Motorsport student Will races to national title

Will Dyrdal recorded eight wins and finished on the podium a further fourteen times during nine rounds and 18 races during the season, which ran from March to September.

The National Junior Saloon Car championship is open to drivers aged between 14 and 17-years-old and every competitor races in Citroen Saxo VTRs, meaning it is driving talent that generates results. Modifications are limited to ensure the cars are even and the race is fair. Many drivers from this series have gone onto be extremely successful drivers in the top British touring car racing calendars.

17-year-old Will took the title in the final round of the season at the world-famous Brands Hatch, by recording two pole positions, two fastest laps and two victories. During the season Will also raced at iconic British tracks including Silverstone and Donnington. It was Will’s second season in the championships and his title followed a mid-table finish in 2016.

Will said: ‘’I started out with a mechanical DNF (did not finish) in the first race of the season, so throughout the year I was playing catch-up to the leaders. 

‘’I went into the last round at Brands Hatch with only a 6 point lead. Another 2 wins combined with both fastest laps meant I opened up my lead and won the championship by a small gap of 14 points. With 8 race wins and 14 podiums out of 18 races it’s been a very strong year. 

‘’A massive thanks to my dad, Tom Bell and my sponsors for all the support this year to make this possible. I’m excited for the future with some amazing things lined up, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.’’

Will started his driving career in karts and switched to cars after gaining his junior licence two years ago. He’s currently on the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Motorsport study programme at Myerscough College.

Will is now too old for junior racing and is now looking for sponsorship for next season to be able to compete at events such as the UK Clio Cup, the Ginetta Championship of the JCW Mini Cup.

You can follow his progress by searching ‘Will Dyrdal Racing’ on Facebook.