Motor Circuit

EXPLORE EXPERIENCES

Jody Fannin

29th April 2019

In the first of our new feature meeting the Goodwood Motor Circuit driving instructors, meet Jody Fannin, whose career is going from strength to strength. Find out about how he got into racing, his ambitions plus his top tips for driving at Goodwood Motor Circuit. 

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What driving/racing qualifications do you have?

"I currently have an International B Race Licence, Nurburgring Nordschleife ‘A’ Permit and an ARDS Instructor A Licence."

When was your first racing experience and where?

"It was in 2005 at a kart circuit called Buckmore Park. I was 11 and had been brought up watching motorsport from a very young age and always wanted to give karting a go. The season went well and I won their first ever ‘Junior Club’ Championship with their corporate karts. Then in 2006 I got my own kart, before moving into car racing in 2010." 

What are your racing ambitions?

"To win the Le Mans 24 Hours is the main target, and then also the major endurance races around the world. Endurance racing has been my passion since the first time I watched the Le Mans 24 Hours at the age of eight, and there are many big races around the world, which would be really cool to win, such as the Bathurst 12 Hours, Spa 24 Hours and Nurburgring 24 Hours!"

Career highlights?

My career highlights have to be the events that I have won including 2012 British GT4 Champion and 2017 European Le Mans Series GTE Champion

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What’s the best thing about being an instructor at Goodwood Motor Circuit?

"Working in an environment where you are constantly reminded of the amazing history. The fact nothing has changed in the layout of the circuit or the paddocks makes it all the more special, there is no other place like it."

What is your favourite track to race at and why?

"The Nurburgring Nordschleife is an incredible circuit. The size and elevation changes make it unlike anywhere else in the world. Most circuits have a smooth surface and don’t have much character to them (Goodwood aside obviously!), but the Nordschleife is bumpy and a real challenge – all 13 miles of it. Every lap you have a big smile on your face. If you’ve never been there, I’d highly recommend it; you won’t be disappointed!"

The best car you have driven and why?

"The Ferrari 488 GTE is probably the nicest car I have ever driven; it’s just so agile and handles very well. In terms of engine noise though it would have to be the Ferrari 458 GTE – it’s very loud and sounds absolutely amazing!"

One single tip that you would give to anyone who is interested in becoming a racing driver?

"Never give up! It is a very tough business, and you will get setbacks, but you can never give up. Keep determined and focused and things will happen."

 

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Funniest motorsport memory?

"I was getting a flight to Barcelona for a race at the end of 2016, and I always take my helmet with me as hand luggage, however, the staff at the gate decided that they wouldn’t allow it on and it would have to go in with the hold luggage. I wasn’t going to let that happen, so I told them I’d wear the helmet onto the plane as a ‘hat’, so that’s exactly what I did! It got some funny looks!"

What are your three top tips for Goodwood Motor Circuit?

"Be smooth with your steering inputs – most of the corners are medium to high speed, so you don’t want to upset the balance of the car. Be as smooth as possible.

"Build your speed gradually – It sounds obvious, but there’s not much runoff at Goodwood and if you do touch the grass on the outside of the circuit it’s probably going to get expensive, so don’t push your limits straight away.

"Don’t be distracted by planes taking off and landing! – Goodwood is a very unique place and you may sometimes see an iconic plane, such as a Spitfire, going very close over your head heading into Madgwick or Woodcote corners as they approach or leave Goodwood’s grass runway, but don’t let that take your attention away from your driving!"

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Jody is currently taking part in the VLN Endurance Championship happening in Germany. Follow his progress here or follow him Instagram on @jodyfannin27