Originally from Brighton, John Bartlett left school at 15, with an undistinguished academic record, a dream of becoming a racing driver and his headmaster's last salvo: 'You will never amount to anything' ringing in his ears. At 18 he set up his first business, an electronics company, in a shed on an industrial estate and within 2 years was employing 25 people and renovating his first classic Aston Martin. In 1979 he turned his back on security to focus on his childhood dream. From little backing, he rapidly secured major sponsorships propelling him into the World Championship. In 1985 he set up his own World Championship team and qualified as a helicopter pilot. John now runs a diving school near his home in Maidstone.