Three gifted motor sport students from Loughborough College are set to appear on the iconic show Top Gear.
Olivia Petix-Martin, Harry Rice and James Black, took to the track as part of the latest BBC series which will be aired on Easter Sunday (4th April). Without giving too much away, the trio are set to go (petrol)head-to-head with the show’s presenters Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
Loughborough College’s enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, is a unique course which nurtures and supports talented racers in partnership with Motorsport UK, the governing body for British motorsport.
Harry, 16, of Market Harborough, said: “Being a fan of the show since I was knee high, being given the opportunity to feature in it was a dream come true.
“The experience was incredible, seeing everything that goes on behind the scenes as well as meeting the presenters was thrilling. My personal highlight was sending it on the inside of Paddy (McGuinness) into a low speed hairpin on the second run, as well as hunting down Chris In the V8 Monaro. It was by far the fastest car and making sure we gave him good challenge in the severely underpowered Saxo.”
Harry said the DiSE programme is perfect for aspiring racers because it allows students to learn, gain their qualifications whilst supporting their racing career. “The lecturers have a good relationship with us all as students,” he added.
“For those thinking of joining the programme, I would strongly suggest applying because it allows you to leave with multiple qualifications whilst working around your racing career. It also offers opportunities to work with amazing companies, as well as having nutritionists and psychologists.”
Adam Gould, an elite sport tutor at Loughborough College, said: “It’s great to see some of our first year DiSE students getting opportunities like this outside of their college and racing commitments.
“Engaging with the media is an essential part of profile-building any young driver, so it’s fantastic to see them being proactive and engaging with the BBC. They are all great students and fierce competitors, so hopefully they give Paddy, Chris and Fred a run for their money!”
Katie Baldwin, Competitors Pathway Manager for Motorsport UK, said: “We’re so pleased for our Motorsport UK Academy DiSE athletes who were given this fantastic opportunity to star on the long-running show. What a great and well-deserved experience for them and a huge platform to showcase their enthusiasm for the sport. We can’t wait to see how they got on, elbow to elbow with the presenters!”
You can watch Tune in to Top Gear on Sunday, 4th April at 8pm on BBC One.
Young aspiring drivers and co-drivers, serious about their motorsport career, who are interested in applying to the Motorsport UK Academy enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence can enquire via academy@motorsportuk.org.
PICTURED: Top Gear presenter Chris Harris with Loughborough College student Harry Rice.