Written by Andrew Ward

STUDENTS at West College Scotland are looking back on a strong showing in the Scottish Motor Racing Club’s Citroën C1 Cup series.

Three young people from the West College Scotland Motorsport Academy (WCSMA) competed in the championship, held over three meetings at Knockhill in Fife in September and October.

James McCracken finished second overall behind champion Ross Dunn, while Glenn Alcock and Kenny Dock also competed in the event.

Despite a challenging year, with Covid-19 restrictions preventing any events being held until September, the academy’s leaders were delighted with the performance of their drivers in what is only their second season competing.

Following its creation in 2018, the initiative aims to provide access to entry-level motorsport to disengaging learners across West Dunbartonshire.

Alistair Rodgers, head of engineering at WCSMA, said: “The academy allows them the opportunity to develop the skills required to move into employment while also focusing on the real-life challenges within the motor sport industry.

“The latest success in the C1 Cup is testament to the hard work and dedication of the motor vehicle staff in developing and delivering a curriculum that fully engages the students.”

The programme is delivered in association with the Greenpower Education Trust, aims to engage young people in science and engineering by designing, building and racing electric cars.

A spokesperson for the academy added: “Thank you to our dedicated in-house race weekend team made up of Clydebank campus lecturing staff Patrick McGroarty, Peter Heywood, Gordon Gill and Joseph Busby. Our thanks also go to all the staff who support the academy.”

praised all who were involved with the program: “The academy continues to attract attention and grows in diversity and strength. West College Scotland were one of the first colleges to actively engage with both Greenpower and competitive track racing at Knockhill, followed by our highly regarded colleagues and now racing rivals, Edinburgh college.

“The WCSMA are delighted to work alongside talented local racing drivers. Thank you to our dedicated in-house race weekend team made up of Clydebank campus lecturing staff Patrick McGroarty, Peter Heywood, Gordon Gill and Joseph Busby. Our thanks also go to all the staff at the college who support the academy.”