There's a big contrast in the vehicles Hywel Lloyd, 22, of Gwyddelwern, near Corwen, drives. In the week he's on a 15-ton forwarder, working in the forests of North Wales, at weekends he's at the wheel of a pencil-slim single-seater Formula Renault racing car in which he won two national titles this year.

"I'm up at about 7am because I'm a bit lazy really and then it's a case of skipping breakfast and dashing to work somewhere in the woods – we're working near Bala at the moment.

"I'm in the family timber business, Corwen Forestry, run by my dad, Harry, and my uncles and my job is to drive the 15-ton forwarder which carries logs from the forest to the road and loads them onto wagons.

"It only goes about five kilometres an hour but that feels pretty quick in the woods.

"We'll carry out about 10 to 12 ten-ton loads a day, as the timber is cut. These days that is done by a machine called a harvester, the days of gangs of men with chainsaws has mostly long gone though you still need them in difficult conditions on steep slopes.

"I have my breakfast about 10am, the sandwiches my mum has made me for lunch, and then it's back to work and I stay at it solid until six'o'clock though I might stop for an apple or an orange about 2pm.

"The machine has got lights so we can work in the dark at this time of year and I enjoy the work, it's outdoors, not cooped up in an office, in the fresh air and in the family business.

"I'm home about half-six for a shower and tea and then two or three nights a week I'm off to the gym in Corwen for a workout and a swim.
It's important to stay fit to drive a racing car because you've got to be sharp and alert when you're travelling at 150mph – it's a bit quicker than the forwarder and there are other vehicles about.

"It's been a busy year this year because we've had plenty of races. I'm the reigning national Formula Renault (British Auto Racing Club) champion and Renault (BARC) Winter Cup-holder.

"I've been all over the country for testing and qualifying and then racing at weekends and there's plenty to do at home getting everything ready for next season.

"I haven't decided yet whether we'll be in Formula Three or Formula Renault UK but there's still plenty to do, testing the new car at Oulton Park and working on getting sponsorship.

"I go out occasionally but I don't drink much, only a couple now and then. It doesn't mix with driving and that's what I enjoy most.

"Being in a car at speed but being in control as well, that's what gives me the thrill."