An Interview with 88 Randy
Mulder
(interview published March 4 2014 in the lead up to the 2014 Unlimited
Banger BBA Supreme Championship)
Age: 27
Home Town: Nieuwleusen
Occupation: Self-employed worker, mostly in the agricultural sector
Family: Wife Christina and our Ralph who was born in November
Racing career: Been racing National Bangers for eight years
Congratulations on qualifying for this years championship, was you pleased when you heard you had qualified and are you looking forward to this years race?
I was already thinking of doing some racing in the UK this year and so the
Supreme Championship was an ideal place to start, especially when I was told I
had qualified.
This is the first time you have qualified for the Supreme Championship, is that an achievement you are pleased with and how will this compare to previous championship appearances both in the UK and at home in mainland Europe?
Of course I'm pleased to have qualified which is why I didn't had to think about racing it or not. It's one of the extra things
on my 'to do' list which I've not done yet and I can now cross off.
Did the fact that the meeting is now an unlimited meeting make a difference in you accepting your place on the grid or would you have preferred it to have still been a 2litre event like it was before 2012?
Not really I think. A place on the grid is always nice to get whatever the
meeting or the format. I prefer the unlimited meetings, but would probably have accepted an place as well when it was a
(National Banger) event.
How do you fancy your chances in the championship?
I think I can only hope of finishing the race and maybe that's already a little bit
hopeful! When it comes to racing the level is still a lot higher in the UK so I don't think my chances will be that high.
You previously visited Mildenhall in 2012 for the Old Skool team championship. Did you enjoy your visit and do you think your experience there will help you in the Supreme Championship?
I enjoyed my visit at the Old Skool teams, it was a good and hard race! But
I don't think it will help me a lot because it will be an totally different race. And i raced an
front wheel drive cars at the Old Skool teams and this will be an unlimited
event which is completely different.
You have shale experience from racing at Emmen and there are many similarities between Emmen and Mildenhall, do you think that will give you an advantage?
The experience of racing at Emmen will defiantly help but still it depends on the weather
and other factors like that. It will be the first time I have raced a right hand
drive car which might prove hard to get used to it and I expect the speed of the
cars at Mildenhall will be higher than an Emmen as well.
Have you given any thought as to what car you will be racing in the championship and why you are using it?
The car for this race is nearly done It will be an Volvo 240. I've mostly
used these when I've raced at Emmen as well so a lot of experience on racing, I
know how to build one as well. And I think it will be a race with some good hits so an solid car is a good choice.
What kind of race are you expecting the championship to be and will that benefit you and give you a chance of success?
It all depends on the weather I think, last year there was a lot of snow on the day of racing. When the weather is good I expect an fast race with some decent hits as well.
I'm not going into the race with any hopes or expectations, I will just start and see.
How special would it be for you to become the first overseas driver to win this race?
I think its way to special!! No sorry i don't think that will be an realistic idea to think
of!
Who do you think are the leading contenders to challenge for the title this year?
I think Boxer Jack (331 Jason Jackson), he is still one of the best drivers.
You qualified via the European Championship at Warneton in September, one of the toughest races in the sport, how pleased where you with your result in that race?
Finishing third in the European is a good result. It is one of the biggest races at Warneton of the year and
the only rear wheel drive event and with some English visitors every year.
Finishing behind Marco Lode and Daniel de Hoop (first and second place) is nothing to be ashamed of
they're both top drivers.
Was the European Championship result the highlight of 2013 or was it something else and was the 2013 season an enjoyable one for you?
It was defiantly an highlight! But my family comes first the birth of my son Ralph was the most beautiful
moment of (2013).
Have you any plans for 2014 and do they include any more visits to the UK?
I'm hoping to race all the meetings on the continent so it will be already very busy but hope to visit the UK a couple of times more.
You've raced a few times in England, what is it about the racing here which you enjoy and makes you keep coming back?
I really like the racing in the UK so why not bring an car and have a try myself.
The continental banger scene has certainly been on the rise in recent years with more tracks and some great car turnouts and meetings, is it a good time to be racing on the continent and would you encourage more UK drivers to visit and try it for themselves?
There is still a big difference between the races here and at the UK. I think they just have to find out
themselves if they like it or not.
Is there anyone you would like to mention or thank?
I want to thank my mechanical crew for helping me a lot building the cars otherwise it was not possible to race
at this amount of meetings. And of course my wife for all her help and support!