Teen racing driver makes history in car built with dad

A teenage racing driver who helped build his own championship-winning car with his father has broken records in junior motorsport.

Dara McInerney, who is from Mow Cop in Staffordshire, has spent the past two seasons competing in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship.

This year, he finished on the podium in 17 of his 18 races, winning 14 of them - the most victories recorded in a single season, according to organisers.

Looking back, the 16-year-old described his record-breaking achievements as "a bit surreal".

"It's very impressive considering it's just me and my dad," he said.

His love of motorsport started long before he was old enough to race.

"I was sat on his lap doing the steering while he was doing the pedals," Dara said, recalling his earliest memories of being in a car with his father, Craig.

"It just sort of came naturally once he got me in a car. I was just gone the second I could touch both pedals."

Now one of the championship's standout drivers, Dara said his first time driving on a circuit, at the age of 13, was "very daunting".

"But now I don't feel that nervous; it just feels normal," he said.

The pair spend much of their spare time preparing their Ford Fiesta for race weekends, with Dara taking on much of the engineering work.

"I've built a few engines myself," he said.

"I've built this car myself. Every nut and bolt has been off it."

Dara, who is homeschooled, hopes to progress further in motorsport and one day compete in World GT racing.

For now, his focus is on winning more races.

Craig, who has a background in mechanical engineering, has helped Dara with his academic studies and taught him the practical skills needed to maintain and rebuild a racing car.

"When we started building this car, he did most of the work and continues to do so," he said.

"During the week, he rebuilds the car, strips it down and checks it."

Craig said he was often reminded how unusual his son's abilities were for someone his age.

"He's 16, and he does more than a lot of adults probably could do, and I'm very proud of that, never mind the driving," he said.

"He'll pick anything up and fix it, and it's not just engines and cars; it's electricals as well. Anything practical, he'll do."

As Dara's success has grown, Craig said the family had started receiving praise from people across the motorsport world.

He believes his son has the talent to achieve his ambition of racing in World GT if he can secure the backing needed to progress.

"As a parent you always say you believe in your kid, but this year you stand back and get the feedback from other parents; you see the feedback from professional drivers," he said.

"It's just nothing but praise."

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