There can be no denying that 2023 was a very successful year for Motorsport UK Academy drivers. GB3 conqueror Callum Voisin, GB4 dominator Tom Mills, Radical Cup UK champion Theo Micouris, Mini Challenge Trophy title winner Tom Ovenden and European Rally class victor Jon Armstrong, alongside British Rallycross champions Patrick O’Donovan (Supercar) and Max Langmaid (Mini), are just some of the Academy members to achieve notable accolades last season.
Add in the likes of Formula E champion Jake Dennis and British GT title winner Dan Harper who have graduated from its various programmes in recent years, and it’s clear how many careers the Academy has played a part in.
But what exactly is the Academy and what does it do? “Motorsport UK Academy is a talent development pathway for young athletes that show potential to make it to the top levels of the sport,” explains the governing body’s head of competitor development Katie Baldwin. “Through our programmes, we give drivers an insight into what it takes to get to the top and the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive. Just being quick behind the wheel isn’t enough these days and you have got to look at what you’re doing away from the track, away from the car, to make sure when you’re in the car you’re going to realise your potential.”
Currently, there are 103 drivers/co-drivers who are part of the Academy across three key programmes. The first of these is its Enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence, which is run in conjunction with Loughborough College and gives aspiring drivers a formal qualification and greater understanding of the industry, and is incredibly useful should their career on track or on the stages fail to flourish. “We’ve seen over the years that drivers neglect their education in their pursuit to rise to the top,” notes Baldwin.
The course covers a wide mix of topics ranging from performance/technical areas – such as race strategy and tyre management – to physical preparation, including guidance on fitness, nutrition and sleep. Psychology and managing emotions are also explored, along with a focus on giving drivers an understanding of what is needed to be able to network and market themselves successfully. “They have to have a business mindset in the sport,” says Baldwin, who adds that a “holistic” approach is taken to ensure drivers are given a broad range of tools.
Source: Autosport