The Be Velocity Podcast

In the eighteenth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Samantha Leeks joins us to talk about her experiences as a composites Technician for Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Team. She has progressed in different championships and this is her second time being back in F1. The battles she’s had along the way have made her more determined to evolve in this industry. She tells us about where her love for cars comes from amongst some very interesting stories about Lego, Park Run, and her modified VW Lupo with nitrous!

Samantha’s song choices see another positive female role model track from the one and only Dua Lipa that is added to the Be Velocity driver playlist for you to listen to. 

We absolutely enjoyed speaking with Samantha and cannot thank her enough for her time and being the perfect guests to finish season one of the Be Velocity podcast!

In the seventeenth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Aimee Gibbard joins us to talk about her experiences at Loughborough University Motorsport and being a Team Leader there. 

Aimee has progressed in her various roles even though she’s had some battles along the way which has never held her back. You must listen to her story and how she’s proved her teachers wrong at the age of 23. Regardless of your background, there is always a way in achieving your goals and Aimee is honored to be the first female Team leader at Loughborough University Motorsport.

Aimee does discuss where her love for engineering comes from, her ambition to work in F1 and how Gemma Hatton has inspired her. Also, we find out a little bit about her time at Red Bull Racing Honda F1 Team.

Aimee’s song choice is very apt to her and is a positive swifty track that is added to the Be Velocity driver playlist for you to listen to. 

We absolutely loved speaking with Aimee and cannot thank her enough for her time. She’s got a bright future ahead of her so watch this space!

In the sixteen episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Claire Cottingham joins us to talk about her ongoing experiences in the world of motorsport. We delve into her freelance motorsport presenter and commentator roles for BT Sport, working as a reporter on ITV’s coverage of the BTCC support series, and has had the pleasure of being on Radio Silverstone with Alan Hyde. She’s also worked as a producer/reporter for Formula One Management and has taken on the role of F1 pitlane reporter for BBC 5 Live. She also works regularly as a broadcaster for BBC 5 Live and talkSPORT and various others, including her new job and working in Formula E.

Claire has progressed in her various roles even though she’s had some battles along the way. She offers some good advice in dealing with self-sabotage or low self-esteem to online bullying.

Claire’s song choices are added to the Be Velocity driver playlist for you to listen to. These are a little bit different but will make your day.

We absolutely loved speaking with Claire and cannot thank her enough for her time. This lady is definitely running on sunshine!

In the fifteenth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Sarah Dennis joins us to talk about her ongoing journey in the world of motorsport plus her own business that she set up, Hub Connections which is the home of connections for personal and business jobs in motorsport.

Since starting her mischievous motorsport racing career, she has progressed immensely even though she’s had some time away due to personal circumstances. Sarah shares her side of the inspiring and positive story with us about her friendship with Danielle Simpson from episode 7.

Also, it sounds like Sarah had an interesting childhood which evolves into her fluky TV appearances. You’ll have to listen to find out more which is guaranteed a laugh!

Sarah’s song choices are added to the Be Velocity driver playlist. Give these songs a listen, the lyrics are so empowering and uplifting.

You'll love this episode 100%

In the fourteenth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Kalie Plant joins us to share her experience in her varied volunteering roles in motorsport. She is another highly experienced marshal who actively promotes the fair treatment of motorsport volunteers and encourages people of all ages to become a member of the orange family. Her hard work has also been recognised by the one and only Lewis Hamilton. We have a great discussion about everyone being more inclusive and diverse and what we as individuals can do to make things better and create change.

Kalie picks a very apt track to go on our ever-expanding driver playlist. We also have another special co-host guest appearance from the lovely Lianne Vessier. We thought Lianne did a cool job and we cannot wait for her to join us again on another exciting episode.

If you have enjoyed our episode with Nadine Lewis, then make sure you add this one to your podcast episode list, and please do sign up for a marshal taster day!

In the thirteenth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Katie Hand joins us to talk about her recent testing at Silverstone for the British Superbike Championship and her plans to competing in the Thundersport GB championship this year.

We talk about the incredible sponsors who have stuck with her on her dream journey into motorbike racing and how she hung up her dancing shoes. We discuss her appearance in the Freetech 6-hour endurance race at Mallory Park last year and how completely different the bike setup is compared to her race bike.

Katie picks a classic Killers track to go onto our driver playlist. We also have a special co-host guest appearance from the wonderful Sophia Bi from ITV Motorsport. We thought Sophia did a great job and cannot wait for her to join us again on another episode.

If you’ve enjoyed us speaking to some impressive motorbike racers, then make sure you add this one to your podcast episode list!

In the twelfth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Amazin LeThi joins us to talk about her recent announcements and her involvement in the first-ever open talent call youth presenter search for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Did you know that she was the first Asian and LGBTQ official judge of this competition?

