Lucca Allen setting his sights on a career on the track in his Ford Eco- Boost powered car
The 14-year-old son of celebrity chef Rachel Allen is setting his sights on a career on the track in his Ford Eco- Boost powered car.
He can’t wait to turn 15 on June 29 so he is eligible to race in the Formula 4 (F4) British Championships. Just four days later, he will compete in the event for the first time.
Lucca, of Shanagarry, East Cork, says: “Coming from Cork and racing in the British F4, which uses Ford cars, is very special for me, especially as Henry Ford’s father came from Cork and the Ford factory in Ireland was here. I have to set a high standard and be right up there.”
The teen’s ultimate ambition is to be a Formula 1 driver.
“During his toddler phase, he used to wear his elder brother’s quad helmet all the time,” says mum, Rachel. “He refused to take it off. It was so funny and so cute. That was all a sign. It makes more sense now. “
Lucca showed a skill and desire for racing and, in 2014, won the Motorsport Ireland Cadet Championships, the Irish Karting Championship and the Southern Irish Championships. “It was great to win all three events in one season,” he says.
The following year, Lucca’s track record was bolstered when he was one of four Irish Juniors to race at the Karting World Championships at Le Mans in France. This time last year he signed a contract with HHL Motorsport, one of the top teams in racing.
“I got my first cart at nine,” says Lucca. “I remember watching Formula 1 with my dad (Isaac). We loved watching the cars race. Dad is a motorsport enthusiast too. I really owe my success to him for all the effort he put in.
“Without dad, I definitely wouldn’t be racing at all. He worked really hard to get the funds and the contacts.”
Rachel nods. “I think it is amazing how Isaac supports Lucca,” she says. “He drives him all over the country to every race. It takes a lot of time, commitment and effort. Perhaps, in a small way, Isaac may be living out the dream himself!”
Lucca’s fastest speed to date was at the Brands Hatch circuit in the UK where he got up to 205km per hour.
“I’m too nervous to watch,” admits Rachel. “I cheer him on from the track-side like the ever supportive mother. I’m always glad when the race is over and he’s safely parked up.
“I’m really proud of Lucca. He’s very competitive and he’s a smart guy. But I’m terrified too, all at the same time!”
Lucca, who has an older brother, Joshua, and a younger sister, Scarlett, adds: Racing was my first choice, I needed to commit to it. If you really like something, you will keep at it, and you’ll do anything to win.
“I am very careful about what I eat. I look after my fitness and go to the gym and run to keep in peak condition. Racing takes a lot of both physical and mental effort.”
Lucca will race for Falcon Motorsports in the Formula 4 Championships, which are run for junior drivers under the global body FIA.
“I want to fly the flag for Ireland,” he says.
Testing has gone well.
“We’ve been improving every time we’ve gone on track, so I’m hopeful we can be on pace soon and aiming for wins. I’m eager to get going.”
If he is a front runner, there is an array of lucrative prizes up for grabs, including a ÂŁ10,000 cash prize fund courtesy of Ford in the UK, plus a free scholarship entry to the overall Championships in 2018 worth more than ÂŁ15,000.
Is motorsport dangerous?
“It is known as a dangerous sport,” admits Lucca. “But getting injured is rare now there are so many safety features.
“But then, all sport can be dangerous. You have to focus your mind.
“I love the speed and I think that I am well able to handle it. Nothing compares to the feeling of being behind the wheel and winning a race.”
Does he feel his mother’s pain? “I do,” says Lucca. “And I get it that she hates watching me race. It is known that it can be dangerous.”
Lucca has to go through the motions before his all-important gig with Formula 4.
“I’m sitting my pre’s for the Junior Cert at the moment,” says the pupil at Newtown School, Waterford. “The school has been very good to me when I’m going racing. I missed a bit of school but I’m doing OK. I do hope to finish school because that’s what my mum wants me to do.”
So if the day job doesn’t work out, he has a plan B?
He laughs. “Something like that,” he says. “Racing is what I love to do. My ultimate dream is to get to Formula 1. But there’s no rush.”
A cadet racing licence can be obtained at age eight, costing €35 through the Motorsport Ireland website.
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