Godmanchester's Mark Chandler had a dream to be a racing driver, and started his own team from scratch. Now racing in just his fourth full competitive season, Mark is the leading driver in his class. He tells his success story to The Bridge.

I love driving. I have owned Minis since I was seventeen. I had a dream to become a racing driver. But I never imagined that one day my dream would come true.

The challenge was thrown down about five years ago. I was asked if I had a particular ambition, anything special to accomplish. I had always wanted to be a racing driver, so with encouragement and support from my family and friends, I jumped in at the deep end. Or was I pushed?

Because I know Minis inside out, it made sense to start with what we already owned. So I waited until my wife was out of the house one day, and dismantled her own beloved Mini to prepare it for racing. I'm not sure if she was too pleased.

Although the car that we race has a basic Mini steel shell, the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, fuel and exhaust systems are modified. This season, it runs on racing slick tyres. The inside of the car is gutted, a steel roll cage added, and some replacement plastic body panels fitted. The combination of maximum power, minimum weight and good handling (plus, of course, a talented driver!) has helped the car to become competitive. Driving flat out, it can reach 140 miles per hour.

At the early races of our first season, it was obvious that we had a lot to learn. We went in blind and, I have to admit, my head was spinning with trying to remember all the advice that I had been given. Added to that, the engine blew up half way through the season. But we managed to complete the remaining races, made lots of friends along the way, had great fun, and most important of all, we learned a heck of a lot.

Since that first season, we have gone from strength to strength. Competing in the Welsh Racing Driving Association Sports and Saloon Car Championship, I have set lap records at every circuit and won every race in my class, against competition from Rover 216 GTIs and Fiestas.

Other larger and more powerful classes of car take part in the same races, which makes for some great battles. I relish duelling with Sierra Cosworths - fast on the straight, but they are often embarrassed when I overtake them in the corners, thanks to my late braking.

After three seasons, we now know the circuits well, which is essential for getting the car's set up spot on. The condition of the track is often affected by previous races; for example, racing trucks tend to slop a fair bit of diesel about. I also have to think about weather conditions and how these might change during a race, which influences the choice of tyres.

We will be competing in all twelve rounds of the championship this season. With five races gone in 1998 , we are leading the class by eight points and believe we have a good chance of winning the championship.

As to the future, I am determined to carry on racing, and maybe one day to compete in the Unipart DCM Mini Miglia Championship. This is a much more competitive, one make series, for which top notch car preparation and driver concentration are essential.

I started racing for fun; and I'm pleased to say that it really has been great fun. The real bonus for me is to have enjoyed success in the championship, and the publicity that comes with it. I reckon that my main team sponsor, John G Clifford, has become the best known chemist shop in the country!

Being able to realise my dream is due to a real team effort. Without the dedicated help and encouragement of my wife Toss, my mother-in-law Doris Anderson, my daughters Lucy and Jemima, my friends, and sponsor John G Clifford, my dream would not have come true.

Thank you all for your support.

(Mark Chandler was interviewed by Brian Marsh).

Preparing and racing a car like Mark Chandler's throughout the season can cost in the region of £5,000. If you have a dream to race cars, or if you would like to support Mark's successful team financially through sponsorship, contact Mark Chandler on Tel 01480 390076 for more information.

© 1998 Godmanchester Community Association