Amazin LeThi is a true trooper and has became a global LGBTQ advocate, keynote speaker, athlete, and cultural change leader and her story is just incredible in how she’s made a positive impact on so many people's lives. She offers some really cool advice for anyone that is looking to get into a presenting role within Motorsport or any other industry.

Deborah and Amazin LeThi go into an in-depth discussion about equality and diversity and what we as individuals can do to make things better. They also, discuss positive role models like Lewis Hamilton and other brands that are leading the way in making the motorsport and automotive industry more inclusive.

Amazin LeThi picks a classic gym warm-up track to go on our ever-expanding driver playlist. You might have noticed that Deborah goes solo without co-host Sophie due to her feeling a bit under the weather. Let's hope Sophie makes a positive return because we noticed her absence.

If you need a dose of empowerment, then this is an episode to listen to!

In the eleventh episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Kayls Cole joins us to talk about her journey into the world of motorsport and her expectations in karting overseas to racing in the W series.

Since starting her motorsport racing career four years ago, she has progressed up the ranks from karting and is now ready to get involved and make her mark in the F1000 championship this year. She’s managed to achieve all this whilst juggling her studying at school and working part-time to keep the racing dream alive.

Kayls shares a funny story with us about getting her first kart and a W Series driver who is also mentoring and coaching her to build on the current family team success. We also discuss the importance of sportsmanship on and off the track and how she’s a strong believer in showing other girls and boys that they can also get involved in motorsport if they put their minds and beliefs into it.

Kayls song choice is dedicated to Donal Obrien which we are truly honoured to add to the Be Velocity driver playlist.

We hope you’re inspired by this up-and-coming Irish gem!

In our tenth Be Velocity podcast, Dani Jordan talks to us about the setup of DTO Motorsport during the global pandemic. DTO Motorsport is much more than your typical driving experience!

Dani, the creative mastermind talks to us about her head of marketing job role and shares with us some of her inspirations for creating an eye-catching social media profile. It’s not your typical motorsport style so go check out their socials as it’s on another level of cool with helicopters included.

Dani really enjoyed talking to us about the whole team at DTO Motorsport and how everyone gets involved in making sure they accelerate in giving their customers the premium experience and customer service that they deserve with a few bespoke extra surprises.

We had a great discussion about the new headquarters and the DTO fleet and how the business plans to keep thriving through this pandemic, there is so much more to come!

Dani along with Sophie’s assistance pick two music bangers from two legends in music are added to the Be Velocity driver playlist. These are definitely ones to dance to when you’re warming up for your Friday night!

If you love all things dogs and cars, then we recommend you tuning into this one!

In the ninth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, we speak to the National Chairman of the British Motorsports Marshals Club, Nadine Lewis. Nadine is a highly experienced marshal who actively promotes the fair treatment of motorsport volunteers and encourages people of all ages to become a member of the orange family.

With over 20 years under her belt across a full range of motorsport events, including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone last year. She talks to us about the highs and lows of volunteering on track and what’s involved.

We talk about her journey into marshalling, her views on getting drivers involved, and how our listeners can get started with becoming a motorsport marshal if they fancy the opportunity of their lives.

This episode is our longest yet and it’s full of motorsport chat through the eyes of someone who has seen it all live. Listen now to hear which heroic marshal moments stand out in our memories.

In the eighth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Lissy Whitmore joins us to talk about all things two wheels and her ambitions to join the British Army and be a part of their motorbike race team. Since starting her bike racing career at the age of 12, she has progressed with a variety of motorbikes and had a few tumbles along the way.

We talk about her incredible sponsors and supporters who have helped her on her motorbike journey and how appreciative she is for the support she has been given thanks to her social media platforms. When she’s not whizzing on two wheels, you’ll normally find Lissy being a British Army cadet in her spare time.

Lissy shares a funny experience with us at the end and tells us all about an all-female track day event that she attended. Lissy adds a Disney PIXAR-themed song choice for our driving playlist.

We hope you had a fun time listening as much as we did listen to Lissy's experiences!

In episode seven of the Be Velocity podcast, we talk about mental health and mindset in the motorsport world with Danielle Simpson, the founder of Positive Page Club.

Danielle has an inspiring motorsport journey, experiencing life as a grid girl for 4 years in the BTCC and then shaping her new career as a mindset coach during the pandemic. She discusses how she has conquered her own battles with mental health and advises on how we can do the same.

We get some insight into the work she has been doing with a returning female driver and she tells us all about her dream to have a coaching session integrated into the schedule of all drivers on race day.

This episode is a must-have listen for anyone who wants a sneak peek into what Danielle’s coaching sessions are like, as we try some breathing techniques and de-stress.

In episode six of the Be Velocity podcast, expert mechanic and classic car restorer Hannah Gordon blows our mind with her engineering knowledge. Being interested in cars didn’t run in the family but Hannah made it her mission to learn the mechanics of a vehicle. This eventually led to the creation of her own business, SPA Motor Company.

