Southam's Ryan Taylor targeting Mini Seven S Class racing league glory

TEENAGER Ryan Taylor has set his sights on becoming one of the youngest winners of an esteemed national motor racing championship after a revelatory first season behind the wheel.

The 17-year-old apprentice from Southam – who is currently progressing through the second year of a level three motor vehicle course at Warwick Trident College, is looking to follow up on his inaugural third place finish in the 22-person Mini Seven S-Class racing league by going two steps further during the 2022-23 season.

He also hopes to retain his novice of the year title, as well as defending the winter series crown he secured at the first attempt.

“I made the choice to begin a motor vehicle apprenticeship before I started my racing career – and everything is going along nicely at the moment," said Taylor.

“I’m doing my best both at college and on the race track and am seeing where it takes me. I’ve been around mechanics every day for as long as I can remember and it’s an absolute joy gaining new experiences in my studies and competing at some of the toughest tracks in the country.

“I’m developing a strong electronic skillset and furthering my engine knowledge through work with my dad on the car ahead of race days, day-to-day in the garage as part of my apprenticeship and then also through tutors at college.

“I’m excited for the first meet to begin and hope to make a great impression once again. The aim is to get a first race win on the board, like I did at Donnington last season, secure more podium finishes and do all I can to win the championship.”

The Mini Seven S Class racing league races all over the country – with Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Snetterton permanent fixtures in the calendar. The season got under way on Saturday.

Steve Hall, Taylor’s teacher and work-based learning manager within the motor vehicle department at Warwickshire College Group, said: “Ryan’s achievement is amazing and is testament to his hard work and natural skill both inside and outside of a car.

“To not only hold your own but establish yourself as a credible championship challenger at the age of seventeen would usually be unheard of – but Ryan’s efforts do not surprise me.

“We’re committed to helping Ryan on his chosen path and look forward to supporting him in his studies, as well as his racing, in the coming weeks and months.”

Taylor complements his studies by lending his father Colin a hand at their family-run business – the Southam Mini Metro Centre.