Jo Wood to make racing debut - with help from David Coulthard
Jo Wood has achieved a childhood ambition and become a fully fledged racing driver … with a little help from 13 times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard. Coulthard was on hand to give Jo a few tips before the organics entrepreneur hit the track to successfully complete her race driving test and obtain an official licence to compete. She will make her racing debut at the 2011 Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge, which will take place on Saturday 23 July at the world’s biggest classic car racing festival. The Celebrity Challenge will see an all-star line-up going head to head in 130mph Morgan V6 Roadster sports cars around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, raising funds for the Cancer Research UK ‘Bobby Moore Fund’.
So what was Coulthard’s advice for the racing novice? “The most important thing for Jo to do is go out there and enjoy herself - and don’t try and win the race on the first corner,” said the BBC’s F1 commentator. “Patience is sometimes a good thing in a racing car. Great respect to her for having a go though. She seems to be really up for the challenge so I hope she does well.”
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Jo revealed. “My Dad used to race when I was a kid so I grew up watching him at the track. Now it’s my turn to get out there and try it for myself and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I want to master those corners!”
Jo’s also keen to master her opposition; her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ partner Brendan Cole will be lining up on the grid alongside her, and Wood is keen to teach her dance tutor a lesson or two. “Watch out Brendan Cole, because the tables are turned!” she warned. “Brendan told me off for driving too fast last time he was in a car with me, so he knows I’m going to be giving it my all. I love speed and I think I’m a pretty good driver,” she continued, “but I know this will be quite a big challenge. There’s a lot to get to grips with when you’re out on track, but I’m really looking forward to it … and it’s great to know we’ll be doing some good and raising money for the Bobby Moore Fund whilst we’re having fun.”
Other famous faces confirmed for the event include Heston Blumenthal, Charley Boorman, ‘Comedy’ Dave, Jonny Saunders, Neil Fox, Luther Blissett, Lord Charles Brocket, Rick Parfitt Jr, Neil Primrose and Paul O’Duffy. Last year’s Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge raised over £25,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund and the celebrities are aiming to beat that target in 2011.
