Kate Algar
Kate Algar
23 April, 2025
Sport

Eastbourne junior racing driver makes gains at Brands Hatch

Tom Algar, 14, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, is one of the youngest racing drivers in the country, competing in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) for the 2025 season.

Junior racing driver, Tom Algar, with his Citroen Saxo, at Brands Hatch

Starting in karts at age 6, Tom competed nationally, until a move into racing Citroen Saxos just after his 14th birthday. With the dream of eventually racing British GTs, a move into the JSCC was the next inevitable step in his racing career. With the JSCC featuring on the same bill as Touring Cars (TCR) and British Truck Racing (BTRC) at all the main circuits across the UK, including Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington Park, it was deemed as the best junior championship for Tom to move into.

The first round in March at Donington Park was a real test all round, with wet conditions, greasy track and gremlins with the gearbox. Keeping it on track was an effort, but Tom brought his car home safely and ready for round 2 at Brands Hatch.

Tom Algar racing down Paddock Hill at Brands Hatch
Tom Algar racing down Paddock Hill at Brands Hatch Credit: Algar Racing

“Supporting the British Truck Racing at Brands Hatch is always a great event, with large crowds and the atmosphere is amazing. Brands is also my home circuit, and I love racing the short, technical circuit”, says Tom.

Round 2 at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend was dry, and although some set up issues meant qualifying on Saturday didn’t go exactly as planned, a thrilling Race 1 that afternoon saw Tom battling with former team-mate Sherrie-Ann Powell over several laps, with only 0.2 seconds between them, eventually making a move and a gaining a place.

Waiting in paddock
Waiting in paddock Credit: LMJ Marketing

Tom had an excellent start in Race 2 on Easter Sunday, making up a couple of places before paddock hill bend. The 15-minute race was another show of the best junior drivers in the country, with close and skilled racing from start to finish with less than one second per lap between them. Making up 5 places, Tom crossed the finish line in 11th, his best result so far.

This 2025 season sees Tom racing for Algar Racing, his family’s motorsport team, which also features 2 racing BMWs and a classic 1959 Sebring Sprite.

You can follow Tom’s progress via his website www.tomalgarracing.com or via Facebook (tom.algar35), Instagram (tomalgarracing) and YouTube (@TomAlgarRacing). There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities too, so if you would like to join Tom on his motorsport journey and be part of the team, then contact us via his website or social media channels.