20 year old Formula Renault UK racing driver and ‘Face’ of The Real Shaving Company, James Gornall, has been honoured by Oxford Brookes University for his outstanding contribution to the Oxford Brookes Racing - Formula Student Team of 2004, along with other members of the team.


James in his Formula Renault 2000. (Jeff Bloxham)

Multiple British Champion Gornall, who was crowned BARC Formula Renault Champion in his first year of car racing in 2003, is absolutely delighted to receive the honour from the University. James who is studying Business & Management in Oxford whilst pursuing his racing career, was asked by the motorsport division of the department of mechanical engineering if he would drive the Formula Student car, in the European championships held in the UK during 2004. The car, a high tech single seater, is designed and built by the students as part of their degree course. Many of whom, later find themselves working in the Formula 1 teams!

“ I was chuffed to be asked by the University Team if I would drive their car in the championships” said James. “ We had not been able to do any testing of the car before the event due to some technical problems, and had to run it out for the first time there. I had the second quickest lap time overall, and although the car took some getting used to initially, clearly the guys had designed a winner! We finished 7th overall, and were top UK University and received an award from the RAC”


James (Deb Stone)

James has now been invited out to the U.S.A with the team in May this year to compete in the World Championships. His response, “ I can’t wait. We will be flying the flag for Oxford Brookes University and the UK. Lets’ hope we can pull off a good result!” Something James is good at when at the wheel of a racing car! All this, whilst fitting in his modelling career for the Real Shaving Companies’ forthcoming national advertising campaign, for which he is the face of the brand!!

When asked about the 2005 racing season James said, “ I am still aiming to be racing in the ITV televised 2005 Formula Renault UK Championship, but finding the financial support necessary for the final budget is proving difficult. Albeit, we are talking to various interested parties at the moment, and remain optimistic. One thing we never do, is give up!”

Follow James’ progress on this, his personal website and additionally:
www.renaultsport.co.uk
www.oxfordbrookesracing.com