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UK Needs Motor Sports University
26 Jun 2007
Great Britain needs a university of motor sports to help talented youngsters get into the elitist world of racing, according to racing legend John Surtees.
And he wants it to be based in Kent at the world famous Buckmore Park karting track – which launched Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton.
Mr Surtees is seeking government funding worth £3 million to help extend the already demanding track and to develop the university building.
Mr Surtees, who won world championships on both two and four wheels, said: "This will be a world class facility at Buckmore Park.
"It will not only train drivers, but also educate young people, of both sexes, in the world of motor racing industry.”
He said the world of motor sport was seen as “elitist” because of the huge costs involved as young people pursue their racing dream.
The new educational facility could open up the world to hundreds of youngsters who had previously been shut out because they do not have wealthy parents.
"The industry in this country is worth £4.5 billion,” said Mr Surtees, “so this university will give young people a chance to creature a career in motor sport. There is a whole host of opportunities apart from driving. There is design, nutrition and fitness, and business studies, as an example.”
He said the success of 22-year-old Lewis Hamilton had brought the issue back into focus for the Government.
“We are hoping they will come up with the funds to build this centre,” said Mr Surtees, who has been speaking to different government agencies to raise the initial investment.
He then hopes private partnerships can fund a learning and training centre at Buckmore Park.
“We have commercial interests already. We won't need government money after it is set up. We are not looking for handouts, it will be self-sustaining and will help thousands of young people over many, many years.
"The initial cost really is not a lot of money for what will be achieved. This is a service for the community, and it will not charge students fees. There will be additional workshops at locals schools, colleges and other training centres."
Mr Surtees, who lives in Edenbridge, said he hopes to raise the issue of funding with the sports minister, Richard Caborn.
And he wants it to be based in Kent at the world famous Buckmore Park karting track – which launched Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton.
Mr Surtees is seeking government funding worth £3 million to help extend the already demanding track and to develop the university building.
Mr Surtees, who won world championships on both two and four wheels, said: "This will be a world class facility at Buckmore Park.
"It will not only train drivers, but also educate young people, of both sexes, in the world of motor racing industry.”
He said the world of motor sport was seen as “elitist” because of the huge costs involved as young people pursue their racing dream.
The new educational facility could open up the world to hundreds of youngsters who had previously been shut out because they do not have wealthy parents.
"The industry in this country is worth £4.5 billion,” said Mr Surtees, “so this university will give young people a chance to creature a career in motor sport. There is a whole host of opportunities apart from driving. There is design, nutrition and fitness, and business studies, as an example.”
He said the success of 22-year-old Lewis Hamilton had brought the issue back into focus for the Government.
“We are hoping they will come up with the funds to build this centre,” said Mr Surtees, who has been speaking to different government agencies to raise the initial investment.
He then hopes private partnerships can fund a learning and training centre at Buckmore Park.
“We have commercial interests already. We won't need government money after it is set up. We are not looking for handouts, it will be self-sustaining and will help thousands of young people over many, many years.
"The initial cost really is not a lot of money for what will be achieved. This is a service for the community, and it will not charge students fees. There will be additional workshops at locals schools, colleges and other training centres."
Mr Surtees, who lives in Edenbridge, said he hopes to raise the issue of funding with the sports minister, Richard Caborn.
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