10 Questions with Ollie Pidgley

How old were you when you started racing?

I was 7 years old, I started at Wessex Raceway indoor karting and it just snowballed from there.

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

Yes of course, it was at Clay Pidgeon Raceway in Dorchester.

Are you superstitious?

I wouldn’t say superstitious as such but I am very particular in the things I do around a race weekend. For example, my kit bag has to be tidy and always the same order in getting kitted up and into the car, maybe its my OCD.

Favourite colour and number?

I have always had Red and White race cars, maybe that’s due a change? Generally, a number 3 has been in my race number over the last few years.

Which racing driver has inspired you the most and why?

I know this is so cliché, Lewis Hamilton. He has worked amazingly hard to get to where he has and he is 5 times World Champion now. I just really like his attitude towards racing, he is the best driver in the world yet enjoys himself and experiences the things that make that particular venue special wherever it is.

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

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t. I was stuck for a design and just couldn’t come up with one I liked so Jason from JLF Designs did one to see if I liked it and I did. It’s just stuck from there with very minor changes and sponsor logos over the years.

What is your favourite track and why?

I’ve always loved Rockingham, for me it’s mostly the memories I have there from my first year in car racing in the Michelin Clio Cup Series. Plus turn 1 is mega!

Any disappointments this season?

Brands Hatch GP in the BTCC race 3, to miss the final round of the championship due to damage was so annoying and I didn’t want to watch it from the garage. Also, Mini Challenge at Silverstone GP while in 3rdon the Green flag lap being hit from behind and unable to start the race, that wasn’t good!

What was your best race this season and why?

Rockingham again, round 1 of my BTCC debut, lining up for the grid walk will always be a fantastic memory for me. A lot of my family were there to watch which was great too.

How would you sum up your season?

Mixed unfortunately, there were some fantastic moments and to actually compete in four rounds of the BTCC which was never the plan at the beginning of the season. Lots of ups and downs in the Mini Challenge but as I said some really annoying downs.