George makes a special promise

Whilst still in nappies watching his uncle and grandfather compete in Hill Climbing and Sprint Racing competitions, Josh Malin had ambitions of becoming a racing driver, but his dreams were almost destroyed when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was just four years old.

He was told that a career in racing driving would not be possible. Thirteen years to the day, Josh strutted off the tarmac at Crofts Circuit as the winner of his first race.

Josh said, “Despite hearing from a doctor that I would not become a racing driver due to my diabetes, I continued to harbour a desire to try and spent a lot of time on a simulator at home. As luck would have it, the founder of the MaX5 Racing Championship moved in to the house next door and became a family friend. He saw my performance on the simulator and encouraged me to try racing in a real car.”

In March 2015, Josh bought a Mazda MX5 and spent the next 15 months preparing it for the racing tracks. “I stripped the car out, installed a roll cage system, racing seats and other necessary parts designed to keep me safe. On 19 June 2016 I competed in my first race at Donington Park and came second. Following that, I competed in the next season at Brands Hatch and finished second and fifth. My first win was at Anglesey where I came first and second. The final race of that season was at Silverstone were I achieved a double win!”

When asked which his favourite race was, Josh said, “In May 2017 I raced at Castle Combe in the pouring rain. Our cars were actually aquaplaning. The thrill of the race definitely made it that little more fun, especially as I won that race, too. Had I have been in Class A, I would have finished second, but because I drive an older car in Class B (which is technically slower) I won my class by quite a way.

“The atmosphere at the races creates a real buzz, too. It is great to be a part of a close-knit community where other racers help one another if someone needs a tool, etc. My family are supportive and come to as many of my races as possible. Although due to financial constraints motor racing is currently a hobby for me, I am actively seeking a sponsorship to help me to progress further in this sport.”

Josh will be attending an awards ceremony in November at the Leicester Marriott Hotel to collect his trophy for winning the MaX5 Championship.