Simon Hill is a former racing driver, instructor, coach and automotive trainer. He is also the father and mentor of 2024 British Touring Car Champion Jake Hill.
Simon delves into his wealth of experiences in motorsport, giving the his early days of single seater racing in Formula Ford at Brands Hatch to Formula First, Formula Renault, Renault Spider Championship and finally sportscar racing in the Lotus Elise Championship.
He discusses being born the illegitimate son of 50’s and 60’s number one crooner Ronnie Hilton (born Adrian Hill) and the affect his absent father had on his early life, to a later reconciliation and how that has influenced his role as a father and husband.
Simon and Anthony discuss working together and racing in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s and they discuss their mutual heroes James Hunt, Gilles Villenueve, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna and reflect on the legacy of Murray Walker and the passion that drives them in the world of motorsport.
From the legacy of Val Musetti and unexpected circuit incidents to the lasting impression of a unique meeting with Gilles Villeneuve at Brands Hatch and Ayrton Senna, the conversation captures the essence of UK motorsport culture, the evolution of Formula One carsvthe changing landscape of motorsport media.
Finally, they discuss the influence of mentors and having a strong team, the significance of sponsorship without family money, the importance of family and friends in motorsport and the emotional highs and lows experienced during racing to win a championship.
Chapters
00:00 Birthdays and Historical Events
02:58 Motorsport Memories and Random Connections with Ayrton Senna
05:54 The Evolution of Motorsport Safety
09:07 The Legacy of Murray Walker
11:57 Personal Stories and Family Background
14:52 Passion for Motorsport and Learning
16:55 Alzheimers dementia and motor racing statistics
18:00 The Journey into Racing
23:00 Almost over before it began
28:00: Growing up without a Dad
32:35 The Legacy of Valentino Musetti and Stunt Driving
34:03 Unexpected Circuit Incidents and Local Connections
36:42 First Encounters with Motorsport and Heroes
41:33 The Evolution of Formula One Cars and Drivers
45:37 Gilles Villeneuve: A Lasting Impression
48:43 Ayrton Senna - 7 Times World Champion?
51:27 The Changing Landscape of Motorsport Media
54:00 …off the track more than on!
55:37 Jake’s first go on track
01:11:42 Racing Memories and Trophies
01:12:35 The Influence of Mentors in Racing
01:14:01 Old School Racing Techniques
01:16:36 The Legacy of Lotus and Iconic Liveries
01:18:05 Personal Stories and Family Connections
01:22:57 The Journey of a Racing Career
01:25:34 Family Bonds and Shared Achievements
01:30:07 Reflections on Growth and Improvement
01:37:10 How my son won the British Touring Car Championship
01:38:02 The Role of a Parent in Racing
01:43:05 Managing a Racing Career
01:44:27 The Importance of Support in Motorsport
01:48:14 Emotional Moments in Racing
01:54:24 Overcoming Personal Challenges
02:00:05 The Journey of Persistence
02:12:05 Knowing what it feels like to be Max Verstappen’s Dad
