From a sim racer to winning the prestigious ROKiT British F4 Championship title at Silverstone, Deagen Fairclough has made a remarkable transition from virtual to real-world racing. In his second F4 season, Fairclough has not only clinched the championship title before the season finale but has also broken records by winning an unprecedented number of races. With 12 wins under his belt and three races left on the calendar, he has surpassed the previous record of 11 wins set in 2022.
Fairclough’s journey to the British F4 Championship began when he won the ROKiT Rising Star e-sports competition in 2022. This initiative aimed to discover talented sim racers and provide them with the opportunity to compete in fully-funded F4 entries. Reflecting on his success, the 18-year-old champion expressed his gratitude to ROKiT for the support throughout the season, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in his racing career.
For Fairclough, winning the championship holds a special significance as it is a testament to his family’s unwavering support and dedication. Starting his racing career at the age of five with his parents by his side, Fairclough emphasized the financial challenges they faced along the way. Despite the hardships, his family’s commitment and sacrifices have propelled him to this remarkable achievement.
Looking ahead, Fairclough is eager to compete in the final three races of the season at the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. As he aims to follow in the footsteps of past British F4 champions like Lando Norris and Zane Maloney, Fairclough is determined to continue his success and establish himself in the world of motorsport.
In addition to Fairclough’s triumph, the British F4 Esports Championship is set to kick off this week at Brands Hatch Indy circuit. With Formula 1-affiliated teams joining the grid, the 2024 season promises to deliver thrilling competition and showcase the talents of emerging racers in the virtual realm.
Fairclough’s remarkable journey from sim racing to winning the British F4 Championship serves as an inspiration to aspiring racers and highlights the growing significance of e-sports in the world of motorsport. As he continues to make strides in his racing career, Fairclough’s success story resonates with the enduring spirit of passion, perseverance, and dedication in pursuit of one’s dreams.