Supporting Motorsport Related Companies

At a time when so many companies, especially niche, artisan ones, are struggling due to the ongoing corona virus restrictions, I wanted to do my best to support the great, unique places I’ve found, or been recommended, that provide motorsport related products and services. So, whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or a personal treat, please find below a list of fantastic suggestions to cater to motorsport fans of all ages and across every budget.

Motorsport is often a described as a family, so let’s come to together now and support the talented, dedicated ‘creators’ within our sport.

(Disclaimer: This is not an advert and I'm not being paid or benefitting in any way for doing this list. It is purely just my way of trying to help some of the great businesses and people I know within our industry.. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.) 
 

Omologato Watches - https://www.omologatowatches.com
With over 25 years of experience creating watches and founded by passionate motorsport fan Shami Kalra, Omologato are so much more than a ‘sponsor a car’ brand. They genuinely live their motor racing and give back to the sport on every level. For high quality, affordable watches that epitomise the iconic cars, circuits, and drivers they support, visit their website for their full range of watches for both men and women.
                                                                       
Racing Chocs - https://www.racingchocs.com
With exquisite handmade chocolates that replicate an ever growing range of famous driver’s helmet designs, plus chocolate race cars and holiday specials such as Easter Eggs and Christmas Lids, Racing Chocs are an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a special gift for a fellow motorsport fan or dealing with a corporate event.

Due to high demand, unfortunately orders for Christmas closed on Sunday 22nd November, but Racing Chocs make for a perfect gift all year round.
 
Carbon Art by Alistair Gibson - https://carbonart45.com
Having been a successful mechanic in the motorsport industry for 22 years, Alistair Gibson combined his engineering skills with a love of the natural world to recycle F1 car parts and create stunning carbon fibre sculptures. From stunning manta rays and sharks, to piranhas and even human hearts, each one of Alistair’s artwork’s is as mesmerizingly beautiful as it is utterly unique.
 
Toronto Motorsports - https://www.tomotorsports.com

With a shop based in the Canadian city since 1995, and a website bursting at the seams with everything from race stickers and diecast replica models to race worn helmets and original trophies, Toronto Motorsports has become a ‘go-to’ company for auto racing memorabilia. Specialising in Indycar products, including Canadian drivers James Hinchcliffe and Robert Wickens’ merchandise, you can also find artwork, clothing and a large selection of stickers based on Warwick Rogers cartoons.

For more of Roger Warwick’s artwork you can also visit his Esty shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RogerWarrick
 
Graham & Leigh - https://grahamandleigh.co.uk
For exquisite bespoke handmade race circuit artwork, visit the Graham and Leigh website. Born from a passion of motor racing, design and working with the natural qualities of wood, Andy Graham and Barbara Leigh bring your favourite race circuits a little closer with handcrafted artwork to enhance any home or office. Offering any circuit, from any year, in any layout, you have the unique opportunity to own a very personal bespoke piece of race circuit art. Christmas orders need to be placed by 7th December.
 
The Silverstone Experience - https://silverstone-experience.co.uk/discover
With 10 zones, 12 hands on displays, unique exhibitions and decades of motor racing history and memorabilia, this all-weather attraction at the home of the British F1 GP is sure to be a big hit with all the family. Although temporarily closed due to the current Covid-19 lockdown, the site is planning to reopen on 3rd December, subject to on-going health and safety guidelines, so advance tickets and gift vouchers can be purchased online.
 
Great British Racing Drivers Exhibition & Prints - GBRD: https://gbrd.photos            

Shop: https://indira-flack-photography.myshopify.com
‘Great British Racing Drivers’ is the first visiting photographic exhibition to feature in the afore mentioned Silverstone Experience. Photographer Indira Flack undertook a fascinating journey to capture many of our great British racing drivers, often in unexpected ways. From iconic heroes such as Sir Stirling Moss and John Surtees, to upcoming young stars of the karting track, the exhibition is a must-see when visiting the F1 circuit. You can purchase several of the photographs featured as high-quality prints, a great gift for any fan of British racing drivers, both past and present, with 10% of sales going to Sir Jackie Stewart's charity, Racing Against Dementia. 
 
