Full speed ahead for Bedford stock car racer after double award win

Brisca F1 racing driver, Callum Thornton
Callum Thornton looks ahead to a fast 2026. Image: Kerry Howard Lad

The new year represents new opportunities for one of Bedford’s motorsport names, after a breakthrough year in the British Stock Car Drivers Association Championship saw him qualify for the World Championships.

Callum Thornton, 20, began racing as a 10-year old and has since worked his way up to the higher echelons of the competitive BriSCA Grand National Championships, finishing fourth out of 105 named drivers.

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The Bedford-born driver also became the youngest competitor ever to win a BriSCA Formula One semi-final, earning him a front row grid spot at the World Championships.

Thornton also picked up the ‘Young Driver of the Year’ and ‘Most Improved Driver’ at the British Stock Car Drivers Association Annual Awards, marking a breakthrough season for the youngster who is now looking for racing opportunities abroad.

Callum’s rise has already gone beyond the UK this year.

He recently travelled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious sprint car events. On his first appearance at the event, he finished third against an international field, underlining his potential on the global stage.

Callum Thornton (fourth from the left) and his Brisca F1 team.
Callum Thornton (fourth from the left) and his team. Image: Kerry Howard Lad

Now, with momentum behind him, Callum is preparing for the next step. Competing regularly in Europe in 2026.

As a self-funded driver, he is now seeking support from local businesses and sponsors to help take his talent on to the international circuit.

“This season has been huge for me,” says Callum.

“I’ve learned so much and it’s shown what’s possible. Racing in Europe would be a massive opportunity, and it would be great to have local support behind me.”

Callum also has a strengthening social media following, with over 7,000 followers on Instagram and 4,000 on TikTok.

For more information on how individuals or businesses can sponsor Callum for the forthcoming season, you can email Thorntoncallum@yahoo.com.

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