Legendary F1 champion James Hunt's son following in his tracks

The son of legendary racing driver James Hunt - Freddie - secured two top-20 finishes at Brands Hatch at the weekend in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
Freddie Hunt at Brands Hatch, Nascar Whelan Euro Series. By Eric O'BrienFreddie Hunt at Brands Hatch, Nascar Whelan Euro Series. By Eric O'Brien
Freddie Hunt at Brands Hatch, Nascar Whelan Euro Series. By Eric O'Brien

Based in Selham, near Petworth, Hunt, 28, finished 19th in the opener and 17th in his second outing in the UK version of the popular America sport.

It marked 40 years after his father James, who was well known for his notorious antics on and off the track, won the 1976 British Grand Prix, before being disqualified after the race.

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In another amazing twist, Freddie, who races in the Elite 2 event driving a Chevrolet SS for the DF-1 racing team, is teamed with Mathias Lauda.

He is the son of James’ great Formula One rival Niki Lauda - with the pair racing bumper to bumper in Kent four decades ago in James’ World Championship winning year of 1976.

Mathias was not able to be at the meeting due to the imminent birth of his child, while Freddie set the fastest lap in the rookie class in race two on Sunday.

After retiring from motor racing, James established a career commenting on the Grand Prix for the BBC, before dying from a heart attack aged 45.

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Unlike his father, Freddie’s ultimate goal isn’t to race in Formula One but he has his sight on competing in and winning Le Mans.

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