Three final year Motor Vehicle students have been impressing the motorsport industry whilst undertaking work experience with UK champion race team, Alliance Racing.
British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) Constructor Team and Driver Champions for 2023, Alliance Racing put students Wes Lawrence, Ollie Holmes, and Soph Sinclair-Black through their paces during the final two rounds of the 2023 Championship at the famous Silverstone and Brands Hatch circuits.
The College’s affiliation with Alliance Racing came to fruition as a result of the partnership formed between Motorsport lecturer Alex Fletcher and Ian Walford, Managing Director of Wera Tools UK, sponsor of the College motorsport race team.
Alex explained, “This affiliation means so much, it is key that our learners get a complete experience. All our students get a real taste of what they are studying towards, however this link directly into the industry is vital.
“Alliance Racing are such a positive team, and owner Pete Osborne is equally as driven as we are towards getting young talent into the industry.”
Student Ollie explained, “It’s been an amazing experience, the team have been really welcoming and I’ve learnt a lot from working with them.
“It’s been a lot of fun working at the top level of motorsport and putting into practice the knowledge, skills and behaviours that we have learnt in College.”
Fellow student Wes added, “The team have been brilliant in showing me the ropes and it was crazy being on the podium with the team after the final race to celebrate the championships they had achieved. I can’t believe I was part of it!”
Spending weekends under real working pressures of the track allowed learners to work with championship racers and experience a top-tier motorsport environment. Learner Soph described, “Having this opportunity has been totally mind blowing! I am now at the top level of UK motorsport and have a good idea on what is required from me so I can maximise my time learning new things from Alliance Racing.” Soph was also responsible for working on the championship winning car of Ashley Sutton.
Team owner Pete Osborne reflected, “The learners are a credit to the College and what the Motorsport department are doing in preparing them for work in this sector is inspirational. I’ve never had work experience students that are so positive, pro-active, driven, and grateful of their time with us.
“It’s very humbling knowing there are such talented learners coming into our sector. I’m very proud to have been able to offer this opportunity and hopefully this is just the start of things to come.”