BIOGRAPHY

As one of the first sim racers to successfully transition into professional motorsport…

and an ambition to become the first gamer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans,
James Baldwin is a British racing driver and professional sim racer who competed in the British GT Championship in 2020, the 24 Hours of Spa in 2022 and 2024 and GT World Challenge Europe in 2024.

A young male race car driver in a blue racing suit with various sponsor logos, standing outdoors against a cloudy sky and a distant landscape.
Race car driver wearing a blue and black racing suit with sponsors, a helmet, and a headset, standing in front of a blurred background and an orange sign.
Young man in black shirt with Simucube logo, wearing headphones, sitting in gaming chair, playing racing simulator game on dual monitors with racing wheel and pedal setup in a cluttered gaming room.

JAMES’ STORY

James began his racing journey in karting at just 8 years old, quickly rising through the ranks to claim five national championships. Unable to secure a suitable budget to progress into racing cars, James did not give up and instead he turned to the new and exciting arena of esports as a way to keep racing competitively.

James quickly established himself as one of the world’s top esports drivers, winning a number of prestigious championships.

His remarkable talent earned him the title of ‘World’s Fastest Gamer’ in 2019, which came with the incredible prize of a full season in the British GT Championship.

Racing with Jenson Button’s race team in a McLaren 720S, James made an immediate impact, winning his debut race, securing 4 pole positions, 3 podium finishes, and ending the season 4th overall in the championship.

Unable to find sufficient backing to continue racing, James returned to esports and continued his success, winning more championships and being named…

A young race car driver in orange and white racing suit holding a large gold trophy, smiling and looking down.
Two race car drivers in white racing suits with sponsor patches, pointing upwards, standing in front of race team trailers.
Race cars competing on a track during a race, with a prominent racing car in the foreground and others following behind.

‘Autosport’s Esports Driver of the Year’.  This lead to James joining top esports team, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team.

In 2022, James secured a budget to compete in the world’s largest GT race, the 24 Hours of Spa, with top McLaren team, Garage 59. James proved his ability to race with the best GT drivers in the world, finishing 7th overall in his qualifying session and producing competitive lap times during the race itself. His performance was so impressive that the team remarked they would have him ‘back in a heartbeat.’

And they did.

In 2024, James returned to the 24 Hours of Spa with Garage 59 and this time was an even more competitive outing.  In treacherous conditions, James was recognised as one of the fastest drivers on the track at that given moment and he continued to be on the same pace as the race leaders throughout his morning stint in the wet.

During the second half of 2024, James continued competing in GT World Challenge Europe with Garage 59, delivering strong performances. Notably, he showcased his competitiveness at Monza and secured a podium finish in his class at Jeddah, the world's fastest street circuit.

In 2025 and 2026, James plans to continue competiting at the highest level of GT racing, offering partners a unique opportunity for enhanced brand visibility, exclusive hospitality, and much more.

If you’re interested in working with James and exploring what he can do for your business and customers, please get in touch.

  • Young man sitting on the floor beside a race car, wearing a black racing jacket and jeans, in a dimly lit garage or workshop.
  • A young go-kart racer sitting in a yellow go-kart with the number 12, wearing a racing helmet and bright yellow racing suit, being attended by an adult man at a go-kart racing event. There are other go-karts and a banner for Pirelli tires in the background.
  • Two race car drivers in racing suits and black masks standing on the podium holding trophies and bottles of champagne, celebrating a victory.
  • A person wearing a racing helmet and blue racing suit standing outdoors on a dirt track, holding a blue neck collar, with a race track and outdoor buildings in the background.
  • Young man smiling as he looks at his phone, seated in a vehicle with a racing screen in the background.
  • A young race car driver in a blue racing suit holding a large trophy, smiling as he receives congratulations from an older man in a white racing suit, with a third man in a black t-shirt and cap recording the moment, in a racing garage setting.
  • Young man in gaming chair wearing headphones and racing gloves, focused on a racing simulator game with bright blue neon lights overhead.
  • A race car driver celebrating with a trophy at a motorsports event, wearing a racing suit and a face mask, holding up his finger to signify first place.