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Ricky Collard - like father, like son

By MJP Media | 7 June 2012

Ricky Collard is to join his father Rob on the TOCA package at Oulton Park this weekend as the 15 year old racer joins the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship.

Ricky Collard (pictured right) collecting more silverware for the family trophy cabinet

British Touring Car Championship driver Rob Collard has entered his son Ricky into the Oulton Park round of the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship. Rob commented: " I am very pleased Tolbar Racing have given Ricky the opportunity to test and race this weekend in the Ginetta Junior Series. Ginetta give young drivers the chance to make the transition from karting into circuit racing. It allows young drivers the opportunity to compete in a competitive race series on a national stage in front of a big audience and prepare them for the next stage in their motorsport career."

Racing Steps Foundation-backed karter Ricky, who was put through his ARDS test at Silverstone only this week, said: "I am delighted to of been given this opportunity from Tolbar to compete this coming weekend at Oulton Park, in what I feel is an awesome race car. I am looking forward to driving on an international race circuit for the first time and a chance of racing in a car for the first time will also be a challenge, but it's a challenge I can't wait to start!"

Collard Senior struggling in the rain at Thruxton

Now 15, Ricky had his first taste of driving ten years ago when his father - BTCC stalwart and race winner Rob Collard - bought him an off-roader which was put to extensive use and by the age of eight the need for speed was well and truly embedded in the youngster's DNA.

Showing great promise from an early age, Ricky's first title came at the age of 10 when he secured the FEKC's 2006 Southern Championship on only his first attempt. The following year he moved on to compete in the national BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Cadet Championship in which he finished 36th before signing off from the starter class two years later in 4th place.

Rob Collard at Oulton Park last year

Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: "It's great to see Ricky joining the Ginetta family. His father Rob has obviously noted the opportunities available to those young drivers who choose to cut their teeth in a Ginetta Junior, and by racing on TOCA package alongside his Collard Senior, Ricky is in the best place to learn the ropes."

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