Interview With…….Owen Thornhill

Midlands based racer Owen Thornhill is no stranger to speed but 2026 is his debut year of racing. Having stepped up from trackdays to circuit racing he explains the how and why of being a novice racer.

Question 1 - Who are you and what do you race?

My name is Owen Thornhill and I race in the Rogue Motorsport MR2 Championship. I'm in Class C, which are the mk3 (roadster) variant. 

Question 2 - What got you into motorsport? 

I can't remember a time when cars and motorsport were not a passion of mine. Growing up, my Dad and brother were always into cars and some form of motorsport, so I guess it all stems from a young age. Spending countless hours as a kid playing Gran Turismo instead of Fifa was probably an early sign of what was to come. 

Question 3 - What is your dream car, track and era combination and why?

For me it would have to be the 90's Le Man's stuff. So a CLK GTR or an F1 longtail down the Mulsanne would take some beating, especially at night! 

Question 4 - You are in your debut season, what's been the biggest shock vs what you were expecting? 

The biggest shock for me is how friendly the paddock is at club level. You can fight wheel to wheel with someone on track, then have a beer in the evening and help fix each other's cars. 

Question 5 - What do you wish someone had told you before you started racing? 

I wish someone had told me how important getting off the line is! It sounds obvious, but a couple of times now, I've had a split-second error on the line has put me on the back foot for the rest of the race. 

Question 6 - What's your favourite Rocked-IT product and why?

It has to be the kit bag, it perfectly fits in everything needed for a race weekend, it's like you guys actually thought about it! Premium feeling product, for very reasonable price, what more could you ask for? - Buy your kit bag here - Rocked-IT Motorsport Kit Bag — Rocked-IT Premium Motorsport

Rocked-IT Kit Bag with helmet and other kit inside

Question 7 - Motorsport looks like an individual sport but it requires a team behind you. Who deserves a special mention?  

I've been extremely fortunate to have support from lots of people in various ways, but the special mention must go to my partner Beth. As anyone in motorsport knows, it ends up consuming a hell of a lot of your spare time, whether its racing, testing, fixing the car, or whatever. So without a supportive partner, it just wouldn't be possible.