The Road Rat - https://theroadrat.com
This beautifully crafted, uniquely print only magazine not only revels in the glory of cars, racing and the real, fascinating stories behind them, it also revels in the glory of the print magazine too. Making each exquisitely curated issue a luscious, collector’s item to be cherished as well as an immersive, absorbing reading expereince. Single issues and subscriptions can be purchased, alongside limited-edition slip cases, sticker sets and prints, via the Road Rat website and holiday store.
 
Second Shift Art - https://www.secondshiftart.com
What started as a hobby back in 2013, making clocks from scrap gearbox parts for friends, soon grew into what is now Second Shift Art, recycling used race car parts into stunning, unique and affordable gifts for the everyday race fan. The business now makes lamps, tables, trophies, and custom items alongside the unique clocks they started out with. A great place to find a unique, beautiful, and functional piece of race car history.

The Signature Store - http://www.thesignaturestore.co.uk

If you’re looking for the highest quality, exclusive signed racing memorabilia, you should visit an established market leader in The Signature Store. From artwork and race worn apparel, to stunning one-of-a-kind models, every genuinely signed item here has guaranteed provenance and a fascinating story, giving you the opportunity to not only acquire an amazing gift, but to own unique pieces of motorsport’s history and legacy. The Signature Store is official partner and supplier for Nigel Mansell, John Surtees and the late great Sir Stirling Moss. 

BoxBoxBox - https://boxboxbox.co
With everything from limited edition ‘greatest grand prix’ calendars to race circuit tea towels and stylish clothing, BobBoxBox is a great outlet for unique, quirky motorsport related gifts. This UK based company ships around the world, but is also dedicated to environmentally sound, plastic free processes and packaging too. Check the website for global last ordering and mailing dates.

Vin Designs - https://www.vindesignsart.com
Long-time race fan Vincent Venegas combines his love of motorsport and artistic talent perfectly to create stunning watercolour paintings of race cars, among his various other artwork. Prints from his original paintings, including Lewis Hamilton, Mario Andretti, and the late, great Greg Moore, are available to purchase via his website shop. Also available are prints of the inspiring, uplifting napkin artworks Vincent creates for his daughter each day.
 
EVRO Publishing - https://www.evropublishing.com
If you’re looking for high quality, specialist motor racing books EVRO is the perfect place to start. With decades of expereince in the motorsport media, and fascinating publications by some of the industry’s top authors, EVRO is sure to cater to even the most particular of motorsport fans niche reading requirements. Everything from in depth biographies of drivers such as Jim Clark and Niki Lauda to the untold stories behind the Audi Quattro can be found on their website, alongside exquisite leather-bound special editions.
 
Cold Hard Art - https://www.coldhardart.com/about-cha
While working for Don Schumacher racing as a fabricator, Tom uses Cold Hard Art as his creative outlet, making eye-catching, unique artwork, gifts, and trophies by welding and fabricating car parts. His wide range of exciting metal art, from roses and hearts to a replica Indycar chassis, can be browsed and purchased via the website link. Custom pieces are also available.
 
Indycar/Indianapolis Motor Speedway Shop –
IMS: https://shop.ims.com/pages/ims-homepage
Indycar: https://shop.ims.com/pages/indycar-homepage
For all your Indycar or Indianapolis Motor Speedway memorabilia, including clothing, diecasts, event programs, team and drivers’ merchandise, and limited-edition autographed items. The site currently has some IMS and Indycar registered items in an end of season sale, providing great bargains and gifts.
 
Indycar Nation - https://indycarnation.indycar.com
The official fan community of Indycar, has various levels of membership, each providing different benefits, discounts and access to exclusive money can’t buy fan events, such as post-race photos with the Indy 500 winner and, this year, zoom calls with drivers. Details of next seasons levels, benefits and prices are yet to be released, but membership would make for an interesting, fun gift for any Indycar fan.
 
