Award for Excellence in Sport: Sean Hudspeth (2012 Cohort)
Sean, 27, is a professional racing driver who took up karting at a young age and has been competing professionally for more than 10 years.
His Alumni of the Year Award can be added to an already bursting trophy cabinet; last year, he took the 2020 Italian GT Endurance ProAm Championship as part of Ferrari Team EasyRace. His last-round win at Monza means he has now won back-to-back championships in the National Series.
Alongside his racing career, Sean – a certified Ferrari instructor – travels the world to support the brand at events, launches and roadshows. He also owns his own business, Sean Hudspeth Motorsports, that specialises in bespoke driving experiences in road cars and racing cars.
Tell us more about your 2020 championship win…
This one felt even more special than 2019 because of all the uncertainty surrounding the championship due to COVID-19: the racing season, which usually starts in April, was postponed several times before finally starting in July. I was so grateful just to be able to race; to come away with another championship title was the icing on the cake.
You have worn several “hats” in your career so far; is there one you find particularly rewarding?
It has to be professional racing – it’s been a lifelong passion of mine. However, I also love working as a driver coach and official instructor for Ferrari; it’s given me the opportunity to travel and meet new people, not to mention drive some of the world’s most incredible cars! I must say, there is a lot of hard work and sacrifice that goes on behind the scenes – it’s not all glitz and glamour – but the skills I’ve learned in the industry are priceless.
What are your next steps?
I have recently renewed my contract with Ferrari and AF Corse for 2021, so I have been training hard here in Singapore in preparation for the season – I have another big year ahead of me. Fitness, simulator work and karting are a few of the things I have been doing to prepare my body and mind.
How does it feel to be an Alumni of the Year award winner?
It’s a huge honour and, if I’m honest, it took me by surprise. Tanglin has always been a special place for me as I was there from Nursery to Year 13. I loved my time at the school and was always grateful for the support given to those that wanted to pursue a riskier, less “conventional” career path. Tanglin has its own special charm that is unmatched in Singapore. To be recognised by the school for my achievements years later is quite emotional for me!