Russell’s Story
Russell at the Auto Sport Event 2025.
Introducing the wonderful and super knowledgeable Russell Harriman who would like to talk to you about his passion for Formula 1 racing and all things car related!
How did your love of cars, especially F1, come about?
My brother’s Robert and Peter introduced me to F1 when I was little and my love has grown from there. It’s not just F1 I love, it’s all cars. It really is my number one passion!
‘On the weekend I went to the NEC in Birmingham. It was brilliant! There was so much to see and do there. It did take us ages to queue for the tickets but once we were in, it was mega!’
This sounds like your perfect day out - Tell us more!
I found out about the event on a YouTube video and I asked my Mum if I could go. Mum kindly bought me two tickets, one for me and one for my support worker Andrew. I bought a programme when I got there so I had something to read and look back on.
What types of car did you see there?
I saw loads of different cars from rally cars, F1 cars, junior dragsters and some super cars.
I got to see Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 car which made me feel super excited - I think it’s the closest I’ve ever been to an F1 car in my life! I also met a reserve driver for the American Haas team called Oliver Bearman who filled in for Carlos Sainz Jr when he was poorly.
‘There were thousands of model cars which were really good quality. If I had the money I would’ve bought them all - I WISH!!!’
‘This is me standing next to a Morgan car. (Morgan) started off as a kit car, then they started to mass produce them under one of its founders, Peter Morgan. Their company is based in Malvern’
This is a TR7, one of my favorite rally cars. They use them to rally all over the world in all different types of endurance races. They do have a bit of stiff competition though from the Audi Quattro, another one of my favorite rally cars!
Are there other races you’ve been to that you’d like to share with us?
A really memorable trip I had with another support worker (Kate & Dave) was to Chateaux Impney in Worcestershire. This is a Hill Climb race where lots of different sports cars (usually old cars) race one at a time, to see who is the quickest from the bottom to the top of the hill. It’s a really big event and when we were there I couldn’t believe who I saw - I pointed out to Kate and said ‘Isn’t that Fuzz from Car SOS?’ We all watch that programme and agreed it was definitely him. I went to meet him and found he was a really nice chap and very friendly. He gave me a signed Car SOS cap and I had my photo taken with him. This photo is in pride place on my bedroom wall.
Here’s me with Fuzz Townsend from Car SOS. He was also the drummer in a band called Bently Rhythm Ace!
Now time for some random questions!
What’s most important to you?
Having good friends is the first thing that comes to mind. I used to be very nervous and shy, but now that I have some good friends I feel so much better. My friends helped me through a difficult time when I was poorly in hospital not so long ago. I don’t know what I would have done without them. I was scared at the time, not knowing whether I would get over it, but with help from my friends and family I’m nearly fully recovered!
Which football team do you support?
The Villa! My brother Robert got me supporting them. I’ve seen a few of the games live but mainly watch them on tv with my flatmate Jon.
Thank you, Russell, for generously sharing your incredible story with us! Your extensive passion and knowledge about everything related to cars is truly remarkable. We barely scratched the surface!
If you’ve been inspired by Russell’s story and would like to share your own, please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
For more information please contact Kate on: KButtrick@heartofenglandmencap.org.uk