Episode 5 The Racing Set

These teenage racers aren't old enough to drive on the roads.

At 15 years old, driving race cars, there's nothing better than that.

But at the weekends, they tear up the track.

I don't even know what to say.

It was an absolutely amazing race.

This season, two teams go head-to-head.

-COMMENTATOR:

-To the chequered flag, two out of two.

One is brother and sister.

We're both competitive and we both want to beat each other.

The other, a team of mates.

All of us are going to win!

Racing is my dream.

It's a tough fight, and we'll be with them all the way.

Expect the unexpected, there's no guarantees in this sport.

So who will be crowned winner of The Racing Set?

None of my school friends are doing anything as cool as this.

Last time, Jamie finally got her hands on her first rookie cup...

For once, it's me that's come through

rather than other people, so...chuffed.

..and James and his family had bad news - both off the track...

I've had the bill.

It's nearly £7,000, which pretty much cleans us out, James.

..and on.

I was annoyed, I was angry,

and I think I was pushing it a little bit too hard.

Today, they hit one of the most famous tracks

in the UK, Brands Hatch.

It's the last race of the season.

Just no risks, zero risks,

and hopefully we can get the rookie cup, mate.

It all comes down to this.

He's a sensible driver, and why should he get into trouble?

Jamie's got an important job to do today,

she's handing over the scholarship to a new rookie for next season.

Let's go.

30 young hopefuls aged between 14 and 17

are here from all over the world to compete for the £40,000 scholarship,

and three of them are girls.

Do you think you're inspired by Jamie Chadwick winning last year?

Yeah, she's actually the main reason why I came here.

I like that you can go out there, prove the boys wrong,

-because they think that we can't do it.

-We're way much better!

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm doing the scholarship this year.

-How much karting have you done?

-Just a little bit, actually.

If I were to give you any advice, it'd be to go do a bit more karting,

get a bit more exposure to other sorts of racing,

and definitely come back next year.

It's great to see another girl trying to get into the Ginetta Juniors.

This year's winner is Alex,

and Jamie hands over to the next year's hopeful,

still remaining the only girl to be awarded the scholarship.

Although a girl didn't win it,

it's really encouraging to see so many girls entering the scholarship

and aspiring to be the next female racing driver.

It's the last race of the season

and they are all at the world-famous Brands Hatch racetrack.

Today, they will be battling it out in front of 40,000 spectators.

Plan for this weekend, guys, Jamie, obviously with the rookie win

at Knockhill, try and go for the same.

-And, Ollie, has to be a win.

-Yeah, definitely.

Obviously, nice to finish the year on a high.

With their coach expecting a trophy each,

the pressure is on from the start.

And James's coach is talking tough, too.

Key thing for you basically is to keep it on the track.

-Make sure that we maintain that rookie lead and take that.

-Exactly.

-You confident?

-Yeah, I am.

As long as I'm, like, right with the car, and right with the track.

Just no risks, zero risks,

and hopefully we can get the rookie cup, mate,

which would be an awesome thing to do in your very first year.

With James this far ahead,

there's no way that Jamie can win the rookie championship now.

Hi, Jamie. How are you doing? You've had a good run this year.

I can't help but think that I could have done better

and I always feel like I should have had better results on occasions.

You shouldn't be disappointed with your season,

I think you've done exceptionally well.

From a Ginetta point of view,

we're incredibly proud of what you've done.

You came through the scholarship. I think you've done a remarkable job

-and you should be proud of yourself.

-Yeah, I can't wait for next season,

I'll hopefully be up there fighting for some competitions.

While Jamie's looking forward to next year,

James's mind isn't only on winning the rookie cup.

A few weeks ago, he went to try and secure his future in racing

by meeting a possible sponsor for next season.

-Nearly there now.

-Yeah.

-Gosh, how do you feel?

Yeah, I'm a little bit nervous.

I impress people when I'm racing, but I'm not sure how I'll do

when I'm in front of them.

I'm sure you will. Crikey, it's a big thing, James.

-Yeah, it is, yeah.

-Yeah, just be yourself, that's the best way.

The people he's about to meet could give the family thousands of pounds

towards James's racing costs.

It's what he and his parents have been looking for.

-Hi.

-Hi, James.

-Hello.

-Hi.

If you'd just like to take a seat,

I'll let the guys know that you're here.

He's brought along two of his many rookie cups

to show them how good he is.

I'm quite nervous, I don't know what it's going to be like.

I'm thinking it's going to be a bit like X Factor, to be honest,

being in front of the judges.

-Hi, James, we're ready to see you now.

-Right, OK.

-Good luck.

-See you.

Be yourself.

-Hi, James, welcome. This is Ian.

-Hi.

James, nice to meet you.

His parents have already persuaded the bosses to sponsor his last race.

But James needs a lot of money to get him through the next season.

And it's such a big meeting,

the cameras aren't allowed in for his pitch.

Thank you for coming, James. If you take a seat at reception,

we're going to have a quick chat about it.

-We'll get back to you in a bit.

-OK, thank you.

-Cheers.

Without this sponsorship, James might not race next year.

So that was a fantastic presentation,

we were very impressed by it.

Very impressed about you and what you do

and the future you've got in the motorsport industry.

But, as you know, it is a big decision for us,

so what we'd like to do is take a little bit longer to think about it,

-if that's OK?

-OK.

Back at Brands Hatch,

the crowds are gathering for the final race of the season.

The driving rain is making this famously windy and hilly track

even more challenging.

But Jamie and Ollie are looking forward to it.

