‘The next Lewis Hamilton’ is a phrase that’s been done to death – but McLaren’s star driver has been pointing those coming after him in the right direction by heading a new initiative that aims to get more people involved in British motorsport.
Whether you fancy going to live events, competing, stewarding or making a career in the sport, then Go Motorsport might be for you.
Created by the Motor Sports Association, the governing body of British motorsport, it is the UK’s first centrally co-ordinated marketing campaign to encourage interest among a wider audience.
It also aims to show how easy it can be to become involved at all levels as a competitor, spectator, official or trackside marshal.
Pop along to the site and you’ll see the following:
- Go Drive – explains the driving disciplines recognised by the MSA with details on how to participate, costs, requirements, where to go, who to approach and a searchable database of clubs
- Go See – lists venues and events by region and postcode
- Go Help – details the many roles that are available including administration, acting as an official or becoming a fully-trained trackside marshal and how to become involved
Speaking at the campaign launch, Lewis Hamilton said: “While Formula 1 is the pinnacle there are many other classes of motor sport of which people are not aware. They don’t realise that there is such a depth and variety to the sport – particularly in the UK.
“I am happy to see an initiative such as Go Motorsport raising awareness of the thousands of events around the country and showing people that there is something for all tastes, ages and budgets.”
Go Motorsport has attracted plenty of other endorsements from famous names in British motorsport.
They include F1 drivers Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson; 1996 F1 World Champion and now President of the British Racing Drivers Club Damon Hill; F1 team principal Sir Frank Williams; World touring car champion Andy Priaulx; British touring car champion Jason Plato; Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish; TV commentators Murray Walker and Martin Brundle; World Rally champions Malcolm Wilson and Robert Reid; TV presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson.
MSA Chairman Alan Gow said: “This is a hugely important initiative and has already received great support and enthusiasm.
“We are extremely proud to have Lewis Hamilton launch Go Motorsport – he’s an inspiration to many and we hope this initiative will help many of those that have been inspired by the achievements of Lewis and other drivers to get involved.”