Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian, six-time gold meddalist Sir Chris Hoy will making his motorsport debut in 2013 in the new Radical SR1 Cup.
Hoy has been a regular participant in trackdays in between his cycling commitments and is now finally fulfilling a dream by competing in motorsport. Hoy will compete against 23 other novices in the SR1 Cup, with a training programme followed by eight races at some of the UK’s best circuits.
The former BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner has spent time getting to grips with his new machine at Bedford Autodrome.
“I’ve just been out in the SR1 for the first time on a slightly greasy Bedford Autodrome and it’s fantastic, I absolutely love it!”, said Sir Chris. “It’s challenging but exciting, and fun to drive. I think it’s the right amount of power for a driver of my ability but it’s fast – it certainly feels fast – but it’s not too intimidating.
“I think it’s going to take me a little time to get used to the aerodynamics, because there’s a bit of a leap of faith throwing yourself into the corner and braking later than the point you would normally brake in a car that doesn’t have the same downforce, so it’s a whole new experience. I’m starting to experience just how much grip you have with these cars.”
Experienced GT racer and instructor Ian Flux took to the track with Sir Chris and said: “He’s ready to race now. Very smooth, fast and consistent. I also noticed that when he was out with other cars his competitive instincts instantly came to the fore. Even in this very different environment I can see why he has been so successful.”
Sir Chris is following in the footsteps of another Team GB gold medal winning cyclist, with Jason Kenny having made his motorsport debut in the Ginetta Challenge at Donington Park recently.