Motorsport UK Track Days - https://www.msvtrackdays.com/car
For UK based motorsport fans with a taste for speed, MSV Track days offers car track day events to suit all levels of experience and ability across the MSV owned and run circuits: Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Snetterton, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park and Bedford Autodrome. With several top-quality options available at a variety of prices, check out the website for more information and make bookings. Holiday/gift vouchers are also available to purchase.
 
Alyssa Smith Motorsport Jewellery - https://www.alyssasmith.co.uk
For a unique and special gift this holiday season, check out Alyssa Smith’s beautiful motorsport inspired jewellery. From race car necklaces, to circuit cufflinks and much more in between, including a collection featuring the iconic Hesketh teddy bear, you’re sure to find a stunning, conversation starting gift for the motorsport fan in your life.
 
ArtiF1ed - https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/artif1ed
15 years ago, a motorsport loving MS sufferer saw the vast amount of waste produced by Formula 1 and thought there must be a better option. So, they set up eBay based ArtiF1ed, to sell artwork made from upcycled F1 parts and raise money for MS charities in the process. Check out the site to find bits of F1 history made into great art and help a great cause too.
 
Auto Tradition - http://autotradition.co.uk
This bi-monthly subscription only print magazine chronicles motorsport and motoring heritage, including history, track tests, art, interviews, product tests and reviews. Each seasonal special appeal to drivers, designers, engineers, and restorers, who attend a variety of historic events, and is complimented by the Racing Spirit online newsletter. For more information about the magazine and to subscribe visit the website, where you can also find out more about Auto Traditions special ‘souvenir’ publications, including a book of memories about welsh F1 star Tom Pryce.
 
 
Other Gift Ideas: 

Team and Driver Merchandise and Fan Clubs
If you’re a big fan of a particular team or driver, it’s worth checking out if they have their own merchandise store, and/or fan membership club, as they often offer benefits, discounts and exclusive access and competitions.
 
Magazine Subscriptions
Whether you prefer the feel of a proper print magazine, or the accessibility of a digital download, with discounted prices and access to exclusive content, it’s always worth considering a subscription to your favourite motorsport publications.
 

I genuinely hope this little list helps people both sides of the cash register during the holidays and beyond. Please stay safe through these challenging times and enjoy however you celebrate the season. 
 

A Year Of Loss

A year ago as now I'd just returned from a hectic but fulfilling few weeks working on a writing project incredibly close to my heart and excitedly planning for projects ahead. As I'd boarded the train back however, I had a strange, unsettling sense that the world was starting to shift somehow.... Of course in that moment I had no idea it would actually be my last train journey, and I certainly never imagined just how much life, indeed the world, was about to change. 

In the months that followed that trip, my wings began to get clipped, and, sadly, things just plummeted downhill from there. 

You see, even before the Corona virus fully hit, my life had started to be turned upside down; from a combination of family bereavement and ill health, personal trauma and upheaval, lost trusts, broken promises and plans, devastating betrayals and a whole heap of unexpected stress. Not to mention the soul destroying consequences of arrogant, selfish actions and inactions alongside my own spiralling medical issues, as my body continues to fail me in ways I'm still trying to comprehend and adjust to.

In reality, Covid-19 was just the very unpleasant icing on top of a large mouldy cake, as I was already damaged, withdrawn and isolated by the time lockdown happened. My complex genetic conditions and increasing health problems put me at extreme risk from the corona virus though, so I pretty much became a prisoner in my home at that point. I genuinely haven't been over the door since February now, which is taken a heavy toll mentally. Especially with no end in sight, as my region heads into further lockdown and restrictions amid rising infection and death rates. It doesn't exactly help seeing some people I thought better of using status, money and 'couldn't care less about anyone but myself' attitudes to constantly deny and/or break safety guidelines either.

If I'm brutally honest, I'm struggling on a lot of levels for many reasons right now. And I'm unashamed to admit that I've been to some extremely dark places over the past few months too. Again not helped at all by being treat like worthless 'collateral damage' by people I've trusted, respected and given so much to over the years. Or being told to 'get over it' by those who just always expect me to be strong for them. I've faced a lot of challenging times in my life, some I'd even rate harder than this, but I'll openly confess it's been a while since I've felt quite so broken, lonely and lost as I have done recently. 

