Sixteen-year-old Oliver Cottam makes his debut in TCR UK this year
The Motorsport UK Academy driver is currently attending the Enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) course, delivered in collaboration with Loughborough College.
The bespoke two-year sporting excellence and motor vehicle education course is designed to support talented drivers and co-drivers through both the sporting and academic pathway. This unique course allows the flexibility to follow the education path of your choice within motorsport, whilst developing your driving or co-driving skills at the same time.
The course is developed from the Government funded Diploma in Sporting Excellence qualification. and combined with motorsport specific education, to create a wholly exclusive programme.
Rising star Oliver will race in the 2023 TCR UK Touring Car Championship with Paul Sheard Racing running an Audi RS3 LMS TCR Generation 2 car. Oliver has previously raced in the Junior Saloon Car Championship and Ginetta GT5 Challenge.
Moving up to TCR UK for 2023, he is excited about the challenge ahead. “It’s great to be joining to joining TCR UK at a time when the championship is growing. I’m excited about the season ahead, but I realise there is a steep learning curve moving into this level of touring car racing,” explained Oliver.
“I’m really grateful to Motorsport UK for the opportuity to continue my studies while racing, and to my family for all of their support in making this happen."
Each year the top second year students are shortlisted for the Motorsport UK Academy Young Driver of the Year Award. Sporting excellence as well as academic performance is considered along with attainment, effort and overall engagement. The shortlisted students are invited to a final shootout at iZone Driver Performance, to compete for the title. The winner is presented with the trophy at Motorsport UK’s prestigious Night of Champions ceremony.
For more information about Cottam Motorsport, visit olivercottam.com