Gunning For World Fame
Buckinghamshire Life|February 2018

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
Gunning For World Fame

“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 February 2018 edition of Buckinghamshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2018 edition of Buckinghamshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIFEView All
Now Domestic Goddess Mary Shares Secrets
Buckinghamshire Life

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Let Battle Commence
Buckinghamshire Life

Let Battle Commence

If you suspect people are using our countryside for illegal hare coursing, make sure they are reported to police.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2017
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Buckinghamshire Life

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Christmas In...Newbury
Buckinghamshire Life

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Take a Staycation in Our Beautiful Counties
Buckinghamshire Life

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 

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2017
Shall We Dance?
Buckinghamshire Life

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

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
The Botanist, Marlow
Buckinghamshire Life

The Botanist, Marlow

Prepare for hidden treasures and that a gorgeous décor is somehow outshone by dishes arriving at the table, 

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2017
When Your Name's in the Frame
Buckinghamshire Life

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

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2017
Chiltern Rollercoaster
Buckinghamshire Life

Chiltern Rollercoaster

Follow Steve Davison as he heads to Stokenchurch  for a longer walk – with shorter option – through some picturesque rolling Chiltern countryside.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2018
  The Winning Wedding Formula
Buckinghamshire Life

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.  

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2018