20/03/2008
NEWS STORY
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Earlier today, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) launched its BRDC Superstars scheme, an exciting new initiative that will support and further the careers of young British racing drivers.
Damon Hill OBE, president of the BRDC, was joined by former British Touring Car champion Tim Harvey, who will be directing the BRDC Superstars initiative, and BRDC Director Derek Warwick to announce the list of 14 drivers who will benefit from the scheme in its inaugural year.
Having shown promise in their careers to date, with several already winning series championships, the following drivers were confirmed as BRDC Superstars for 2008:
Nine of the 2008 Superstars were introduced to a sizeable audience at the BRDC Clubhouse, including members of the media, BRDC Members and a number of motorsport related dignitaries. Driving commitments prevented the remaining five Superstars from attending the launch.
BRDC Superstars is a commercially-driven initiative that supports drivers from a cross-section of motorsport disciplines and championships, ranging from single-seater racing in the GP2 series to British Touring Cars, Le Mans and GT series drivers. Essentially chosen from within the Club's successful and continuing Rising Stars scheme, the BRDC Superstars will pave the way for a new breed of racing champions all benefiting from the vast experience the BRDC and its Members have to offer.
Speaking at the launch BRDC Superstars Director Tim Harvey said, "Developing the cream of young British talent is a cornerstone of the BRDC and I look forward to working with our fourteen Superstars during 2008. The future 'Lewis Hamiltons' are out there and it would be remiss of the BRDC if we did not do our utmost to find them".
BRDC President Damon Hill said, "There is a strong desire among our Members for the BRDC to be actively involved in progressing the most promising fledgling professional drivers' careers. The problem has always been that simply providing funds does not prepare a driver for the many extremely demanding and complex challenges that he will face throughout his career, and often renders that investment wasted.
"We felt that the first step has to be to provide sound and reliable experience and un- biased advice as to the way forward for each individual. Providing advice is the first base for what we hope will grow into a thoroughly complete service for the serious minded driver who has his sights set on the summit of his chosen discipline, be that F1, champ cars, Indy cars, touring cars, sports cars or whatever".
BRDC Board Director Derek Warwick added, "The timing of this initiative couldn't be better. BRDC President Damon Hill has brought a new dimension to the Club, while Lewis Hamilton has re-ignited the nation's enthusiasm for motorsport. It's a great time for these 14 young drivers to be associated with both the BRDC and the Superstars scheme, which will add further credibility to the drivers' credentials and help to develop their professional careers. Out of these 14 drivers the aim is for at least one to go on to become a World or British Champion."