From Sim to Win: The Rise of Ethan Faulkner

Graham Baalham-Curry

24 Feb 2026 • 5 min read

When it comes to winning trophies on the race track, most drivers start with karting and work their way through the ranks, eventually ending up in tin-tops or single-seaters with cabinets full of silverware. For 22-year-old Ethan Faulkner from Maghaberry, the journey has been very different—yet his rapid rise to success has earned him more accolades than many seasoned veterans.

For young drivers, the cost of entering motorsport can be eye-watering, especially at the sharp end of the time sheets. Increasingly, aspiring racers are turning to simulators, competing from the comfort of their bedrooms. While today’s sim setups can be expensive, the technology has advanced beyond comprehension, offering a realistic gateway into the sport.

Ethan’s father, Kenny, explains:

“Ethan was diagnosed with autism at a young age and attended special needs schools. But from early on, he was a real petrolhead and always followed Formula One. We did everything together—most of our holidays were at F1 races around the world. Ethan always wanted to race, but his autism held that dream back.”

Dreams, however, can become reality. In fact, Ethan’s neurodiversity may have been key to his success. The intense focus often associated with autism allowed him to master racing in a way few can. Embracing this gift, Ethan began racing computer games at just seven years old. By 14, he was competing globally in F1 and Gran Turismo on his simulator while saving for a gaming PC.

After upgrading, Ethan moved to Assetto Corsa—a platform offering some of the world’s most challenging tracks and cars, with realistic setups and driving dynamics. It was the perfect training ground without the huge fuel and tyre bills.

In 2022, Ethan entered the Ferrari Esports Championship, where the winner earns a contract with Ferrari after finals in Abu Dhabi. He qualified for the European semi-final and finished sixth out of 20—a commendable achievement, even if it wasn’t enough to secure a flight to the Middle East.

For the past year, Ethan has raced with Visual Esports, celebrating success alongside teammates. During a Sim Expo in Düsseldorf, Germany, he even claimed several podium finishes.

From Virtual to Reality

In 2022, Ethan and Kenny took the plunge and bought a real racing car. Missing the first three rounds of the Northern Ireland Sprint Championship, Ethan debuted at round four at Nutts Corner Circuit. Kenny wanted a Renault Clio Sport, but Ethan insisted on a single-seater—and won that debate. The car of choice: a 1990s Jedi MkIV with a Suzuki GSXR 1,000cc engine.

Ethan stunned the paddock by finishing sixth overall and third in class. By season’s end, he was second in class and fourth overall—an incredible feat against experienced drivers in superior machinery.

Remaining in the Jedi for 2023, Ethan repeated his second-in-class finish and climbed to third overall. Midway through 2024, he upgraded to a yellow Force PT, and the results were spectacular: unbeaten in class, new class records at every event, maximum points at the British Sprint Championship round at Kirkistown, and even an outright win at Nutts Corner.

This dominance planted a seed: could Ethan compete full-time in the British series? In 2025, that dream became reality.

A Breakthrough Year

“Our target was simple—enjoy it, finish in the top five overall, and hopefully break some class records,” says Kenny.

With over 30 rounds available and the best 29 counting toward the championship, the season was intense. Everything was going smoothly until disaster struck at Pembrey: a stone pierced the radiator during practice at three-figure speeds. Rather than risk an engine failure with a paddock fix, Ethan withdrew from the event, sacrificing four rounds and a shot at third overall.

With the damaged radiator replaced and car for sale, Ethan debuted his new Force TA ahead of schedule at Anglesey—amid storm Amy. His first test was in torrential rain, far from ideal. But the weekend ended brilliantly: three wins on the Welsh clifftop track vaulted him from sixth to third overall.

By season’s end, Ethan had five overall wins, four second places, three thirds, and three new class records. He finished fourth overall and second in class—beaten only by the series champion. The original goal of a top-five finish was smashed.

At the Hillclimb and Sprint Association awards evening at the British Motor Museum, Ethan collected five trophies:

HSA Competitor of the Year
Top Driver Under 25
High-Scoring Newcomer
Highest Scoring in Top 10 for Time
Fourth Overall in the Series

He also earned the Ulster Automobile Club’s Best Driver of the Year and the British Motorsport Marshals Club’s Driver of the Year for Northern Ireland.

The Car For Future Success

Ethan’s new Force TA boasts a 25% power increase and 50% more downforce than his previous car. Its four-year-old chassis houses a brand-new 1,600cc Suzuki Hayabusa engine producing 244 bhp, advanced aero, modern electronics like paddle shift, launch control, and traction control, plus bigger brakes. Combined with Pirelli tyres and left-foot braking—thanks to custom engineering from Force—the car promises even greater cornering speed, closing the gap that cost Ethan wins this season.

Reflecting on the year, Ethan says:

“Overall, brilliant. It’s a whole new level. Exploring new tracks was a lot of fun, and we learned so much—probably more than ever before. It was much more of a challenge, but it’s hard to take when things go wrong.”

Looking Ahead

Competing on just four rounds of the local Northern Ireland series, Ethan looks set to finish third overall—proof of his growing dominance. His British Championship charge will continue next year with the same paddock crew which includes six dedicated members: Ethan driving; Kenny and Clive on the tools; Marion managing tyres; Linda handling catering; and Blaine crunching stats.