50 New Racers on the Grid with Caterham Academy

16 February 2006

A primary school teacher, a police officer, a tax accountant, a Lloyd's underwriter and a mother of two were among the eclectic mix of drivers who joined the ranks of Britain's racing drivers this week thanks to the evo Caterham Academy.

In all, 50 motorsport novices successfully completed their Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS) tests at Castle Combe in preparation for a season of competitive action in the Academy.
All passed their track tests with flying colours and will begin their motorsport careers at a sprint event at Aintree in April.

"The examiners from Castle Combe Racing School were impressed by the knowledge and commitment shown by the Academy candidates," said Caterham director of motorsport Magnus Laird. "I'm sure that they will all enjoy a fantastic season and that we are in for some great entertainment."

There are six youngsters in this year's Academy crop, youngest of whom is 16-year-old Lewis Hopkins, from Winchester. The others are 19-year-olds Alastair Greenlees (Hertfordshire) and Oxfordshire-based Peter Young, brother of former Academy racer Simon; Charlie Staveley, 20 and from Kidlington; and 21-year-old students Julien Draper (London) and Oliver Boughton (Henley).

Pam Roberts, a mother of two and mature art student from Southampton, is the sole female Academy contender. The oldest competitor is 58-year-old Clive Hillman, from Newbury, who is taking up motorsport to celebrate his recovery from a life-threatening brain tumour.

This year's crop of 50 join an ever-expanding club. Since its inception in 1995, the Academy has introduced more than 500 drivers to the sport, many of whom have gone on to successful careers at international level.

The Academy offers the budding racer unique value with the all-in price including a road-legal 1.6-litre Caterham Roadsport to keep, the ARDS track licence exam, training seminars and all event and championship fees. Competitors get to sample hillclimbing, three sprint events and four circuit races.

Backers for Caterham Motorsport's UK and European race series include Autosport, Bilstein, Brian James Trailers, Caged, Cheesman Products, Comma, Cosworth, Cooper-Avon Tyres, Demon Tweeks, evo, HSBC Insurance Brokers, Mitchell Cotts, Motorsport News and Stack.

See series calendars for all 2006 Caterham Championships

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