St Albans racer gets Britcar 24hr seat

A St Albans racer has been given his ‘big break’ in the sport after gaining entry to the Britcar Dunlop 24-hour race at Silverstone.

Robert Gilham, 25, of Harpenden Road will race for Moss Motorsport in its BMW M3 at the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend.

“This is the UK version of Le Mans,” he said.

“I’ve been racing for nine years at a smaller level of competition but with an aim to move into endurance racing. This is my big break.”

After a two-year absence from the calendar, the race’s return was announced in November 2014, and Gilham was quick to apply. It wasn’t until last weekend that his entry was confirmed, making for a busy week.

“I’m lucky enough to make a living from teaching others how to race and experience days on track. I’ve been working in Middlesbrough this week, which is nice and local,” he joked.

“It would have been nice to have a bit more notice but I don’t mind working hard this week to make it for the race.”

With little more than a week to prepare for his first 24-hour race, of which he will be in the car for between seven and eight, it is not ideal preparation. Gilham, however, is looking forward to it.

“I enjoy the challenge,” he said. “Why run a marathon? It’s to push yourself and to be able to compete at a high level and sustain it for a long period of time.”

Keep up to date with Gilham’s 24-hour challenge by following @robgilhamracing on Twitter.