Those who don't get paid to race are often termed 'gentlemen drivers'. They represent a select group that has, over the years, included some of the finest talents in motor racing. Mike Newton, the highly successful CEO of the AD Group and founder of Dedicated Micros, entered those ranks in 2003 and is now widely recognised as one of the best. Indeed, he frequently puts so-called professional drivers in the shade with his consistent lapping and fast times.

He first paired up with Thomas Erdos to contest the FIA GT Championship in 2003, sharing a Saleen S7-R prepared and managed by RML, and they've raced together ever since - Le Mans, Bathurst, Daytona and the Spa 24 Hour races included. Of late they have shared an MG Lola sports prototype; the EX257 in 2004, also prepared by RML, and currently the MG EX264.

Newton's two major passions are flying and motor racing. He began racing Formula Ford 1600 in 1985, and between 1995 and 1997 was a regular top-placed finisher. Personal landmarks include: victory in the 2002 Daytona Grand-Am finalé (GTS class) in a Saleen S7-R; driving his Ford Falcon EL to class victory in the 2001 Nurburgring 6 Hours; and finishing sixth overall in the Super Touring feature race at Bathurst in 1999.

Mike has raced four times in the Le Mans 24 hours, claiming 6th in class in 2003 (Saleen), then helping the EX257 to its most enduring 24-hour run ever in 2004, before winning LMP2 in 2005 and again in 2006. He has also completed the Spa and Bathurst 24 Hour races, and finished 4th (DP) at Daytona last year.

Mike Newton was named Britain's Top Entrepreneur by Management Today magazine, in association with RBS, and the AD Group is one of the UK's fastest-growing companies. Dedicated Micros - the company Mike founded in 1982, celebrated 25 years of cutting-edge technology in 2007, and AD Group, was ten years old in 2008.

Mike is married to Ann. They live in Cheshire, and have twin girls.

Please note: for a regularly updated biography, please visit www.rml-adgroup.com