Rowan Campbell-Pilling, an 18-year-old motorsport driver from Sheffield, has received the Sports and Fitness Star Award at this year’s Sheffield Youth Awards.
Having recently finished competing in his second season of British Formula 4 (F4), certified by the FIA, Rowan is proud to bring his newest trophies, from Silverstone and Knockhill – where his maiden win took place, back to his hometown. This follows a stellar rookie season where Rowan won 21 trophies.
The teenager has rapidly become one of the most exciting young talents in British motorsport, combining speed with relentless determination. Competing in the highly competitive F4 series, he has showcased exceptional skill on some of the UK’s most demanding circuits, consistently outperforming expectations and earning podium finishes against seasoned rivals.
Super dedicated, Rowan works hard on what he describes as a rollercoaster journey.
Rowan said: “It’s been a challenging year where I’ve experienced the highest highs but also some of the lowest lows. As a team, we have done well to bounce back and overcome challenges together to progress stronger.”
Throughout his career, Rowan has juggled F4 training with Sixth Form studies, raising money for charity and engaging with the local community. Rowan is an ambassador and Children’s Champion for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Fundraising through events, challenges, auctions and more, Rowan has raised almost £30,000 in total, as well as a little bit more for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice at their ‘Meadowhall Motorfest’ event.
Rowan has also engaged the local business community in Sheffield, through various occasions including his own ‘A Blink of an Eye’ celebration event, which followed his debut season in F4. Rowan recently engaged the community a second time for ‘Cars and Art in the Courtyard’.
He has, as part of this, established a set of dedicated partners during his second season. Exol Lubricants, Altitude PR, H Harrold & Sons, Hydra Creative, Simoda, Glu Recruit, UXGlobal and Made in Sheffield have all supported the young driver this year.
Through all his efforts – and the support of Made in Sheffield especially – Rowan is successfully flying the flag for Sheffield. Commentators on ITV4 and Sky TV regularly refer to his hometown thereby promoting it on a world stage.
Lastly, Rowan is a role model for young people in Sheffield – he encourages others to pursue careers in motorsport, which is why he’s been involved in The Work-wise Foundation’s ‘Get Up To Speed with STEM’ event, a module with Sheffield Hallam University, and visits with local schools and colleges.
Ultimately, Rowan has been able to grow his own profile organically through each area, showcasing his skill in motorsport. Most importantly to him, however, he has represented the Steel city, become a role model for those younger than him, and supported a local charity that helps many children and young people locally, nationally and even internationally.
“Winning the Sports and Fitness Star Award has really been the star on top,” Rowan added. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me. It’s because of you that I get to do the amazing things I do – in motorsport, with the charity and much more – and it’s because of you that I’m fortunate enough to win wonderful awards like this.”