Every young aspiring race driver wants to be the best. They also want to be record holders; to do something no one has ever done before.
That dream has become a reality for 16-year-old Aaron Thompson at Snetterton, after becoming the youngest driver to win in the highly competitive BRSCC Quaife Fiesta Championship on his debut weekend, after graduating from the Junior Championship as series victor.
But what is it about the BRSCC Fiestas that draws grids other championships could only dream of and some seriously competitive drivers and teams?
BRSCC Quaife Fiesta Championship
The BRSCC Fiesta series is widely considered as one of the toughest proving grounds of tin top racing. Current BTCC rising stars Ash Sutton and Aiden Moffat both cut their teeth in Fiesta racing, and the series continues to draw huge numbers of competitors with over thirty cars competing this year.
The championship is open to almost any generation of Ford Fiesta, and any car can fight for the overall crown. However, the championship is split into 5 classes, A to E, ranging from early 1.25 Zetec models to the new shape Zetec S 1600. The cars are based upon their production models and basic modifications such as uprated suspension are permitted, but the race and road cars are not too dissimilar.
The championship also visits some of the top circuits in the country, visiting Snetterton, Silverstone and Rockingham. In addition, the championship finale is at Brands Hatch supporting the annual Formula Ford Festival.
The official BRSCC website states that you can do a full first season for around £8000 and, given the tracks and calibre of competition, you really would struggle to find a tougher championship for less.
So why Fiestas, and how do you cope with the pressure of moving up as a junior series champion? All this and more will be answered as I caught up with Aaron during his preparations for the upcoming weekend at the Silverstone International circuit.
Jake Callaghan: So Aaron, youngest ever winner in the BRSCC Fiesta Championship, has it quite sunk in yet?
Aaron Thompson: Not quite! I’m sure it will soon, it’s hard to sit back and come to terms with my win when my focus is completely on Silverstone in a few days’ time.
JC: Stepping up from the Fiesta Junior series as the reigning champion, did you expect to have such a quick transition to the senior series?
AT: Honestly no, we came into the weekend hoping for two top five finishes. So to come away with a win and a second place was a bonus!
JC: How much of a psychological boost was it after a successful title campaign last year heading into the 2016 season?
AT: It was huge, it gave me a solid confidence boost heading into my Quaife Fiesta debut. Although it is a much harder series, the championship win has definitely put my head in the right place.
JC: Are there any noticeable differences between the junior and senior series and have you had to adjust your driving style at all?
AT: Yes, the Senior series runs a slick Dunlop tire as supposed to the Juniors which run a cut slick. I find that the cut slick lasts a lot longer and they normally don’t go off in a race. Therefore, I find that I have to be a lot less aggressive on the front tires to manage them over the course of the race.
JC: Were there considerations to moving a championship outside of BRSCC Fiestas, and if so, to which series?
AT: I have always fancied a go in the UK Renault Clio Cup that runs with the BTCC. We have a test booked with Jamsport Racing and are looking for sponsors to help us move into the series in the next two years.
JC: The Fiesta championship has produced some incredible talent, such as BTCC’s Aiden Moffat. Is it encouraging as a young driver knowing you’re following in the footsteps of drivers who are making waves in top level series?
AT: It definitely helps knowing that the path I am is heading in the same direction as people like Aiden Moffat, Ash Sutton and Andy Neate who have all had success in the BTCC. Although as a race driver you always want to do one better!
JC: After such a strong opening weekend, surely the thought of the title has crossed your mind?
AT: The title was already on my mind before the opening weekend at Snetterton. Currently we are in the best position as we are leading the championship but I like to break it down and just concentrate on each race at a time!
JC: In your opinion, what is it about the Fiesta series that draws large grids to the series?
AT: I believe that the Quaife Fiesta Championship is one of the toughest and most competitive championships in the country. It’s the reason we decided to move into the series ourselves and I feel that is why we still have a 25 plus car grid!
JC: Being one of the tallest drivers on the grid, do you feel your height puts you at a disadvantage, and does it cause any issues in the cockpit of a race car?
AT: Being the tallest and the youngest driver on the grid doesn’t cause me any problems! I feel it just makes me stand out and gives people something to talk about!
JC: You’re also part of the Jamsport team, how important is their experience in racing across various tin top championships?
AT: It helps massively, behind every single great race driver there is an even greater team. We have proved that Jamsport are a race and championship winning team with my wins in the Junior and Senior championships and with Ant Whorton-Eales in the Clio Cup!
JC: Assuming success this season, where do you see your motorsport career heading in the future, and where is the end goal?
AT: The next step for me is the UK Clio Cup. It’s still a long way away, although we have a lot of the puzzle pieces together we just need the financial support to secure my seat on the grid. The end goal for me is the BTCC, it is my childhood dream to be a part of such a prestigious championship.
JC: Finally, you will be at Silverstone this weekend, what are your expectations heading into the event?
AT: There are quite a few eyes on me after my successful weekend at Snetterton so there is a little bit of pressure. To walk away with two wins would be the “dream scenario” but two podium finishes is the goal! As they say points make prizes!
You can find out more about the BRSCC Quaife Fiesta Championship here.
