Chris James – Team Principle
Chris James is our Team Principal & a businessman from Bedfordshire.
Chris said about 2023 “Obviously I’m very excited to be getting back out racing again in 2023. But it’s not only the racing that excites me, it’s organising the team & bringing the team back together.
Throw away, maybe even tacky, phrases like “there’s no i in team” & “strength in numbers” have stood the test of time for a reason.
Whilst I am the Team Principal & owner of Team ES Racing, I love the word TEAM in our title. Everything I do is for “us” & I love our siege mentality team spirit. Without all of us there would be no team, there is no “Chris James” in “Team ES Racing”.
With strength in numbers, our numbers are small, but our fight & togetherness is huge.
As far as the actual racing goes, I can’t wait.
I’m hoping we will have 1 or 2 other very big names in our car throughout the season too.
We visit some tracks I haven’t been to for years, such as Cadwell Park – coming over “the mountain” in our car will be interesting for sure!
Then we go to Silverstone GP which I’ve never done & is on my bucket list.
My goal for the season is & main role is a mixture of success on the track picking up silverware combined with my role of growing our fan base & footprint. If we could have regular podiums & fan interaction that’d be a “win” for me.
Luca Baynton – Social Media Manager
So, at Team ES Racing we have only ever achieved anything by the passion & enthusiasm of our team members, 99% of which have always been unpaid volunteers.
As Team Principal Chris James said, “I’m delighted to offer an opportunity to an enthusiastic young lad as our “Social Media Manager”. Luca Baynton will be 16 in July and is currently studying for his GCSE’s. After this he is looking to study Media Studies & Sport Journalism.
I am hoping he can gain some valuable experience being in & around the team that benefits us, but more so his future studies & career.”
Andrew Dean – Technical Manager
Andrew Dean is a vastly experienced businessman & highly qualified engineer.
When asked to comment on Andrew, Chris said “Having Andrew on board is key to our success on the track. I’ve known Andrew for almost 15 years & he was a pivotal, integral part of our BTCC success.
Andrew has a detailed understanding of how to fully set a car up & to react to a driver’s feedback and make the changes. Whether it’s camber, tracking, ride height, brake bias setting, spring tensions or any of the many other things that go in to setting up a race winning car, Andrew has the experience.
On top of that Andrew is a true Gent and a proper man of the world”.
Andrew stated “It’s great to see Chris back out again & the re-birth & reinvigoration of Team ES Racing. We’ve already spent a lot of time stripping & rebuilding the car & will continue to do so for a few more weeks.
Whilst the team’s car may not be BTCC or British GT it is still a complicated tool that we must get set up correctly, which I’m positive we will. I’m looking forward to this adventure just as much as the next person”
Pete Diamant – Race Weekend Team Manager
Chris James says “Pete is not only important to the team in general, but more so to me on the actual race weekends. Pete co-ordinates the lads as well as making sure both the car & I are in the right place at the right time.
In his day job Pete has a wealth of high-level managerial experience & this gives me comfort & allows me to relax on race days. Pete is a really genuine decent down to earth Gent who is a great laugh too. As with all of our members, Pete is a true asset to the team”.
When asked for a few words Pete said: “I’ve always had a passion for motor racing in all formats. Having previously competed and had the honour of being a BARC Safety Car driver, it was time for me to hang up my gloves and focus on my family. Now, for 2023, I’m mega excited to be coming back to the circuits this season with Chris and can’t wait to see how the season develops in these fantastic machines.
I’m looking forward to taking responsibility off of Chris’ shoulders at the weekend & allowing him just to concentrate on racing”
Anthony Cutler – Engineer
Anthony is a 32 year old skilled engineer from Luton. He is a qualified mechanic & now works on air side equipment at London Luton airport. Anthony is also Team Principal Chris James’ step son.
Chris said: “Obviously it’s great to have family in the team, & Anthony is my family. He’s also a great friend of our other team mate Ryan Carter. Anthony’s positive attitude, work ethic & skills are an asset to the team”.
Anthony said “After being involved with Chris in the BTCC I’m excited to be back in the paddock, garage & put lane & looking forward to a successful season.
Ryan Carter – Junior Engineer / Team Assistant
Chris has known Ryan many years as he is a good friend of his stepson. Chris enjoys Ryan’s positive attitude & his willingness to muck in no matter what the job.
Chris said “It’s great to have Ryan in the team for 2023 & we’ll be better for that”
Ryan stated “I have a great love of motorsport and racing in general and can’t wait to offer my support again to Team ES Racing. I have been a supporter and admirer or Chris for a number of years through his BTCC adventure. I’m very much looking forward to seeing him race in this new series & helping out in any way I can”.
Matt Lynham – Team Photographer
When asked to sum up his experience Matt said: “I was introduced to Chris and Team ES racing by a mutual friend when they started their BTCC career back in 2011.
I had been an avid follower of the BTCC for several years and got to know many members of different teams, I jumped at the opportunity at working with Chris!
Working with Chris and the team for two seasons was great fun and has led to some memorable moments, whereby many of my shots made the motoring press. Since then Chris and his family have become close friends and it’s great to be back with the team! I’m really looking forward to working alongside them in the upcoming season.
Chris said “Matt is a great friend to me & my family & is also a very skilled artist, who I am sure will capture more memories this season”.