MSD:
F1 teams have a responsibility to be
part of defining future developments, but
do you feel teams like Team Parker Racing
should have more of an influence on cham-
pionships and budgets?
SP:
Yes, we are the ones at the coalface and
are very much in touch with what is happen-
ing on the ground. I think that we should, as
teams, be included more by the MSA.
MSD:
Some Clubman racing is sometimes
seen as ‘chequebook racing’, so do you
think a cap on championships would help
increase competitiveness and grids?
SP:
There certainly is a massive amount of
choice and also a lack of will to let champi-
onships die naturally. The problem you have
is which championship do you stop and
which do you support? The one thing for cer-
tain is you will not please everyone.
MSD:
Having formed the teamback in 1997,
what significant changes have you noticed
in the years since?
SP:
Motorsport is ever changing. I think the
level of professionalism has changed all the
way through the sport, from the club racer up.
MSD:
What new developments will you be
bringing in for 2015?
SP:
Now that would be telling! We have a
really strong package for the next year and
will be back in all the championships we
were in in 2014. Also, there may be a surprise
or two in store.
MSD:
Apart from cost, what are the main
differences between entry-level racing like
the Caterham Supersport, and the GT4
championships?
SP:
From our side, it’s the support that you
receive. When you get up to a national level
championship it is a bigger stage and the sup-
port that goes with that increases accordingly.
MSD:
What advice can you offer to new
drivers looking to compete in motorsport,
and does a team offer a stable investment?
SP:
Do your homework, make sure you pick
the right championship, car etc. Do not over-
stretch yourself, because it will not be enjoy-
able. Yes, a team offers a stable investment –
it will short-cut your learning curve and stop
you making certain mistakes. And above all,
remember it’s a sport and it’s supposed to be
enjoyable. The minute it becomes anything
but that, stop!
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MOTORSPORT DAYS ANNUAL
63
There certainly
is a massive
amount of choice
and also a lack
of will to let
championships
die naturally
“
”
