Motor racing star Becky-Beth Cox is a regular at Thruxton. Here, she speaks to Listed’s David Jones about modelling, motherhood, and solar-powered pit tools

Why did you want to start motor racing?
After experiencing a track day, I was totally addicted from then onwards and couldn’t get enough.

What are the qualities you need to become a great driver?
Commitment, fitness, continuity, marketability. Knowing the car well.

What do you enjoy most about racing?
I enjoy the feeling on pushing the car to its limits, knowing how far to push the car and putting all my driving skills into racing. The feeling of not knowing what is going to be happening on the corner in front of you, fast thinking and spur of the moment choices to make whilst driving, not knowing what the car in front or to the left of you is going to do next. And of course a podium finish!

What are you planning to do next?
Next season I'll be racing in the Tin Tops series and I also aim to enter the last few races of the VW cup. The following season will be the VW cup plus the Clio Cup, Britcar then on to BTCC [British Touring Car Championship]. I'm also involved with Green / Eco racing. I currently run all my power tools [power in the pits] on green energy created by solar panels and wind turbines. I would like to run a car that is fully environmentally friendly.

Which is your favourite circuit and why?
Thruxton; I have spent a lot of time there as I work there and it’s a great track plus the fastest (in the UK)!

Do you have any close rivals in your championship?
A few yes, all the drivers in my championship are male, making me the only female which is a bonus!

Describe a typical race day
Well, very busy! An early start! Most of all the preparation is done well before the race, making the day as relaxing as possible. I sign on, sometimes attend a drivers’ briefing, then have a nice cuppa, then qualifying, then any adjustments need to be carried out on the car. I’ll have a chat to my sponsors to make sure they’re okay, and then come the races. There’s normally a photo shoot in there somewhere too, and interviews with the media!

Could you tell us about the financial side of motor racing?
Yes, it is expensive but it’s all about budgeting, knowing what's what and how to keep the costs down. I have been fortunate and had sponsors helping me out with this year’s racing. Also being female and a model I can offer sponsors that much more for their money. It’s not just about having their stickers on the car, but I carry out promotions for them. I recently had sponsorship from YB Racing, and modelled their race suits and other items of clothing. So I have a lot to offer my sponsors - plus being female makes me stand right out from the crowd!

Do you have any tips on how to get into racing?
Yes, I’d say go on a track day, do some competitive karting events, make sure you are going to really enjoy it. Thruxton offers karting, racing, and also runs a cadet club which caters for children.

What do you do when you’re away from the circuits?
When I am not racing I am looking after my two young children, and playing housewife. I also have four jobs which are childminding, acting as a beauty therapist, my work at Thruxton circuit, and modelling.


What do you drive normally (i.e. on the road)? How does it compare with your racing car?
I drive a Ford Focus - you can’t really compare it to a race car!

How does your family feel about you racing?
My partner is supportive of my racing - he also hopes to get in the driving seat too! My children enjoy watching the racing on the TV, and my eldest daughter has started karting already to follow in the footsteps of her mum. My mum supports me also but tends to worry about my safety. My dad is no longer with us but he loved his cars and I know he'd be proud of me.

Do you have a motto?
Yes, it’s”Living the Dream!”


If you would like to read more about Becky-Beth or are interested in sponsoring her racing, please contact her via her team website: www.ladybirdracing.com