Gunning For World Fame

Ross Gunn says he drives ‘like a granny’ when sharing roads with us – but it’s a different story on the racing circuit.

- Sandra Smith

“I WANT to become world champion for Aston Martin; also win Le Mans and other blue ribbon sports car events. A lot of drivers don’t become professionals until they are in their mid to late twenties. I’m 20 and already in that position. I want to have a successful career and feel like I’m on the right path.”

Ross Gunn, whose calm, polite manner is as endearing as the determination and dedication which drives him, hesitates for a moment. His interest in racing he likens to an obsession. Is that sad, he laughs? Hardly. After all passion for the sport is shared by both his parents, a grandfather and great uncle so even if the interest isn’t genetic, it’s certainly been an influence since he was born. Not surprising then, that he began practising at just five years old and started racing karts three years later.

“At first it was a hobby,” Ross recalls. “But I watched every Formula race while growing up. On Sundays after football I’d go karting and was successful at club level. As I started to race at national level and compete with good drivers I realised this could be more than a hobby.”

At his Prestwood home he lists the successes he notched up: British Champion twice before being invited to the World Championships in Portugal where he finished a credible fourth. Progressing to Formula 4 car racing – “quite a transition” – followed at 16 and resulted in wins at Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

The financial commitment of racing annually runs into six figures and, with family funds limited, Ross, who benefited from Beechdean Ice Cream sponsorship for a couple of years, spent a frustrating 2014 looking for backers. But things were about to change.