A Fresh Perspective
David Baldwin joined the 7 Racing paddock in 2023, and what an impact he made. Joining us with some racing experience under his belt, he was no stranger to the track, competitive from the off and challenging for podium finishes. Armed with his Caterham 310R, David joined the 1600 championship.
With the help of David’s experience, this feature will emphasise exactly what it’s like to join the 7 Racing championship and paddock as a new face. Any championship can boast about being welcoming and friendly, but just how approachable is our championship?
In true 7 Racing style David was quickly welcomed to this new scene with open arms. “Coming into the paddock as a new driver I was just aiming to enjoy some good racing, make some new friends and get to race on some of the UK’s best circuits,” said David. “If any half decent results came my way that would just be a bonus.”
David immediately made an impact, both on track and in the paddock. After a successful start to his 7 Racing campaign at Donington Park, during which he raced his way to a podium finish, round two at Brands Hatch really reinforced a positive feeling towards his new racing home. Racing on the prestigious Brands Hatch GP circuit, in front of a bumper crowd, David cemented his skill with pole position, and he was about to find out what a lovely bunch we really are.
“Coming in as a privateer and not knowing anybody could be a daunting prospect but this is where the 7 Racing Championship comes into its own. I found nothing but welcoming friendly faces and everyone was all too happy to help if you were in a jam.
“This was all too evident at Brand Hatch where I qualified on pole but then discovered a broken diff mount. With just my girlfriend, Rachel, and I trying to strip the car down and rebuild it before the first race it was all too clear that we weren’t going to get it done in time. As we were called up for the race I explained the situation. All of a sudden a call for help had been put out and a flurry of mechanics were instantly all over my car helping to get it back together in record time and get me back out on track, just in time for the race. You simply cannot get this level of camaraderie anywhere else and I feel it sums up the whole 7 Racing atmosphere – fun, friendly and welcoming,” said David.
With his car back in one piece and ready to take his first pole position start of the year, it was soon clear we were in for an exciting season with a very competitive grid. After a thoroughly entertaining race, David secured victory. The first of many.
Having dabbled in Caterham racing with other championships, David joined 7 Racing with a fresh perspective. We pride ourselves on a friendly, welcoming paddock, as well as superb, fair racing on track. We all work together, we race together, we celebrate together, but how is this perceived through the eyes of a newcomer?
“The on-track action is one of the greatest selling points of this championship. I have found the racing to be fiercely competitive, but there is huge respect between the drivers. Wheel to wheel racing is par for the course, but we would always give each other JUST enough room to avoid contact. This made for fantastic racing but without the silly repair bills. The championship organisers are very strict when it comes to contact and foul play and it is stamped out immediately.”
As the 2023 season developed, it was clear to see we had a strong contender on our hands. A competitive, fair racer on circuit, and a popular addition to the paddock. A successful inaugural
season saw David claim the 310R championship title. Despite electing to miss the final round at Donington Park, David still came along to support his fellow competitors and reminisce on a fantastic season.
“There are so many highlights from last season but getting my first ever Caterham win at Brands Hatch GP has to be up there. It was a frantic hard-fought race and the circuit is just incredible.
“Mondello Park also holds fond memories with a dominant display on track and great socials off track. I feel this was the turning point for my season, when I realised I could be in with a chance of winning the title.”
After claiming championship honours, David opted to remain with 7 Racing for 2024. However, with a slight change in calendars, meaning the normal winter sun events had been transformed into the Euro Cup, David was able to tick a few more circuits off of his bucket list and secure some overseas track time.
“Having won the UK championship last year, I set my sights on the Euro Cup for 2024, sampling some of Europe’s best circuits and treating each event as a mini holiday. It also makes selling it to the other half a lot easier.” Well, Rachel has to rewarded for her trackside support somehow!
“I was very keen to stay with 7 Racing this year in some form or another,” said David. I had a fantastic year in 2023 making lots of friends, and the calendar is second to none. I felt the atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for both on and off the track. I feel so at home racing here and I recommend it to anyone with a Caterham.” Strong words from the reigning 310R champion.
And on that note, if you have been thinking about trying one of our events, and David’s glowing review has cemented your decision, please do get in touch. We still have some space on the grid for our season finale at Oulton Park on 7th September. For more details about any of our three classes (270r, 310R or 420R), joining us at Oulton Park, or the championship as a whole, please contact Sean Bicknell – [email protected] / Tel: 01455 239900.
We look forward to seeing you on the grid very soon!