A CAR mechanic who set up his own motor business last year is also racing ahead with his hobby on two wheels.
As well as running Ayton Autos in Bedlington Station, David Lillie is aiming for the top in the world of motorcycle and sidecar racing, which can reach speeds of up to 140mph.
He is part of the successful Ian Bell team, which is headed by fellow Bedlington man Mr Bell, a former British sidecar champion who also won at the world-famous Isle of Man TT races.
Mr Lillie, who has been involved in the sport for 10 years, has already competed – and crashed – at Brands Hatch and has raced in the prestigious Southern 100 event on the Isle of Man.
He said: “I suppose racing at the TT would be my ultimate goal. But at the moment it’s a hobby. Racing sidecars is all about teamwork and as my business develops I’ll hopefully take on people and that experience is going to be invaluable.”
His family also plays a big part in his racing – his father is his mechanic and his wife Jill and three-year-old daughter Jorgie accompany him to many of his races at weekends. “Jorgie is our team’s mascot,” he said.
During the week, Mr Lillie’s focus is on his new business in Bedlington. He started up on his own last year after working for JCT Porsche in Newcastle for 12 years and began his career as a mechanic at Cramlington Ford.
He worked with the Go Wansbeck enterprise agency after having the initial idea to start his own business.
His business coach Dave Gibbon said: “Apart from his family, cars and motorbikes are the love of David’s life. His business really is a labour of love.”
Go Wansbeck is receiving £16.5m in Government money over four years to boost business and enterprise in the former Wansbeck district area.
The Go Wansbeck board oversees the programme and includes representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
It is now rolling out a range of schemes to encourage business growth, entrepreneurship and inward investment across the district.
