Words by: Andy Lloyd
Images by: Pitlane Development / Student Motorsport / Bernice Bradley
Reuben Lowe, who makes his debut in the Student Motorsport Competition, part of the BRSCC Nankang Tyre CityCar Cup Championship, at Brands Hatch in April, has completed a pre-season test programme that saw the 22-year-old driver put in laps around both the iconic Kent circuit and the Bedford Autodrome.
Lowe will be driving with Pitlane Development (PLD), who are also entering the SMo Competition for the first time. The team is led by Ollie Walsh and is crewed by both students looking to gain a foothold into the world of motorsport as well as seasoned professionals.
East Sussex-based Reuben Lowe has already gained extensive on-track experience, having competed in karts since the age of 11. After his car racing potential was recognised by professional drivers at Donington, Lowe secured his National A Race Licence last year in readiness for his first full competitive season in 2026. To help prepare for his CityCar debut, Reuben has been sharpening his racing skills on the simulator under the watchful eye of British Touring Car ace, Charles Rainford.
Preparation: Mastering the Indy Circuit and Bedford
“We’ve had some really solid test days and the car felt great!” said Reuben. “Lap times in the car, both at the Bedford Autodrome and Brands Hatch, were consistent and it was good to test at two different tracks. Rain at Brands meant that I have now had the opportunity to drive in both wet and dry conditions so I’m ready for whatever the weather throws at us on the opening weekend.
“I’m extremely grateful to Ollie Walsh and all the crew at Pitlane Development for preparing such a fantastic car. After what seems like a long pre-season build-up, I can’t wait to go racing and hopefully deliver some solid results for my sponsors and the team.”
The Team: Elite Engineering Meets Aspiring Talent
Pitlane Development, founded by ex-GT and Formula 1 mechanic Ollie Walsh, is designed to give young drivers and engineers genuine hands-on experience in a real race environment, blending experienced professionals with aspiring male and female student engineers. Team Principal Ollie Walsh has been delighted at the progress both team and driver have made over the course of the test programme.
Technical Success: Reliability and Race Pace Confirmed
“For us, giving Reuben as much seat time as possible before the start of the season has been a huge success, both in terms of ensuring reliability and performance and also helping him get familiar with the team and the car,” he said. “Coming away from the Brands Hatch test, we feel like we have good race pace going into the first race weekend of the season.”
The Student Motorsport Competition gets underway at Brands Hatch on April 11th – 12th. In a novel format that was first tested at Silverstone in 2025, each driver will compete in two out of three rounds, ensuring close, competitive racing around the 1.2-mile Indy Circuit.