WEC welcomes next generation of racers
The FIA World Endurance Championship gave a warm welcome to a class from the Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary school in nearby Towcester today. The boys and girls visited the paddock to get a unique insider’s view of the 6 Hours of Silverstone which will be held this Sunday, April 17.
A busy schedule, that was full of surprises, awaited the 29 pupils aged between 8 and 11 years of age.
Firstly, they visited the place where any driver wants to be in his career, on the podium. Standing on the highest step they could feel how the winner feels as he accepts the adulation of the crowd.
The next stop on the tour saw the children visit race control to see and understand how decisions are taken related to the race, the drivers and the teams. Race Director, Eduardo Freitas, and his Assistant Lisa Crampton were both on hand to describe their high pressure jobs.
After that it was time to get a closer look at the pits and some of the cars from the British teams that will be competing on home soil in the FIA WEC this weekend. Strakka Racing, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Team UK, Aston Martin Racing and Gulf Racing were all on hand to introduce drivers and engineers.
The cherry on the cake for the pupils was the opportunity to exchange a few words with the drivers who also posed for photos and signed autographs. Darren Turner, Marino Franchitti, Nick Leventis and Danny Watts all took the time to inform the children about the challenges of being a driver in the FIA WEC.
A well-earned drink and snack at the FIA WEC’s new hospitality centre rounded off an unforgettable afternoon for the boys and girls, as they shared their highlights of the visit with each other and their equally excited teachers !
And who knows, maybe they found inspiration to be a future engineer, journalist, mechanic or driver for future editions of the FIA WEC.
