Management Changes At Buckmore Park

Chris Pullman who was given the position of Joint Managing Director in April, following the acquisition by John Surtees Limited of the business and trading assets of Buckmore Park Karting Limited and Buckmore Park Kart Club Limited, has decided that he wishes to pursue other opportunities, and will be departing on the 30th September 2015. Chris had worked for Bill Sisley, the previous operator of the circuit, for many years as General Manager. We would thank him for his assistance in this transitional period and would wish him every success in the future.

John Surtees OBE announced today the appointment of Steve Hollman as the Joint Managing Director of Buckmore Park to succeed Chris Pullman. Mike Griffiths, former director of Land Securities for many years, will continue as Joint Managing Director and be in charge of property developments.

John said: "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Hollman. Steve brings with him extensive knowledge of the motorsport industry and junior motorsport, through his previous association with the highly respected and successful Carlin racing organisation. He joins us at a very exciting time; there are huge opportunities and challenges ahead as we continue to improve its facilities and accelerate our growth strategy."

Steve Hollman started racing in the late 1970's building Formula Fords for PRS Racing Cars before joining Ron Tauranac's Ralt production facility as Sales and Production Manager. He entered Race Team Management to great effect in 1987, winning the British Championship with rookie driver Johnny Herbert, giving Eddie Jordan Racing its maiden Championship win.

The following season Steve set up his own British F3 team, Bowman Racing, with factory support from Volkswagen and finished second overall with Gary Brabham. The next year David Brabham won the British Championship and added icing to the cake with a win at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. Bowman cars also finished 1st and 2nd in the National class that year as well as 5th and 6th in the main series.

From 1990 to 1994 Steve built his own range of F3 cars which were entered in the British, French and Japanese national championships. He moved to Sri Lanka in 1995, setting up an indoor kart circuit but returned to car production in 1997 selling and developing the Bowman BC5 in the USA for the Formula Ford 2000 Series.

In 1999, Steve joined his nephew Trevor at the eponymous Carlin Motorsport which grew from a two car F3 entry to multi-series entrants and Championship winners competing in GP2, GP3, A1 Grand Prix, British Formula 3, World Series by Renault, Formula BMW and Porsche Supercup.

Steve has spent the last five years researching renewable energy drive systems for racing and general automotive use.

About Buckmore Park:

John Surtees bought Buckmore Park Karting Circuit trading assets in April 2015. This brought together the freehold ownership of the circuit and the operation of it for the first time, John having previously acquired the freehold of the circuit and additional land. John would like Buckmore to continue to become a major feeder for youngsters to further their career in motorsport, and also for charities and businesses to continue to find the challenge of driving on the unique circuit and the facilities increasingly enjoyable. His aim is to continue to improve the facilities of Buckmore Park, and to integrate some of the objectives of the Henry Surtees Foundation such as helping to educate and train young people with motorsport-related programmes in technology, engineering and road safety instruction for two and four wheels.

Buckmore Park is recognised as one of the UK's premier outdoor karting circuits presenting an exciting challenge to would be champions and the world of corporate karting. The venue is one of the most picturesque circuits in the UK, and is rich in karting heritage, its 52 years of karting excellence has seen the likes of champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button hone their racing skills. Its undulating nature is a superb training ground for future British World Champions. It's also the place where John's late son Henry Surtees was first introduced to karting.

John Surtees OBE is available for interview

For more information please contact:
Rebecca Leppard
PR Manager for John Surtees OBE
Rebecca@eventspr.co.uk
01452 260063/07749 852481