10 Questions with Jack Bartholomew

How old were you when you started racing?

I started racing karts when I was nine. It was in February 2008 after getting hooked the previous summer on holiday.

Do you remember your first race if so where was it?

My first race weekend was at the Buckmore Park circuit in Chatham Kent in February 2008.

Are you superstitious?

overall, I would say no, I guess you could say I’m selective, as sometimes if things keep going right or certain things happen I see it as a good sign etc, but there’s no sort of routine or things I have to do or avoid pre-race weekend or pre-getting in the car. Other than my mum always wishes me luck in Spanish (buena suerte) and once this didn’t happen and things did go wrong so that’s about it.

Favourite colour and number?

Favourite colour is Green, I have raced with various numbers, I do like number 8, no real reason why, however I did use this number in 2015 in F4, but I’ve never stuck to just one number in racing so numbers don’t mean too much to me.

Which racing driver has inspired you the most and why?

Although Ayrton Senna is my favourite driver purely on his ability to drive a race car fast, I would have to say Michael Schumacher, as his work ethic and overall professionalism really was second to none and even after winning so many championships still had the same attitude which was awesome to see someone still hungry for success after so long.

How did you come up with the design for your helmet?

I have always had green, however it was quite simple in karting so I sent the colours, current helmet and a few ideas of what I’d like then I let Miles Murphy (MDM designs) work his magic and I’ve had the same design on both car helmets, although my second and current one was painted by Joe at Rennat design and with his insane skills he did jazz it up a bit.

What is your favourite track and why?

Favourite track in karting is Buckmore park as its where I started and is an awesome track and always brings back good memories. Car circuit has to be Suzuka in Japan, it’s just hard to describe what it feels like to drive there unless you actually have. It’s just got everything you ever hope to have all in one. Just so awesome and I hope to race there again in the future.

Any disappointments this season?

This season has been one of my best to date, in terms of results and fun off track along with just personal achievements. But as with every season there is always disappointment along the way, nothing I can specifically name, just things always happen and do not always go to plan.

What was your best race this season and why?

Either Suzuka race 2 or Shanghai race 2, Suzuka was awesome but disappointing as we ended up p3 when we had outrageous pace and deserved to win but got outfoxed in the pit stop. Shanghai we started p6 and ended p2 and everything just fell our way and we did a near perfect job which was pretty sweet.

How would you sum up your season?

Overall my best season to date, maybe I can finish this question after the world finals weekend in Mid-November