Andy Frost, reliving his racing days…

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, 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.

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

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

“Safety standards are pretty strict and autocross is a non-contact sport,” he said, “although I have had a couple of prangs.”

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

“He was trying to get past on the inside,” said Andrew, “but I wouldn’t let him and I got a bit of a dented wing.”

Andrew bought his car, an 850cc Mini for £23 in a scrapyard, and, with the help of his mother’s boyfriend, Maurice Debenham, he restored it to winning condition.

When he leaves school this summer he plans to be a mechanic – “Anything to do with cars,” he says.

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

“I love driving” she said.

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

“We went to every meeting last year,” said Janet. “It’s so exciting and it’s great fun.”