‘Britain’s fastest farmer’ swaps tractor for Porsche

You’ve heard of Britain’s Fittest Farmer. But what about Britain’s fastest farmer?

Based just outside of Bath, in Somerset, Oliver White works alongside his dad and brother on the family farm, where they keep about 450 ewes and 150 beef cattle.

When he’s not busy farming, Oliver, 30, competes in the GB Porsche Carrera Cup, which is the fastest single-make car race series in the UK.

See also: Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Young Farmer of the Year

Starting young

Admitting that his passion for motors started at a young age, Oliver says: “When I was little, I always just wanted to drive stuff.

“I can remember the first time I got on a quad bike – it was a junior one that dad bought me. I’ve basically been obsessed with things with wheels from a really young age.”

Having started go-karting at the age of 10, he progressed to the Sax Max series before trying his hand at Formula Ford, where he took three Champion of Brand titles and won the 2020 Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone.

 “It’s a race that typically has over 100 entries,” Oliver explains. “That’s probably one of the biggest highlights of my racing so far.”

Stepping up a league, Oliver now races a 911 GT3 in the Porsche Carrera cup.

“Friends of mine invited me to a Porsche taster day up at Silverstone, and I fell in love with it. The car literally took my breath away with how much power it has,” he says.

“I struggled initially because it was such a big change from the Formula Ford racing, but as the year went on it got better and better, and I gradually improved. I ended up finishing 10th overall in the championships, which isn’t too bad.”

Broken leg

Unfortunately, at the start of this year Oliver’s brother broke his leg, meaning they were short-staffed on the family farm and Oliver had to miss the first few races of the season.

Usually running from April to early October, the seasons have about 16 races, along with practice sessions and qualifiers.  

“I’ve been to two meetings so far this year,” said Oliver. “My focus has been on gradually improving, and the next race is in two weeks time up at Silverstone, which is one of my favourite tracks.”  

Admitting that it is tricky to fit his passion for racing around farming, Oliver says his family are key to making it all work out.

“My dad really makes it possible for me. He manages the farm in the lead-up to a race day.

“When there’s a race, I’m often away from a Thursday evening, as I will have a test on a Friday, qualifying on a Saturday, and the actual race on the Sunday. So, it’s quite a long weekend and process.”

Preparation

The racing can be both physically and mentally exhausting, with cars reaching maximum speeds of around 170mph.

Oliver says: “I’ve got my own simulator which is a massive benefit as it mimics the car in real life and allows me to practice the technique.

“You can also choose the track that you are going to be racing next, so it’s great preparation for learning a course.

“The actual races are around 35-40 minutes long, and you’re flat out for that whole period. It’s very intense, and can be very warm in the car as you have to wear fireproof overalls.

“It can be physically and mentally draining.”

While the next season will depend largely on gaining enough sponsorship, Oliver says he always has a mixture of nervousness and excitement for the races, and is looking forward to progressing and continuing his racing journey.