Guest Profile – Rising motorsport star Liona Theobald.
Liona Theobald is an up-and-coming star of the GT Championship having stepped up from Ginetta Junior Championship. Currently mid-way through her first season Liona is currently positioned 6th, making her one to watch for the future.
As one of Britain’s brightest future racing stars, we are proud to welcome Liona to the British Motor Show this year (August 17-20) as a guest panel speaker on stage and in the motorsport paddock.
Ahead of the show, we caught up with Liona to find out how she got into motorsport.
How did you get into racing?
I got into motorsport through Streetcar with my local Motor Club, Farnborough District, competing in autosolos. I then got into circuit racing in 2021 and competed in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series. Then, in 2022 I competed in the Ginetta Junior Championship before taking the step up into the GT Championship this season.
I drive a Ginetta GT Pro and within the championship and team, I’m the only female! Within both I always feel included and I love the diverse paddock that is being created. Being a female, I strive to push forward females in motorsport and inspire girls that they can do what they want, even in a male dominated industry!
How’s your season gone so far?
I am really enjoying the car and the championship, progressing each race and improving! I am also studying with the Motorsport UK Academy which is helping me achieve my goals and supporting me with my training!
This season I am aiming for podiums and progressing my skills on and off track. Team SVG are always behind me supporting whatever track we visit in the UK.
Tell us a little more about the Motorsport UK Academy?
In 2022, I got selected as 1 of only 20 athletes on Motorsport UK’s Academy. This is an elite academy for drivers to study at Loughborough College and take part in many driver specific days.
With the college we visit IZone, Bicester and Porsche Human Performance. In addition, we achieve a BTEC in Motor Vehicle, Sport and Esports as well as our DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) qualification.
Where can we find you at the British Motor Show?
I am excited to be attending the British Motor Show this year with my number 8 Ginetta! The Ginetta GT Pro is a V6 3.7ltr 310BHP engine giving a top speed of 140mph, and I am looking forward to meeting new people and having the car on show! See you there!
