PROFILE.
Name – Russell Edward Danzey
Lives – Dore, Sheffield
Age – 16
School – Birkdale
Height -175 cms
Weight – 65 kilos
Favourite TV show?
“Nitro Circus”
Favourite film?
“Talladega Nights”
Favourite read?
“Motorsport News”
Best place in the world?
“Any race circuit”
X-box or PS3?
“PS3”
Favourite game?
“F1”
What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?
“It has to be something that my mum has done”
Who would you most like to meet?
“I have been lucky to meet both Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, I would love to meet Sebastian Vettel or Mark Webber from Red Bull”
Russ Danzey
Interview – Russ on racing, rivals and ‘Ruby’.
When and how did you first get into in karting?
“When I was ten, my friend had a karting party and invited me to an indoor circuit. I had so much fun that I persuaded my dad to take me to an outdoor circuit called PFi in Lincolnshire, where I had another go. I liked it so much we decided to buy a kart and start racing”.
What do you find so exciting about it?
“It’s the thrill of going so fast, so close to the ground. Everyone is there to win and it is all so close. The team side of it is also really good as everyone in the awning is working together, trying to be the best out there”.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
“I am the youngest person ever to qualify for the European Finals.”
What’s your ultimate karting goal?
“To be the World Champion.”
And your ultimate racing ambition?
“F1 World Champion”
Do you suffer from nerves? “Not often, but when I do I try to calm down and focus on the race ahead of me.”
Who is your motor sport or karting hero?
“I really enjoy watching Sebastian Vettel race as he has achieved so much at a young age. I feel very honoured as my driving has been compared to his]”
And who is you current closest rival in karting?
“Right now, I would say [Scandinavian] Jacob Nortoft”.
Can you tell us a secret from the karting paddock?
“I’m too busy concentrating on my racing to know any gossip!”
If you weren’t a kart racer, what else do you think you’d do?
“I really don’t know. I’m at a loss to think of anything. I love racing. That’s it.”
What are your favourite tunes on your i-phone?
“‘Anything upbeat..”
Which guilty snack do you indulge yourself with that blows the karting diet?
“I love ice cream but don’t eat it until the end of the race weekend”.
What’s the breakfast of champions?
“I love Parma ham and fruit.”
Focus: At every race, I concentrate on driving as fast as I can and try to push the boundaries of my capabilities, responding to the different challenges of each race.
Team: JM have enlisted me to help with their development program, along with my driver coach Tom Brown. engines and conditions. Tom is integral to my British and European campaigns, his experience has been a fantastic help in guiding me through my racing career.
Mike and James Mills are the British importers of the RK kart and their help has been invaluable with both the supply of karting equipment and the all important engines.
Life: Away from racing, I like to keep my mind and body fit, so I am in the right shape for racing and my GCSE’s at school.
Background: I was born and live in Sheffield. When I’m home I like to spend as much time as possible with my family, friends and dog. Much as I love Sheffield I really enjoy racing in Europe, the Spanish and French have invested so much money in to motorsport and their tracks and facilities are exceptional.
Philosophy: Enjoy every day to the full, living with respect for yourself and others.
Ambition: To win at all levels in karting and go to cars – graduating to Formula 3 and ultimately, Formula 1.
