Kent and Sussex Courier, 12 May 1972
GLENN BITTEN BY SPEED BUG

GLENN BAKER, the 21-year-old Tunbridge Wells mechanic who built his own midget racer last winter, has shot to the fore on the local racing scene with two first places since the season began in February. Glenn decided to compete In motor racing last year after being a mechanic for other drivers for two years. He started building the chassis for the car in November and after Christmas he bought an engine, transmission and suspension from Triumph Herald cars, making the bodywork from sheet aluminium. "I had to make it strong enough to stand the strain," said Glenn on Monday, "but light enough to give speed." Glenn's six-year apprenticeship as a mechanic at Rawson's, Tunbridge Wells, finished on Wednesday, his 21st birthday. "When I first started as a mechanic I was not interested in racing, but now I've got the bug. What I would really like now is to get some sponsorship to help with the cost of running the car. So far I've spent about £350." Glenn, who lives with his parents at 34 Delves Avenue, gave his completed 1200 c.c. car trials at Cross-in-Hand. then competed in his first race at Wimbledon. Since then he has been forced to drop out of only one race, when he had a puncture. Both his wins have been at Ringwood. in Hampshire. the first on April 3, then again on April 23. His next race is at Wisbech tomorrow (Saturday). Glenn has always been interested in speed. Before he started motor racing. he was keen on motor-cycles. and made several trips to the Isle of Man TT races. Asked about the future, he said: "At the moment I am very pleased with my successes. and I shall be happy if the car keeps going as well as it has. I think later this year there may be an increase in engine size. and I might fit a larger one."

Ipswich 1973