Ballymena’s Northern Regional College Go with Go Motorsport!
Students at Northern Regional College in Ballymena were all revved up last week when a rally car zoomed into their class, thanks to local rally driver William Carey and ‘Go Motorsport’ Regional Development Officer, Jonathan MacDonald!
Carey, who runs Ballymena based business Carey Cleaning Machines, crossed the finish line of the Donegal Mini Stages Rally with his Ford Escort Mk2 just a couple of days earlier. He brought his pride and joy into the college, giving the Motor Vehicle students an opportunity to identify the multitude of safety and technical enhancements contained within a purpose built competition car.
Meanwhile, MacDonald was on hand to provide additional information about motor sport as well as deliver a strong road safety message. Students were also able to see a variety of motorsport parts, including a Formula 1 race seat and wheel that were used by Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg.
“There are lots of motorsport events taking place across Northern Ireland every weekend,” MacDonald said, “and they provide a lot of opportunities for students to get involved. Students can get a lot of hands on experience that will stand by them in their studies and future careers.”
“By joining their local motor club, such as Mid-Antrim Motor Club, it can help to open a lot of doors,” he added. “They can get opportunities to compete in motorsport events or help out on events if that’s what they want to do. It’s a lot of fun!”
The visit to the college was part of the MSA’s ‘Go Motorsport’ initiative, the UK’s first ever centrally co-ordinated marketing campaign to encourage new people into motor sport.
The high-profile initiative is designed to stimulate greater interest in the sport and show a wider public audience – beyond simply motor racing enthusiasts – what a great sport it is and how easy it can be to become involved at all levels, whether as a competitor, spectator, official or marshal.
MacDonald, who works in the industry as a journalist and competes in motorsport in his spare time, shared his knowledge with the students, highlighted the safety aspects and outlined what they can do if they want to get involved.
At the heart of the Go Motorsport initiative is a website, www.GoMotorsport.net, which has simplified the sport for interested beginners.
MacDonald will be visiting schools and colleges across the country in 2016. Visits are free of charge so if your school would be interested in receiving a free Go Motorsport visit, he can be contacted by emailing northernireland@gomotorsport.net.
