Page Kirk proud to be sponsoring Cameron Bell in the Toyota MR2 championship
At Page Kirk, we're all about supporting talented young people to follow their passions, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to sponsor Cameron Bell, who is taking part in several races at Donington, Silverstone, Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Oulton Park in his Toyota MR2.
Originally from South Yorkshire, Cameron has lived in Nottingham for the last nine years and has been taking part in track days and races for four years, showing immense driving skill in the time he's been racing, finishing 19th at one of the 35+ car races, alongside MR2 of all generations.
It all started with tinkering around with an old lawn mower as a young teen, where Cameron found his passion for mechanics. Growing up watching motorsport icons like Mika Hakkinen, Colin McRae and Alain Menu certainly had an influence in his passion for motorsport. Fast-forward to the present day and Cameron is living his dreams, racing his very own 2001 Toyota MR2 roadster, the 1800cc mid-engine, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive road car that he used to drive to work and has raced on some of the UK's best racetracks.
When we heard about Cameron and his story, we knew there had to be a way we could support his racing career. Fortunately for us, Cameron is at the stage where he was looking for a company to sponsor his car in the 750 Motor Club MR2 Championship, one of the largest club-level motor racing clubs in the UK with 26 different racing series, from sports cars to hatchbacks and open wheel race cars.
About the Toyota MR2 Championship
The format has 16 rounds at eight circuits across the UK. Over one day at each circuit, there will be a qualifying session that lasts 15 minutes, followed by two races, both of which are 15 minutes + one lap. Points are awarded in each race and added to the overall championship table.
By sponsoring Cameron, we will be supporting him in making modifications to his car and to continue allowing him to focus time on his passion as he moves up the ranks. His goal is to complete more races than he did last year, finish in the top 15 overall in the championship and to continue enjoying the club racing atmosphere as much as he can.
Cameron Bell commenting:
“At 31, many people think that the dream of becoming a racing driver has passed. Securing sponsorship from Page Kirk allows that dream to continue. It's fantastic that Page Kirk can support a local driver and for me I'd love to see more companies get involved with motorsports at this level.”
Page Kirk Partner, James Haywood commented:
“We as Page Kirk are delighted to be sponsoring Cameron for this year's Toyota MR2 championship. Myself and my fellow partners have a keen interest in motorsport, and we saw this as a perfect opportunity to enter the industry, get the Page Kirk name even better known through a new medium. With Cameron also becoming a Club Racing UK ambassador this year, it was an easy decision to make.
During the year, we will be visiting Donington Park, Silverstone and Cadwell Park to support Cameron, but also meet the great fans of the club racing scene.”
We sat down with Cameron for a Q&A session:
What appeals to you with regards to this type of racing?
The Toyota MR2 Championship is a one-make series, meaning the cars are all very similar, making the racing close and exciting. The number of changes that can be made to the cars are quite strict, with control parts like the suspension and tyres, meaning each driver is on a similar level playing field.
What are the benefits of getting a sponsor?
Motorsport is an expensive sport. Race entry fees, consumables such as tyres, fuel and brake pads quickly add up. Then there are times when repairs are needed, either when parts break or when accidents happen. Any help financially is hugely beneficial and appreciated, as it can take away some of the worry and stress around getting to races allowing me to focus more on the racing itself.
What is the racing community like?
I've met a lot of new people through racing. The Toyota MR2 Championship has a great community with many willing to help out where they can and answer any questions I have. It regularly has 35+ drivers at a race meeting where everyone shares stories and catches up as drivers travel from all over the UK.
What would you say to anyone wanting to get into motorsport but who doesn't know how?
Firstly, I would recommend they participate in a general track day, where anyone with a driving licence and road-legal car can drive around a circuit to get a feel of what it's like and if they enjoy it. Some track day organisers offer a small amount of driver tuition which is very helpful. Secondly, do plenty of research. There is a huge amount of information available online. Club Racing UK has a good website which has lots of helpful information. Thirdly, decide on a budget for your race car and a budget for your race season.
What are some of the things you've learnt since you've been racing?
I've learnt a lot since I've started racing, but one main thing is just how dangerous motorsport is and how important all of the safety equipment and race wear is. Accidents and crashes do happen, so expect many cars to have dents and scrapes on their bodywork. I had a large crash in my first ever race, the car was badly damaged, a competitor came over to check I was ok and said: “Don't worry about the car. Metal can be bent back and repaired. You can't!”
What makes racing and cars so appealing?
It's difficult to explain how I feel when I'm in the car, helmet on, approaching a corner at high speed with cars all around you try to get the best position on track. I guess it's the adrenalin, excitement and coordination skill that attracts me to racing the most.
How old were you when you started racing?
31! Never too old to start something new.
If you are interested in going to see Cameron, then there are another seven meetings, including two at Silverstone, still in the calendar. For more information, please see the following weblinks:
750 Motor Club: 750 Motor Club - The Home of Affordable Motorsport in the UK (750mc.co.uk)
Cameron Bell Racing: @cameronbellracing • Instagram photos and videos
Page Kirk Partners, James Haywood and Jack Moore with Cameron Bell at Donington Park