A WIRRAL soldier is gearing up to compete in the Armed Forces Race Challenge this season.

Chris Diamond from Eastham has been selected as one of four “works” drivers in the Army Sports Car Racing sprint team, who are hoping to be responsible for bringing the championship title back into the Army’s hands from the RAF.

Chris has served with the British Army’ for seven years, initially with the Royal Corps of Signals and currently on the Army pilot’s course at RAF Shawbury.

He has had a keen interest in cars for many years and grew up enjoying the golden era of motorsport in the 90s watching Super Touring in the British Touring Car Championship and the World Rally Championship.

This interest has meant that motorsport has always been something close to his heart and that he’s wanted to do.

Having had many performance road cars over the years, and with the roads becoming increasingly difficult to enjoy, it made perfect sense to focus efforts and money on track driving.

Following a successful season competing in pro-karts with the Army Air Corps in the 2018 RAF Motor Sport Association’s endurance karting championship, a step-up to sports cars was naturally the next challenge.

Chris told the Globe: “I really enjoyed my time racing in the karts, but with all the knowledge I have accumulated on cars over the years - I craved that next step.

“Army Sports Car Racing has provided that step, with a great team ethos and a structure that means any rank can get involved in multiple roles within the team - I quickly committed to getting involved as a driver”

The cars used by competitors are all self-owned, with the builds and preparation all at the personal effort and cost of those who compete.

The Army provide no support in that respect and so Chris is keen to stress the support of local businesses in getting the car prepped and enabling the car to be ready to go for the season ahead.

“I have some great partners to thank for their help in prepping the car over the last few months,” added Chris.

“It wouldn’t have come together as it has without them.

“Colourspray in Bromborough painted the car and I am truly made up with their work - it was so important to have a look to the car that delivers a visual impact both on and off the track. It was silver originally so the new spray job makes a huge difference.

“I took the inspiration from the scheme used on the helicopters at RAF Shawbury.

“RRR Remaps in Bromborough put the car through it’s paces on the rollers - making sure the fuel map worked and the power was in the right places - clearly economy wasn’t something I had any interest in though.

“Cheshire Oaks Honda have been great in assisting with parts and financial backing. I’ll be working with them throughout the season to promote their deals on new cars for Armed forces and emergency services.

“All partners are critical to the season’s success and I implore any local businesses that feel they want to utilise my platform for marketing or just want to be involved in what I do - please do get in touch.”

Chris is a regular attendee at Cars and Coffee Wirral - the biggest community of enthusiasts in the area and although the April event clashes with the Brands Hatch race weekend - those that attend through the summer will be able to have a look around the car and chat with Chris on the preparation required for a competition car.

“I would encourage anyone interested in motorsport involvement to get in touch and I’ll certainly help as much as I can,” he said.

“There are plenty of local clubs that people can get involved with and there could be a series out there that suits your budget.

“If there’s any Army personnel on the Wirral who want to be involved with Army Sports Car Racing as well - use the website or facebook page to contact the team.”

All the race reports will be published in the Wirral Globe and on our digital platforms - so keep your eyes peeled in the coming year for updates on Chris’s progress.

You can also follow Chris on facebook by clicking here