FIA Karting Interview with Jordon Lennox-Lamb

“Switching from driver to team manager seemed obvious!”

With numerous podiums and a victory in the FIA Karting World Cup – KZ2 in 2012, Jordon Lennox-Lamb’s racing career ended at the FIA Karting World Championship – KZ in 2017. The Briton then chose to make his passion his job, creating his own team (Lennox Racing Team). In partnership with the OTK group, he now runs an important team, among the best organised in the international paddock.

Jordon, can you go back to the highlights of your career?

It is good that you have asked me this question as FIA Karting returns to the circuit of Angerville (the interview was carried out during the French Kart Grand Prix), because here is where I have strong memories. It was in 2009 when qualifying in the Western Zone for the European KF2 Championship. I drove a Top Kart-Parilla assisted by Stefano Parrilla, the son of Angelo Parrilla, former mentor of Ayrton Senna. I came out as leader of the heats, but an electrical problem forced me to give up in Race 1. Race 2 was incredible, with a gain of 26 places, up to 3rd position! I fell into the arms of my entire team, it was a moment filled with emotion.
Of course, since I started in Great Britain in 1999, when I was seven years old, then during my international run in Junior in 2006, there were many other highlights. Like the victory in the KZ2 World Cup in 2012, 3rd place in the KF2 World Cup, the Asia Pacific Vice Championship in KF1, 3rd place at the KZ World Championship in 2013, my success in Las Vegas in Pro S1 or the Vice World Championship in KF in 2015.

Which teams did you race with?

After the period with Top Kart, I drove a Birel, first with Mauro Pozzi’s MGM team, then with the factory team. I became a CRG driver, before returning to Birel. Then, I found myself in contact with the OTK group when I started my comeback and competed in the KZ World Championship in 2017. I felt that I had reached the end of my racing career. After initial experience with the Fusion Motorsport team, I made the decision to start my own team.

Were you worried about your age?

Many people advised me to wait, feeling that my shoulders were not broad enough to handle a big team. For my part, even if I wasn’t sure of anything, I remained confident. A few years ago, I probably missed the right moment to try for a car career. This time, I did not want to miss this opportunity to secure my future. Even when I was still driving, I had the opportunity to meet young drivers in the teams for which I drove. I really enjoyed the contact I had with them. I advised them whenever I had the opportunity. To pass my knowledge, my skills, my experience on to them was something that was close to my heart.

Lennox Racing Team is not a small team. Is it hard to manage?

I now have more responsibilities and my life would probably have been easier if I had decided just to coach drivers. However, I did not start on my own. I am fortunate to have the support of the OTK group and I really thank Mr Robazzi and all those who helped me and trust me. The right opportunity came at the right time. In addition, I like to manage the logistics of the team, to prepare the equipment and to be interested in the technical part. It’s a motivating challenge.

The Exprit chassis is also booming …

Absolutely. The brand is fashionable and the design is appreciated. As for the performance of the OTK chassis, they have largely proven themselves, just like the Vortex engines that we use with our chassis.

What are your goals?

It is obviously to bring my drivers to the front. We just did it with Jamie Day, who has had great results and several podiums since the beginning of the season. I also want to stay realistic. The majority of our drivers are still young and lack experience. To get into the international top 10 takes some time. With the OTK group, we made the gamble to invest in a large new quality awning. Therefore we benefit from a great working tool, which allows our drivers to develop in the best possible conditions.

What is the added value of your team?

I attach great importance to the choice of mechanics. Some are from big teams. In addition to their skills, I want a certain rapport to be created with the drivers, so that they spend time with them in order to advise them better, to help them progress and to transmit the competitive values that we share.

Is it complicated to find the balance between the financial side and the sporting side?

Of course! That’s why we need to contribute to the driver’s progress so that people understand our philosophy. If we want to find new drivers every year, getting results is very important.

How are the relations with the other teams of the OTK group?
The collaboration is excellent, we work seamlessly with the official Tony Kart and Kosmic teams. We compare our data acquisition and feedback from drivers, which is essential to progress. We are open to each other, as it’s an opportunity!

Are you here for the long term?

I hope so! When I look at my age, only 27, I tell myself that I have the best years ahead of me…

Info FIA Karting / © Photo KSP