Opportunity knocks for driver Tom

WHEEL DEAL . . . Tom Brown shone at Silverstone in the Walter Hayes Trophy.

MOTOR RACING: 

TOM Brown is looking forward to 2015 after impressing in a chance drive at Silverstone.

The Chadderton 17 year old made the most of his opportunity in the Walter Hayes Trophy — the world’s most prestigious Formula Ford race, which included experienced drivers from America, Australia and Europe.

Tom was undeterred and won his class by 18 seconds to qualify for the semi-finals.

Again, the teenager belied his years: despite starting in 18th position and overcoming a red flag incident, he claimed a brilliant second place behind Jamie Jardine, the Northern Formula Ford champion.

“It was crazy,” said Brown, referring to an incident when a car spewed oil on the track after hitting the pit wall. “Cars were spinning off left, right and centre and I had to make sure I didn’t make the same mistake.”

Tom produced a brilliant start in the final, taking second place in the first corner.

He was involved in a three-way battle for the lead with Jardine and professional GT racer Michael Mallock. But while lapping slower cars, Brown was struck from behind and spun off.

“It was massively disappointing; we had set the fastest lap and were battling for the lead throughout,” he said.

Tom was born into motor sport: he went to the British Racing and Sports Car Club’s annual awards when he was 11 days old! Though his dad Dave might have had something to do with it: he had just won the Midlands Formula Ford Championship!