IT has been a great start in motorsport for 16-year-old Bridgwater & Taunton College student Kieran Stevens, writes Nigel M Cole.

This year he has been competing in speed hillclimbing in his Citroen C2 Furio. Kieran is currently a student on the Level 2 Motorsport Engineering course at Bridgwater and Taunton College. 

For Kieran, his passion for the sport started after he spectated at Wiscombe Park, a hillclimb venue near Honiton, where his boss, Kevin Taylor, was competing in a classic Mini.

The temptation to have a go was irresistible and Kieran started formulating plans to commence his own journey in motorsport. 

Bridgwater Mercury: Stevens at Winscombe Manor Farm.Stevens at Winscombe Manor Farm. (Image: Nigel M Cole)

New competitors can start in a Junior Class open to those aged 14 to 16 with enhanced regulations and safety requirements all laid down by the sport’s governing body, Motorsport UK.

Kieran joined Salisbury based Downton Motor Club and applied for his RS Interclub race licence. Necessary safety clothing – helmet, fireproof overalls, gloves and boots – were all purchased. 

The Citroen C2 was the final purchase. One of the main requirements of the MSUK Junior Class is that the cars must be completely “road standard” with no modifications and are limited to a maximum engine capacity of 1400cc. The car was fitted with a new set of tyres – probably the most important consideration.

If you want to follow in Kieran’s tyre tracks go to the Wiscombe Park website www.wiscombepark.co.uk where you can obtain a “Getting Started Guide”.

Kieran made his speed hillclimb debut at the Woolbridge MC Spring Meeting at Wiscombe Park in April.

He entered a further three events at Wiscombe Park during the 2023 season, gradually improving his Personal Best time on the very demanding 1000 yard course with each event. 

Kieran is now considering his options for the 2024 season which gets underway in April. He is hoping to progress to a car with more performance – he turns 17 early in the new year and will then be eligible to compete in the open Classes. 

In summing up his first season, Kieran had this to say: “For any young racers wanting to try out the sport, I would highly recommend the Citroen C2 as it was an affordable, reliable and comfortable car for my first season.

"Over the course of the year, I have managed to collect four first-place awards, which I am extremely proud of and met a lot of friendly people."