Fortec Motorsports’ GB4 graduate Colin Queen has made a strong adaptation to life in the GB3 Championship, as he continues his burgeoning single-seater career.
The Californian native has already established himself as a top-10 regular in his first season at this level of racing, with a trio of recovery drives at Zandvoort in July being among his highlights so far, with one of the performances netting a fourth place finish, his best so far, from 12th on the grid.
“The season has been quite the learning experience” Queen reckons as he reflects on the opening six events.
“My learning curve has been steep, especially considering I only had six days in the car prior to the first races at Oulton Park. All of the tests were in colder and wet conditions, which I really enjoy, but learning the new Pirelli tyres in warmer and dry conditions didn’t happen until Spa, 10 laps before qualifying!
“The Zandvoort weekend proved we can compete at the front of the grid, it was just a matter of time. We really needed that valuable seat time and data. All things considered, I’m pleased with my driving performance, ability to adapt, and of course, race craft.”
Queen has made a rapid ascent up the racing ladder, having competed in the National Formula Ford Championship in 2022, graduating to GB4 for the following season after winning the series’ ‘Shoot Out’, and then moving up again to GB3 this year.
“The transition has been quite seamless. Ever since my first test back in October with my team at Fortec, I’ve shown great pace and consistency, especially in the rain or mixed conditions.
“The largest hurdle has been getting my head around the new tyre compound. We had no dry days before the first official test, so catching up to the other teams and drivers before Oulton was quite the challenge.”
Following the strong progress demonstrated so far, Queen is targeting silverware in the final six races across events at Donington Park, where he established an unofficial lap record in GB4 last year, and at Brands Hatch.
“The first goal is obviously to get a race win. Another is getting consistent top-10 finishes for the remainder of the season, as well as strong qualifying results. All of these, in my and the team’s eyes, are 100% doable.
“We just have to put our best foot forward by making minimal to no mistakes, and my pace will take care of the rest.”
Queen is targeting a career end goal of racing in IndyCar, and has enjoyed the support he’s received in his homeland throughout the season.
“GB3 and the next junior category step is mandatory learning for me to achieve my ultimate goal of racing and winning in IndyCar.
“Ever since F1 gained massive traction in the US, more and more people are trying to follow the junior series, such as GB3. I’ve had a lot more people from home and all across America following my journey for the past few years. Now that I’m in GB3, even more so.
“I hope to grow that support and fan base a lot more this year and well into the future.”
For Queen, competing in GB3 itself is already a “dream come true”, but his career has already produced a number of other high points in karting, Formula Ford and GB4, which he hopes will continue as his journey towards the top level of racing in the USA gains momentum.
“Ultimately, the experience, people, competitors, and venues in my motorsports journey have played such a tremendous part in my life and have positively shaped the driver and person I am today.
“I've learned so much about life through motorsport at such an early age that I know it will benefit me greatly in life and my journey to IndyCar.”