The more cars you drive, the better driver you’ll be. That is the advice that former F2 driver and current IMSA GTP driver Louis Delétraz recommends and this week you will find out why.
In addition to this advice, you will learn about an innovative new driver funding scheme, the mission of driver development organization Shift Up Now, a new guide for the parents of race drivers and how the Ace Championship intends to be more than just a feeder series.
All this in this week’s Driver Development Roundup on Motorsport Prospects. Its news aspiring race drivers can use.
Former Formula 2 driver Louis Delétraz and current Acura IMSA GTP driver has some very simple advice for young drivers. The more cars you drive, the better driver you’ll be. “I think a lot of drivers only see Formula 1 and don’t see the GT or prototypes part, so they don’t even consider [it],” he explains. “Driving as many cars as you can straight away – which I always did in Formula Renault, Formula BMW, GP3, Porsche [in the GT World Challenge] and also LMP1 and F2 – the more cars you drive, the better driver you’ll be. It might take time to adapt, but it’s definitely something you should do.”
Reigning European Le Mans Series champion Ferdinand Habsburg’s Rebel Team has launched a new initiative to support a promising driver into one of three different disciplines in 2024. The fan-funded scheme is to open voting among its members that will enable a protege to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, the new LMGT3 division in the World Endurance Championship, or the headline LMP2 class of the ELMS, in which Habsburg was triumphant last season.
“Rebel Team has been founded to make racing more feasible for drivers who come from average-income families, and for fans everywhere. We want to create the largest movement in global motorsport, populated by fans who become members and drivers who want to make those members’ experiences of following the sport we all love as brilliant as possible. Rebel Team will help fund young drivers’ careers, and we’ll offer our members unparalleled access and real influence.”
Sports Illustrated has a great article on Pippa Mann and her work with Shift Up Now and how the organization is helping women break into motorsport. “Under Mann’s leadership, Shift Up Now has not only helped women secure corporate sponsorships, but has also expanded to create its own foundation, aimed at providing tangible grants and financial support to its athletes. Erin Vogel, a former board member, accepted a new role as president in early June. With her help and experience working in real estate management, Mann hopes the foundation and the support Shift Up Now provides will continue to grow.”
Enzo Mucci has just released his new book A Parent’s Guide to Racing which is a brilliant idea that will be truly useful. Look for an interview with Enzo about the book on News Racers Can Use soon!
Endgadget has a comprehensive update on the plans for the new Ace Championship started by former Mahindra Team Principal Dilbagh Gill.
“Ace Championship isn’t just hoping to develop a new crop of drivers each season. The series will also offer opportunities for ages 15-25 who are interested in engineering, communications, marketing and other aspects of motorsport to get real-world experience. Gill said that during his eight years in England at the reins of Mahindra Racing, guest lectures opened his eyes to the fact that nearly 30 percent of university students in motorsport disciplines were from Asia. “What are they going to do next?” he asked himself. “Could something like [Ace] help them find a path?” Gill further explained that Ace would offer a scholarship program to reduce the financial burden even more. “Some talented folks who can’t afford getting in, we will be supporting them,” he said.”
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.
