Meet Alex Horley: Our Young Motorsport Star Winner
Rookie drifter Alex Horley has won our Young Motorsport Star giveaway, claiming a fully branded 3m x 4.5m paddock gazebo built to professional standard.
Earlier this year we ran a giveaway for young motorsport competitors under the age of 17, offering the winner a fully customised 3m x 4.5m branded paddock gazebo, built to professional standard.
The format was straightforward. Entrants sent us a video explaining why they deserved to win. We shortlisted six favourites, then opened the vote to the public.
Among the six finalists, Alex Horley, a rookie drifter, steadily gathered momentum. Week by week the votes stacked up. One name stayed close behind: Logan Jackson, another strong young competitor whose late surge kept the contest tight for days.
Then Alex pulled clear. With 803 votes, he claimed the win and secured his new paddock set-up, a shelter that will travel with him across events to cover his car, his kit, and his ambitions.
A delivery worth the drive
Once the custom-printed shelter was complete, our team, Ryan and Andrew, made a six-hour round trip to deliver the prize in person in Gloucestershire.
The team did more than drop the kit off. Andrew gave Alex a full demo on how to safely erect, anchor, and pack the gazebo down, so it stays in pristine condition across many events to come.
For Alex, the moment was surreal. "I can't believe this is true," he said, looking over the finished setup. "I'm so happy with it. It's absolutely amazing, the quality of everything."
When we asked what the gazebo would mean for his drifting, Alex was grounded: "It's definitely going to help, it'll cover the car and the tools."
What struck us most was how much the experience meant to him personally.
"I'd like to start by saying thank you so much to every single person who voted for me. Well done to everyone else who entered, because you're all amazing. I can't believe I've won because you're so amazing."
"I'm speechless, honestly. I had an exact vision in my mind, and it's come to a reality."
It was a proud moment for Alex and his family. His grandmother greeted the team and stood beaming as Alex rolled his car beneath the branded tent for the first time. Alex had added not only his own name and number to the canopy, but also those of his late grandfather, honouring the man who passed the petrolhead gene on to him.
Backed by Gala Performance
"I'm absolutely buzzing for the lad," said Ryan after the visit. "To see his face when the vehicle was under it, and the proud face of his grandmother who came to greet us with him, it couldn't have gone to a nicer lad. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on his progress."
As part of the prize, Alex is now an official brand ambassador for Gala Tent and Gala Performance, carrying our logos on his car as he works towards becoming a professional drifter. He joins a growing community of grassroots racers we support with quality shelter, branding, and paddock gear.
We will share updates as Alex progresses through events.
A big thank you
To all of the finalists, thank you. You made it a close and exciting contest, and every one of you has a bright future in motorsport. We were blown away by the quality of the entries, the support from fans, and the passion from each young competitor.
Want a paddock gazebo like Alex's?
If you are racing and want a shelter that shows off your setup and keeps your vehicle and tools protected, you are in the right place. Whether you are a solo drifter, karter, or track day regular, our printed gazebos can be fully customised with your name, number, and sponsor logos, and are built to handle the paddock and the weather. Browse the full gazebo range or call 01709 242454 to talk through your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paddock gazebo and what should I look for?
A paddock gazebo is a pop-up shelter used at race meetings and track days to cover a vehicle, tools, and team. Look for a heavy-duty commercial frame, a waterproof canopy, sidewalls for weather protection, and a solid anchoring kit so it stays secure on both tarmac and grass.
Can I have my name, number, and sponsor logos printed on the gazebo?
Yes. We can print the canopy, valance, and sidewalls with your name, race number, colours, and sponsor logos. See our printed gazebo range to start a design.
What size gazebo do I need to cover a car and tools?
A 3m x 4.5m suits most single cars with room for tools and a workspace. For larger vehicles, more kit, or a team area, consider a 3m x 6m. Measure your vehicle and allow working space around it before choosing.
How do I anchor a gazebo safely at a race venue?
On hard standing such as tarmac or concrete, use weight plates or weighted feet, as you cannot peg into the surface. On grass, use ground stakes through the leg plates. Always anchor the gazebo before leaving it unattended and take it down in strong winds.
Are pop-up gazebos strong enough for regular paddock and track day use?
Our commercial Pro ranges are built for repeated professional use rather than occasional garden use. With correct setup, anchoring, and storage, they are designed to last across many seasons of events.
Do you run competitions or support grassroots motorsport?
We have a track record of backing grassroots racers through giveaways, branded shelter, and ambassador support. Follow Gala Tent and Gala Performance for future competitions and to see how we support young competitors.
