Swissvax UK

Myles faster in Scottish Debut Posted on: Tue 8th May 3:28pm

Swissvax-sponsored Harrogate racer Myles Collins signalled his intentions for his first season in the Northern Sports and Saloon Car Championship last weekend with a win and a second place - on his debut.

The 17-year-old – racing against adults for the first time- was delighted to qualify his Peugeot 205 second for both races at the daunting Knockhill circuit, lining up against a 13-strong Group D grid, which included a former hill-climb champion and a race instructor.

A second place and a new lap record in Saturday’s race was already way beyond the teenager’s expectations – but a win in the wet on Sunday capped it, leaving the youngster in a strong position for Round 2 at Croft in a week’s time.

“It’s a massive relief, to be honest,” said Collins. “I’ve never started a championship well before, getting caught up in first corner crashes in both the Saxmax series and in Ginetta Juniors last year – so a win and a second place felt fantastic.

“This time, it all just seemed to work and I owe a lot to TM Sport of Scotton who have given me a really strong car, and to Swissvax for supporting me and giving me the chance to race.

“I hope I have done them proud – and that we can maintain the same sort of pace at Croft. I know the circuit a bit better than Knockhill, but there are some good drivers on the grid and I know they won’t be letting me have everything my own way.”

Collins started his racing career in karting at the age of ten, moving up to cars with Westbourne Motorsport in 2010 when he finished as top rookie in the 750 Motor Club’s Saxmax Championship.

 A year in the Ginetta Junior championship was unkind, with Collins dogged by bad luck. Results improved when he signed for Harrogate Horseless Carriages but it wasn’t enough to boost the young driver’s overall finishing position and he completed the year determined to prove his potential.

Collins added: “Last year was all ‘would’ve, could’ve, should’ve’ but this has been a great start and it felt great to break that Race 1 curse. Breaking a lap record which has stood for six years was a great confidence boost too and I can’t wait to get back in the car to go racing again.”

Partner at Swissvax UK, Samantha Mearns, said: “We have been supporting Myles for some time now and it is great to see him finally be rewarded for his efforts

“To break the lap record and to win his first race amongst a field of adults drivers should not be under-estimated.”