School pit stop for driver dad
AN ace racing driver from Runcorn stunned pupils when he brought his classic Porsche 924 competition car and team in to visit his daughter’s school.
Gavin Johnson and the Turn Eight Racing Team dropped in at Aston By Sutton Primary as part of a week-long schedule of events for National School Sports Week.
Gavin’s daughter Erin’s schoolmates were all keen to hear all about what it is like to be a racing driver.
The youngsters also has the chance to sit in the Porsche.
As part of the visit the team gave an interactive presentation and talked to the children about the importance of teamwork, friendship, health, fitness and other topics.
A Turn Eight spokeswoman said a group of about 90 ‘ confident, bright’ children asked more than 50 questions, including one from a boy who asked if the car was edible.
She said the team enjoyed answering them and sharing insights into what goes on in a racing team.
After the presentation and a safety equipment demonstration, the groups were led outside to look around and sit in the car.
A show of hands decided whether the car should be started up as each class came out to meet the team see the vehicle.
All received a sticker and photo to keep.
Gavin said: “We’re very impressed with the behaviour of the children and their interest level in the car.
“A big thanks to the other teachers for making us so welcome.”
Pip Hammond, teammate, said: “The morning ran really smoothly and it was great to see so many of the kids showing an interest across the whole age range, and with girls just as excited as the boys.
“Some of the questions from the children had a surprising level of depth, so I hope we were able to teach as well as show.”
The following day Gavin went on to race at Cheshire track Oulton Park where he walked away with two trophies.
Aston By Sutton Primary’s school newsletter said: “We think our luck must have rubbed off on Gavin and his car.”
ARACING team including a lifelong Widnes Vikings fan has had to pull out of the next round of the British GT Championship at one of the world’s most iconic circuits due to an accident.
The Aston Martin Vantage driven by Peter Littler, an amputee, for PFL Motorsport was due to take to the track at Spa in Belgium.
However, after the recent Silverstone 500 when the team were packing away, a problem arose with a race trailer which led to ‘significant damage’ to the car and injuries to three technicians.
A team spokeswoman said that a subsequent insurance claim has delayed their preparation for the Spa event and that they are now planning for a return to the race series at its penultimate round at Snetterton in August.
Peter, who made history by becoming the first amputee to race in the British GT Championship, has a prosthetic leg, false hips and three pins holding his pelvis together.
He has driven once before at Spa but was looking forward to the experience of competing on one of the world’s most iconic race circuits in Belgium in the GT3 car.
He said: “It is a pity but the team has set itself high professional standards in its first year and should not compromise on the preparation needed for this event both on safety and performance grounds.
“Obviously after our strong run in the last round where the PFL Aston was running as high as fourth during the race, we are all keen to carry the momentum forward to the Belgian event, but we will now refocus and be fully prepared for the next event.”