As many of you know, one of my main coping mechanisms in life is to throw myself into my work. Sadly though, that has been adversely affected by this current situation too, making it all much more difficult. There are a lot of factors at play of course, but let's face it, being a disabled female writer isn't exactly an advantage at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic and economic crisis. It would be so good to bury myself in a project right now and have something positive to focus on, especially with my beloved Indycar season ending. 

Again, if I'm totally honest, the only thing that's kept me going at times is my deep love and passion for Indycar, and my Indy Family. As so often in my life Indycar has been the one constant that I can cling to, and I am grateful beyond words to the 'family' who've put their (virtual) arms around me, inspiring me far more than they realise. I miss being trackside so much though and it's been absolute torture not being able to get over to any races and see everyone. The 'pond' has never felt so horribly wide.... 

 
I want to thank Indycar and my friends for helping me get up and keep going, even on the days when I struggle to find a reason to do so. Life has taken a lot from me this year and the broken wings I fought so hard to learn to fly with have been shredded once more. I don't feel like I have a lot of building blocks to work with right now, but I will keep fighting to survive and rebuild whatever life has left for me. One thing's for sure, I need to find a way 'back on track' both figuratively and literally, because life is way too precious, short and important to me to let this damned virus, or any destructive force, take it away. 

 
So here's to the future, whatever it holds for us - but hoping with all my heart it allows us to meet, be happy and chase dreams together again soon. 
 
Take care and stay safe my friends, I love and miss you so much Xx 
 
DREAM - BELIEVE - ACHIEVE 💗

Driving With The Brakes On?

When Roger Penske took over the reins of the Indycar series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he vowed to make its crown jewel, the Indianapolis 500, even more spectacular. But, as we prepare for the 104th running of the great race this weekend, nobody could have foreseen just how 'memorable' it would become, for all the wrong reasons. 

Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 race will of course be run without fans present. In many people's eyes, losing a big part of its very life blood in the process. It’s a decision that still doesn't sit easily with a lot of regular race goers, but it’s understandable given the increased infection risks. Penske’s heartfelt letter to the fans this week only highlighting how difficult the choice was alongside his own sadness at running in front of empty stands.

Fans aren’t the only thing that will be missing from Indy this year though. As, somewhat ironically, only months after declaring it's 'Race for Equality' diversity program, this will also be the first time in 20 years that a woman will not be on the grid. Now regardless of your views on female racing drivers, there is a much bigger picture to consider here. You see, true diversity is something far deeper than jumping on a political band wagon to stand with one area of equality, no matter how deserving or required that area is. Because diversity doesn't just cover race, it covers gender, status, ability and much more, both on and off the track.

Now before you say it, no, I am not a drum banging feminist hell bent on shackling bare chested men to the kitchen sink (though if Hugh Jackman offered….) 

Seriously though, I just want real equality. As a disabled female writer, I am not exactly in the majority within motorsport. Although I've largely been shown respect, I have sadly also encountered some hideous bigotry and misogyny. I’ve been uncomfortably propositioned and inappropriately touched at times. I've been denied equal access, credentials and pay compared to equally or even less qualified men. And, despite having instigated, managed, and worked on some major projects over recent years, I can still often find my work undermined or disregarded if it's submitted without a male colleague 'validating' it.

Please don’t mistake this as me whining, complaining, and demanding special treatment; that's something I have never, ever wanted on any level. I don't wish to be the token disabled woman in the media room to fulfil some politically charged agenda or equality target. I just want a fair chance to be there on merit, like most so called 'diverse' people do. I don't want you to open the door for me because I am a woman with disabilities. I am just asking that the door isn't automatically slammed in my face simply because I am not an able-bodied member of the old boy’s club with an often pickled 'history’.

If motorsport is serious about diversity, it must realise, accept, and address that it is by its very nature diverse. Because until such a time that people of all races, genders and abilities are truly given equal opportunities to grow and thrive within the sport, this 'drive' for diversity and equality will remain stalled in the pit lane. 

