For some time now all those associated with the 2003 champion and Peterborough based racing driver James Gornall, and who have seen him race on both the karting world stage and now single seater’s, have considered him to be a very special talent in the world of motor racing. It is a belief that has been endorsed in full by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), with whom James became champion last year in the BARC Formula Renault Championship.



Held at the impressive Copthorne Hotel, Effingham Park near London, the 2003 Championships awards ceremony was hosted by BBC Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond on Saturday night, in front of a 400 strong audience of the very best from all disciplines of motorsport.

James was at the ceremony to collect his BARC Formula Renault Championship trophy after dominating the series in his first year of car racing, after what had been an outstanding and incredible debut season in his first year of racing after graduating from karting. It had been a season in which James had taken 7 pole positions, 5 victories, 9 podium positions, and 5 new circuit lap records, along with the championship that clearly caught the attention of the BARC council.



Described by Richard Hammond in the opening address as: “A truly remarkable young man with a bright future in motorsport,” after announcing the season’s statistics to the audience. At this stage no one in the audience knew whom the speaker was talking about, as the winner of the award is only made known on the night, including James and his family, who had joined him for the evening. 

Following the announcement, a rather stunned but very happy British champion, stepped up for the 3rd time in the evening to receive the magnificent ‘Peter Collins Memorial Trophy’, as “The most promising new driver,” from Michael Groves, Chairman of the BARC, to rapturous applause from the whole gathering.



James’s response was typical, and with the expected smile in place commented: “Well, that was fantastic. I had no idea at all. To be honest because so much is new to us this year, I hadn’t realised such an award was given, and I was simply pleased to be here to collect the Championship Trophy. I really feel very honoured to receive such a marvelous award, which has finished off my first year in car racing in the best way possible, being recognised by the top people involved in my sport.”

When asked about the fast approaching 2004 season and his immediate plans for the new season ahead, James commented: “We are working very hard at present to finalise a sponsorship deal, which means I will be racing alongside the TOCA British Touring Car Championship, in Formula Renault UK. The same Championship won by Kimi Raikkonen in 2000, which is seen as the most prestigious single seater series in the country. An announcement is due very shortly.”

Of equal importance as he searches for that “sponsorship deal”, James also expects to be receiving a lot of extra TV coverage this year, and it is also believed that the BBC will be filming a documentary following his progress throughout the 2004 season. This of course will be a huge bonus for all of James’ sponsors. And since James is still in need of sponsors/business partners, those in partnership with the “Rising Star of 2004” should not fail to achieve the kind of publicity and exposure they require, by associating with a young driver whose sights are set upon adding the Formula Renault UK title to his growing CV at the first attempt!