The partnership between Glyndŵr University and a motor racing team is in pole position to deliver success after a flying start to life in the fast lane.
Glyndŵr Racing and Twp Racing have scooped two trophies from their first two competitions and are on course for a victorious summer.
Launched at Motor Safari’s Bwlchgwyn headquarters, the union has already brought benefits for Performance Car Technology students at the Wrexham University, as well as Mission Motorsport, the Wounded and Injured Servicemen (WIS) Charity which aims to help recovery through motorsport.
After claiming the Best Track Car Award at the 2015 MX5 Owners Club annual race meet in Lincolnshire two weeks ago they went to Norfolk’s Snetterton 200 Circuit on Saturday and finished second in their class.
Speaking after the race, Team Twp principal and driver Jon Earp said: “This has been an incredible start to the Glyndŵr Racing journey into Clubman’s motorsport.
“I’ve no doubt at all that we’ll see the team progress over the coming season with the aim being silverware at the 1000km Race of Remembrance this November.”
A former pilot with the British Army, Jon chose the word ‘twp’ – which means ‘fool’ in Welsh – having been told by schoolteachers that he would never make anything of himself.
He proved them wrong; more than 23 years with the Armed Forces led to a new career with Wales Air Ambulance in Caernarfon, and he spends the rest of the little time he has building and racing motors for Team Twp.
“That’s why the partnership between ourselves, Mission Motorsport and Glyndŵr University is so special – we’re giving something back,” said Jon.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to go to university but wanted to help these people in their future careers. The relationship comes at no cost to the university and helps us to focus on the racing side.”
He added: “We also want this to benefit the students, which it has through design and engineering, as well as helping the ex-servicemen and women who come to us via Mission Motorsport to re-engage, mentally and physically.
“It’s not about the motorsports or winning, we are in this purely to turn their lights back on for these guys. Once they’ve re-engaged then you can start helping them into a position where they can work and live their lives again, which is where the real victory lies.”
This successful start helps the team in its preparation for the Race of Remembrance in November.
Taking place at Anglesey International Circuit, the event will see 45 teams race for 1000km to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the First World War.
Christina Blakey, Business Development Manager at Glyndŵr University, said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended the launch for their support and the offers of sponsorship we’ve had going forward.
“This is a hugely important partnership, not just from a racing perspective but because it is of such value to the students and Mission Motorsport.
“Winning races and doing well on the track is a welcome bonus, but ultimately it’s about teamwork and improving the quality of life for the incredible ex-servicemen and women who need our support to build a better future for themselves.”
Glyndŵr Racing currently works with local and regional organisations to source materials, race entry fees and uniforms for all of its projects.
It is recruiting sponsors and supporters for 2015/16 academic year, beginning in September, and offers a variety of packages.
For more information, contact Christina via email [email protected] or call 01978 293985.