Seeing (dis)ABILITY

As a disabled person with various bionic parts/aids, I'm more than used to being gawped at, pointed to and whispered about whenever I go out. In most cases it's just well meaning curiosity at seeing something different, which is why I tend to engage and joke with people about it, hopefully making them more comfortable with disability in the future. 

Sadly though there will always be those that are just genuinely rude, ignorant and cruel too. Over the years I've gotten used to being called every derogatory term you can imagine, and many more you can't. As someone who already suffers from low self esteem and anxiety, it can be hard to deal with and often takes a toll on my confidence. But I try not to be dragged down by small minded idiots as I have never let myself be defined by my illness or disabilities. 

However, a recent encounter has left me pretty shaken up. On discovering I had a genetic disorder, some 'charming' numbnut, who knew nothing else about me as a person, merrily informed me that my parents "should have aborted me to keep the human race purer". I'm genuinely gobsmacked and stunned that anybody would even think it's ok to say that to another human.

It's far from easy living with disabilities and an incurable, progressive ticking timebomb inside of me. And I will confess that this incredibly challenging past year has driven me to some very dark places where I've considered how nice it would be to stop the world and get off..... But, at no point have I ever wished I'd never been born. Because despite, and in some cases because of, my situation I've done, seen and achieved some amazing things. Way more than ever imagined or believed possible, and I've still got many more dreams to chase yet too. 

Nobody has the right to make me feel worthless and unwanted. Especially not cruel, ignorant, bigoted, uneducated morons who know nothing about my life, my heart and my soul. Don't judge me on my obvious faults - look beyond the broken parts to truly see me. To see Johanna, the person putting everything into living to the full, not the disability or illness.

I was brought up to treat everyone the same, regardless of their age, ability, race, gender or status. I will treat you with the same respect whether you're serving me in a restaurant or you're a multiple motorsport world champion, so long as you treat me with respect back. I always believed this was normal, but it breaks my heart to see more and more a world that is divided by arrogance, selfishness, bigotry, misinformation and hatred instead. 

I know it sounds terribly naive, but I genuinely long for a world where we can all just get along. A world where differences are understood, embraced and we can respect, learn and grow together, no matter what. 

#BeKind #Together

Oliver Askew Indycar Texas Preview Interview

For race fans, the moment one season ends the countdown to the start of the next begins. But, as the checkered flag fell on the 2019 NTT Data Indycar finale at Laguna Seca, nobody could have imagined they would be counting for quite so long. Eight months on, as Indycar tentatively emerges from its corona virus enforced hiatus, series rookie Oliver Askew explains how lockdown has helped him prepare for the challenges of making his debut on the super-fast Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.

Reigning Indy Lights champion Oliver Askew laughs as he suggests he must now hold some kind of record for the longest time being an Indycar driver without actually starting a race. “It’s been like six or seven months, so we’re definitely ready to go,” he adds.

The 23-year-old, who joined the newly formed Arrow McLaren SP team alongside Pato O’Ward for the 2020 season, admits that although the extended break has been testing at times, it has brought some advantages too.

“I think it’s been hard for everyone to stay motivated. But I’m sure once the season starts, I’ll be able to get into that zone again. To be honest lockdown hasn’t affected me too much, as I’ve just used the time to get myself more prepared physically than I was before [planned season opener] St Pete. I think I needed that extra time. I know what my weaknesses are and that’s my motivation, to make sure they don’t hinder my performance this year.”

“It’s also been good for the guys at the shop, as we’ve had more time to learn and grow together,” he continues. “Our practice pitstops are faster now than prior to St Pete too, so hopefully we’ll be able to capitalise on that this weekend.”

Although it’s created varying levels of controversy for some drivers, Askew has found the lockdown Sim Racing sessions to be helpful with his real-life preparations. “We really didn’t have anything better to do through those weeks, but it’s actually been good for me to get used to racing around the Indycar drivers I haven’t competed against before. Obviously, it’s not the same as reality by any means, but just to be around those names has helped my confidence. Again, being able to work with the guys on the AMSP pit stand has been a big positive too. We were able to kind of emulate what the strategy would be like in real life, and how the spotters would be talking to me, relaying information. So, for that kind of thing it was very beneficial.”

