“James deserves a shot at rallying because he has shown true commitment since the age of 8 , when he came to his first rally in the freezing cold and didn’t complain about been cold or wet as he was so excited to be at his first rally. And since that day he has saved any Christmas money, birthday money and any money he gets to buy a rally car. He did this to prove to me that is a true petrol head and deserves a chance at having a go at his dream of competing on rallies at the age of 14. James had to prove himself to me and the rest of the team by working on other rally cars, attending many events like the RAC as well as many more. Due to James’ conduct on these rallies the team decided to back and support him on doing the junior 1000 rally championship. Even though I’m a hard taskmaster, James has proven that the investment and work was worth it as his driving and mechanical skills have improved and he has impressed me with his conduct and he has made me a very proud dad.
I am a big believer that if people show commitment and effort in to doing something they should be given a chance to do so. There is not many under 17’s driving rally cars and I would have loved the chance when I was his age to do that.“
Paul Rudd, James’ father
James has been a part of our team since he was 8 years old, handing spanners and cleaning wheels. Always keen and happy to do any job.
Since then he has grown in to a very ambitious and hardworking young man. Inspiring many of his peers, and even his teachers to undertake his electric racing car project, raising money and building the car. Seeing the job through to the end, and successfully racing in the national championships.
James has been a big part of all our adventures. In 2017 he won an award on the RAC Rally, which is the biggest event in Europe. Covering 2000 miles through England, Scotland and Wales over 5 days. His hard work was rewarded with The Best Service Crew Member Award. The Astra GSI he worked on, eventually finishing 7th overall in the open rally and second in class. Astonishingly he was only 12 years old!!
Starting his own driving career at 11, driving round and round the local fields. It was clear from this he had a talent for it, mastering left foot braking which would be a great foundation for his competition debut.
He has now progressed to driving in the F1000 Junior National Rally Championship, and I have the privilege of co-driving for him. His natural car control, determination and passion, has seen him climbing up the order.
In life James has all the right ingredients of personality to go very far.
The very best of luck to him.
Pete Gunson, James’ Co drive