Motorsport Students Prepare for Life in the Fast Lane

Students studying Motorsport at Canterbury College are getting the chance to work on a race car, similar to the one Lewis Hamilton used at the start of his career.

The group, who are studying for a Level 1 or Level 2 Technical Certificate in Motorsport, are carrying out maintenance on the Formula Renault car which they plan to test at Lydden Hill race circuit sometime around Easter.

The former Formula One World Champion raced in the Formula Renault series in 2001 after progressing from karting when he was 16, and won the championship two years later.

The Swift 1994 model is the latest addition to the purpose built state-of-the-art Motor Vehicle Department at Canterbury College. In the next few weeks they will also be taking delivery of two new karts which will be used to race at this year’s Le Mans.

It will be the 11^th year that the College has competed at the 24 hour endurance race. This time around the team will be made up of six students with another five as back up.

Kevin Pilcher, Section Manager for Motor Vehicle at Canterbury College, said: “British Motorsport is a booming industry worth around £4billion and with Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button doing so well recently; circuits have really seen an increase in the number of people interested in the sport.” Kevin added: “The course here at Canterbury College provides students with all the knowledge and practical experience needed to either progress to a University course or gain employment in the industry.”

The Formula Renault car will be on display at the College’s next Open Day which takes place on March 30^th from 2pm – 8pm.