Ross Gunn says he drives ‘like a granny’ when sharing roads with us – but it’s a different story on the racing circuit.
“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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now Domestic Goddess Mary Shares Secrets
Karen comes clean: she’s never sure whether it’s a job for disinfectant or bleach… but knows lemons go in gin and tonic.
Let Battle Commence
If you suspect people are using our countryside for illegal hare coursing, make sure they are reported to police.
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Yes or no, we’ll begin… with the tale of a chair which relies on the skills of people across our counties including Wycombe furniture experts.
Christmas In...Newbury
Lanterns, late night shopping and tracking down the reindeer: it’s all happening in the West Berkshire destination for seasonal days out.
Take a Staycation in Our Beautiful Counties
Days out and breaks along The Ridgeway or beside our rivers and canals support rural tourism – and, best of all, it’s on our doorsteps
Shall We Dance?
It’s never too late to learn, as NICOLA SWANBOROUGH discovered when she joined one of NOCTURN’s adult contemporary dance classes for beginners
The Botanist, Marlow
Prepare for hidden treasures and that a gorgeous décor is somehow outshone by dishes arriving at the table,
When Your Name's in the Frame
‘What do you know about a man called Scaramanga, 007?’ M asks James Bond. We know perhaps a little more, courtesy of Sunningdale School
Chiltern Rollercoaster
Follow Steve Davison as he heads to Stokenchurch for a longer walk – with shorter option – through some picturesque rolling Chiltern countryside.
The Winning Wedding Formula
Berkshire and Buckinghamshire couples are invited to attend the 2018 edition of Bride: The Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse from March 10-11.
