Classic Team Lotus

Meet the Team

 

Clive Chapman BSc (Hons) Eng;

Son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, Clive is fully committed to the preservation and promotion of the Team Lotus racing history of which he enjoyed such an exciting and unique perspective.

Chris Dinnage;

Classic Team Lotus Team Manager who started at Team Lotus in 1982. Chris was a number one mechanic for Senna, amongst others. He has exceptional knowledge of Team Lotus racing cars and his significant competitions experience is invaluable, to both customers and team alike. We can safely say that Chris has driven more varieties of F1 Lotus cars than anyone else on the planet!

Rupert Manwaring;

Business Manager. Rupert was with Team Lotus from 1987 to 1990, culminating in two years as Team Manager. After 25 years in Formula One he joined Group Lotus and ran Lotus Motorsport for six years. In 2021 Rupert joined Classic Team Lotus to increase the company’s capacity for both its existing activities and new initiatives arising from the Team Lotus heritage.

Steve Allen;

Accountant. With Team Lotus since the Fittipaldi days. Dealing principally with administrative and financial matters. As well as being a keen fisherman, Steve ensures an efficiency of operation that benefits all Classic Team Lotus customers.

Nick Yallop;

Nick's first job after leaving school was building boats at Colin Chapman's boatyard. He moved over to Team Lotus in 1980, where he helped manufacture the first in-house carbon chassis. After a spell, Nick naturally progressed to CTL! Primarily Nick is responsible for our composite work, but also assists with race events.

Bob Dance;

With Team Lotus in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, former Chief Mechanic Bob has kept up the average by spending time with Classic Team Lotus to make it six decades of racing with the Team Lotus marque. Bob is now semi-retired but continues to offer help and advice where he can. A true Team Lotus legend.

William Taylor;

 

Having spent more than 20-years working with CTL on product development and events, in June 2022 Classic Team Lotus were pleased to welcome William to Hethel as a full-time member of staff, in an exciting new position at the Team, that of Heritage Manager. Author, photographer, publisher, historian and, of course passionate Lotus owner, William joined our team as part of the push to expand our product range and strengthen our all round position in the Lotus community.

Mark Hicks;

 

Having worked in F1 for ten years with spells at Arrows, Williams (two World Championships) and Jordan, Mark joined CTL in 2019. "I'm just following the family tradition " Mark says, "my father Mick worked for Team Lotus with the Cortina race project in 1963 and my uncle Clive Hicks was with Team for many years."

Harvey Boore;

In September 2019, Harvey joined us as a welding and fabrication apprentice, in conjunction with City College. Harvey has always had an interest in anything cars and motorsport related. Outside of work, Harvey runs a car enthusiast club, which meet for regular events throughout the year.

Mark Rudling;

Mark Joined the company in May 2016, providing invaluable workshop support. In addition, he is responsible for the movement of cars and parts to and from our suppliers. Mark also attends events, especially the really hectic ones. Prior to joining the team, Mark served for 37 years in the RAF.

Clive Green;

Clive Green joined CTL in 2022 and heads up the Classic Road Car Parts Department. Previously Clive worked for long-term Lotus specialist Paul Matty Sportscars who were based in the Midlands.

Matt Sutton;

Matt Sutton joined the Classic Team Lotus fabrication department in 2023. He brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of classic vehicle restoration.

Aaron Buck;

 

Aaron joined CTL in summer 2018 as workshop apprentice and has given great support to the experienced mechanics, at the same time as progressing his apprenticeship course. Aaron’s supporting role was extended to race support for the 2018 season.

Lewis Cullington;

In Summer 2018 the team was delighted to welcome back Lewis, after a three year sabbatical at the Local JLR dealership. Lewis will focus on workshop-based projects, with occasional event attendance. In 2023 Lewis moved into the role of Raceshop Manager.

Ralph Hudston;

Having previously workied for CTL between 2000 until 2004 it has been a pleasure to welcome Ralph and his spanners back to the workshop at Hethel in 2023 in the role of Race/Workshop Mechanic. Ralph has had a couple of spells working on Indycar in the USA as well six-years with Team Lotus between 87 and 92 when he worked with Senna, Piquet, Nakajima, Warwick, Donnelly, Herbert and Hakkinen. Quite a list!

Claire Mitchell;

Clair joined CTL in October 2022, to assist Tom in accounts as well as helping with the organising of race events and logistics.

Andy Grear-Hardy;

Head of Merchandising Andy joined Classic Team Lotus in 2021 and is responsible for retail merchandise and stock. Andy is a real petrolhead and enjoys taking part in club motor racing in his free time. Andy also enjoys collecting car models!

Tom Stevenson;

Tom joined Classic Team Lotus as our chief accountant in 2021 and has thirty years experience in manufacturing. Tom's true passion in life is the world of film and movies although he is also a keen football fan who follows Leiceter City!

 

Stephanie Clements;

What can we say about Steph, apart from what would we do without her logistical skills? Having started at CTL in 2017 Steph has ensured everyone, and everything, is in the right place at the right time.

 

Wayne Riches;

 

Wayne is currently head of the paint shop at CTL.

 

Andy Fulford;

Having previously worked at Team Lotus from 1989-94, looking after Types 101 to 109 (Hakkinen to Zanardi), Andy joined CTL as Workshop Mechanic in late 2023. After a spell at RTN (Toms Toyota) Andy certianly brings a wealth of experience to the team.

 

Jack Redburn;

Jack is part of the new CTL Spare Parts Department

 

Luke Spencer;

Switching from two wheels to four (he previously worked in a cycle shop), Luke is our latest Race Shop apprentice. In his spare time he loves to play the drums.

 

David McGregor;

Having started working as Stores Manager for CTL in 2022, David has now moved across to work alongside Lewis as head of the Buying Dept.

 

Robert St. John Cooper;

Rob works in Spare Parts Department at CTL

 

Tom Wolfenden;

Tom is currently working in the Parts Department  primarily helping with technology side of things.

 

Simon Kahan;

Marcus is the newest recruit at CTL, joining us in early 2024 as a full-time Race/Workshop Mechanic. Simon comes to CTL with a wealth of experience, having been working at Lotus Cars and in competitive motorsport for over 20-years.

 

Richard Parramint;

 

Carrying a huge wealth of knowledge on the subject of Lotus, Richard has been heavily involved with happenings at Lotus Cars, Team Lotus and Classic Team Lotus for pretty much all of his life. As the official Tour Guide at CTL he has plenty of stories to tell.

 

Don Nind;

Don can turn his hand to anything technical. He has worked on planes, trains, boats and automobiles, as well as race cars of course. Now working at CTL Don provides expert workshop backup and support, whenever and wherever needed.

Classic Team Lotus is very fortunate to benefit from the advice and assistance of many other Team Lotus racing experts. Specialists with unique knowledge and experience.

The Directors of Classic Team Lotus currently include, Mr Clive Chapman and Mrs Jane Chapman.

News
Classic Team Lotus Garden Party 2024
Classic Team Lotus Garden Party 2024

We are delighted to be announcing the 2024 Classic Team Lotus Garden Party. This splendid Celebration of Hazel & Colin Chapman Heritage will take place over the weekend of 15 & 16 June.

Re-creating the First Journey
Re-creating the First Journey

In 1948 Hazel & Colin Chapman constructed their first car which became the Lotus Mark I. To celebrate 75 years of Lotus, on the 16th of December 2023, Hazel & Colin’s daughter Jane, and son Clive comp...

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