Hannah opens up about the effects that the pandemic has had on her business, the automotive industry, and how it feels to be on the TV camera. This episode is definitely a great listen for the true petrolhead as we talk about our opinions on the electric vehicle revolution and what it’s like to be a female in the automotive world.

To wrap up this episode, Hannah chooses a classic dance anthem for our driver’s Spotify playlist and gets us in the mood for the weekend. Make sure you have a listen if you want to find out what Hannah’s surprising career choice was before she started on her mechanic journey.

In the fifth episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Charlotte Marcuzzo joins us to talk about the thrill of two wheels and her aspirations to ride in the British Superbike Championship. Since starting her bike racing career in 2019, she has flown up the ranks and is now ready to fight for the Thundersport GB championship this year.

Charlotte has just been accepted into a special technical college that will enable her to train as an engineer, which she hopes will add another dimension to her racing abilities. We talk about the incredible sponsors who have helped her on her journey and how grateful she is for the support she has been given thanks to social media and some very special biking superstars.

We also discover how the dangers and challenges of motorsport have changed Charlotte’s life, giving her more focus, purpose, and maturity. She strongly believes in showing other girls her age that they can also get involved in motorsport if they put their minds to it.

There’s a surprising end in store for you with this one when we hear Charlotte’s wildcard song choices. We hope you’re inspired as much as we were by this one!

In our fourth and very first international Be Velocity podcast episode Laura Luft, racing driver and reporter at the Nürburgring joins us from Germany to talk us through her inspirational journey into motorsport. We discuss the difficulty of creating content during the pandemic and how grateful we are to the orange army for enabling us to race.

Laura has self-funded her driving career across 12 years, juggling different jobs to try to achieve her goals of competing in a 24-hour endurance race without any sponsors. Along the way, she has become the first female German Sim racing commentator, created a podcast and YouTube channel, and progressed from kart racing.

She tells us how she gives advice to people on a budget who want to get into motorsport and shares her opinion about how women in motorsport need to stick together more.

Laura also confesses that she avoids public days at the ring (and people who think they are racing drivers) and that her song choice for the Be Velocity Spotify playlist helps her when she gets road rage!

This episode is an exciting and essential listen for any motorsport mad listeners who are as addicted to the sport as Laura is.

In our third episode of the Be Velocity podcast, Laura Lusted (@thatskylinegal) joins us to talk about the modified car scene. Anybody who follows her very popular social media accounts will know that Laura has her own YouTube channel and is the owner of a stunning White R34 Skyline called Vinnie (we find out, she names all of her cars).

We reminisce about car meets, Max Power Magazine, and giant speakers. We talk about Laura’s most recent venture, Stand Supreme. An anti-bullying brand that she has created to support and connect people who have been affected by online bullying, which she has personally experienced herself. The Stand Supreme community includes a ‘Supreme Sunday’ Instagram Live every week at 7 pm to help members to cope with the current lockdown.

Laura also tells us what the car scene is like in a rural area which includes ridiculously early mornings to catch the ferry, and how she became a Japanese car enthusiast by stealing her brother’s ‘Fast & Furious’ DVDs.

Have a listen if you want to hear what Laura’s Disney-themed song choice is for our Be Velocity Spotify driving playlist.

In our second Be Velocity podcast, we catch up with Tegan Ramsay an events management graduate. Tegan is making great steps in the motorsport industry by setting up her own consultancy business, High Speed Management in 2020 during the lockdown.

Tegan was brought up with a dad who raced and owns Apollo Motorsport, a British race team in the Fun Cup Endurance Championship. This has meant that Tegan was surrounded by cars from a young age and she’s now got big goals for her motorsport career.

She gives us her top tips for people trying to get into motorsport and reminisces about her time at Oxford Brooks University, undertaking work experience at Silverstone and Williams Racing.

Tegan also talks about how her first events involved a giant M&M man and a car wrapped in photographs of bums. Yes, bums.

You’ll have to listen to believe it!

In our first-ever Be Velocity podcast, we speak to a very important guest Charlotte Phelps. Charlotte is a Strategy engineer for the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. She’s also been involved with the British GT Championship team, Barwell Motorsport. When she’s not working, you’ll normally find Charlotte behind the wheel of her Westfield competing in sprints and hill climbs.

Charlotte tells us how it feels to make F1 history, what women can do to get into Motorsport and how she began building race cars at just 9 years old, thanks to her Welsh rally-driving Dad. Winning and Motorsport definitely run in her family!

If you want to hear Sophie’s rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, and how Charlotte’s insane excel spreadsheet helps her to co-ordinate her social life with the multiple championships that she competes in, then it’s time to sit back and enjoy the automotive chit-chat!

Engineered | Driven | Created | By Females