Nothing beats real racing though and the young American is more than ready to join his fellow drivers on the grid for the Genesys 300 this Saturday. Though it’s fair to say that making his debut on the super-fast, high banked Texas Motor Speedway, with a condensed schedule, under lights and the brand new aeroscreen to contend with, is a far cry from the introduction to Indycar he was expecting.

“It’s going to be my first Indycar race, first Indycar speedway…. and with the condensed schedule as well, it’s probably going to hurt the rookie drivers and help the veterans. I don’t feel any added pressure, as the expectations are already pretty measured for both Pato and myself. You know he’s never even been to the track, and I’ve only spent a day there for my rookie evaluation” explains Askew. “I’m going in thinking of it as more of a glorified practice day. But if we have a good qualifying, which I really think we can make happen, then stay on the lead lap and out of trouble, I think we could have a top ten easily. Ovals are kind of strange that way, where you just circulate where you have to and stay out of trouble, and that usually turns into a good result.”

The Florida born driver has a strong record on ovals, having won both races on last year’s Indy Lights schedule, including the Freedom 100 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

“I’m also undefeated on the Texas iRacing oval as well, winning there during quarantine!” he laughs.

“I know it’s not the same but having that alongside my two Indy Lights oval wins last year most definitely gives me confidence. I enjoy the challenge of racing on ovals and think they kind of suit my style, in the way it requires smooth input and a methodical approach.”

Though he’s competed in night races while karting, the sunset finish under lights at Texas will be yet another new experience for Askew on Saturday. But as he rightly points out, the fact that the new aeroscreen safety device introduced this season has yet to be tested at night suggests it will be a learning process for all the drivers. “None of us have the answers to how it’s going to be, so it’ll be interesting finding out. I guess we’re all just going to be in ‘show up and race’ mode.”

“To be honest, I don’t really know what the challenges are going to be this weekend, but I will be focused on not making any mistakes and executing when I need to. The heat will obviously be a big factor, and I’m curious to see how I feel in the car at the end, because it’s going to be really hot. I hope I can perform at my best through the whole race. Beyond that I just have to figure it out as the challenges present themselves. That’s one thing I love about racing in general though, as you never really know what’s going to happen.”

Signing for the Arrow McLaren SP team has been one of Askew’s proudest moments in his racing career so far, alongside clinching the Indy Lights title with seven wins last year. 

“Driving for AMSP means a lot to me. Ever since I was a little kid racing national go-karts and starting to win championships, I began envisioning myself becoming a professional Indycar driver. Even then it was a long shot, and it’s been a lot of work to get here. It’s easy to be engulfed in the present moment and always looking forward to the next race, but I think it’s important to look back and realise how far we’ve come too. Opportunities like this don’t come around too often, especially to rookies. So, I’m happy to be around such knowledgeable personnel and representing brands like Arrow Electronics and McLaren.”

Askew proudly goes on to explain that one member of the AMSP team has been a particularly big help, support, and influence on him as he's adapted to the team and Indycar. “Robert Wickens has been a lot of help to me. I like to call him a good friend and I can go to him with anything really. He understands the challenge that’s in front of me now, as he went through the same thing and has such relevant experience in Indycar. He’s a great person to have on our side. I think he’s probably the best mentor in the paddock right now because of his recent knowledge of the series.”

Wickens’ advice and support will certainly be a vital asset heading into the unknowns of the Texas race this weekend and beyond. Asking about his goals for the season, Askew is typically focused and measured in his response.

“Right now, the goal is to win Rookie of the Year, but I don’t really have any expectations. I’ll just try to take every weekend as they come and as a team, we’ll do our best to execute with what we have. That’s been my MO for the past few years, just take every race as it comes and focus on getting better. I think this is going to be steepest learning curve that I’ve come across in my racing career, and the people around me understand that. So, we’ll just focus on the weaknesses and trying not to make the same mistake twice.”

Given his impressive record through the Road to Indy ladder system and measured preparations for the challenges ahead, it’s hard not to imagine this rising US racer turning his ‘virtual’ successes into reality on the track.

The Genesys 300 Indycar season opener take place at Texas Motor Speedway on 6th June.