The conclusion of the 2022 season marked the end of a long and successful racing career for Clubmans’ Coordinator Pete Richings. Pete is a friendly and familiar face to many at MSVR and we were delighted to assist in surprising him with a lunchtime presentation at Donington Park at his final race meeting (October 29th).
Pete started racing in March 1972 and raced for a staggering 51 consecutive seasons, with 40 of those being in Clubmans. Following his final race meeting as a driver, we asked Pete a few questions to get some further insight into his career and personal highlights:
- How long did your racing career span? What was your first race?
I stared racing in March 1972 at Silverstone in an MG Midget, which I raced until 1978, modifying it as I went until it was a very quick car. As well as the Midget I also raced in F3 class B in the UK in 1986/7 and some GT races in a Porsche with my pal Mike Donovan in 2007/8. I also had a one off race in an MGF in Japan in 1998 and one in a Ginetta G50 at Spa in 2008.
- What were your personal standout moments/highlights from your career?
In 51 years there are so many memories but the race in Japan was special (at Tsukuba circuit near Tokyo) but I suppose my two championship wins in Clubmans (1988 and 2016) are important to me. More recently I won a race at Croft beating Dan Gibson (who is a local expert) in 2019 and my win at Brands at the Ford Power Day in 2021 was a great memory too.
- Any advice to new drivers out there?
The advice I would give to a new driver would be first and foremost to enjoy it. So many people seem so stressed and serious!! It takes so much work and expense, so if you're not enjoying it that is such a waste.
- What was your favourite circuit that you raced at?
Asking for a favourite circuit is a bit like asking which is my favourite child! They are all a challenge and I love driving on circuits. My first race was at Silverstone so that has a special place in my heart. I saw my first race at Goodwood aged four - so that's another special place.
Despite it being a sad goodbye to Pete’s racing career, everyone at MSVR is delighted that we will continue to see Pete at Clubman’s race meetings in 2023 as he continues in his role as Coordinator.