EFRA: Hi there Ian, how are you?
Ian: Hi! I’m absolutely fantastic, especially now we’re getting to some racing!
EFRA: In no more than 5 words, describe the job you do for EFRA…
Trying to make racing better!
EFRA: Ok if that was too difficult, what’s the longer version?
As Large Scale chairman my goal has always been to try and make racing and events fair, competitive but also remain fun.
EFRA: What is your favourite class of RC racing?
It absolutely has to be Large Scale. Having raced myself in most other classes, Large Scale is the only class that has very high quality engineering and is the closest to full size race car setups/engineering.
EFRA: Are you any good at racing?
I no longer race as competitively as I once did, but I have been World and European Champion as well as over 40 times BRCA Champion in various classes, mostly Large Scale but also 1/8th off road.
EFRA: Wow, you must be the most successful racer on the board of EFRA??
Perhaps! I know most of the board members have been racers themselves in the past but I don’t think any still race competitively at any level other than myself (or at least I try to, age is not on my side!)
EFRA: OK, that’s some impressive achievements, but what is your proudest moment in RC, whether on or off the track?
Definitely winning the World Championship in Lostallo 2005.
EFRA: Tell us one thing about you that we don’t already know!
I absolutely hate cheese!
EFRA: Whoa! OK, that’s a new one! And what is your favourite sport outside of RC?
Motorsport in general, cars and F1.
EFRA: We know you also do quite a bit with full scale, including drag racing. What has been your favourite full scale car build project?
Yes, I enjoy building things and a challenge, by far my favourite is my current car which is a Metro 6R4 replica. For those not old enough to remember, they were a group B world rally car back in the 80’s before there were many rules/regulations so all the manufacturers went a bit wild with their cars!
EFRA: What was the last music you heard?
AC/DC whilst driving to an event!
EFRA: What do you like to do to relax?
Arrive a few days early at an event in my motorhome and relax under the awning with a Gin!
EFRA: What advice would you give someone wanting to compete in an EFRA Euros for the first time?
All to often I hear people say that they’re not good enough to race at an EC. People should never ever think that! At an EC a driver will gain more experience and learn far more than at any other race.
EFRA: How did you become involved in EFRA?
From my very early days racing I was involved with club committee’s, then on the BRCA committee’s and then EFRA rep which then ultimately progressed into being Large Scale Chairman.
EFRA: What is the number 1 thing you would like to see in RC in Europe in the future?
More young racers getting into the RC hobby, that’s future we should all concentrate on.
