Motorbase Performance has launched a new ‘Young Driver Programme’ with the ambition to develop drivers from karting through to the British Touring Car Championship.
The Kent-based team has a long history of having supported emerging touring car stars, having provided testing opportunities, together with tyre partner Goodyear Dunlop, since 2014.
Now with support from current sponsors NAPA and Wera Tools, Motorbase will launch a new initiative to develop drivers into future BTCC race winners.
The new partnership has been formed with partners JWB Motorsport and Assetto Motorsport, and will see drivers move from karting into the Ginetta Junior Championship, MINI Challenge and TCR UK on a path to the BTCC or GT3 endurance racing.
The programme is also open to aspiring team personnel, such as mechanics, engineers, HGV drivers and commercial staff, ensuring its appeal is not limited only to young drivers.
“I’m delighted to launch such an exciting Young Driver Programme, it’s something incredibly exciting to be part of along with Assetto and JWB and it is also something very close to my heart,” said Motorbase Team Principal Pete Osborne.
“We have all been working on this for a while now, so it’s great to see it coming to fruition.
“Motorbase has a great history of supporting young drivers in their motorsport careers and we’re now taking that ethos to another level.
“We have already signed-up Matt Wilson and Harri Reynolds, and there are more to come. I’m in the process of seeing my two sons’ driving careers going through the ranks, so I know just how important these opportunities are.
“Trusting and reliable relationships within motorsport are important and we feel that between the three teams we can offer a complete package for young talent.
“In my experience it’s as important to offer this kind of opportunity to team members as well as drivers, after all that’s what makes the team.
“We’re as proud of our drivers as our crew when they make the jump to the next level, so hopefully this programme will produce part of the future of talented drivers and team members.”