Tore racing driver Neil Maclennan takes Formula Ford 1600 British Championship
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NEIL Maclennan shifted his motor racing career up a gear by being crowned Formula Ford 1600 British Championship winner.
The 22-year-old from Tore dominated the season winning six out of seven races in the competition to take the British title for the first time in his career.
Maclennan, who came second in the championship in 2017, says it is a dream come true to land the title he has been racing towards for years.
“I’m over the moon and it is the biggest win of my career so far,” he said.
“A lot of tough drivers came into the championship this year and a lot of the teams said it was the hardest one to win yet.
“There was nothing much between the drivers in any of the races.
“ Each of them was a close contest but also involved good racing.”
The competition involved seven races across three rounds at Oulton Park, Brands Hatch and Silverstone.
Maclennan’s talent first shone when he won the Scottish Championship in 2016.
He was unable to complete full seasons of the championship during 2018 and 2019 due to a lack of funding to enable him to compete.
However, competing for Kevin Mills Racing this season, he won the championship with a race to spare.
He took the championship 42 points ahead of his nearest competitor and he praised his support team.
“The team I race for is superb,” said Maclennan.
“They gave me a great car and a great service and the guy that runs the team I get on great with."
He added: “The car was faultless throughout the season.
“It has taken up a lot of my time, every event in the British Championship I am away Saturday morning to the Monday after but it is worth it.”
Maclennan has been involved in motor racing for 15 years and was encouraged to take up the sport by his parents David and Julie.
His father is also a former motor racing driver but took a back seat once his son started competing.
This month, Maclennan is taking part in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch and then competing for the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone.
Looking further ahead in the future, Maclennan would like to move up a level and take part in new competitions as he seeks a new challenge.
He said: “I would like to go into British GT racing or the Porsche Carrera Cup.”
