Ludlow schoolboy on the right track
A young Shropshire schoolboy will be taking to the fast lane later this month when he makes his driving debut at motorsport event.
Tom Weaver, from Ludlow, is too young to drive on the roads as he is only 16, but has been marshalling at motorsport events for five years and has just attained his Motorsport UK competition driving licence, enabling him to drive in organised speed hill climb competitions.
The youngster will be competing at Loton Park Hill Climb, near Shrewsbury, on March 31, sharing a single seater racing car with his father Richard Weaver.
He said: “I have been part of the junior marshal team at Loton Park for some years and have been really close to the action which is great, watching the best drivers such as six-times champion Scott Moran from Ludlow, together with drivers and cars from across the UK as they race up the hill against the clock.
“I am thrilled to be able to get onto the track myself now and have a go at driving, although I am under strict instructions to take things slowly and not get too excited or ambitious, as it will be a very steep learning curve.”
Rebuilt
The pair have bought a classic 1991 Van Diemen Formula Ford car, which they have totally rebuilt over the winter and Tom has contributed half the costs, having saved up money for many years.
Richard added: “Tom has worked so hard over the years to raise funds and was pestering me for ages to get a racing car, so I told him that if he found a suitable one and could come up with half the money, then we could have one.
“Later last year Tom, who was voted Young Marshal of the Year in 2015, handed me an advert for this car as a ‘box of bits’ and we have worked together to get to rebuild it completely in its current fine state of preparation, which is very rewarding in itself and we can’t wait to get going!
“Although he is very young with no experience, the safety facilities at Loton Park are superb, with marshals and medical staff on hand to keep both competitors and spectators safe, but he still needs to take things steady.”
To set off the start of the new season event organisers Hagley Car Club are offering free admission to spectators on March 31 for the first meeting.
