Team P42: Dan Livingstone K-Tec Racing Clio 182 racer

From Caterham’s to Clio’s Dan prepares for his second season and this time he is taking on the tin tops…

P42: Hi Dan, thanks for taking the time to talk with Paddock42, how did you get into racing?

I first got into racing 4 years ago when I tried out ‘Arrive and Drive’ Karting at Buckmore Park. I karted regularly over the next 3 years with some really good results. At the start of 2013 I saw a competition at the Autosport Show and the prize was to win a fully funded years racing in the Pistonheads Caterham Academy. I received a call to say I had made the final 10 out of a couple thousand entrants. The final was held at Caterham’s F1 HQ and during the day our driving skills were evaluated in Caterham’s F1 Simulator and we had an interview process. At the end of the day I was fortunate to be announced as the winner and won the drive. At the end of the season at Silverstone I had to hand my race car back. This was a difficult moment but I was very thankful for what Pistonheads, Autosport and Caterham provided for me.

P42: in your first season you were on the podium – that’s a great result. How did it feel when you stood on the steps for the first time?

It was a dream come true for me to be racing let along to finish on the podium 3 times in my first year of racing. It was an amazing feeling standing on the podium at circuits like Silverstone, Rockingham and Donington Park. Looking down at family and friends cheering you on, I’ll always have these memories.

P42: Clearly you are pretty quick but are you any good on the spanners?

Working on cars is something I am aiming to progress on. I have a basic understanding of the technical side but I will be working on improving my knowledge. This will ultimately make me a better driver in the long run.

P42: This season you are racing in the new K-Tec Racing Clio 182 series which has been organised by the 750 Motor Club, what made you choose this championship?

The K-Tec Racing Clio Series has been formed to provide close racing but also to ensure that there is a level playing field. This means it will put the onus on the driver to perform which is something that really attracted me to the series. Motorsport is always going to be expensive but this series is relatively cheap to race in.

P42: How are the preparations going?

My preparations for this year seem to be going well. I have the car in place and all my equipment that is required ready so I’m technically race ready. Ideally I would like to be out there testing a bit more than I am as this would put me in a better position for this year but funding restricts this so I am having to do what I can.

P42: What are your long-term racing goals?

This year I want to learn the dynamics of racing a front wheel drive car. This is going to be challenging as last year I was used to a rear wheel drive Caterham. I am working hard with pre-season testing to ensure hopefully I am on the pace come the first race at Silverstone. The ideal stepping stone next would be to race in the Michelin Clio Cup Race Car Series. My ultimate racing ambition is to be racing in the British Touring Car Championship.

Dan Livingstone Clio Paddock42

P42: What are the biggest challenges you face trying to achieve this?

The biggest challenge which I have faced this year is funding. Most racing drivers experience exactly the same problem. I am mostly funding this year’s racing myself with a view to building my racing profile which in turn will hopefully gain some more sponsorship.

P42: What is your favourite circuit and why?

My favourite circuit has always been Brands Hatch. Paddock Hill Bend has to be one of the most exciting corners in the world. I’ve been attending race meetings at Brands Hatch for quite a few years now as it is my local track. I loved racing there last year in Caterhams.

P42: In the paddock these days it’s all motorhomes and big race trucks, when we were racing we used to sleep in the van. What kind of set up do you have?

Luckily for me the K-Tec Racing Clio Series have created regulations which will ensure that on a race weekend basis there isn’t really much work that needs carrying out on the car. Therefore I can keep my usual Dad & Son racing set up. It worked successfully last year while racing the Caterham so fingers crossed it will do us good this year.

P42: Who is your favourite professional driver and what do you think made them/ makes them so good?

From a young age I have always regarded Valentino Rossi as my racing hero. He is ultra talented but at the same time still seems very down to earth which is brilliant. He always looks like he is having fun in the paddock and is a very funny guy. He is able to perform on both 2 and 4 wheels which is really impressive. I was fortunate to meet him briefly at a Moto GP test in Valencia a couple of years ago and he signed my Rossi Replica Race Helmet. This for me is a great memory and the Signed Race Helmet is one of my favourite possessions.

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