Check-in with Scott McKenna as it's all go behind the scenes of a British racing driver...
Being a professional racing driver isn’t easy for many different reasons. It’s one thing pushing yourself and a car to its limits around a track with 31 others all desperate to cross the line first but it’s a whole nother thing to actually get to that position. From being supported by a driven (no pun intended), focused, passionate team to making sure everything is in place pre-season so you’re on the starting grid at race 1.
Dedicated enthusiasm is required and something British racing driver and brand ambassador Scott McKenna is currently going through. There is a lot of fascinating stuff that happens behind the scenes which act as the fuel (are you picking up on all of these motorsports puns?) for this new series.
Here we will regularly catch up with all things McKenna as he shapes up to start a new season on racing. Let’s get into it…
Scott visits WatchGecko HQ
Mid-November McKenna made the long journey from Yorkshire down to our HQ here in Gloucestershire to have a good catch up. Scott instantly jumped on our racing wheel rig we have here in the office to try and top our top Gear style timing board for a Silverstone lap. Naturally, he beat us all with 3 seconds to spare almost instantly…
Of course in true confidential style we cannot discuss too many details of his visit, however, keep an eye on the Mag as our motorsports man on the ground Anthony Peacock will be sharing some details on his visit soon.
Scott also brought his full race suit with him which naturally made for perfect photo opportunities...
Having fun with a Ford Escort MK2
It was none stop for Scott as the following day he headed over to Teesside Autodrome to jump in a MK2 Ford Escort Rally car owned by a friend of his. Naturally, this was by no means a standard Escort as the above video proves. As you can see the car was constantly under pressure as the 80s rear-wheel-drive car was thrown the around the track, making it look easy.
It’s definitely worth watching the above videos.
Go-Karting for a great cause
From an MK2 Ford Escort to a go-kart, it seems Scott cannot escape being near motors at the moment. Scott found himself heading to TeamKarting to take part in a karting event raising money for Children In Need.
The 3-hour endurance race attracted many drivers across the country from all manner of motorsports. The guys and girls all ended up raising a fantastic £3,500 for Children In Need. A brilliant example of how a shared common interest can have a positive impact.
The story of his ID bracelet
Next up Scott told us a fantastic story on his ID bracelet which hasn’t left his wrist since the day he put it on. The story goes that ID bracelets were something that was worn by certain drivers throughout the 1960s and ’70s showing the driver’s name and blood group in case of a large accident/crash.
Scott goes on to say about the family provenance of these and why he never races without it.
Check out the post above, it’s an interesting one!
Patiently waiting for Ice Driver...
As many of you will know Scott isn’t like every racing driver. Scott learnt and developed his craft on the ice every year through his Dad’s business, Ice Driver. The concept of this is a simple one but the execution is pretty incredible. Ice Driver harnesses a frozen lake in Norway, draw out a race circuit and then throw a car around the track all while attempting to keep the car under control. Crazy right?!
Anyway, Scott was basically born driving on the ice meaning his knowledge and understanding on how to control a car is unrivalled. Still need proof? Check out his video above showing just how you should take a corner when driving on a frozen lake.
The best part? Anyone can take part and experience this for yourself. There is a good chance Scott will be your coach as he still manages to get out there at the start of every year.
Stay tuned soon to hear much more about Ice Driver from the man himself. If you can't wait, click here to find out more about Ice Driver.
Of course, Scott always has something interesting going on so be sure to follow him over on Instagram @scotticedriver to keep up to date with his life, as and when it happens.
