Lawrence Tomlinson, owner of Ginetta Cars, is one of the most recognisable characters in the British Touring Car Championship support series paddock.

However, it’s not just his lofty stature that sets him apart; it’s the fact that he’s normally found chatting in the pit awning of one of his Ginetta customers. It’s his familiarity that makes him well known.

YourRacingCar.com started life as part of the Ginetta Paddock in 2009 with our very own fan-powered Ginetta G50. We came 4th in the Championship that year despite some horrid luck and we’re big fans of the Yorkshire based racing organisation.

We caught up with Lawrence as he juggles the many businesses he heads up under the LNT Group banner.

BTCC Paddock (Photo: M Ward)

YRC: You acquired Ginetta Cars in 2005 and it’s grown a smidgen since then to become what is one of the most recognised sports car brands in the UK and arguably the most progressive race car manufacturer in Europe.

1)    Why Ginetta?

LT: Ginetta was born in 1958 and was owned by 4 passionate brothers at that time it had a small existing series. I could see Ginetta had a great history to build upon and deemed it as one of the ‘Great’ British brands – as we have over the past 6 year proved it to be.

2)    Were there any other companies you had a business interest in at the time?

LT: Prior to Ginetta, I was considering TVR

3)    Discounting Ginetta, which car brand would you most like to be the custodian of and why?

LT: To be honest none!

Photo: Coutts

YRC: You’re an active business leader in the Yorkshire commercial scene, basing your LNT Group headquarters in Garforth where as the majority of motorsport businesses choose the ‘Motorsport Triangle’ in the South as a base.

4)    How important is it to you to support your local and regional community and economy?

LT: It is no secret this is something that is very important to me.  With all of my businesses where we can we always ensure we try to use local supplies and suppliers. I am proud to be actively supporting manufacturing and promoting local growth.   I’ve always found great people from the region to work for me and work with me so why would I want change? I’m very happy here

5)     Do you experience any disadvantages from being located in the North?

LT: There really is no major disadvantage.  We do run the business differently with relying on a lot of in house training and development.  In terms of transport the links are brilliant. We’re next to the motorway so it’s easy to get things where they need to be. You can be in Leeds within 10-15 minutes. You can jump on the train or you’re in London in two hours.  The only thing I would say is some of the circuits are a bit of a trek!

Ginetta G60 (Photo: M Ward)

YRC: The ‘Ginetta Route’ offers aspiring race car drivers a pathway through to the highest level of motorsport.

6)    Are there any plans to feature at the top of the domestic motor racing ladder with a British Touring Car outfit or a one make Supercar Championship?

LT: No, I am really happy in the space we fill within the TOCA package.  Our G55 is a super car with super car performance.  Many of our drivers go on to Touring Car running their own teams.

7)    Will Ginetta ever create a ‘fork’ from junior tin top racing to open wheel formulae?

LT: The Ginetta Juniors provides a great platform for young racing drivers at the early stages of their career, the benefits and experience they gain prepares them for any series. A great example is Frank Wrathall and his progression within ‘tin tops’.

YRC: Ginetta takes every opportunity to up the ante each race season in terms of what it offers its customer drivers and teams.

8)    We’ve seen the introduction of reverse grids and mandatory pit stops in recent seasons. What have you got up your sleeve for 2012?

LT: The plan for 2012 is to keep the format fairly consistent with this year, as 2011 was a great season for the fans both at track and those watching from home.  We may tweak the pit window timings slightly.  But all in all 2011 provided some of the best racing so why change?

9)    We’ve seen some fantastic talent fall by the wayside since the recession hit and sponsorship has been extremely difficult to come by. What advice have you got for drivers looking to generate funding for their racing?

LT: Have we? (YRC: We think there are several names missing from the grid that in other times might have been competing for championships in the UK) Advice; join a high profile package like Ginetta

YRC: You once said to me “healthy body, healthy business”.

10) How important has keeping fit been in your business life?

LT: I think I may have said Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.  But yes I do believe being physically fit is important, physical fitness and mentally sharp go hand in hand.

11) What is your fitness regime?

LT: Crazy! I train a minimum of 3 times per week for 90 minutes with a personal trainer, normally Mon, Weds and Fri.  Typical routine consists of weights, boxing and running with a 30lb back pack.  I have an outside gym which is great in spring/summer but in February brrrr!

LT - Ninja

YRC: We always end our interviews with a daft question so here it is…

12) Would you rather be a pirate or a ninja?

LT: Hmmm, I think pirates have a good lifestyle, I like the thought of that, but ultimately Ninja’s are on course for good so it will have to be a Ninja.

A huge thanks to Lawrence for his time and we’re looking forward to Ginetta going from strength to strength as a great British car manufacturer.

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