Simon

Wood AKA 'Tippa'

Chief Truckie

How I became a truckie at West Surrey Racing: I met the owner of the catering company who looks after the WSR team at a party and she mentioned that WSR needed a truck driver. I started off driving the hospitality truck and then moved onto the race truck looking after tyres and fuel.

The best thing about my job: I enjoy the tyre management aspect of my job. This is especially important on the Saturday of race weekends as that’s when most of the tyre data is gathered and 90% of the adjustments are made. It can be pretty full on but when it comes together its satisfying!

BTCC career highlight: From a team point of view it was winning the Championship with Colin Turkington in 2009. There have been many other social highlights and memorable events and trips in my time with the team.

Goals for the 2012 season: I hope we have an enjoyable year with the team and some success on the track with the updated car.

Race preparation: Once the trucks are unloaded from the previous race weekend I replenish consumables and sort out tyres that we are taking to the next race weekend. The flooring and screening that goes in the garage is cleaned and sorted. I often go to pick up supplies and drop off components for crack testing etc. The trucks are then reloaded and washed.
Thursdays and Friday are very busy at the circuit with unloading and setting up the garage. We then have to get around sixty new tyres mounted, marked and pressured ready for practice and qualifying.

Advice for budding truckies: Work hard, play harder and keep your sense of humour!

Hobbies: I love bikes! I also enjoy music, painting, reading, travelling and walking.

What was the last thing you bought off eBay: Bikes, bikes and more bikes!