MSA reaffirms its commitment to future talent with launch
of its MSA British Race Elite programme
The Motor Sports Association - governing body of UK motor
sport - has reaffirmed its commitment to British talent by
launching an elite driver training programme to incorporate
all UK racing formulae, whether GT, touring car or single-seater.
MSA British Race Elite was announced today (11 January) by
Alan Gow, MSA Chairman, at the Autosport International Show
at the NEC in Birmingham (picture right).
The carefully devised scheme will offer the most promising
young British racing drivers the opportunity to join a special
programme established specifically to develop their skills
and give them the best possible chance of making the step
up to the highest levels. As well as working on track performance,
engineering skills and technical understanding, the drivers
will be developing the vital additional areas such as physical
training, mind coaching, career management, sponsorship generation,
promotion and media presentation that complete the all-round
package of the modern motor racing driver.
The MSA British Race Elite programme will be operated by
Brabham Performance Clinic, fronted by one of the world's
renowned international racing drivers, David Brabham, and
leading mind coach and sponsorship expert, Don Macpherson.
"I am very proud to be able to launch the MSA British
Race Elite programme today," said Alan Gow. "The
MSA Rally Elite programme already has proved to be a huge
success and I'm confident that David Brabham and his highly
talented team will provide a similarly prestigious programme
for young race drivers. It's very important for all involved
in UK motor sport that this country continues to produce top
class race and rally competitors and these two complimentary
MSA schemes have been established not only to help our most
promising young talents to fulfil their potential but also
to encourage others to compete in motor sport, whether it's
at amateur or professional levels."
"This is a new and exciting challenge for me,"
confirmed Brabham. "Motor racing is one of the few sports
with no recognised training or coaching qualifications; young
drivers are just expected to navigate their way through what's
a highly complicated sport. I feel through the MSA Race Elite
programme I will be able to pass on all the knowledge and
experience I've gained during the last 23 years. I wish I'd
known at the outset what I know now, particularly the mental
and physical aspects of the sport."
The programme will cover all areas of physical and mental
preparation and training, track performance and development,
technical and engineering awareness in areas such as engine,
gearbox, suspension, tyres and electronics and aerodynamics.
It will also bring in experts to advise on career management,
media, sponsorship and promotional training.
Partners include the University of Bath's Sports Development
Department, currently involved in training Olympic athletes,
and Dr Steve Carpenter on the physical and mental health side.
Avon Tyres, Hewland Engineering, Multimatic, Zytek and Wirth
Research will all be involved to provide a technical perspective.
THB Clowes and Arbuthnot Latham Private Bank will offer valuable
guidance on insurance and finance, while the Brabham Performance
Clinic's own experts will offer mind training, plus tips on
how to deal with the media and sponsorship presentations.
Potential candidates must have a British Passport, or be
eligible for one, be aged between 16 and 25, must hold an
MSA competition licence, and must have competed in a recognised
national championship for a minimum of 12 months. Applications
for entry into the scheme can be made through a special website
(www.msabritishraceelite.co.uk).
A shortlist of 20 candidates will be drawn up and a selection
panel will then choose up to six drivers that they consider
to offer the best prospects of future success for the first
intake of the MSA British Race Elite. This process will be
achieved by means of physical and mental assessment as well
as analysis of current levels of performance.
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