Andy Priaulx joined us in the office yesterday to celebrate his birthday as he watched his 15 year old son, Seb, pound around the Knockhill track in his JHR Developments Ginetta Junior racer; ahead of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car – Lokring Northern sponsored raceday this weekend. Where Seb and not Andy, will endeavor to get the Priaulx name back on the podium for the second year in succession.
Priaulx, no stranger to Knockhill after competing on the Circuit at last year’s BTCC round; where he walked away with pole position and a solitary 3rd placed podium for his efforts. His podium tally would have been two 3rd places, had the Ford GT driver not been penalised for a robust move on Scotland’s Aiden Moffat – that of course led to the young Scot securing his maiden BTCC podium.
“It was probably about 14 years since I last visited Knockhill, until last year; I was lucky enough to get pole, which was great; it’s always been very kind to me this track, I’ve always gone well around here. It is a very demanding track with a lot of character about it and you’ve got to really commit to the lap.
“I’m very happy to be here, supporting Seb in his little Ginetta, and the first thing he said to me when he got out the car was – this place is awesome isn’t it – he loves it, he’s had a good day,” commented the three-time World Touring Car Champion.
Priaulx, however doesn’t want to be a pushy parent and leaves Seb to find is own way out on track. Leaving Seb’s tuition to his driver coach and merely offering guidance where it’s appropriate.
“I sometimes think, Dads and racing can sometimes add extra pressure; so I just tend to let him do his own thing. I’m lucky that his is quick so I don’t have to work to hard on him. I feel I just have to help him and nudge him in the right direction and help him make the right career choices – which is where I feel I can really help him the most.”
The Priaulx’s are on somewhat of a Scottish road trip and will take in some sights around Scotland away from the track – in amongst a heavy testing and race schedule that will conclude on Sunday 14th August.
Next up for Andy however, is a drive in the spectacular Ford GT for the Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT team which Priaulx seems to be relishing.
“It’s a fantastic programme to be involved with and I’m really excited to be part of it; and the Ford GT is just an amazing car. What a history, winning LeMans 50 years ago and going back again this year and winning on their return was a remarkable achievement for the whole team.
“I feel very lucky to be part of such a huge programme, there’s a massive commitment from Ford and of course Chip Ganassi, who is a legend. And from my perspective, at this stage in my career, I’m loving the challenge and love the fact that I’m helping to develop the car and to see it out there winning is really special to me,” concludes Priaulx.
For the full audio interview, via Duncan Vincent’s SoundCloud account, just press play below.
If you’d like to join Andy, and the rest of the Priaulx family this weekend to see first-hand how kind the Knockhill track will be to the newest racing member of the Priaulx family; book tickets online via the Knockhill.com website.
Tickets will also be available on the day, subject to on-the-day pricing.
