Largs racing driver back on track after lockdown

The 41 year old, who made his debut on the race track last year, faces a curtailed season because of the Covid19 situation but just says getting into the racing car was an unbridled joy
Glenn is performing in his Citroen C1 at the Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife. 
Last season, the local driver finished with a taste of champagne on the podium with a third place finish in the Scottish Classic Sports and Saloons Car Championship.
Lockdown resulted in the Scottish Motor Racing Club Season having to be postponed and it will now take place over three rounds during September and October with no spectators present - quite a contrast from last year when Glenn participated in 17 races in total.
He said: “It was great getting back on track again after this extended break
"The Scottish Motor Racing Club have put safety first and foremost as we return to competition.

" I am looking forward to my second season racing in the Scottish C1 Cup and it is more important than ever to have strong results and bring home the points over only six races."
Last season, Glenn competed in Scottish Formula Ford, Scottish Classic Sports and Saloons and the SMTA Scottish C1 Cup.
However, it has been a very different picture this year with a test run in February followed by a long wait until race driving recommenced.
He commented: "There was a lot of excitement - and all the drivers were in the same situation. We were just desperate to get the adrenaline pumping and getting behind the wheel.
"Of course, safety precautions are important on the race track, so the Covid19 situation is adding another layer to that.
"We had driver briefings before going out on the circuit, and we have masks on in the car anyway, and if we are involved in a breakdown then we are told to put our mask on as we get out in case a medical person or marshals need to get to the vehicle.
"The risk is quite low. There were Covid officers going about and making sure everyone was aware of the current regulations and making sure everyone was following it to the letter of the law.

"Motor sports has a high level of safety with wearing protective equipment."
"The other thing is you don't really want to be in an accident and go to hospital at the present time - so these things do run through your mind."
"But when you get behind the wheel the adrenaline starts pumping.
"In other sports you don't need the same level of concentration as a slight lapse in concentration on the race circuit can see you losing control leading to an accident.
"It is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do but it is also the most rewarding.
"It is different to high level motor racing as there is no radio contact - when you leave your team and go into the pits it is you on your own and entirely your responsibility.
Glenn feels that his one year additional experience on the track is paying off. He said: "I had quite a clean weekend and my car had undergone quite a lot of changes and repairs from last season - I didn't make any mistakes and I barely put a wheel in the gravel once."
And the continual chase to getting a top spot and a podium placing is ever on the mind of all racing drivers taking part.
Glenn commented: "The podium is a different situation now due to Covid19, you get interviewed at a microphone stand and the you have your mask on - and they put the trophy down in front of you and you have to then pick it up so you are not interacting just to reduce the risk and make sure that social distancing is in place."
"When we finished all of us were talking about being back on the track - and we all agreed it was the first time we had felt normal again as you forget about everything and you are totally consumed - it was a great feeling and Covid didn't have any part to play in it."
Glenn's vehicle underwent a complete re-build with new engine, gearbox, body panels, and was re-shaped making it 'look like a brand new car'.
One drawback was that it was hoped that Glenn's races would be live streamed online for everyone to watch but this has had to be delayed to possibly next season at the earliest.
During lockdown, Glenn and his competitors took part in a computer simulator Project Cars 2 which included Knockhill as one of the race tracks. He said: "It was very accurate and it kept you sharp and you were racing against your competitors and meant it kept your reflexes sharp.
"It also kept the social element of it it alive as you keep in touch with your friends and competitors on the track. With the absence of racing during lockdown, it was the next best thing."

The curtailed season means that Glenn has had to change his aims for this year.
He explained: "The aim before Covid19 entered our lives was to start pushing to the front and regularly challenge for podium finishes as a team but as we have a shortened season I am just aiming on trying and improving my speed and finishing results. It was a great first year last year and I want to build on that. This year is now just about getting back on track, and next year can be more of a target for pushing into the leading pack as hopefully we will have a full season to enjoy."
Glenn would like to thank local businesses Pearson of Largs, the Fish Works and Halliday Pharmacy for their support. He remarked: "It has been a hard time financially for many people and I hope to repay them this season with strong results. The West College Scotland Motorsport Academy Team has grown and we have learned a lot from last year. 
"If you run a local business and are interested in supporting me and promoting your business on my race car then please get in touch at: superfastscots@gmail.com