Friday 12th August 2011

From Tank Driver To Racing Driver

Martyn Coplestone's story is definitely a case of right place, right time

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Copping a deep leg wound when an improvised explosive device goes off underneath the Warthog armoured vehicle you're driving is probably not most people's definition of the phrase 'right place, right time', but for Trooper Martyn Coplestone, it is.

You see, it was that explosion in Afghanistan back in March which has led to Martyn, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, getting a chance to race in the Elise Trophy and Lotus Cup UK courtesy of the fine folks at LOTRDC (Lotus On Track Racing Drivers Club), in the same car that has previously seen BBC F1 anchor Jake Humphrey and Andy 'world's fastest man' Green take the helm

It will be the first time Martyn has raced, having passed his ARDS just a few days ago and with only a couple of track days under his belt, so it should be a baptism of fire.

Martyn is a true petrolhead, though (he's currently converting an E30 BMW 320i to take a 2.8-litre M52B28 from an E36), so we reckon he'll rise to the challenge - and it's got to be easier than driving a Challenger II Main Battle Tank...

If you fancy popping along to support, him, Martyn will make his racing debut at Donington Park this weekend. We wish him the best of luck this Saturday and Sunday (and rather wish we were having a go, too...)

[danposs86]

Any Green?

[rah1888]

Can I have a 'd' please Bob?

[Lawrence5]

Good luck Martyn

[Frimley111R]

Great stuff, few people more deserving of such a chance than our boys who put their lives on the line every day in foreign countries.

[CocoUK]

Have fun fella!

[Papa Hotel]

Good luck Martyn!

Tell Steve Shine I said hello.

[funkyrobot]

Amy old iron, Amy old iron, Amy Amy Amy old iron .....

[soad]

He'll enjoy that!

[HeMightBeBanned]

This is great to see. No doubt Golding's played a big part in making this happen. Good on you, Paul.

[thewheelman]

I'd be interested to see more on his E30 BMW project.

[Tankslider]

HeMightBeBanned said:

This is great to see. No doubt Golding's played a big part in making this happen. Good on you, Paul.

Yup. Amazing, generous and genuine act by the LOTDC guys, I'm humbled.

Tpr Will Maddern, also injured this year in an IED strike is helping out in the pits. Best of British, Fear Naught lads!

[clanger]

Nice one, enjoy - will be watching tomorrow - best of luck

[Geoff Beale]

Good Luck Martyn, go easy on the Lotus, it’s no Warthog!

[flingstam]

Great stuff. We often think of heroes in terms of sporting achievements or an instinctive reaction in an unforeseen situation. Martin is a true hero who didn't back down from serving his country and supporting the citizens of a foreign land while putting his own life on the line. I can think of few greater rewards than getting to take part in motorsport while supporting other heroes at the same time.

Well, when I say "few greater rewards", I am of course excluding the Knighthood, lottery win, big hug from his commanding officer, etc. etc....

[Sizzlechest]

Much respect to Tpr Copleston! It's fantastic that he passed his ARDs and that he's doing this and fair play to LOT Driver's Club for looking after him. Good luck to Martyn with the racing ahead. Having come from the front-line, I hope he goes to the front row and the top step...

[ViperST]

Good luck Martyn!

[Mr Noble]

Just got back from Donnington after a great weekend racing with Martyn. A true gent and all round top chap, he sure has the "racing" gene, banging in very similar lap times to many of us lot by the end of the weekend. Great to meet you and some of your army pals mate, I truly hope that you get to have another go at racing some day soon. Greg