Andy Frost, reliving his racing days…

Picture of By Craig Ranson
By Craig Ranson

Managing Director โ€“ Bridge Classic Cars

Whilst sorting through the back offices in preparation for the new office makeover, Andy has dug out a photo album from his youth.

We have a champion working here, at Bridge MOT Centre, a brilliant story…

Surprise success for teenage driver

Teenage autocross driver Andrew Frost had never driven a car in a race until last year.

But winning quickly became a habit, as he finished in front in sox races and took the Crownwheel Junior Autocross Championship.

Now Andrew, of Lower Crescent, Barham, is looking forward to the start of the new season in April and to defending his title.

Andrew, 15, a Claydon High School pupil, said he was a little surprised by his success, which has left the sideboard at his home groaning under the weight of seven trophies.

โ€œI just went along for the ride at the first meeting, but I started winning and after that I got the hang of it,โ€ he said.

So far Andrew has had no serious accidents in the autocross races, which are held on grass and stubble fields.

โ€œSafety standards are pretty strict and autocross is a non-contact sport,โ€ he said, โ€œalthough I have had a couple of prangs.โ€

One happened when a former junior champion was trying overtake him.

โ€œHe was trying to get past on the inside,โ€ said Andrew, โ€œbut I wouldnโ€™t let him and I got a bit of a dented wing.โ€

Andrew bought his car, an 850cc Mini for ยฃ23 in a scrapyard, and, with the help of his motherโ€™s boyfriend, Maurice Debenham, he restored it to winning condition.

When he leaves school this summer he plans to be a mechanic โ€“ โ€œAnything to do with cars,โ€ he says.

Andrewโ€™s driving skills are possibly inherited from his mother, Janet Frost, who is an ambulance driver working in Bramford.

โ€œI love drivingโ€ she said.

Now the whole family is autocross crazy. Maurice Debenham is taking up the sport this year and Andrewโ€™s sister, Michelle, also wants to have a go.

โ€œWe went to every meeting last year,โ€ said Janet. โ€œItโ€™s so exciting and itโ€™s great fun.โ€

Share this post
Enjoyed this article by Craig Ranson?
Email Craig Ranson