CHIPPENHAM Formula Ford racer Kyle Tilley is a step closer to realising his dream of racing in America after he was snapped up by the Souley Motorsport Team.

The 21-year-old former Sheldon School pupil, who began racing after a knee injury ended his cycling career, has been signed after an impressive win at Thruxton in October last year.

“Souley are probably one of the best teams in Formula Ford,” said Tilley, of Audley Road.

“Before, it was just me and my dad (Charles) that prepared the car and did all the work on race days but now all I’ll have to do is turn up and drive.

“My next aim is to get some sponsors and that will hopefully help me reach my target of racing in America by 2011. My dad used to race at a high level and he’s got some contacts over there that will help.”

Tilley, who started in karts at the age of eight, endured a frustrating year in 2009, racing in an obsolete Jamun M88.

“We’d pushed the car to its limits and it actually caught fire during a race at Thruxton,” he said.

“I knew that Brian Soule, the founder of Souley Motorsport, had a Van Dieman VD87 sat in his garage so I ended up hiring it for the October race.

“I finished pole by about four seconds and it was the first time I’d ever driven the car.

“Brian asked me to officially represent the team after that so I guess it was a good thing that my old car caught fire.”

Formula Ford is an expensive sport to take part in and Tilley works three jobs to pay for car hire and racing staff.

He works as a delivery driver for a catering butchers company in Bristol, a mechanic for Mike Stretton historic Formula One team and as a part-time sales assistant at Homebase in Chippenham.

“It’s actually quite reasonably priced but I have to be careful not to damage the cars because then I’d have to pay for that,” said Tilley.

“I’m now aiming to do well at the Castle Combe series.

“It’s one of the most competitive in the country but now that I’m racing for Souley, I’m confident that I can do well.”

Tilley is on the hunt for sponsorship and anyone who can help should call 07897 650681.

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