Richard Westbrook has essentially had two careers in one. Following getting disillusioned with the single-seater treadmill after being let down with what looked like a mega deal in German Formula 3 in 1996, the Chelmsford-born driver became detached from the sport for several years before reemerging as one of the UK’s most skilled and committed sportscar racers.
From being Jarno Trulli’s team-mate in ’96 in Formula 3 to working as a courier and taking a course as a chef, Westbrook fell in to racing again and made the most of that opportunity to become a factory Corvette, Ford and Cadillac driver in both IMSA and the World Endurance Championship.
“I started watching my father racing in a Mini”
Richard Westbrook
Also, an engaging presence off the track, Westbrook is as close as you get to a modern day ‘drivers’ driver’ who gains the maximum respect from his team-mates and peers.
Last weekend he finished third at his 13th Le Mans, one year on from scoring a podium with the Glickenhaus Hypercar.
‘Westy’ sat down with Motorsport News at La Sarthe last week to reminisce on his career and answer some MN readers’ questions.
Question: Do you remember the first motor race you saw live? Where was it, and who were you with?
Jonny Astbury
Via email
Richard Westbrook: “I recall it very clearly. My dad Anthony was racing in Special Saloons in a 1300CC class at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, probably in 1978. It’s my first ever memory, and I remember being in my mum’s arms, moaning saying ‘when can we go home?’ I always remember that.
“He was in a Mini with a 1300 Cosworth engine, but it was a Silhouette. It was big and brash racing back then even if the cars were small in size, but it was probably the pinnacle of club racing which we don’t have any more really, which is a real shame.
“He wasn’t a professional driver, but he was a
