BTCC Driver Profiles - Anthony Reid Born:
17 May 1957
Lives:
Oxford
Born in Glasgow and educated at a school whose alumni include Jim Clark, "Reidy" first drove at the age of 11 - although the huge quarry earth-mover was a world apart from the machinery he now races! He's now living with his wife in Oxford but remains loyal to his Scottish roots and is a keen supporter of the Knockhill circuit. Further afield he has raced in Japan, and been involved with designing the spectacular new Dubai autodrome. Reid's witty humour is reflected in the name of his fan club (Anthony Reid's Supporters Equipe - you work it out!). His late deal to race with the underfunded WSR team in 2004 saw a powerful campaign across many websites and forums to raise money through donations and raffles. Crowned "BTCC Master" as he beat off competition from former champions in the one-off spectacular race at Donington. Career highlights: 2004 BTCC with WSR, MG Z-S. Without a drive until he got a call from the team just 72 hours before the opening round at Thruxton, but ended the weekend with a 2nd place and a heartfelt plea on live TV for more funding. Robust moves at Brands and Silverstone earned him points on his licence and time penalties, but the support of those who relish physical racing. As the season went on his driving style mellowed, and the long-awaited win came at Croft, backed up by setting the fastest lap in all three races. The form continuted at Knockhill, with pole position and two race victories the reward. Unfortunately the pace wasn't there for Brands Hatch, and he only added 5 points to his tally. An improvement (and a new engine) saw him on the podium at Snetterton, and seemed to guarantee his Independent's prize. Sure enough he did the business at Donington although he lost out to Plato in the overall standings to finish 4th with 213 points. Any thoughts of disappointment were banished when he won the BTCC Masters race later in the day. 2003 BTCC with MG Sport and Racing, MG Z-S. The car was off the pace at first but came on in leaps and bounds as the season progressed. Reid came out as the top MG driver with one race win, 121 points and 6th place in the championship, but will probably be remembered more for being on the receiving end of Yvan Muller's wrath in parc ferme, which famously netted him sponsorship from boxing supplier Londsale! 2002 BTCC - MG - 4th 2001 BTCC - MG; Le Mans 24 Hours - MG - class pole 2000 BTCC - Ford - 2nd 1999 BTCC - Ford - 12th 1998 BTCC - Nissan - 2nd 1997 BTCC - Nissan - 11th; Daytona 24 Hours - Lister 1996 German Touring Car Championship; Fuji Intertec winner 1995 Japanese GT Championship - Champion; Japanese Touring Car Championship; member of the British team in the FIA Touring Car World Cup 1994 Japanese Touring Car Championship; Japanese GT Championship; member of the British team in the FIA Touring Car World Cup 1993 Japanese Group A - 3rd in class; Japanese Formula 3000; Japanese F3 Championship 1992 Japanese Formula 3 Championship - Champion 1990 Le Mans 24 Hours - Alpha Porsche - 3rd 1989 British Formula Vauxhall Lotus Championship - 3rd 1982-1988 Formula Ford and Formula 3 Links: West Surrey Racing Website: http://www.anthonyreid.com |