MINI CHALLENGE UK: Lydia Walmsley – “The BTCC is the goal” (Part One)

Replacing the ever-competitive Renault Clio Cup in the TOCA package, both MINI CHALLENGE UK classes have quickly become fan favourites of the BTCC bandwagon.

Racing in the Cooper Class, a second tier to the more powerful JCWs, young Lydia Walmsley stood out for her ability behind the wheel of the feisty front-wheel-drive, 130bhp machines.

The 19-year-old finished fifth overall come the end of 2020’s campaign, earning herself a place in this year’s Motorsport UK’s Academy class as a result. Ahead of the upcoming race season, William Holmes spoke to rising star Walmsley:

You started championship karting at the age of eight in 2010. What initially drew you towards motorsport?

“I grew up around racing as my dad used to compete in oval racing. I showed an interest when I was seven, so my parents took me to Buckmore Park where I had my first taste of motorsport in a Bambino go-kart. I loved it so much, so we decided to begin championship racing the next year in cadet karts at my local indoor circuit, Anglia Indoor Kart Centre, Ipswich.”

You spent many years piloting various karts before switching to cars in 2017 – what key lessons and experience did you gain from kart racing?

“I think the first fundamental motorsport skill you learn is the racing line. It’s something that you pick up on and begin doing when you first start karting, and is obviously relevant throughout all disciplines of motorsport.

“Karting is also a great way to learn race-craft. I believe that drivers never really stop learning about race-craft until they retire, but due to the close, competitive nature of karting, you can learn a lot from the discipline which is still useful when you move up to circuit racing.”

Your first taste of car racing was in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC). How significant was the jump from karting to the JSCC?

“It was a massive step and certainly wasn’t easy. When I moved into the JSCC, I was only 14, so hadn’t actually driven on the road yet (I learnt to drive down a runway with my dad in the passenger seat).

“Go-karts are rear-wheel-drive and the Saxos we raced in the JSCC were front-wheel-drive, so that was obviously something new to learn. You don’t have to consider things like weight transfer in karting, too, so that was something to be wary of. And, of course, learning how to use manual gearboxes and clutches, all whilst thinking about everything else that was going on, was quite a challenge!”

2020’s campaign was spent behind the wheel of a Cooper Class MINI CHALLENGE machine – in a season filled with high points, which stands out best to you?

“I would say Race One at Thruxton on the Saturday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t televised, but I think it must have been my most enjoyable race ever. It might seem strange to say as I finished fourth, and I’ve obviously finished higher previously, but the racing was so exhilarating that it made it so exciting.

“I’ve qualified higher in the past, but we couldn’t find a tow from anybody (being only a single car team and the tow being crucial to a quick lap time around Thruxton). However, by Turn 2, we were already up to P3. There was chopping and changing throughout the whole race and it was like NASCAR racing – two wide throughout the whole circuit, sometimes even becoming three or four wide! It was an experience I will always remember.”

The 130bhp MINIs are notoriously entertaining to watch, with the action always being highly competitive and cars operating a front-wheel-drive system. What is it like to race these machines with 20+ other drivers at the UK’s premier circuits?

“It’s amazing! The championship is very close and the cars are so evenly matched that qualifying often means that there is only a number of tenths between pole and 15^th, which just makes it so exciting to watch.

“With a grid so full, the track can become pretty manic, so it’s always important to check the mirrors and make sure you’re always aware of what’s around you because you don’t want to be cutting someone off unintentionally and sending yourself into the barrier.”

COVID-19 naturally affected your season, as it did with every other competitor. What difficulties did you and your team have to overcome?

“COVID-19 meant that team numbers had to be limited, but in all honesty, it didn’t particularly affect us that much because we were such a small team anyway.

“I think the biggest impact was the reduced season. We only had five rounds last year instead of the seven in 2019, so our consistency (I’m proud to say that my team have built and maintained a car which finished every single lap of testing, qualifying and races over the past two seasons) didn’t really shine through like I’d hoped.

“When you have a longer season, the consistency and reliability always pays off but when you have a season that only consists of 11 races in total, being consistent isn’t quite as effective. However, we were top three in the championship standings after the whole year and in title contention until the final race of the season.”

One benefit of 2020’s racing calendar arose from the TV coverage you gained being part of the TOCA package. Do you see yourself staying in the TOCA package for many years to come, and is the BTCC the ultimate goal of yours?

“The TOCA package is such a massive platform and I very much enjoyed being a part of it last year. A massive benefit of the TOCA package are its spectators, so they were sorely missed last year. I’d like to stay on the package in the coming years as it’s such a prestigious package to be on.

“To race live on ITV4 is an honour and it so exciting to turn on the television and see your MINI racing around such prestigious race circuits. I have always said that the BTCC is the goal – It’s been an ambition of mine since I was very young, so to have raced on the TOCA package last year at only 18 was a dream come true.”

How crucial is it to have a supportive sponsor like you have yourself in Morris Lubricants?

“It is brilliant – not only Morris Lubricants, but all of my local sponsors that were a part of my season last year were so supportive (especially through such difficult circumstances). Without a doubt, I would not have been at the circuit at all without them, so I am forever grateful for everything they do for me.”

Following on from the help from sponsors, your dad, Mike, has avidly assisted in your motorsport career. How important is family support in the racing world?

“Family is so important. You know that your family will always look out and try their hardest for you – they’re always there through both the fun times and the tougher ones.”

Finally, you’re yet to announce what championship you’ll be competing in this year after a highly successful 2020. Ahead of our next chat, when your racing news breaks, what hints can you give readers as to where you’ll be in 2021?

“IT’S GOING TO BE EXCITING!”

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Part Two of this interview will be released upon the reveal of Walmsley’s 2021 announcement.