In this week’s driver development news, you will learn about the new JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award, the prize for the Formula Pro USA F4 champion and a program by the BWRDC to encourage female participation in motorsport.
All this and more in this week’s Driver Development Roundup on Motorsport Prospects. Its news that aspiring race drivers can use.
The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) has announced that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with JMF Motorsports for the sponsorship of its annual Rising Star Award. The CMHF is dedicated to honouring the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in Canadian motorsport.
Through this partnership, the newly named JMF Motorsports Rising Star Award ushers in a new era in the CMHF’s recognition of young Canadian racing talent. Beginning this year – as a result of JMF’s support – the award will feature a substantial $25,000 prize granted to a deserving young Canadian driver who not only shows exceptional skills and a record of success on the track, but also has a strong ambition for a career in motorsport. The award will be presented during the CMHF’s annual Gala Induction Ceremony, on February 17 in Toronto.
Formula Pro USA has confirmed the prize for the FPUF4 Champion. Looking to create a program that helps drivers advance up the motorsports ladder, the new Formula Pro USA F4 Champion will receive a Ligier JSF3 Test.
“We are excited to add an F3 Test for our Formula Pro USA F4 Western Championship title winner in 2024,” expressed BD Morgan. “Exclusive Racing will provide the Ligier JSF3 machine, and we will use the services of a high-profile series team to assist with the test day at a yet-to-be-determined location.”
Morgan added, “We want to provide a path to move up the ladder and this is the perfect try before you buy or invest scenario. The natural path is from F4 to F3, and we look forward to rewarding our champion.”
The British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) has launched a new initiative titled Into Speed that has been designed to encourage female participation in motorsport. The BWRDC was founded in 1962 with the ambition to support women through all disciplines of motorsport, with members competing across an array of championships.
Now, the club has sought to initiate a programme that will “introduce women to the thrills and rewards of motorsport competition” to commence this upcoming March. Into Speed will aim to provide a “clear, friendly and cumulative pathway for women of all ages”, with continued guidance from BWRDC members and expert tutors throughout.
Former Caterham racer and British Supersport rider Cedric Bloch has announced that he will make his debut in the 2024 TCR UK Touring Car Championship. In doing so, Cedic is the first driver, with a life-changing spinal cord injury, to race in the series history, which began back in 2018. The London-based driver will compete in an adapted Audi RS3 LMS DSG TCR car.
Running under the banner of “SGM with Sport77”, Cedric is ready to return to racing and compete against his able-bodied rivals through the 20-race season with experienced team manager Simon Green overseeing proceedings.
In February 2024, to coincide with Half Term school holidays across the UK, 10 TeamSport indoor karting locations across the UK will host Discover Your Drive Days: a fun and engaging first experience of karting for girls aged 8-12 years coupled with a range of exciting off-track activities.
F1 Academy Discover Your Drive Karting UK is a national program acting as a gateway to motorsport, making young girls more aware of the opportunities available and removing the barriers that often inhibit them from competing.
More details can be found here.
In Will a woman ever race in F1 again? Female drivers are challenging racing’s status quo, the LA Times looks at the progress of women in motorsport.
“That’s where role models definitely have a positive impact,” she said. “That kind of, ‘If you see it, you can be it’ mentality and everything we’re doing now to promote more women in the sport, it’s going to have such a positive effect. If we turn on the TV and watch Formula 1 or watch IndyCar, and not just as drivers but you see women on the pit wall that are engineers and mechanics, hopefully young girls watch that and they’re inspired to maybe take up a sport that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.