Welcome to Rick Shortle Racing

Racing Driver, Author, Plasterer and Gardener.

• More Than a Racing Driver •

Rick Shortle's first book Full Circle, published in 2010

A message from Rick about his first book, Full Circle:

As I began to put pen to paper, I had no idea how it would pan out. I've never written anything in my life, other than the odd Birthday and Christmas card.

It is interesting, funny, sad, and a little bit different.

It's simply the story of me as a boy, with a brilliant Mum, from a hard up working class family, growing up in the 1950's, then making his way in life.

Quite a bit of this book, is about my racing career, what I've tried, is write more about the teams and other drivers, rather than boring you with how good or bad I was, as I'm fully aware, that unless you are a Motor Racing fan, it would certainly do just that.

What you read is what really happened, I just hope I will be able to paint a picture with my words.

I hope you will find it a good read.

Rick Shortle.

Rick Shortle's second book By Chance, published in 2023

Introduction by Russell Houchin, sponsor for over 40 years:

12 years ago, Rick wrote his life story for the grandchildren possibly. Now he’s back with the sequel to that successful Autobiography Full Circle in which he encapsulates his full racing career. It’s a fascinating insight into motor racing in a very different era with vivid memories, archive material and photos from his career. 

A race drivers read, pure and simple, for those who love the sport and have been involved in its many dimensions: the ups and downs, paddock camaraderie, racing incidents of course, the three on the race podiums and the thousands of other drivers making up the grid, without whom the sport cannot thrive and endure. Every Race driver can relate to the author’s tales, and warm to a guy who loved the thrill and spills of the racetracks in the UK and Europe. 

• Rick's Racing History •

From '82 to date, Rick has had success in a number of formulae, most notably Formula Ford 1600 and 2000, Sports 2000 and Honda CRX. He has had numerous wins and has been asked to drive as 'guest driver' for a wide variety of teams and classes. 

Former Works Driver for Reynard Racing: 
Overall winner Champion of Brands series, 61 pole positions 58 race wins - 64 2nd places - 36 3rd places - 4 lap records. 

Speedway:
1973 - 1977 Rode for Reading Racers.

Formula Ford 1600: 
1982 3rd overall in the Dunlop Autosport Star of Tomorrow Championship. 1983 2nd overall in the Champion af Brands Series. 
1984 Winner overall in the Champion of Brands Series. 
1985 Works driver for Reynard Racing. 

Formula Ford 2000: 
1986 3rd overall in the BBC Grandstand series. 
1986 4th overall in the National series. 

Sports 2000: 
1987 3rd overall in the National Sports 2000 Cup. 
1989 2nd overall in the National Sports 2000 cup. 

Honda CRX Cup: 
1990 10th overall in the Honda CRX Cup. 
1991 4th overall in the Honda CRX Cup. 
1992 3rd overall in the Honda CRX Cup. 

1992 to 2013: 
Guest driver for several teams 

1994 to Date: 
Competed in Willhire 24hrs driving a Sierra Cosworth. 
Drove with several teams as a guest driver. 
Wrote my Autobiography, Full Circle
Race Coach. 

Statistics:
 61 pole positions - 58 race wins - 64 2nd places - 36 3rd places - 4 lap records.

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