Ainsley Bird backs Lydia Walmsley with Porsche move whilst competing in Clio Cup Championship
Ainsley Bird, founder and CEO of tree surgery and grounds maintenance business Great Oaktree Land Services, is taking to the race track in more ways than one in 2025.
Having partnered with Lydia Walmsley for the very first time last season in the Mini Challenge JCW Championship, Ainsley got bitten by the motorsport bug. Not only has he renewed his partnership with Lydia on her new journey in the Porsche Sprint Challenge championship, but he has also bought his very own race car.
His first step into circuit racing comes in the form of the new generation Clio Cup. This is a fantastic championship which was given a new lease of life last season, travelling the lengths and breadths of the UK to incredible venues such as Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.
Lydia & Ainsley’s working relationship has developed into more than just driver and sponsor, with Lydia taking up the role of driver coach in what will be Ainsley’s first season of circuit racing. Having completed a successful first ever race weekend at the finale of the Clio Cup GB 2024 championship at Brands Hatch, he is set to have an extremely exciting year ahead of him.
Lydia speaks of the new dynamic:
“I am incredibly excited to not only have Ainsley as part of my team of partners and supporters again this season, but also to be helping him on his own personal journey within motorsport too. Ainsley is a very smooth driver which is a trait that cannot be taught, so fingers crossed he’s got a fantastic season of racing ahead of him.”
Ainsley comments on what this year means to him:
“It’s great to be back supporting Lydia again for the 2025 season as she makes the step up into the Porsche championship. Plus, having her working alongside me to coach me through my step up in racing in the Clio Cup Championship with her wealth of knowledge of front wheel drive cars is great.”
Ainsley’s season kicks off this Sunday the 6th of April at Silverstone, racing the iconic Grand Prix layout. Watch out for his Great Oaktree Land Services liveried car at a circuit near you soon.
