After eight years, no fewer than 13 major titles and countless memories that will never leave him, Tom Ingram has hung up his karting helmet – as he prepares to accelerate his promising career up a gear by moving into cars for 2009.
Though still only 15, Tom began karting professionally back in 2001 – and it soon became clear that here was a very special talent indeed. Some championship successes beetween many others: the prestigious and hotly-fought Renault UK Champion of Champions outing at Buckmore, before the undisputed crowning glory of the reigning Wycombe and Marlow Sports Personality of the Year’s karting career, victory in BRDC Stars of Tomorrow’s Mini Max class in 2006, following in the wheeltracks of no less than his racing hero and 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton…and leading to him being rated as one of seven exciting young drivers to keep an eye on in a special Hamilton-focussed magazine.
Following two successful years spent in Junior Max, the decision was taken to make the leap into cars this year, with a deal to compete in the British Touring Car Championship-supporting, televised Ginetta Junior Championship – what Tom describes as ‘a huge step forward in my career’.
“We’re going into a new world,” the touring car fan admitted. “Obviously karting is a platform, and as such it tends to teach you all-round racecraft – about overtaking, the lines you should be taking on the track, where to position yourself, what to do when this happens and so on.
““I think what I’ll miss most of all about karting are the people and the frenetic buzz of it all; there’s always something going on. I’ve been in karting for most of my life and have made a lot of friends over the years. I know I won’t lose them now because I’m leaving, but it will be different. At the end of the day, though, I’m not there to make friends – I’m there to race.”
“Ginettas are a new challenge, and I don’t want to put any pressure on myself to do well. Obviously I would like to do well, but it’s definitely going to be a learning year. I certainly don’t expect to be up at the front straightaway.
“I’m with a good team and all the facilities there and group of people involved will help a great deal. Halfway through the season I think we might be able to get a bit closer to the front, and I will certainly put everything I have into it and will be trying my best. I’m nervous about what lies ahead, but excited too.”
To follow Tom’s progress in the Ginetta Junior Championship, please visit: www.tom-ingram.com
Info Russell Atkins for Tom Ingram / © Photo Chris Walker