In the second part of our series, Olly gives us a run down on his pre-season prep and how he’s trying to balance working, school and training for the season.
“OK back to reality”
Tuesday night recovering on the sofa from PE practical assessments for rugby and badminton, school homework completed for business studies- employee legislation and the thought of looming GSCEs exams.
Usual evening family catch up- Brexit, what is on the telly, ooh this curry is nice and when my race car will be wrapped ready for Spring into action at Castle Combe and what mum is to batch cook in advance of the first race season at Silverstone the beginning of April.
This winter I have not driven a car since October’s Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch so to keep myself race fit I have a sim set up at home; a Corbeau race seat on a GT Omega frame, a PS4 an
d a Logitech G29 Wheels and pedals. I use this 3-4 times a week and I train at my local gym Rivers Fitness, 3 times a week to work on conditioning, cardio and strength.
I have also worked at a local food factory since finishing last years race season, Sundays 6 am till 2, to pay for the things I want, to help my parents and to start saving toward my car insurance which is going to be horrendous I expect!!
Over the winter all the way up to the first race weekend, we work hard to build relationships with current sponsors and the hunt never stops for looking for further potential contacts and ideas.
I am grateful to the sponsors who have come aboard so far, everyone since I either started racing on the ovals or since I have begun racing in the Fiesta Junior Championship.
Notably, Samco Sport, who from this year no only continues to provide me with the greatest cooling hoses on earth, have made the decision to follow and support my path as a backed #teamsamco driver. This is such a great accolade to have a company as respected as this, recognising me as a young driver worth their time, money and focus.
In February I was invited to spend some time at the Factory in South Wales, meeting the fantastic team behind these colourful cooling hoses. It takes such skill and time to learn to make the products that will meet the required standard- a quality, a real craft.
I even had a go- I think I require some further practice, but it was interesting how unique Samco Sport is. To be part of it is special.
If I am honest my off season is mainly getting on with general life but thinking constantly about racing- finances, what others are doing, what I might do differently, wondering what is in store and looking forward to driving again. It likely to be less preparation to what other drivers do, but now it fires me more, to make the most of all seat time, snippets of coaching and genuinely makes me even more grateful for what I do with what I have.
I have done one test session in my new to me Fiesta ST at Silverstrone last month. The car was awesome. I am so looking forward to seeing it completed with my new colours and sponsor’s logos. It will be the first car I have had wrapped for racing, which shows the progress we have made.
Bring on the first race…..
