A Northumberland teenager is set to take to the track after securing offers to compete in a racing championship after honing his craft in his bedroom.
Will Crewdson, from Corbridge, has received offers from two race teams to drive in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC), despite not being old enough to drive on the roads. He does, however, hold a Motorsport UK competition licence from the Association of Racing Driver Schools.
The 16-year-old has trained on a professional racing simulator in his bedroom and is now looking for regional sponsorship to support the cost of competing at some of the UK's best known tracks, including Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park. Will is balancing his motorsport ambitions with studying for his GCSEs, and hopes he can fly the flag for the North East, which he claims is underrepresented in motorsport.
Read more: Robson Green wins Outstanding Contribution at North East England Tourism Awards
He said: "I’ve been incredibly fortunate to secure offers from two separate race teams to drive for them in the championships. Several very successful drivers have started their careers in the JSCC before moving into the British Touring Car Championship and the GT Cup, so this is a fantastic opportunity.
"Competing in the JSCC would put me in the best position to start a potential career in motorsports. The North East is hugely underrepresented in motorsports and opportunities aren’t as readily available, so I’m hoping to get some sponsors on board to fly the regional flag and support me on my journey."
The Dame Allan's student bought a professional racing simulator during lockdown when track time wasn't possible, which incorporates a cockpit, racing wheel, pedals and VR headset for fully immersive training. Will is also involved in kart racing and will compete in this year's British Schools Karting Championships alongside Dame Allan's Schools team members Will Clark and Alex Richards.
Will said: "I’ve always just really loved cars and anything that I can drive - fast! To be successful in motorsports, hard work and determination is needed just as much as natural ability.
"It’s a team sport, and everyone has their own important role, but then it’s down to the person behind the wheel and their individual skill and ability to put everyone else’s hard work into results."
Alongside driving, Will is also interested in engineering and hopes to take a degree in motorsport engineering after completing his A-levels. He finished: "I am really inspired by the future of the sport, and the growth of electric cars in racing.
"I think that an electric future will provide a new ground for great racing, while being more sustainable at the same time. Obviously, F1 is every driver’s dream destination, but I’d absolutely love to get into Formula E, which is so fresh and exciting."
Businesses who are interested in sponsoring Will during the Junior Saloon Car Championship can contact him at will.racer@outlook.com.
Read next
