During the 2006 season, Mark Dryden came to the fore in the Scottish Minis. After taking his first win at Knockhill in July, he then took what is still the lap record for the class at Knockhill the next time out. Heading into 2007 with a lot of confidence, we caught up with him for a chat.

SCR: What is your racing background, how long have you been racing and when did you first race at Knockhill?

MD: My Father Bill Dryden was an Ecurie Ecosse Driver in a single seater and a works Vauxhall driver in the 60s and 70s era so I naturally developed an interest at a very early age. He sadly retired when I was just 4 years old, so my memory is limited to photos and the odd bit of video coverage. I had always been at my Dad when I was younger to help me get started but he didn't get round to it. I ended up buying Alistair McCaig's Ex Ecurie Ecosse Mini without my Dad knowing and simply asked him what he was doing on October 10th 2004, when he asked why, I handed him a ticket for Knockhill! At the age of 29 with no previous Karting experience I started my first ever race. I qualified 5th out of 9 cars which I was pretty chuffed with as I knew the car was in dire need of TLC and I finished 6th.

SCR: What was the high point of your 2006 season?

MD: I had several high and low points in 2006 but I think they could all be topped by my first ever win. It was at Knockhill in July and I had started 2nd but got the jump on pole and made it into Seat first. I was heavily challenged on the 2nd last lap by Paul Wilson who tried to go round my outside at Seat but I held my line and he came off trying to cut back infront of me. This win was not just important to me but also to my Family. I dedicated the win to my Mum who had bravely just started treatment for cancer. She couldn't be there but she knew since I had been a wee boy that my ambition was to win a race. Sadly and suddenly the following Saturday she passed away, so it will always be my most important win. The next time out at Knockhill with all the tyres on the apexes I picked up the lap record which still stands at 1:03:774.

SCR: What are your plans and hopes for 2007?

MD: I am racing in the Mini Cooper Cup this year which will be my 3rd season and I am hoping to be on the podium a lot more this year. I am aiming for a top 3 finish for the season.

SCR: Do you have an ultimate goal in motorsport?

MD: My ultimate goal in Motorsport is now to win a Championship. Funny how your goals increase in size as you achieve them!!

SCR: Which track would you most like to drive on?

MD: If I could drive any track I think it would have be Monaco.... just to say that I've done it!!

SCR: What do you see in the future for the Mini Series?

MD: I think the Minis will with time build up its grids. Cars are getting cheaper and parts are as well. We have a very focused Co-Ordinator in Vic Covey Snr and he has kept the profile of the series very high with TV coverage, series sponsors and prize money. Also we could always hope to see Mike Hogg progress from his Legend into the Minis (There is a scholarship car run by IF Motorsport, Mike!!).