Celebrating Two Years of Gridshark
As we approach the second anniversary of Gridshark, I wanted to share some of the amazing achievements that my team and I have accomplished!
The Birth of Gridshark Athletic Performance
In August 2022, Gridshark Athletic Performance, in its current identity, was formed. Originally, the motorsport coaching side of the business was part of my umbrella brand and was primarily run by Paul. However, with the increasing number of drivers coming to Gridshark, Paul decided to create a distinct motorsport coaching brand. He recognized the gaps in the industry that other coaching brands weren’t addressing and decided to grow the team, offering a fully holistic driver coaching service.
Rapid Growth and Expanding Services
Within just three months, Gridshark expanded from just Paul to an associate team of eight expert coaches, all supporting his vision. Gridshark now offers bespoke coaching in fitness, nutrition, mindset coaching, sports psychology, sports therapy, physiotherapy, race preparation, and race weekend support.
A Portfolio of Champion Drivers
Our first client was BTCC legend Bobby Thompson, who remains a client to this day. We’ve also worked with 2022 Ginetta Junior Rookie Champion Will McIntyre, aspiring F4 driver Shriven Selveraja, and double Moto X Champion Ben Arthurton. Our driver portfolio quickly grew to include Porsche Carrera GB driver Will Aspin, Ferrari Challenge World Champion Tom Fleming, karting superstars Eli Badhan, Lucas Blanford, Tom Strefford, Logan Howes, and four-time British Karting Champion Chestor Forkes. In 2023, Luke Hilton, Radical Vice World Champion, joined the family, along with Will Orton, 2023 JCW Mini Challenge Vice Champion, as he moved into British GT, and Nelson King, who finished 3rd in the 2023 JCW Mini Challenge Championship.
Commitment to Diversity in Motorsport
Focusing on underrepresented demographics in motorsport, we partnered with the all-female race team SLATE Racing in Canada, which led to the opportunity to work with Canadian driver Eric Kunz, who competes in and leads the TCA Championships. We also developed a close and successful relationship with Moto X superstar Max Broadbelt, who frequently competes in the UK and Europe.
Expanding into Corporate Partnerships
Our depth expanded further when we started working with our first motorsport corporate client, Powered by TDF. Led by two-time Formula Renault Champion James Densley, we quickly established a multifaceted relationship to support James, his team, and his brand’s clients.
Building Strategic Brand Relationships
Gridshark quickly gained recognition as a brand that was fresh, innovative, and doing things differently. Brands wanted to work with us, but we were careful to choose the right partners that aligned with our ethos and benefited our clients, as they are at the heart of all our decisions. We are proud to be brand ambassadors for Iron Neck Europe, YUYU Bottle, TRX, and PRAEP, and we are constantly in talks with innovative brands to form long-standing relationships. We also love working with our preferred brand suppliers, such as Harlequin Racewear, Ten-Eighty Oakley Eyewear, Hydrorace, Nutrien, Fenz, and The Gym Company.
Looking Back at an Incredible Journey
The past two years have been an incredible journey, working with extraordinary motorsport talent. The commitment from our clients and the Gridshark team has led to remarkable results. Winning a single championship is a dream, but for a company to win several is on another level.
The Road Ahead
I am extremely proud of what Gridshark has achieved in its first two years, and I look forward to elevating our success with our current drivers as their careers progress, as well as welcoming new drivers and teams who see the benefits of what we do. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes, and while many might think all we do is hold water bottles and umbrellas, I know I have the best team that goes above and beyond to get our drivers over the finish line first!
A Heartfelt Thank You
Thank you to the team and to all our clients for believing in Gridshark. Here’s to ending 2024 with more celebration and silverware, and on to 2025!
Gridshark Athletic Performance
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