I started racing from the age of seven at my local Karting circuits. Following in my father’s footsteps, it didn’t take too long before I was bringing home trophies, filling up the trophy room and fighting for space.

By the time I was sixteen, I had won all the Irish Karting Championships, and many of them numerous times. This is when I needed a new challenge. My father and I thought it would be fun to try the Formula Ford championship in Ireland. The first year was a bumpy ride, but I managed to claim a few lap records (which stood for 13 years) and a few headlines.

Obviously I had the racing bug! Things moved quickly with podiums and wins, but many challenges lay ahead as many drivers know too well …

In 2001, I had established myself on the motorsport radar, and had been offered the chance to drive for Porsche GB. At 20 years old it was a dream drive!

However, my aspiration had always been to be Formula 1 World Champion. I had been following Michael Schumacher throughout his F1 career, and this guy was ruthless and ultimately dedicated to do whatever it took to succeed! I liked his way of thinking!!

Around this time, I had been speaking to a few people who had advised me that Japan was a good way to get your name in the frame with F1 teams. Many other F1 drivers, including Schumacher and Eddie Irvine, had chosen this route and were extremely successful.

At the end of the Japanese Racing Season they hold what they call “Audition tests”. The most up and coming drivers are invited, with the prospect of the most talented driver, getting a free or sponsored drive with the associated team. The teams are normally looking for the fastest driver, who equally has good technical feedback, so they can develop the car.

This is where my break came (Jan 2001)…. I was thrown in the deep end, driving a 550 BHP car with huge down force and only given a handful of laps to prove I was the man for the job. I knew this was the break I needed and I put it all on the line!

At the end of the test I was quickest, but that still wasn't enough. After some debriefs and meetings with engineers, I finally got the drive that would keep me in Japan for the next 9 years.

In 2004, I became the all Japan Champion (Formula Nippon and SuperGT), which only three other people have managed to do, including Ralf Schumacher and Pedro De La Rosa. 

By 2009, I had won races with all 4 manufactures (Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Lexus) in Japan. 

I have achieved a lot in Japan and it’s been a fantastic experience