Swanwick was a relative late starter to karting, starting in 2003 at the age of 9 in Formula cadets where he did his novice plates.

He could have stopped in mini Max for another couple of years, but having the need for speed, Swanwick decided he wanted to drive JICAs.

Swanwick competed in the Ginetta Junior Championship for Tollbar Racing where he finished with 8 podiums and completed the season in 7th.

Swanwicks aggressive driving style saw him disqualified in Round 14 of the championship at Silverstone after an incident that resulted in 3 cars retiring from the race.

Rob Austin again saw Swanwick's potential and signed him up as the team's junior driver after testing at Pembrey in July 2011.