel Truman
So big shout out to social models for development up above. My motors. We shot my look at this from hello over my head, but it's all good.
00:51:19:09 - 00:51:20:18
Chris Dawes
You're welcome.
00:51:20:21 - 00:51:46:22
Daniel Truman
Yeah. Thank you. They left Mystic Services on my T-shirt. I'll just. Yeah. Do that. I see that, but but all jokes aside, it's. Yeah. It's brilliant. Yeah. The amount of sport to have and simply without without possible side. Yes. Thank you very much to all of them.
00:51:46:24 - 00:52:08:26
Chris Dawes
I love it when I put you guys on the spot with this. I feel evil, but I then the grin takes form, so it's fine. Finally. Jake. Evie. Obviously. What a way to start the season. The clean sweep of victories other than, we should be thanking you because you're the one that dominated that. But who behind you needed to be there for that to be possible?
00:52:08:29 - 00:52:31:15
Jacob Heap
Yeah, definitely. I couldn't do it without everyone. Obviously behind me. Big likes to pull in classics, the use of workshop and all the space tools they provide. EMI is engineering for every time a blow up or damage an engine, he's always there to rebuild it. Mammoth sport. You supply all my engine parts. Big thanks to Adrian from, pure auto Design, the wheel refurbishment.
00:52:31:15 - 00:52:48:07
Jacob Heap
So wheels. That's why my wheels look so, shiny and black and brown. Such. I'm still doing functional, clean racing, but the was all weekend, and obviously the main man himself. My dad couldn't do it without him. Diesel. And driving it all behind the scenes. So always massive thank you to,
00:52:48:09 - 00:53:09:18
Chris Dawes
Oh, absolutely. Lovely sentiments, Mason. Obviously, as I said earlier, sorry, Jacob Baldry, that you couldn't be here. Great. Third and pair of seconds. Well done, mate on that one. I'm sure we'll catch up with you, on another episode, but Jacob hit with the triple victory. Daniel Truman, trying to defend that title. He's on the podium as well.
00:53:09:18 - 00:53:25:03
Chris Dawes
And, Colin. Well, Mark field fought his way through to Paris, places. And as a massive smile on his face, I love it. Thank you so much from the Cooper class for, for joining us on, episode one of the talk show.
00:53:25:06 - 00:53:31:25
Jacob Heap
Thanks, Chris.
00:53:31:27 - 00:53:52:05
Chris Dawes
So we've caught up with all the drivers. We've got to catch up with the management. We don't want them to feel left out, you know that. Especially that Halliwell fella. He'll get all upset if we leave him out. So, Clem. Welcome, guys. Season two, episode one. So good to see you both. I'm going to start with you, Tom.
00:53:52:05 - 00:53:57:09
Chris Dawes
I mean, you just heard all the words from the drivers. What a great opening weekend.
00:53:57:11 - 00:54:27:09
Tom Halliwell
It was. It was, it's probably what we always aspired to with, everyone spoke about the close racing and. Yeah, I can't thank Glen enough for the work he's done through the off season to bring that together. You know what we started with in that goodness, we're now season three. Yeah, 2020, 2022. When we started, you know, we started with the group cars that have been highly modified been allowed to do within reason.
00:54:27:09 - 00:54:49:11
Tom Halliwell
We were on power to wait. This is the first season where we've got the 56 and 50 threes. Equality, in terms of power. So they will have to run a set way. But now I've got equality across the Coopers for that with the championship Matt. So and the feedback's great. So yeah it's it's been tough. But with that you know we're getting there.
00:54:49:14 - 00:55:06:04
Chris Dawes
Yeah I mean Glen that's obviously that's been. Yeah I mean what was it two years ago that we last did the talk show. And, and you were very passionate and very involved, but it seems to have still continued to, to, to rise from there as well. But it's been hard work. Go.
00:55:06:07 - 00:55:22:14
Glen Copeland
Yeah. It's been entertaining at times. But yeah, I mean, that was that was always the, the kind of drive for me coming on board in the first place was to try and make the race as close as possible for everybody. So that and make it as the priority across the classes is as good as we get it.
00:55:22:14 - 00:55:45:21
Glen Copeland
We tried some different things first year and then second year this year, which certainly seemed to make big steps in the right direction. We've got all the drivers seem to be as fast as drivers can be. They all seem to be fairly happy with what's going on. So, yeah, I think it's it's all gone really well. So I mean, the race problems obviously shows off.
00:55:45:24 - 00:55:46:20
Glen Copeland
It was good.
00:55:46:23 - 00:56:00:11
Chris Dawes
Yeah. I mean good grade numbers and things like that. And the Glen, how much? It's not just about the drivers that were already there, but for the onlookers to consider joining that. That's what they need to see the fairness, don't they.
00:56:00:13 - 00:56:20:24
Glen Copeland
Oh yeah. I mean you're always going to want to drive us drivers. They're always you don't want to go to a championship where they feel they can have a fair chance of winning the race, and that's what we're aiming for. You know, at times I'm at a track and people ask us questions about championships, like particularly since Browns world.
00:56:20:24 - 00:56:36:22
Glen Copeland
But right from it's really how do I get in or invited just recently I was in fact I'm on track day and I've had three people inquiring about joining the championship. So because of what they've seen. So it's an absolute in and of itself. So it's quite good.
00:56:36:25 - 00:56:41:25
Chris Dawes
Yeah, exactly. And Tom, I mean, I know because obviously you and I have known each other for many, many years now.
00:56:42:02 - 00:56:43:06
Tom Halliwell
We have, we have, we.
