Somerby 14-year-old moves up from karting to car racing
He may be three years off being legally allowed to drive on the road but this year will see Aiden Ingram racing at high speeds in a top national motorsport competition.
Aiden Ingram, from Somerby, has enjoyed plenty of podium success racing karts over the last three years but this year, at the age of just 14, he will be taking part in the prestigious BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship.
One of the tracks he will be racing on will be the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, when he will be looking to emulate the racing brilliance of his hero, Formula One legend, Ayrton Senna.
He recognised the challenge ahead of making the transition from karts, telling the Melton Times: “It will be especially hard moving into cars.
"Of course, not only are they a lot heavier and a lot faster which will require a very different approach in the way I drive it – there will also be many more spectators and motorsport fans watching, which will put that extra bit of pressure on.”
He says parents Neil and Annie Ingram have been ‘super supportive of my career, with his dad setting up the car on race day and his mum working more on the logistics side and ensured he’s prepared to compete.
Aiden achieved multiple podium placings at club events at Stretton Karting and some success in national races too.
“I initially got into karting through my dad since he was so passionate about motorsports,” he explained.
"It soon rubbed off on me and by eight I was already wanting to become a racing driver, then in 2023 I got my first ever kart and I instantly fell in love.”
He added: “I love the competitive nature of the sport, the constant push to go faster and I of course love the speed but overall, I love the strategy and precision of racing.
"I think I'm good at it since I'm a good independent learner which means whilst other drivers may have to wait for the session to be over to analyse the data and realise their mistakes I find I have a talent to learn on the go and realise my mistakes.”
Aiden is a student at Catmose College, in Oakham, and he says most of his school friends ‘are super interested in my racing and very supportive’.
It is, of course, very expensive to compete at a high level of motorsport and he is in the process of trying to raise the £40,000 required to race in the Fiesta Junior Championship, with half of the money needed just for the cost of the car.
“I'm not looking for one big partner to help support the season but, instead, lots of little contributions goes a long way,” said Aiden.
Sponsors will be promoted at the track and via social media and he is also setting up a fundraising GoFundMe page, where those contribute £10 to his race year will get their names on the bonnet of his car.
The ultimate aim for Aiden is become a professional motor racing driver. He added: “My hero has always been Ayrton Senna due to his determination and passion for the sport, as well as his competitiveness and constant drive to win.”
Follow his Facebook page ‘Aiden Ingram Racing 28’ for news.