My father, the late Colin Chapman and founder of the Lotus name, was driven by ambition—ambition to be the best at what he put his mind to. It was an overriding characteristic of his makeup. There are a lot of intelligent people who have the ability to do certain things, but lack the necessary drive to create or fullfil their potential. I think anyone who knew my father would agree that he lived life at one hundred miles an hour and was always busy and industrious. Once he found his ambition led him to the ability of winning, he was spurred on even more; it was a feeling he got great pleasure from and really enjoyed.
In his early days, he joined the 750 Motor Club, a club that I have to admit knowing little about, but I get the impression that it was the club for enthusiastic, like-minded people in motor racing. I feel they were very pleased to welcome bright young men like my father, as they rather fitted in with and lifted the spirit of the club. In 1955, he became president of the club at just 27 years of age.
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