00:56:43:06 - 00:57:09:01
Chris Dawes
Have and, and I know in its early stages that how passionate you were about this and that you were completely aware of the challenge ahead of you. Hence Glen, you know, was was on board from the get go. How proud did you feel then when you looked at, you know, 2026 new season, you've had challenges along the way and then you've got this great looking, great.
00:57:09:03 - 00:57:38:00
Tom Halliwell
I'm very proud. Not not, not not selfishly, but as a team, you know, not only have this year, you know, we're supporting the British trucks. So, you know, we had a decent sized crowd at Brands Hatch. Even with the weather. You know, we're going to roll through Thruxton, into Pembrey, into Snetterton, into Donington. I mean, Donington alone in August that the predicting 75,000 people plus coming you know and many cafes amazing it.
00:57:38:03 - 00:57:58:25
Tom Halliwell
Yeah it's a convoy. So what I say every round you know we've got we have a 15 race calendar as the five weekends everyone's three you know got three races. But we were attracting big crowds and so many times clubs got to be, you know, with Ben Taylor and Simon Lambert to put on. That was a big thing for us.
00:57:58:25 - 00:58:20:03
Tom Halliwell
And also our competitors. So and that wouldn't have happened again without, you know, championship stalwarts, the likes of Dan Trim and Freddie Hewitt, you know, who've been there for years and from the outset and give it a go. And like they've all spoke about that. They're positive about it. The only problem for us now is it's it's getting quite competitive.
00:58:20:05 - 00:58:20:17
Chris Dawes
Yeah.
00:58:20:21 - 00:58:21:29
Chris Dawes
I yeah.
00:58:22:01 - 00:58:30:23
Tom Halliwell
So so that brings a whole new set of headaches. So but again I'm proud that we've brought the headaches, so. Yeah.
00:58:30:26 - 00:58:33:12
Chris Dawes
Yeah. No, it's, it's gonna be good.
00:58:33:14 - 00:58:36:27
Tom Halliwell
No no no no.
00:58:36:29 - 00:58:46:24
Chris Dawes
That's got to stay there. Despite our competitive it is I think that that really sums up the year. Is there anything else that you want to say at this juncture? I know we'll catch up with you again as the year goes on.
00:58:46:24 - 00:59:03:03
Tom Halliwell
Anyway, I, I think it's going to be an interesting year. So all I'm going to say, I think it's going to be an interesting year. And I don't think the results from brands are the way that it's going to go for the year.
00:59:03:05 - 00:59:08:17
Chris Dawes
Yeah I get yeah. As in that there was a degree of domination, to some extent, but. Correct.
00:59:08:20 - 00:59:28:05
Tom Halliwell
Yes. Correct. And I think, you know, like, you know, it's fair. You've got you've got some people who've got like, look, you know, Fred spoke about, you know, and and he spoke about an older this on the, on the grid. Some people test some people around. One's always such a tough one. You've got people have got had bum time.
00:59:28:07 - 00:59:38:14
Tom Halliwell
And then people go away after that round one and scratch their heads and group again and and go. So I think Thruxton is going to be going to be an interesting one.
00:59:38:16 - 00:59:45:14
Chris Dawes
Absolutely. Glen, that almost looked like a kind of a furrowed brow about how good it's going to be.
00:59:45:17 - 01:00:05:06
Glen Copeland
Oh, that. But you can't complain about something being. Yeah, you're right. You're bringing problems on yourself, which is taking off. You can't really complain coming. So. No. No. Yeah. I thought I genuinely think that throughout the season that we're going to have a massive mixed bag of results across the, across all the classes. So I think it's going to be really good.
01:00:05:08 - 01:00:11:23
Chris Dawes
Glen, obviously I'm conscious that I've got you and Tom here, but of course, it's not just you guys either, is it not?
01:00:11:23 - 01:00:19:06
Glen Copeland
We've we've got James obviously helps me on the technical side and helps Tom with bits and pieces as well. Obviously he's.
01:00:19:06 - 01:00:20:05
Glen Copeland
A bit camera shy, so he.
01:00:20:05 - 01:00:39:13
Glen Copeland
Didn't want to come on tonight and will persuade him to show his face. And so yeah I mean he helps out massively at weekends. We have him with like a barrel of er as well. Yeah. Jones helps him a lot with like obviously off the race part for my staff getting calls where they need to be, stuff checked and all that sort of thing.
01:00:39:13 - 01:00:49:00
Glen Copeland
So yeah, I remember everybody else on the team plays a massive role in making the championship what it is, we can do it without everybody together.
01:00:49:03 - 01:00:50:16
Chris Dawes
No, absolutely.
01:00:50:19 - 01:01:10:11
Tom Halliwell
It's already I think we did enough. Yeah, but I, I think everyone, you know, at the end the day, this isn't our job for it. It's a job that we take, you know. So it's it's a, it's like a second job really does it. It's a hobby. And so we're as keen as the drivers are but in a different manner.
01:01:10:14 - 01:01:21:29
Tom Halliwell
So really with that like partners Theresa Glen's of the half James. Luke who works and who just loves it comes down. It wouldn't really happen. So, gents.
01:01:21:29 - 01:01:32:08
Chris Dawes
Thank you so much for taking the time to, to catch up on this. That's episode one. Done and dusted. Have a fantastic time at Thruxton and I'll see you on the other side.
01:01:32:11 - 01:01:40:21
Tom Halliwell
Thank you. Cheers, mate.
01:01:40:24 - 01:01:49:23
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