john beard – airwaves bmw tyre technician

john beard

Age:	73
From:	Maidstone
Nickname:	JB

How did you become involved in motorsport? – About 50 years ago I used to go and see Formula One races and worked with somebody in motor racing. Eventually I got involved in helping out with his Hillman Imp and I've always been in motorsport in some form or another since then. In the 90's I worked with championship-winning teams in different series', including Nissan and Porsches. I also worked with McLaren sportcars in the FIA GT's and Le Mans.

What do you do at Airwaves BMW? – I look after the tyres for Rob Collard's car and make sure everything from tyre pressure to tyre wear is correct during a race weekend. I work very closely with David [Bartrum] to try and get the right tyre setup for each event.

What's your favourite thing about being involved with Airwaves BMW? – Working with a nice group of people. I believe there's a great spirit within the team.

What has been your most memorable moment with the team? – Winning our first race, it was such a special occasion.

Who is your motorsport idol? – I've no real favourite. I like all sports and admire a lot of people at the top of their discipline. I love horse racing too and like a flutter!

What do you do to relax away from motorsport? – I work with another company that produces clean fuels cells, helping out with the book-keeping and administration. It's all about green technology and I really enjoy it.

If you were an animal, what would you be? – I think the lion, king of the jungle.

Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? – It's as it says, a cake.

Favourite Five

1.	Favourite racing track? – Goodwood
2.	Favourite road car? – BMW
3.	Favourite holiday destination? – Italy
4.	Favourite food? – Lamb chops
5.	Favourite Airwaves flavour? – Black Mint

airwaves bmw team members: