Ahead of the British Touring Car Championship starting this weekend we got the opportunity to speak with world-class driver, Tom Chilton. We learn about his career, his future and his involvement within the sport.
How old are you?
31
How long have you been involved in motorsport?
18 years
Who are you motorsport idols?
Senna & Schumacher for different reasons. One was the fastest and one worked the hardest.
Who inspired you to become a racing driver?
My Dad. He got me drifting in a Ford Escort Mk2 in a muddy field at 8yrs old.
What motivates you?
To be World and/or British Champion.
Which is your favourite circuit?
The Nordschleife. It’s the only circuit where I have to hang on for dear life not knowing if I will make the next lap. I’m very proud to be the lap record holder in the 2016 WTCC race.
In the past what championships have you competed in?
First, I competed in T Cars and finished 3rd in the Championship. Then I raced in the BRSCC Winter Saloon Car Championship and became Champion at age 16. After that I moved to BTCC for 10 years, winning various achievements like the Independent Championship, Manufacturers Championships, ELMS LMP1 Winner in the Nurburgring 1000km, ALMS Winner at Laguna Seca LMP1 and the VLN 24hr qualy race winner in class. Now I am racing in WTCC where I have come away with multiple race wins.
Which championship has been your favourite so far and why?
The BTCC because of the British fans. I get great support from them at each round of the Championship.
What championship did you compete in last year? What was your favourite part?
WTCC. Winning Argentina Race 1, especially after being on Fox News TV for the whole of South America the night before in front of 68 million viewers.
Have you ever done anything apart from being a driver?
I’m a racing driver instructor. I also studied Motorsport Engineering at Brooklands College so I have a greater understanding about race cars and what I’m driving.
Finally, some questions just for fun…
Do you have a road car? If so what is it? What made you choose it?
I drive an Audi Q7 bus for the kids and a double buggy. I also drive a Ford focus to run around in and a Nissan GTR35 with Litchfield stage 4.5 kit on it for track days and doing Hot Laps.
How would you describe your driving style?
Smooth and sideways…. then I’m happy and smiling under my helmet.
Teammate’s worst habit, past or present?
Alan Morrison in 2003 with Honda racing. He always tied mine and Matt Neal’s shoe laces together as tightly as he could so we were late in the car!
If you weren’t racing what would you be doing?
In a band playing the saxophone.
What do your fans mean to you?
Lots. I’m very grateful for all the messages I get on a daily basis, especially on Twitter and the support on race weekends. I love seeing the new flags made each year from certain fans waving in the grand stands.
Favourite car of all time?
The Williams F1 car with active suspension and ground effects, ABS, traction control and massive slicks, especially when Nigel Mansell drove it flat out. Now I hate any cars with any driver aids what so ever.
Front, rear or four wheel drive?
4WD and active diffs are amazing and a pleasure to drive but too easy. Rear wheel drive makes me tense my stomach when on the limit. But when you can set up a front wheel drive car (which should have less traction to beat a rear wheel drive car) it is the best feeling in the world. So I’m going to say front.
Dream road car?
For speed and class, Bugatti Chiron but would settle for a Veyron Super Sport
You can catch Tom racing for Power Maxed Racing in the British Touring Car Championship and Sebastien Loeb Racing in the World Touring Car Championship this season.