MANAGING DIRECTOR

James Merrills is the founder and Managing Director of Race Competitions, combining years of hands-on track day industry experience with a deep understanding of what today’s discerning clients truly value. A lifelong racing driver with over 250 cars driven, tested, and raced across Europe, James brings unmatched authenticity and insight to the world of high-end motorsport experiences. He holds a degree in Financial Trading & Investment Management, blending sharp commercial instincts with operational precision. As a founder, James is known for his clarity, effective execution, and his collaborative business style. He surrounds himself with sharp, credible people and champions bold ideas, thoughtful design, and a standard of delivery that refuses to compromise.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

James Smethurst is a founder, investor, and operator with a track record of building and scaling businesses across recruitment, property, and technology. He co-founded & invested in multiple recruitment businesses, and later launched Velocity Property Development. Most recently, he has supported multiple businesses with investment and support, including The wAI, helping businesses leverage AI and automation to scale smarter, and Neural Voice, which uses AI to replace frustrating phone systems and long wait times with engaged AI agents. With a reputation for execution, integrity, and mentoring others, James blends commercial acumen with a down-to-earth approach. He champions freedom, autonomy, and meaningful work, building ventures with low-ego, high-output people.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

James Brennan is an investor, advisor, and operator with a proven track record in transforming public sector health and social care systems.

He has overseen the successful implementation of complex systems in the public sector, having supported service redesigns, cost-reduction programmes, and digital innovation within councils and NHS trusts.

Known for combining commercial thinking with real-world delivery experience, he backs ventures where impact matters — and where technology, personalisation, and efficiency meet.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Colin is a Chartered Accountant who founded his own Practice, Winburn Glass Norfolk (WGN), with two partners in 1975. The Practice merged with Murray Harcourt, Chartered Accountants in Leeds, 2019.

Colin is, or has been, a Non-Executive Director of several companies, some of which are quoted on AIM and which came out of the WGN portfolio.

In 2014, he was appointed Non-Executive Director at the British Business Bank, the Government owned development bank. He remains a member of the Bank’s Regional Advisory Board for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF)

He has won many awards for his, including an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from Leeds Beckett University, and in 2017, Colin had the honour of being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honour’s list, for services to business start-ups and entrepreneurship.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amanda is a highly experienced strategic advisor and non-executive director with a global track record in innovation, commercialisation, capital raising, and venture development.

She has vast experience working with high-growth businesses, founders, and governments to shape ecosystem strategies, build meaningful stakeholder relationships, and secure investor engagement that drives real impact.

Her cross-sector experience spans everything from tech and life sciences to advanced manufacturing and sustainability. With over $400 million in secured investment under her belt, Amanda is recognised for her ability to unlock growth, align bold visions with strategic execution, and navigate complexity at every stage of the innovation journey.

Her input continues to shape thriving ventures around the world.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ian empowers ambitious businesses to realise their full potential, particularly at the intersection of innovation, funding, and growth. With decades of experience supporting early-stage companies, Ian brings a rare combination of deep technical insight, commercial acumen, and a trusted network of collaborators.

Ian’s expertise lies not just in accessing funding, but in shaping projects so they succeed: mitigating risks, strengthening technical roadmaps, and positioning ventures for sustainable growth. His long-standing relationships with trusted partners and investors provide a highly effective framework for turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.

As a Non-Executive Director, Ian Sharp brings this wealth of experience to support the company's vision of building the world’s most exclusive motorsport experience. He works closely with the leadership team on governance, strategic planning, and high-level business development.