Motor Vehicle Students Learn From the Best Ahead of Rallye Lecale

Further education students with the drive to progress from the lecture theatre to the national rallying stage got a chance to meet with two of Northern Ireland’s top drivers recently and pour over ultra-modern modern and classic cars.

South Eastern Regional College Motorsport and Motor Vehicle students and apprentices met with Northern Ireland and British Rally Champions Jonny Greer and William Creighton at the College’s Downpatrick campus.

The event was arranged ahead of next month’s Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale in the town which is being organised by the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club, supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

Students had a chance to speak with the drivers to learn about the technical side of the sport and sit behind the wheel of Greer’s GR Yaris.

Joining the students was outgoing Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, who said the enthusiasm for their respective courses and future plans to get involved in motorsport was infectious.

“The students fully embraced the opportunity to meet the drivers, learn more about the cars they drive and the opportunities for a career in motorsport. There was also a chance to quiz the drivers and those who work at the highest levels of motorsport whose expertise lies in the technical and engineering side of rallying,” he said. “There was also a focus on the importance of responsible driving and the risks of unsafe behaviour on public roads.”

Cllr Campbell said with just weeks to go until the 25 July rally, momentum is building and he is delighted the event presents an opportunity to showcase what Downpatrick and wider Lecale has to offer.

Two Castlewellan students who met the rally drivers are keen to pursue a motorsport career.

Johnny Warnock (17) and Caleigh Baine (21) have always had an interest in cars and aim to harness that enthusiasm to progress a career in motorsport with a focus on the engineering side.

“I have a real passion for motorsport and want to wake up each morning to do a job I love,” said Johnny. “I recognise the importance of education when it comes to what is a very technical sport, ensuring cars are not only set up correctly, but are safe. I’m delighted I got the chance to meet William and Jonny and see some modern and classic rally cars. It’s been a real experience.”

Caleigh, who is studying Motorsport Engineering, said her course shows the detailed engineering involved, from the tiniest nuts and bolts to powerful engines.

“I’m keen to have a career in motorsport and my course is a stepping stone towards that. It was good to meet the drivers and see the cars and to listen to their experiences and how they started,” she added.

William Creighton said he was delighted to meet the students and explained education is now an essential ingredient in motorsport.

“It’s no longer about learning on the job. Rallying has become a very high-tech sport, it’s complicated and complex and I encourage young people who have underlying skills and who see a career in motorsport to have a good education as the courses they study will help bring out the best in them,” he added.

Catherine Shipman, Head of Engagement and Development at the South Eastern Regional College, said she was delighted to work alongside the Ballynahinch and District Motor Club to organise the event.

“Rallyle Lecale represents a fantastic opportunity to celebrate motorsport locally and it’s been a great opportunity to showcase the talent, ambition and potential of our students. It was wonderful to welcome our partners and rally champions to the Downpatrick campus to provide our learners with an engaging, real-world experience that connected directly to future pathways,” she said.

Ballynahinch Motor Club Chairman, Mr Brian Crawford, said he hopes the recent event will help benefit the students when it comes to their future career choices and thanked College lecturers for the enthusiasm they showed.

“It was a fantastic day bringing students and leading figures from the world of motorsport together and showcase the many opportunities available within the industry,” he added