SOUTHAMPTON Institute student Ben North, originally from Bratton near Devizes in Wiltshire, lives a fascinating double life as a racing driver in the National Mobile Windscreens Formula Ford championships.

He is about to start a year-long placement before returning for the third year of his BA (Hons) business Management degree, and would like to become involved in the management of a Formula One team.

North, 22, started racing earlier this year through the Ian Taylor Motor Racing School, where he works part time teaching and helping with corporate days.

The competitive spirit is in his blood, as his dad was also a Formula Ford driver many years ago and North grew up familiar with cars and racing.

North entered his first race in April of this year. Having never driven the car or the track he had a mere 15 minutes to qualify along with the other 36 competitors.

He qualified last, but by the end of the race had climbed 13 places to 23rd and since then has never looked back, getting better results every time.

With races on average every fortnight during the season, North leads a busy life.

He said: "It's hard work fitting in my studies around racing, but I know how important it is to have qualifications, and this degree in particular will be a massive help in my career plans.

"Ultimately, I would like to be involved in the management of a Formula One team, and I will be in a unique position to do this.

"I believe that the combination of my Business Management qualifications, and my motor racing experience will make me a rarity as many of the team managers have a lot of business experience but very little concept of what it is to be a driver."