We Grill: Adam Morgan BTCC Racing Driver
Adam Morgan, 25, is the new face of the British Touring Car Championship. (BTCC)
Now one of the countries best racing drivers and an exciting prospect for British motorsport, the ex-Stonyhurst Pupil started racing in 2010. In 2011, he won the Ginetta G55 GT Supercup Championship which paid for him to drive in the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. This year, he has his own racing team Ciceley Motorsport.
What’s your favourite circuit in the UK and why?
I’ve always driven well at Snetterton in Norfolk, and I love the new 300 circuit layout as it gives plenty of room to overtake.
Tell us what you are racing in at the moment?
A Mercedes Benz A-class. This is my third year racing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) . For my first two years, I drove a Toyota Avensis.
Favourite place to eat?
The Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire. Not only is it close to my home but their food is delicious – especially the fish pie!
How do you prepare for a race?
I have a talk with my engineer about the strategy and set-up for the race. I then disappear into the back of the truck by myself for about 10 minutes to keep myself calm and get myself ready and focused by getting into ‘the zone’.
Who is your racing idol?
The rally driver, the late Colin McRae. I grew up watching rallying as that’s what my dad did. Colin gave maximum attack every time he raced and his car control was amazing.
If money was no object, what road car would you buy?
The Pagani Zonda R because it’s fast and looks pretty mean.
First age you got behind the wheel?
I started karting when I was seven, at the Three Sisters circuit in Wigan and carried on until I was 16. Then, at 19, I started rallying. I first got a taste for driving when I was 12 and my dad let me drive his old Suzuki jeep offroad in a field. I thought it was great fun, until a handbrake turn rolled it onto its side!
What do you do in your spare time?
Sadly, I don’t get that much free time. The season is March to mid-October and because we race on a weekend we tend to spend the week travelling to the circuit or just preparing for the next race as there is always something to do. I do try and get to the gym when I can and other times see friends or have the occasional night out.
What do you do when the season has ended?
Prepare for the next one. I’m also a racing instructor, so I spend a lot of time coaching people who want to go faster or just generally learn more about their car.
What other sports do you follow?
My next favourite sport is skiing. I would love to go more often but don’t have that much time. I don’t follow football as I’m more of a rugby person. I don’t really have a specific team but I do like the Sale Sharks.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Winning the Ginetta G55 GT Supercup Championship, which was just incredible. It was our first year running a team by ourselves, and we were up against three or four big two-car teams. To beat them with a family-run team was amazing. Also my first podium at Oulton Park last year was amazing too.
How do you celebrate a win?
During a race weekend we don’t have time to celebrate. We have three races a day so you are either straight back in the car for the next race or packing up to drive home, so by then I’m too tired. I usually try and have a beer when I get home though.
What’s your favourite meal?
Enchiladas. I don’t care what they are filled with, I just can’t get enough of them!
What’s your favourite alcoholic drink?
Rum and Coke, Guinness, Jägerbombs – but not together!
While racing, do you have a special diet?
I tend to eat whatever my girlfriend or mum cook for me, but it is normally very healthy as I try to keep in good shape. If I do splash out on a take-away then I make sure I hit the gym the next day to burn it off! There is no weight restriction for the sport but you are better being lighter in the car.
What’s your long-term goal?
To just stay in the BTCC for as long as possible and win it as many times as I can. Making a living out of motor racing has been my dream since I was six, so I am doing everything I possibly can to achieve it. I would also love to race at the Le Mans circuit.
