Teenage car racing prodigy Will Orton – who passed his road driving test six months ago – is to drive for the Hybrid Tune team.
Ironically, Will received an advisory during his test for driving “too slow!”
However, on the circuit he hurtles around at more than 100 mph, nose-to-tail with other cars.
Will, 18, from Flintham, Nottinghamshire, has been racing for 13 years.
He’s been chosen to take the wheel in the Mini Challenge JCW Championship that supports the prestigious British Touring Car Championship.
Will said: “I was surprised when my driving test examiner said I sometimes drove too slowly.
“I thought ‘you should see me at the weekends at race tracks around the country’.
“Being selected for the Hybrid Tune is a great opportunity in taking steps to becoming at British Touring Car driver.”
Will’s racing car journey began at the age of five with go-karts.
His impressive performance in karting led to opportunities in more advanced racing categories, including stints in Fiestas and Ginettas.
Now, Will is set to join the reigning Mini Challenge JCW champions, Hybrid Tune, for a shot at the coveted title.
Will currently splits his time between living in Flintham and pursuing his motorsport education at Loughborough College.
The ambitious young driver faces stiff competition from his three older and more experienced Hybrid Tune teammates.
However, he is determined to surpass them in his rookie season to attract the attention of potential sponsors.
As Will points out, car racing is not cheap.
His primary target for the season is to secure a top-three finish, which would prove his capabilities and help underpin his career by solidifying sponsorship opportunities.
Will’s greatest supporters are his mum and dad, Liz and Pete.
Pete has been by his side from the beginning, reminiscent of the close bond between Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton and his father, Anthony Hamilton.
This unwavering support has been instrumental in propelling Will’s career forward.
Driving the Mini JCW cars has been Will’s biggest challenge so far.
Despite being front-wheel drive, the JCWs are light on their rear wheels, making them twitchy to drive and requiring faster reaction times from drivers.
This unique driving experience not only serves as a testament to Will’s adaptability but also prepares him for more senior racing categories in the future.
