SHOWING screen stars how to drive high performance supercars is all in a day’s work for a Peebles racing driver.
Among Gordon Melville’s clients – while working for the Supercar Experience Group (SEG) – are Jane McCarry, Isa in Still Game; and TV presenter Amy Irons.
As well as instructing, this year, Gordon has found time to race the Scottish Motor Racing Club’s (SMRC) diminutive Citroën C1 in its single make class.
The 38-year-old, whose regular job is with Edinburgh University, said: “I am of good club racing standard but not in the class of Peebles racing driver Robbie Dalgleish.
“I have held a racing licence for four years and drove the C1 for the first time at Knockhill in August.
“The interior is stripped out for the roll cage, otherwise the car is a standard 1.0 litre model.
“It can get up to 95mph on straights in third gear.
“Racing is about having confidence and learning some new skill sets.
“I have support from Peebles deli Milne and Pickles and Nicola McMurray Design.
“There are between 17 and 25 cars in the class and quite a bit of media attention, with races being livestreamed on YouTube.
“The Minimax Motorsport Team which I am racing with is like one big family and it’s an honour to be driving the SMRC car.”
Gordon, who passed his test aged 17, inherited his love of life in the fast lane from his dad who supported a stock car racing uncle.
This led to working as an SMRC volunteer marshal, from 2005, as part of the teams which help other drivers who crash.
“Marshalling attracted me because I always liked to be close to the action,” said Gordon. “I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie although I’m scared of heights.
“All the motorsport opportunities I have had came because of the volunteer marshalling.”
Gordon is an SEG senior instructor and takes clients on the track in cars including the Lamborghini Hurricane, Ferrari 458, Aston Martin Vantage and the McLaren 650s. Although Gordon has instructed show business stars many clients are people who have been bought the experience as a present.
“I take completely novice drivers and show them how to get the most out of the car,” said Gordon.
“This will include the racing lines, when to brake and the correct gears.
“Quite a few come back for repeat drives and to take out different cars.
“We use the circuits at Ingliston, Knockhill and Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland.
“I have instructed people from teenagers who have just learned to drive to up to those in their 80s.”
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