Meet the Instructor - Jack Layton

07th April 2025

Jack caught the racing bug at a young age and started his career as an instructor and driver coach in 2011. Working freelance on track for various car manufacturers, circuits and race teams, Jack has coached drivers to win races and championships including consecutive titles in BRSCC Fiesta Juniors since 2015.

Jack gained sponsorship and team support from Parker Motorsport, leading him to win the 2016 MSA British Super Kart Championship, English Championship and UK Cup. In 2017, he finished third in the British Championship but retained his English Championship title. During this time, Jack celebrated numerous race wins and set several lap records, some of which still stand at Castle Combe, Snetterton and Bishops court race circuits. After gaining experience in a variety of track and race cars, Jack joined the Goodwood instructor team in 2014 and took on the role of Lead Chief Instructor in 2019.

As a director of ARDS with an S grade instructor license, Jack also became one of the first Motorsport UK certified driver coaches in 2023. Jack currently develops the driving products and training for all instructors at Goodwood, whilst racing with his clients in a mixture of historic and modern Pro-Am endurance events across the UK and Europe.

 

We caught up with Jack to ask him a few questions:

1. Introduce yourself with your name, job, and connection to Goodwood. 

Hi, my name is Jack Layton, I am Lead Chief Instructor at the Goodwood Motor Circuit and have been here since 2014. What drew me to work at Goodwood is its rich and iconic background and with my passion being historic race cars, nowhere else comes close to what Goodwood offers. What a real honour it is to drive in the tracks of legends like Moss on what is the only truly unchanged racetrack in the UK if not the world.

 

2. Do you have a career highlight or goal for the future?

There have been a lot of highlights over the years, including working alongside racing legends like Derek Bell MBE and Sir Jackie Stewart. Looking to the future, my ultimate goal is winning a race at Goodwood.

 

3. What is your first memory of Goodwood?

Back in 2012 giving rides up the Hill Climb, in a Mini Cooper GP, at Festival of Speed. I don't think I had much idea where I was going but it was great to see so many petrol heads all in one place!  

 

4. Who inspired you?

When growing up my favourite driver in F1 was Mika Hakkinen, But I also had huge admiration and looked up to TT legends like John McGuinness – their composure and bravery is a real step back in time. Working in such a historic venue is inspiring in itself. When you drive in the gates you can't help but feel inspired by the past and most legendary names in motorsport.

 

5. What’s your Motor Circuit Café order?

My go-to is an Egg Baguette with salt and vinegar crisps. If it’s a treat it would have to be cheesy chips with mayo or one of the cookies.

 

6. What is your favourite Goodwood event?

Members' meeting. The selection of cars and drivers is so broad, there is something to get excited about from so many eras. 

 

7. What’s your dream car to drive or race?

Historic F1 cars - anything from the 60's to the late 80's

 

8. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone pursuing a career like yours?

You must be passionate. Passion is what fuels the long hours, the early mornings, and the pursuit of improvement. Additionally, you have to literally put the miles in—both on the track and off.

The more experience you gain, the better you'll understand the nuances of racing and how to effectively communicate that knowledge to your students.

 

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