I think I like the wet, so hopefully it'll work in both our favours.

You going to take any risks this weekend,

-considering it's your last...?

-I've got to be a bit careful,

because I've got a few points on my licence,

but I haven't got anything else to lose, so, yeah, we'll see.

Circuit's good, as well, so hopefully we'll be on it.

There's only one thing missing this weekend -

Harry wasn't able to come today.

But he's had so many wins this season,

he has already won the overall championship.

But over in James's tent, the rain is creating an unexpected problem.

James's mum is worried that he will come off the wet track

and lose points, which could cost him the rookie championship.

We're in a real predicament, obviously, today,

because as it stands James has won the rookie championship.

Even if he doesn't race, he's won it.

If he races and comes last, he's won it.

But if he races and causes an accident,

he could lose the rookie championship.

And also if he's in a crash, it incurs expense with the car,

which we don't have, and you just think,

"Oh, God, what should you do?"

He's a sensible driver, why should he get into trouble now?

Never has yet, so... God, it's so...

-Why are you crying?

-Because it's an emotional turmoil in your head.

I think I'm going... I think I am going to do it.

It would be good to go out there and do it,

go out there and drive as fast as possible.

But then I've got the thing in the back of my head

to keep out of trouble.

As the cars head out on to the track, the rain comes lashing down.

The track is slippery and the visibility is poor -

this last race will be their toughest yet.

With no Harry in this final battle, James's team-mate Will is in first.

Ollie is third, James is fifth and Jamie is eighth.

-COMMENTATOR:

-Lights out and away we go.

As they all take off in the torrential rain,

Will maintains first

but Ollie drops back straightaway to fifth,

and James is behind him.

A few seconds later,

the incredibly wet conditions claim the first victim.

-COMMENTATOR:

-It is absolutely pouring it down here,

visibility's treacherous.

Ollie takes his chance and moves into third place.

Ollie Chadwick there who's really looking...

Meanwhile, Jamie and a fellow rookie

are behind James and struggling

to stay on the track.

Back at the front, Ollie, Will,

and another driver jostle for first place.

When the other driver tries to overtake Will,

it goes horribly wrong for him.

And that leaves Ollie and Will fighting it out for first.

Ollie Chadwick looks round the outside line,

Will Palmer goes off onto the grass...

Ollie is now in first.

He's got his nose in front,

Ollie Chadwick very clearly proving to be man of the meeting here.

And the weather is so bad

that even the racetrack cameras are steaming up.

It's difficult for everyone to see where they are going.

Jamie Chadwick on the gravel, well held,

Jamie gets it back on at Paddock. Oh...

Goodness me. This is a very challenging track.

James has kept his promise to his mum

and is not taking any risks today.

He's keeping his nose clean in the middle.

At the front again

the battle for first is still raging between Ollie and Will.

-Battle for the lead.

-They're both absolutely on it

and they're both determined

to win this race.

But, as they take the next corner,

Will surprises Ollie by stealing the top spot.

And Palmer's through, got in front!

Luckily for Ollie, it's not for long.

Palmer's around! Oh, dear.

Well, that's it, isn't it? Game over.

Will rejoins the track,

but Ollie's now too far ahead

to be caught by anyone.

Jamie is in the middle of the pack with Will trying to get past her.

Jamie Chadwick just in front of him.

He wants to get back to the front,

but as he pushes on the inside of Jamie

they both spin off.

Touches Jamie and they both go round.

This takes them out of the race.

That's a shame for Jamie. Not a great way to end the season.

But this race belongs to her brother Ollie.

Here he is, across the line, Chadwick wins it.

Ollie is first.

It's brilliant, especially in these terrible conditions.

And James has kept his car on the track and brought it home safe.

He is now the rookie champion for the whole season.

-Fantastic!

-Thank you.

Oh, God, what do you feel like?!

I don't know, I don't know what to say.

No, I know. Fantastic.

-I'm so proud of you.

-Thank you.

-Well done.

Cracking effort. Really, really good.

Really, really good job all year, so the only thing left to do now is...

-next year, what are we going to go for?

-The championship.

-Excellent.

And Ollie can barely contain himself.

So there is our winner, Ollie Chadwick, absolutely delighted

with the win here at Brands Hatch.

I just had to put my car in the right place at the right time,

and I was able to get good runs out of corners,

I was able to control the race at my own pace and take the win.

It's absolutely fantastic.

Jamie is taking in her loss and having a quiet moment to herself.

But James leaves Brands Hatch the rookie champion for the season.

At the end of every racing season, all the drivers and their parents

celebrate at a glittering ball.

The champions are awarded their trophies,

and everyone looks back on a successful year.

It was absolutely amazing to be at the front

pushing with the front guys,

and it was just so good to be able to get that rookie championship.

Successful year for me,

it's probably one of my best ones in my racing career.

It's been enjoyable.

When you look back at it, obviously there's been major frustrations,

but there are races where it's been brilliant.

As Harry and Ollie move up to racing bigger cars next year,

James and Jamie will battle it out again,

but this time for the championship.

Hopefully one day I'll be able to drive an F1 car,

it would be my dream. We'll have to see, though. Keep an eye out.

But for James, tonight is about more than his trophy.

His mum and dad have been saving up some special news for him.

Listen, sponsors have come up trumps,

you're going to be able to start next year.

Oh, that's amazing, absolutely amazing.

So at least you know we can start. I'm so proud of you.

-Well done. OK?

-Yeah.

So, after an incredible season for all of The Racing Set,

keep an eye out for these future stars of Formula One.