Entrepreneurs - Robert and David Hall

When father and son Robert and David Hall met the Dragons in August 2008, the frisson was palpable - five Dragons who own a fleet of 29 cars between them presented with the prospect of supporting an aspirant Formula Ford racing driver.

However the excitement didn't last for long as the Halls revealed that drivers don't get paid at Formula Ford. Cutting to the chase, Duncan Bannatyne sumed up "you're offering 40% of nothing".

One by one the Dragons backed away from a deal, including self-confessed petrolhead Peter Jones who ruefully said: "If I find out in five years time he's done a major deal worth £40m I'll be bloody furious I didn't invest".

The deal done in the Den:

No investment.

Eighteen months down the track Peter Jones visits the Halls in Castle Combe, Wiltshire to see Rob test driving a new car he has picked up this season.

"We didn't get the money we wanted but through Dragons' Den we got this car" David divulges, and his son still has the appetite to race to win. "I love motor racing but the best part of a sport is winning and every time I step into a car I feel I could win".

Peter Jones remains convinced it's not a business for him but he admires Robert's passion, commitment and drive. "I hope he gets the break he needs and who knows he could be the next Jenson Button".

Last updated: 8th October 2009