An Olympic legend and hero of the London 2012 Olympics is preparing to make his motor racing debut at Kent’s premier race circuit in June.

The Scotsman is more at home flying around a velodrome on two wheels at high-speed than he is a track on four wheels at high speeds.

However, that is exactly what Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy will be doing this June when he takes part in the Radical SR1 Cup.

He has already visited Brands Hatch in preparation for the race series clocking up some valuable circuit experience in the process.

Speaking about his excitement about swapping two wheels for four, the 37-year-old said: “I can’t wait to get racing! It’s been quite a long time coming and we’ve still got a few more testing sessions and track days to go, but it’s been brilliant fun so far.

“The people at Radical are a friendly bunch and a great group of guys and I’ve been made to feel very welcome here.”

The Radical Series is for those who have never held a race licence or have competed in six or fewer races in their career. Sir Chris Hoy falls into that category as he has only ever competed in one race, a celebrity race at the Australian GP in March where he finished second.

He added: ““The celebrity race was great fun, especially being on the circuit when the Grand Prix was on, but it was in cars that are a far cry from the Radical SR1. But it gave me a little taste of what it’s like to be on the grid, to feel the adrenaline and to experience a bit of bumping and barging!

“It’s going to be pretty nerve wracking getting on the grid at Brands Hatch! I think the first race is the one everyone will be a little bit nervy, but once we get that out of the way I think we’ll all settle into it and just have a lot of fun.

“Everybody’s got a realistic expectation, we’re not here to try and become Formula 1 drivers of the future, we’re here because we’re all massive fans of motorsport and it’s an opportunity to get out there and race in a great car, on a number of fantastic circuits and it’s going to be a great experience.”

The Olympic Legend thinks that there are a lot of similarities between Cycling and Motorsport and he is itching to get out and race around Brands Hatch with his fellow competitors.

He said: “There are similarities with cycling and motorsport. In cycling you’re looking ahead and trying to predict what’s going to happen ahead of you, and trying to find gaps, and it’s the same with motorsport. You just have to focus on yourself and not worry about your opponent and what everyone else is doing, because that is when you get distracted and everything happens a lot quicker here.

“Brands Hatch is a spectacular venue. It’s great for spectators because you can see most of the circuit from one spot, and it’s really picturesque, with big undulations and big hills. It’s a legendary place and it’s great to be here and finally experience it for myself.”

The SR1 Cup run by Motorsport Vision will guide aspiring sports car drivers through the process of getting on the grid, with a detailed programme of driver training and technical tuition. The championship will see drivers compete in eight races held at MSV circuits Brands Hatch (Kent), Snetterton (Norfolk), Cadwell Park (Lincolnshire) and Oulton Park (Cheshire).

 

Radical SR1 2013 calendar

01 June – Brands Hatch Indy
06 July – Oulton Park
31 August – Cadwell Park
26 October – Snetterton 300
For more information on the Radical SR1 Cup visit www.msvracing.co.uk. Tickets for the Radical SR1 Cup at Brands Hatch on 1 June are available in advance for £10 with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.