Caterham to give viewers a peek into its 2024 motorsport season
Dartford’s Caterham Cars has launched its first ever video series, offering an unfiltered look into its amateur racing championship – the Caterham Academy.
‘The Academy Racer’, a six-part video series in partnership with Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, follows Caterham alumna Samantha Parker.
It will document everything from her pre-season preparation and driver training through to her first time on the grid – plus some off-track rivalries.
Sam, who’s worked with the brand for 20 years, has also been appointed academy partner for 2024.
Read the March 2024 issue of The Business Magazine, including our feature on skills
She’s looking to pave the way for others, particularly women, who also share a similar passion for motorsport and a desire to become a racing driver.
Parker said: “Being part of the Caterham Academy this year as a racer, while doing my motorsport presenting, will be a challenge – but it’s one that I am more than ready to take on.
“And I know I’ll have the support of the Caterham team along the way.
“We have racers who are of all ages and backgrounds competing this year, and it’s inspiring to be able to go on this journey with them this season.”
Simon Lambert, chief motorsport and technical officer, added: “The statistics don’t lie – last year a report found female participation currently represents on average about 10 per cent across all categories of competition.
“A lack of female role models is often seen as a barrier for participation in the sport.
“The Academy Racer won’t simply solve these barriers, but our hope is by documenting Sam’s journey this season we can showcase the fun, friendly, inclusive and supportive atmosphere anyone can enjoy at the Caterham Academy.
“Sam’s been a role model for this brand for 20 years, so we’re excited to finally have her compete in a season and continue to drive excitement for audiences as our presenter.”
Established in 1995, the Caterham Academy caters exclusively to novice drivers. Its aim is to enable anyone to realise their dream of becoming a racing driver.
To date, more than 1,300 drivers have competed in the series.
Sam’s Caterham Academy car will be painted in the distinct blue of Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, who are keen to encourage diversity in motorsport.
Chris Fraser, founder and chairman of Ellers Farm Distillery, has a long-standing history with Caterham.
He said: “Caterham racing is some of the most competitive and fun motorsport in the world.
“As an affordable and equal playing field, it enables anyone to strap in and have an awesome experience, racing hard and laughing even harder in the paddock after the races.
“I’m really pleased that Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is sponsoring Sam to get her racing career started, and to raise awareness of the opportunity that Caterham racing represents for women wanting to get involved in motorsport.”
All six episodes of The Academy Racer will be released throughout the year. Episode one is available to watch now on Caterham’s website.
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