Jude Peters has parlayed sim racing into real-world motorsport opportunities. His dad Dale explains how he did it.
Just two years ago, 16-year-old Jude Peters was like so many young motorsport fans—racing on a simulator in his bedroom, dreaming of one day getting behind the wheel of a real race car. While others saw gaming as a hobby, Jude treated sim racing as a training ground, honing his skills, learning race-craft, and developing the rapid decision-making needed to succeed on the track. He had the talent, but the leap from virtual racing to real motorsport seemed like an impossible dream.
That dream took a giant step forward when Jude decided to put his skills to the test in the real world. Entering the prestigious Ginetta Junior Scholarship—a fiercely contested competition that identifies the next rising stars of motorsport—Jude faced off against some of the most talented young drivers in the country. Over a grueling multi-day assessment that tested everything from his driving skills to his fitness and media presence, he proved that his sim racing expertise translated seamlessly to real-world racing. Against all odds, Jude won a fully funded season in the ultra-competitive Ginetta Junior Championship.
His first season in real-world racing was nothing short of remarkable. Competing against drivers who had years of karting experience, Jude consistently finished in the top eight, demonstrating racecraft and composure far beyond his years. By the end of the season, he had secured the Ginetta Junior Freshman Championship, marking him as one of the brightest young talents in British motorsport.
Success in the Ginetta Juniors opened doors Jude could never have imagined. He was invited to test a range of high-performance race cars, from powerful Porsches to Ginetta’s V8-powered GTP8. But his true passion lay in endurance racing—his ultimate dream: to compete and win at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Then, an amazing opportunity presented itself. A leading endurance racing team, Team Virage, agreed for him to test in the Ligier JSP4—a prototype race car designed to prepare drivers for Le Mans-style endurance racing. The test took place at Portugal’s Portimao circuit under treacherous conditions, with heavy rain making the track slick and unforgiving. Yet, despite never having driven the car before, Jude adapted instantly, impressing the team with his precision, consistency, and fearless approach.
Following his standout performance, Jude got the opportunity he’d hoped for—Team Virage offered him a place in their lineup for the 2025 Ligier European Series. The team, which has dominated the series for the past three years, saw in Jude a driver with the potential to continue their winning legacy. Lining up alongside his Belgian teammate, Vic Stevens, Jude will embark on a six-round campaign that will take him to some of the most iconic circuits in Europe: Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona, Portimao, and, most excitingly, the full Le Mans 24 Hour circuit.
For Jude, this represents more than just another step in his career; it’s a direct path towards his ultimate goal. Racing on the legendary Le Mans circuit, he will gain invaluable experience in the world of endurance racing, learning what it takes to compete at the highest levels.
From racing in his bedroom to competing on the international stage in just two years, Jude Peters’ journey is a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and opportunity. Now, as he prepares to make his debut in the Ligier European Series, all eyes will be on the young British driver as he takes on his biggest challenge yet, with the dream of one day standing on the podium at Le Mans.
Author: Dale Peters
After a career in sales and marketing, and a successful exit from his company Bright Affect Limited, a consultancy supporting the life sciences industry, Dale was catapulted into the world of motorsports after his son made the leap from sim to real-life racer by winning the Ginetta Juniors Scholarship. Dale is now focused on motorsport marketing and sponsorship, helping young drivers secure funding while delivering value for sponsors.
