As Nigel's father said Karting was fun but motor racing was serious. To realize his ambition of Formula 1 racing Nigel knew he had to climb the ladder and get noticed by a Formula 1 team. The only route was via British Formula Ford and Formula 3.

Nigel invested £15 in a one day lesson in Formula Ford. It was a wise move. He was good, he won his first race and in 1977 became the Formula Ford Champion.