Speed-loving Casey keen to achieve his driving ambition

RYDER CUP star Paul Casey has revealed an ambition to become an ace driver, not on the golf course but around a motor racing track.

The Englishman is one of Europe’s longest hitters, averaging drives of more than 300 yards this season. But when he’s not gripping a club he’s just as happy at the wheel and that could see him chase a motor sport career when his golfing days are done.

“I’d have to make a lot more money before I’m able to take it seriously, but I’d definitely love to race GT or saloon cars some way down the road.”

Casey, winner of the TCL Classic in China two months ago and among the favourites for this week’s Dunlop Masters at the Forest of Arden, and the European Tour’s flagship BMW Championship at Wentworth at the end of the month, already owns a racing car.

It is a 165mph two-seater Lotus Exige which he drives in private sessions at Donington Park.

“I was there last Thursday,” he said.

“It was great fun, but my biggest thrill was driving a Red Bull F3000 car at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy.”

Casey’s love for motor racing was nurtured at a young age when his father took him to Brands Hatch.

“One of my earliest memories is of seeing Nigel Mansell’s tyre explode during the Australian Grand Prix, which cost him the 1986 world championship.”