As National Motorsport Week begins on 11 July, our Motorsport UK team is getting out and about across the UK, engaging with our community – from seasoned volunteers to students considering a career in a STEM subject and pupils who considering their future options. 

Our Girls on Track Programme has had a very busy June, with community members attending an event at McLaren’s Headquarters in Working for their 2nd nurture group session. A group of budding photographers attended a photography masterclass run by Auto Photo at Thruxton circuit to finesse their portfolio and community members were able to join a webinar with Championship Coordinators.  

Girls on Track attended the British Grand Prix over the weekend, engaging with women keen to find out more about the community. The programme will be attending Festival of Speed at Goodwood this weekend, alongside the British Women Racing Driver’s Club (BWRDC) and Women in Motorsport Committee, with an action-packed schedule set to be announced during the weekend. The stand will provide women with the chance to network, engage with other women in motorsport, hear from those who already have made it their career and also base themselves in a safe space at the event.  

Jenny Fletcher, Girls on Track UK Programme Manager comments, “What a busy, but fabulous few weeks we’ve had with Girls on Track UK. Through the support of motorsport teams and championships, we have been able to give young girls and our community members incredible opportunities to get closer to the sport, which for some, will be life changing”.  

Our Race for Diversity programme will also be present at Festival of Speed, running a ‘treasure hunt’ for 40 students from four London-based schools. The programme has had a busy start to the summer, meeting with learners from London Design and Engineering UTC in East London to discuss CV writing and career techniques on 5 July, prior to visiting Hurlingham School to showcase mechanics, engineering and other automotive careers to students.  

Evelkah Powell, Race for Diversity Manager adds, “The Race for Diversity events over the last few weeks have shown the importance of showcasing what is possible in the motorsports industry for everyone regardless of background. More so, by giving young people opportunities from ethnically underserved and economically disadvantaged through the support of organisations and those within the industry have allowed us to make the seemingly inaccessible, accessible.” 

Both programmes will be attending Formula Student at Silverstone on 19 July, engaging with students competing with cars that are either fully battery powered or use sustainable combustion methods. This opportunity is thanks to the support of Mission 44, the charity supported by Sir Lewis Hamilton, that aims to encourage minority groups to explore the opportunities within UK motorsport.