Anyone who has watched the Scottish XR2 Championship over the last five years will know of a certain regular who generally is noticed for three things. First is the fact that he is usually at the sharp end of the grid, second is his distinctive Yorkshire accent and the third is the fact that he usually drives a car with a loud colourscheme, be it turquoise, orange or bright red! He is of course Nick Sanderson and he enters the 2005 Championship as one of the favourites to take race wins and possibly even the title.

His career started after one of Knockhill's "driving experiences" convinced him to give car racing a try and he contacted Ian Cowie of ICR in mid 1999, taking part in the Scottish XR2 Championship ever since. As a total novice to racing, he worked his way through the field over time, eventually becoming a contender in 2003 when he found himself regularly fighting for top five finishes. Some bad luck blighted his races though, culminating in a huge shunt which damaged his car so badly he was not out for the final round of the season.

His familiar turquoise car turned orange for the start of the 2004 season and he stepped up yet again - usually qualifying right up at the front of the grid. The season was a great success with Sanderson finishing in the top ten in every single round except for the very last race of the season. He took his first podium finish at Knockhill in September and followed that up with two second place finishes at Croft later the same month. Sourcing the car Alan Keith had previously been using did nothing to dent his cause. All in all it had been a hugely successful season and he finished third overall in the standings behind the all-dominant Oliver Mortimer and Sandy Forrest.

2005 sees him return with the ex-Keith car and with the knowledge that Mortimer is racing a Mini and Forrest looking to Formula Ford for the new season, Sanderson must feel confident in taking his first race victory.

ScottishClubRacing.co.uk was lucky enough to catch up with Nick recently and he agreed to answer a few questions for us.

SCR: What is your racing background and how long have you been racing?

NS: I attended one of Knockhill’s School Days with a friend in 1998 where we drove an XR2i and then a single seater for a few laps. I really enjoyed it and got a really good score in the XR2i so after attending a few SMRC race meetings, I decided that I would have a go at the XR2 racing.

This is when I met Iain Cowie and my finances have never been the same since!
 
SCR: When did you first race at Knockhill?

NS: My first race was halfway through the 1999 season and it was the Knockhill 25th Anniversary meeting in July. At that time, there were 30+ XR2 entries so there was also a qualification race.

My goal was to try to finish the race and I was especially pleased to make it through to the final. I finished well down but two finishes out of two on my debut – well pleased!
 
SCR: What was the high point of your 2004 season?

NS: I have a couple – finishing 2nd twice at Croft, keeping Oli Mortimer, the championship winner behind me in both races, my first ever podium for a 3rd place at Knockhill and finishing 3rd overall in the championship.
 
SCR: What are your plans for 2005?

NS: I’ll be going for it in the XR2’s in 2005 where I want my first win in April and have a serious crack at the championship.
 
SCR: Do you think you can get your first win in 2005?

NS: Per above with a bit of luck and consistency – oh yeah, and if I stop bending the rear axle and get a bit of reliability.
 
SCR: What is your ultimate goal in motorsport?

NS: To win the XR2 championship short term and then it will depend on budget. I’d love to have a race in a Clio as part of the BTCC support but they ain’t cheap…
 
SCR: As a long term XR2 driver, what do you see as the main plus points to the series?

NS: The very friendly atmosphere (although not limited to the XR2’s of course) between the drivers. Although we will fight very hard on the circuit, we are all friends off track.

The other major plus point with the XR2’s is the similarity between all the cars. As the series is very well policed and the regulations so strict, you get a full grid of near identical cars battling for position – great racing to watch (and compete in)!
 
SCR: What track would you most like to drive on?

NS: I have only ever raced at Knockhill, Croft and Oulton Park which are all fantastic circuits but I would love to race at Donington as that was the first ever race circuit I went to with my Dad.

It would be great if we could also go to Brands – it’s a great circuit and it’s only half an hour away from my house!!!