RYAN TAYLOR, a Warwick Trident College student, has set his sights on becoming one of the youngest winners of an esteemed national motor racing championship after a revelatory first season behind the wheel.
The 17-year-old Southam apprentice is currently progressing through the second year of a Level 3 Motor Vehicle course and is looking to follow up on his inaugural third place finish in the 22-person Mini Seven S Class racing league by going two steps further during the 2022/23 season.
He also hopes to retain his novice of the year title, as well as defending the winter series crown he secured at the first attempt when the league returns on Saturday, March 26.
Taylor said: “I made the choice to begin a motor vehicle apprenticeship before I started my racing career – and everything is going along nicely at the moment.
“I’m doing my best both at college and on the racetrack and am seeing where it takes me. I’ve been around mechanics every day for as long as I can remember and it’s an absolute joy gaining new experiences in my studies and competing at some of the toughest tracks in the country.
“I’m developing a strong electronic skillset and furthering my engine knowledge through work with my dad on the car ahead of race days, day-to-day in the garage as part of my apprenticeship and then also through tutors at college.
“I’m excited for the first meet to begin and hope to make a great impression once again. The aim is to get a first race win on the board, like I did at Donington last season, secure more podium finishes and do all I can to win the championship.”
And Taylor and his dad Colin are making good headway with their preparation of the car – with the engine, electrics and chassis all ready to go.
To improve on his performances last season, Ryan has been watching on-board videos of himself in previous races to look at where he can improve his lap times and overall performance in his Mini.
The Mini Seven S Class racing league race all over the country – with Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Snetterton permanent fixtures in the calendar.
Steve Hall, Taylor’s teacher and Work-Based Learning Manager within the motor vehicle department at Warwickshire College Group said: “Ryan’s achievement is amazing and is testament to his hard work and natural skill both inside and outside of a car.
“To not only hold your own but establish yourself as a credible championship challenger at the age of seventeen would usually be unheard of – but Ryan’s efforts do not surprise me.
“We’re committed to helping Ryan on his chosen path and look forward to supporting him in his studies, as well as his racing, in the coming weeks and months.”
Taylor complements his studies by lending his father a hand at their family-run business – the Southam Mini Metro Centre in Southam, Warwickshire.
For more information about Motor Vehicle courses at WCG visit: www.wcg.ac.uk/study
