Teenage gamers from across the country travelled to Bolton to win the chance to become a racing driver.
The ROKiT Racing Star programme aimed at seeking out youngsters who would never otherwise have the opportunity to drive in the ultra-competitive world of motorsport - helping to make their career aspirations a reality. The competition challenged more than 1,000 youngsters from all over Britain in the digital world by allowing them to race online in an esports competition, giving them the chance to transfer their skills from the laptop to the track.
Boys and girls raced on state-of-the art simulators at Bolton University's National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) and two winners will now go on to compete in the 2023 Formula 4 British Championship. Deagen Fairclough and Monica Boulton Ramos, both aged 16, were victorious at last weekend's final.
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Deagen, from Horley in Surrey, said: “This is absolutely a dream come true, totally life-changing for me. I can’t believe it!”
Monica, from Towcester, Northamptonshire, added: “I am still speechless. I had performed well in the qualifying races online and thought I had a chance but the competition from the other girls here in Bolton was tremendous and I am just delighted I have come through.”
The competition was the brainchild of Bob Fernley, former deputy team principal of the Force India Formula One team, which is now Aston Martin and based at Silverstone.
Bob, who has worked closely with the University of Bolton on a number of motorsport initiatives, said: “We are truly excited to launch the scholarship and have the University of Bolton as a strategic partner.“
"Women are hugely under-represented in motor racing, and we and ROKiT wanted to address this. Monica is a talented gamer and with this opportunity of a lifetime, I am sure she will excel.
“Deagen has shown fantastic quality, too, in our finals. The driving standards were incredibly high and these two are great prospects for the future of motor racing in Britain.
“This is only the first year of the ROKiT Racing Star Scholarship and we have been amazed by both the interest and talent we have met along the journey.”
He added: "This facility has got to be the best kept secret in motor racing. I have never seen anything like it, it’s like McLaren in Bolton."
Emmerdale actor turned racing driver Kelvin Fletcher visited the NCME to race the simulators himself. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I wish I was I was 20 years younger because for any kids out there, who are between 14 and 16, have the opportunity to race for a fully paid season in the F4 Championship is really exciting.
"Any racing fan will know that’s the starting point for a lot of motorsport drivers. It’s a fantastic opportunity.
"In life you make your own opportunities a lot of the time but there are certain industries that are very limited no matter your commitment, resilience and it just feels impossible to break into and motorsport is absolutely one of those select few. It’s a shame because it doesn’t always recognise talent so that’s why schemes like this are so fantastic."
Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “At the University of Bolton we are always looking for ways in which we can help and support those from disadvantaged backgrounds. When ROKiT came to us about partnering this exciting programme, it was an instant yes.
“Bolton as a town and a university is all about inclusivity. It is great that we are adding yet another project where the students of the National Centre of Motorsport Engineering Centre will get more hands-on experience, supporting their studies.
“Congratulations to both Monica and Deagen on winning this amazing prize. I look forward to watching their careers progress.”
