Race Driver Interviews
Castle Combe Rally Day
CASTLE COMBE RALLY DAY Race Collective spent an action-packed day at Castle Combe Circuit, soaking up the atmosphere and performance of some seriously impressive machinery
A few years ago, Race Collective spoke to Cameron Hawes about taking his dream of becoming a racing driver from sim to the grid a reality. Cameron got in touch with us again to say he had just won the inaugural Software AG ERA Championship race in Belgium. We were properly chuffed for Cameron considering a few years earlier he was racing at home in his bedroom. We asked Cameron a few questions about his current success and how far he has come since the aspiring 16 year old we spoke to years ago.
Photography by ERA Championship.
Cameron was 16 when we first spoke to him, he used mostly the simulator and was attempting to cut his teeth in circuit racing in his debut year. Now 18, Cameron reflects on what’s changed over the past 3 years “Things have been better than ever. I feel I’ve matured as a person, but also as a racing driver. My racecraft has also bettered with experience, and I am moving up the grid day by day, learning new things all the time.” Cameron has seen a lot of success over the past 3 years, coming runner up in the Young Timers Cup last year. This year he has made good progress with the Golf GTI and is on for a solid win with a significant points advantage for the second half of the season. “ I currently have a 100% win rate in 2022, which is just amazing to think about.” His sights still firmly set on moving up the ranks of classes in to more powerful cars. For now, Cameron wants the championship win under his belt.
Cameron currently races in the Young Timers GTI Cup, which is part of the wider French Historic Tour Championships and aimed at those who drive pre-1990 GTI based road cars. All cars have to be between 1.6 and 2 litres and in standard format, other than safety changes. “Luckily for us ours is a 1989 model, it’s the 1.8 litre 16 valve MK2 Golf GTI and we’ve been using this for the past 2 years”.
“The Golf has been running very well recently with a podium in each race I’ve competed in this year. Last year the car was sent back to JabbaSport who ran an engine and gearbox service to gather some lost power. But most importantly they have helped us immensely with the setup. We’ve also had help from Franck at PAFCLASSIC. I feel this has given me even more confidence in the car, improving lap times by over 4 seconds at certain tracks.” Cameron says.
Although Cameron has studying commitments and is finding that racing is getting more costly, it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm. “Studying has been difficult, I’ve had to devote time to school and racing to keep doing both well. We have noticed that racing is getting more and more expensive and it’s difficult to plan the future for myself. Obviously real life comes first, but racing is still where I want to be.” says Cameron.
Cameron got gifted an opportunity by long term supporter and manager, Franck Marie. It was a chance to drive an electric single seater at the new ERA Championship. This is a new series designed to bring electric power to the racing ladder. A 175 hp electric motor is mated to a Formula 4 chassis, making it a fast alternative to the mainstream classes. “I was extremely lucky and grateful as Franck Marie from PAFCLASSIC, a personal sponsor from day 1 called me to ask if I was available for racing in the inaugural race with the ERA Championship at Zolder.” Cameron says.
“The electric single seater was a whole new kettle of fish for me. Not only had I never driven single seaters, but also never electric cars! The instant power and torque was just amazing to feel, but it was a bit harsh on the neck. I could feel it for a few days, that’s for sure.” Cameron says.
Cameron ended up winning the inaugural race, which has given him a massive boost in confidence. “The drivers at Zolder were amazing, as well as the Software AG ERA Championship team. I got on really well with the mechanics, they were always there to listen and take notes on all of my feedback”.
Cameron eye’s are firmly set on getting back into the car soon and potentially running a full championship with the Software AG team.
Cameron would like to give shoutouts to:
PAFCLASSIC – http://pafclassic.com/
JabbSport
S-Car-Go Motorsport
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