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.“
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