In the heart of Dorchester lies a Clay Pigeon Raceway where some of the world's most elite Formula One drivers honed their skills - including McLaren star Lando Norris. For young drivers looking to follow in the footsteps of legends like Lewis Hamilton, this industrial estate isn't just about speed but also perseverance.
Rob Dodds, who coached Norris and fellow driver Phil Hanson as children, attributes his role in their success to sheer dedication rather than any extraordinary ability. "It's mad, innit," he chuckles, reflecting on how far they've come since taking to the track at a tender age.
For those outside the racing circuit, it might seem like an unusual place for aspiring drivers to develop their skills - but for Dodds and his young protégés, it was just another normal day out. Norris began karting at seven years old before moving on to clay pigeon shooting in Dorset's industrial landscape.
Norris' journey has been marked by rapid progress, with the 26-year-old poised to become Britain's first Formula One world champion since Hamilton took the title back in 2008. But Dodds knows that success comes with its fair share of setbacks - and Lando is no exception.
In recent months, Norris had to deal with controversy after being disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix alongside Oscar Piastri for breaching a rule. When asked about this, Dodds defends his young charge, saying "it's motor sport... nothing is straightforward". He believes Norris has handled these setbacks well and that this weekend could be the perfect opportunity for him to seal his first championship victory.
For Dodds, seeing Lando grow into a top-notch driver has been an incredible experience. On one of Lando's early visits to Silverstone circuit, he had to wait in the car park to get signatures on his helmet - and one of those who signed was none other than Hamilton himself. As for Dodds, while he'd be overjoyed at Norris' potential championship success, it would also be a personal triumph.
"I was just doing my job," he says with a hint of humility. For Norris, it's the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance - not to mention the support of coaches like Dodds who helped him achieve his dreams.
Rob Dodds, who coached Norris and fellow driver Phil Hanson as children, attributes his role in their success to sheer dedication rather than any extraordinary ability. "It's mad, innit," he chuckles, reflecting on how far they've come since taking to the track at a tender age.
For those outside the racing circuit, it might seem like an unusual place for aspiring drivers to develop their skills - but for Dodds and his young protégés, it was just another normal day out. Norris began karting at seven years old before moving on to clay pigeon shooting in Dorset's industrial landscape.
Norris' journey has been marked by rapid progress, with the 26-year-old poised to become Britain's first Formula One world champion since Hamilton took the title back in 2008. But Dodds knows that success comes with its fair share of setbacks - and Lando is no exception.
In recent months, Norris had to deal with controversy after being disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix alongside Oscar Piastri for breaching a rule. When asked about this, Dodds defends his young charge, saying "it's motor sport... nothing is straightforward". He believes Norris has handled these setbacks well and that this weekend could be the perfect opportunity for him to seal his first championship victory.
For Dodds, seeing Lando grow into a top-notch driver has been an incredible experience. On one of Lando's early visits to Silverstone circuit, he had to wait in the car park to get signatures on his helmet - and one of those who signed was none other than Hamilton himself. As for Dodds, while he'd be overjoyed at Norris' potential championship success, it would also be a personal triumph.
"I was just doing my job," he says with a hint of humility. For Norris, it's the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance - not to mention the support of coaches like Dodds who helped him achieve his dreams.
I mean, have you ever thought about how crazy it is that Lando Norris grew up doing clay pigeon shooting in Dorchester? Like, who would've thought a Formula One driver would start out with clay pigeons? 
It's wild to think that he was just like any other kid back then, just trying to get signatures on his helmet at the track... I remember when I was younger and used to go to the range with my dad, it was always so much fun. But at the same time, it's also super impressive how hard Lando had to work to get where he is today. 
! I mean, from clay pigeon shooting to Formula 1, that's wild 
. And to see Dodds' humble attitude towards his success is really cool 
. He's not one of those coaches who's gonna get too caught up in the glory days, you know? 
Lando Norris is coming for that championship 
. It's cool how he went from clay pigeon shooting to F1, defies expectations. Dodds' coaching skills are underrated, he's been with Norris since childhood, building those skills from scratch. Norris handled the controversy well, handled pressure well... this weekend could be it! 
. But seriously, I love how Rob Dodds is crediting the kids dedication and perseverance as the reason for their success - it just goes to show that anything is possible with hard work and a positive attitude