Testimonials

In 2016 and after making the necessary arrangements and commitments, I decided to embark on a testing programme with an aim to begin racing in single seaters. To help with this process, I was looking for someone who could develop me as a driver and as a competitive racer.

I was first introduced to David in the paddock and he was very friendly and approachable. I first noticed he had an acute ability to listen and understand all my needs/concerns/aspirations and my burning desire to compete successfully. After some discussions, we came up with a methodical plan and put it into action.

3 years later I have established a reputation as a competitive racer and equally a true fan/enthusiast of motorsport. I have acquired 10 trophies, continued to develop great race craft and equally consistently improve my lap times and race pace. In 2017 I achieved the BEST NEWCOMER AWARD in formula ford. I wouldn’t have been able to surpass my own expectations without the support, guidance and key valuable imput from David at my side. This has enabled both me and Dave to establish a very special relationship, both as my race/team manager and equally as my mentor/coach.

David is also gifted mechanically and his meticulous attention to detail in car preparation and care, has resulted in me never having a mechanical failure during any of my races.

I would highly recommend David’s services to any driver, whether a rookie looking to break into a racing career or an already established pro looking to further improve their racing techniques.  

SCOTT RAWLINSON formula ford 1600 driver

2017 Best newcomer awardee – BRSCC Northern ff1600 championship

After running in the CSCC Tintop series in 2012 with a best finish of 12th, I decided it was time for some driver training. After contacting David we arranged a track day at Oulton Park. I went along not knowing what to expect or how it would work and must confess to being a little nervous. On arrival I was met by David and no time was wasted, we sat down and David had already prepared a detailed map of the circuit and had highlighted turning in points, apexs etc.

Next it was in the car and still feeling a little nervous:  but I needn’t have worried David has a very relaxed and calm attitude in the car which in turn made me feel relaxed and more importantly confident. After each session out on circuit, we would again sit down and discuss lines and driving technique etc, making small changes but all done in a relaxed friendly way. By the end of the day, not only was I faster but smoother as well, not something I am normally renowned for.

In summary, I think we are all guilty of spending money on our cars to make them go “faster” rather than looking at the obvious: the person who presses the pedals. David said to me on the day, that the person who spends the longest on the accelerator sets the fastest time and with that fixed in my mind roll on the 2013 season!

Mark Wallwork (competitor in CSCC Tintops Series)

It is not everyday that one achieves their ambition of a lifetime yet that it was I did during a Friday test session at Oulton Park in 2011. My ambition was always to drive and race a “proper” racing car which is what I did when I drove my Formula Ford Van Dieman for the first time. A major factor in helping me to achieve my ambition was the help, support and guidance provided to me by David Bailey. David’s help and support started at an early stage when he helped me to find and then buy my car. This was crucial as it would have been very easy to buy the wrong one. Since buying the car David has prepared my car to the highest possible standards and has acted as team manager, driver coach and mentor. David’s great help, support and preparation skills have resulted in me finishing every race I have started in, no mechanical failures and a reduction in my lap times of over five seconds. In addition and most importantly I have enjoyed every single moment I have had with my car.

In conclusion I consider myself very lucky indeed to be able to work with David (an ex champion of Oulton in FF1600) who is not only a very quick driver but also a great teacher and coach and a very nice person. I would most certainly have no hesitation in recommending David to anybody who would like to learn how to drive both quickly and safely.

Regards

David Billington

March 2015, I spent a day at Oulton Park coaching Jason Gale in his Caterham Graduate Sigma. Although an experienced competitor, Jason had never raced at Oulton and I spent most of the day in car with him. The following day, Jason qualified on the front row and finished 2nd in his race.

“Thanks David. It was a great race, I missed the win by 0.019 sec. I’m more than happy with second though. I could not have learnt the track so quick without some help, so thanks again.”

Jason Gale competitor in Caterham Graduate Sigma Championship

REVIEW OF 2020 Race Calendar 

2020 saw Syd Fraser making his race debut with his Lotus 20/22 Formula Junior. Due to the pandemic, it was very much a truncated season with race appearances being limited to the Gold Cup Meeting at Oulton Park in August and the season finale at theSilverstone Finals held in October. Despite all this, these were two fantastic meetings with Syd finishing a strong 13th in his second race at Silverstone out of a capacity 28 car grid. Van Diemen RF85. Syd entered most of the Northern rounds: alternating between Anglesey Circuit and Oulton Park. Dave Billington always has such a fantastic time at the Walter Hayes and decided to enter once again in 2020. Prior to this, we had a shake down test at Oulton Park in August and he took part in the Heritage round held on the August Bank Holiday Monday at the prestigious Gold Cup event. Dave had a fantastic battle throughout the race and it was  excellent preparation for the Walter Hayes due to be held to late October/early November. Dave continued his improvement with a strong and gritty performance in this traditional season finale: managing to progress further in the competition than he’s ever done before. Unfortunately, Dave was involved in a race stopping accident on the Sunday of the meeting damaging his car beyond immediate repair. Dave was uninjured and vows to return in 2021! 

Scott Rawlinson also returned to the Walter Hayes meeting in his trusty Van Diemen to blow away some of his race cobwebs after a two year lay off. Scott performed exceptionally well in some very tricky conditions. He, like Dave Billington, progressed further in the competition than he’s ever previously managed and is really looking forward to a full season in his new car (Merlyn MK11a) which he is entering in the Historic Formula Ford Championship.  

Finally, we also managed to squeeze in a couple of outings with Andy Thomas in his Mygale GV15K Formula Ford. An exceptional performance at the Oulton Park Northern Formula Ford Round, saw Andy on pole in atrocious conditions for the Northern class. We also managed a race at the popular Anglesey circuit as well before the season finished.

So, here’s looking forward to another fantastic season in 2021.

Big thanks again to all our drivers; Dave, Syd, Andy not forgetting Will & Ian in their Radicals. Also to nephew Tom and not forgetting Gus the Team’s trusty mascot who’s being Covid compliant in this shot  !!