I’ve just spent a most enjoyable day at the Western Group’s favourite racing circuit, Castle Combe, watching 62 racing teams battle it out through three race series to secure a place at the next round, to be staged at Goodwood on Sunday 11 October – two weeks time as I write.
What is this event? It’s the Greenpower race series, organised for schools, colleges and apprentices to build and race small electrically powered racing cars, giving them a taste for motorsport, team work and engineering. I will go into more detail in a separate feature, but I think it’s worthy of our support as journalists and motorsport writers.
We don’t get opportunities enough to encourage future generations of engineers, motorsport teams and reporters, so projects like Greenpower and Bloodhound SSC which is also being built on our patch, are great examples of projects engaging our young people from an early age.
I have a vested interest in Greenpower, since my youngest has been involved with his school project for a couple of years.
The boy done good today and helped to get his team through to the next round. Not bad for a group of 11 and 12 year olds who hadn’t driven this particular car before.
On a contrasting note, motorsport has suffered the shock loss of a keen rally reporter and champion. I first heard Greg Strange’s distinctive tones reading the news on LBC Radio in London over 30 years ago and only had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times. We understand that Greg was an unfortunate victim of Legionnaire’s disease, contracted while reporting on the Barum Czech Rally Zlín at the end of August. His is a tragic loss to motorsport journalism and we extend our condolences to his family.
Preparations for the Western Group AGM, kindly hosted by Mitsubishi on 14 November mean there will be an ordinary meeting for the Group ahead of the AGM as usual. Members please note that Honorary Secretary Glen Smale will be contacting you soon, seeking proof of your outlets and hence eligibility to vote at the AGM. Dig out those copies.
John Kendall | Chairman WGMW
