SCOTT RAWLINSON
Historic FF racer Age: 40 Lives: Ellesmere Port
He started at Oulton Park
“I went to Oulton Park one day for a charity event for the hospices of Cheshire and there was a simulator upstairs. All proceeds went to charity so I had a go. There was a little competition going on and I won it and got a free ride at the circuit, which is where I first met David Bailey, who now runs my car.”
He looked at FF1600
“So we got chatting and I saw him a couple of times at some Northern meetings and I said I’d like to do a testing programme. That was really where it started and I did a few test days and then made my debut in North West Formula Ford. It was in a Van Diemen RF85.”
He was drawn to historic racing
“I did a few seasons but ever since I started racing I wanted to do historics. I spent many years as an avid spectator and I nearly moved abroad to Canada, which all fell through the last minute. I had two dreams. One was to live abroad and one was to go racing. So one out of two isn’t bad!”
He enjoys the historic scene
“To be a part of the HSCC package is something special. Nigel Grant built the Merlyn and I’ve been with David since day one. It’s a great place to be and I consider them more family than just the race team. It’s a great craic.
Last year was the first year but it was cut short because of my accident. I just aquaplaned on a test day at Cadwell Park, down the pitstraight and into the barriers. I had only minor bruising but the car took the brunt of it and I did a lot of damage. That was after only two meetings.”
This year has gone well
“To be fair, things have gone better in 2022. I set myself a target of finishing in the top 10 in the championship by the end of the year and I finished seventh, so I’m really pleased with this year. I’ve had a lot of good days and I’ve absolutely loved it. I started my racing career late so I always feel like I’m making up for lost time.”