‘It was an experience I’ll never forget’ - Todmorden racing driver Maude living the dream

Maude was about to take part in his first race weekend as part of the British GT support package back in March, until the sport was stopped by the coronavirus outbreak.

But sufficient precautions were put in place to allow the British GT to finally go ahead in July, with the opening round taking place at the Oulton Park race circuit in Cheshire.

Fans were able to watch a host of super cars competing against each other, including Aston Martins, Lamborghinis and McLarens, but some of the most exciting racing comes from the Ginetta support series. 
“Anyone that’s watched a Ginetta race will have a huge smile on their face,” says Maude.

“The cars don’t have any fancy electronics like ABS or traction control. It’s literally like a huge go-kart.

“This means fans are always guaranteed some epic moments to remind them why they really love motorsport.”
Few fans can feel as excited as Maude during a race weekend though.

“Actually being at the British GT, dressed in all my race gear, was an experience I’ll never forget,” he said. ”It felt like a dream, I had finally achieved my lifelong goal. 
“The nerves did kick in prior to qualifying when I realised how big the challenge ahead of me actually was. 
“There were 15 GRDC drivers, all with something to prove. 
“Despite being a rookie myself, I chose to compete against the experienced guys on the grid by entering the higher ranked class, which really made the racing tough. 
“When I had finished the qualification session I came back to the pits to find my team, Assetto Motorsport, over the moon. 
“I had managed to qualify second in class, which was a huge achievement. 
“The first race seemed to come around so quickly after qualification.
“I remember sitting on the grid waiting for the start lights to illuminate. The noise of 15 engines bouncing off the rev limiter sounded like a swarm of wasps around me.

“As soon as the lights went out, the race started and my adrenalin shot through the roof. 
“In all honesty my first race was a bit of a blur from then onwards. The only thing I know for sure is I had an amazing time. 
“By the end of the weekend I had managed three out of three podium finishes, one third place and two second placed finishes in my class.”
After such impressive results, Maude left Oulton Park on a huge high, hopeful for more success at Donington Park two weeks later.
Unfortunately Donington Park proved an emotional experience in more ways than one. 
“During the final test session of Friday’s practice the car developed a water leak which ended up cooking the engine,” Maude recalled.
“2020 has been littered with costly Mechanical issues already, to lose another engine meant the end of my motorsport dream for this year.”
Devastated by the news, Maude admits he turned into an emotional wreck. 
“At this point my team boss, Jim Edwards, appeared with the best news in the world.
“One of my team mates, Giles Dawson from Aero Tec Laboratories Ltd, offered to lend me a spare engine.
“The team managed to get the engine replaced in around two hours, which meant I was able to qualify the following morning.
“I managed to put the car second in class on the grid for all three races that weekend, which I was over the moon with. 
“With no previous experience driving the Ginetta in the wet I became extremely nervous with the horrendous conditions that presented themselves. 
“The track literally became a river due to the amount of rain, driving was sketchy to say the least. 
“On a positive note the fans had amazing views of cars spinning off the circuit at every corner!
“Somehow I managed to keep the car on the track in all three races and walked away with the exact same results as my first experience at Oulton park, two seconds and a third place podium.”
Maude says the rest of the year will be filled with racing, training and attempts to secure additional sponsorship to keep his racing dream alive for the 2021 season. 
“Securing podium finishes at all six rounds so far has filled me with confidence to step up to the G40 cup next year with the aim to bring greater success for the team and sponsors.”
To find out more, visit Ginetta TV’s YouTube Channel.