The Unlikely Journey of Rachel Robertson
Motorsport is a domain known for its legendary tales of drivers climbing the ranks with enviable swiftness, but Rachel Robertson’s story stands out even among these remarkable narratives. Her ascent from minimal karting experience to securing a factory drive in a Radical SR3 XXR within a mere two years is nothing short of astonishing, especially considering her background. Robertson hails from a family where motorsport was not a familiar pastime. Her passion for vehicles with wheels, however, was evident from a young age. “As long as I can remember, I would always enjoy being in control of anything with wheels – whether it be my scooter or bike when I was three or four years old,” she recounts. This early fascination laid the foundation for her future endeavors, even if the path was not straightforward.
Early Challenges and Determination
Robertson’s introduction to karting began at an indoor center just outside Edinburgh when she was eight. Her initial enthusiasm, however, was short-lived as the track closed a few months later, temporarily stalling her motorsport dream. It wasn’t until she was nearly 15 that she returned to the track, this time at another Scottish indoor center. The staff there quickly recognized her talent and recommended she try outdoor rental karts, which she did at Larkhall. “It was just a bit faster and being outside it felt a lot cooler,” she says. Here, Robertson’s skills continued to shine, and she was soon encouraged to take the next step: buying her own kart and entering competitions.
Rapid Progress in Karting
With her father’s support, Robertson secured a kart and an engine, and the pair ventured to Crail for her first competitive outing. “We managed to get ourselves along to Crail and went out for the first time and loved it,” she remembers. Her progress was nothing short of meteoric. Within a year, she was competing in national competitions and the British Karting Championships (BKC), earning a spot with the respected Guy Cunnington Racing team. “They were amazing and really helped me develop my skills and get more comfortable in the kart,” she adds. Robertson’s hard work and natural talent propelled her to the Senior Rotax class of the BKC, a remarkable achievement for someone with such a short time in the sport.
A Breakthrough Opportunity
The turning point in Robertson’s career came during the BKC season finale, where she learned about a new initiative by Radical, a prototype manufacturer, and Wera Tools, a major motorsport sponsor. This initiative aimed to help young karting talents transition into car racing. Despite lacking the financial means to consider such a move, Robertson entered the scholarship competition, which attracted over 50 applicants. “I had never driven a race car before, so it was very different!” she admits. The final shootout at Bedford Autodrome in October was a mix of excitement and nerves for Robertson. She participated in two brief 10-15 minute sessions on track and faced an in-depth interview with representatives from both Radical and Wera. “It was quite scary because I had never really experienced an interview in person before, so I was very nervous, but it was great,” she says. “They were very chilled and welcoming, and the interview lasted over an hour.”
The Factory Driver Scholarship
Robertson’s nerves were quickly put to rest when she received the call two days later. “They started off saying, ‘The day was great and, unfortunately, you’re going to be driving for us next year!’” she recalls with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ I didn’t know what to say! It was a massive relief.” The reality of her new role as a factory driver for Radical began to sink in when she got her seat fitted and pedals adjusted last month. “This is such a rare opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what’s possible,” she says, emphasizing her gratitude and enthusiasm.
Realistic Goals and Future Ambitions
At just 17, with no car racing experience and limited karting background, Robertson is realistic about the upcoming Radical Cup UK season. “I can’t say I’ve got any expectations – I don’t know how I will cope really – because it’s so different and I’m still very new to the sport,” she explains. While she is focused on making the most of her current opportunity, she also has her eyes set on the future. “In my head, I would love to move up into single-seater racing,” she says. “I would like to get into GB4 next year and maybe even a wildcard in F1 Academy.” These ambitions, though ambitious, are a testament to her commitment and drive. To support her career, Robertson has moved to a new location and is studying motorsport engineering at college.
A Rebel on the Rise
Rachel Robertson’s journey is a poignant reminder that determination and a passion for the sport can lead to extraordinary achievements. From a young girl with a dream to a factory driver for Radical, her rise is a testament to the power of resilience and the right opportunities. While the road ahead is challenging, the Radical Racing Rebels team and her new scholastic pursuits are well-equipped to support her continued growth. With such a storied beginning, who’s to say where this Rebel will end up? One thing is certain: her primary school goal of becoming an F1 driver is closer than ever.
