The drive to secure the future of the classic car scene has been further boosted with the trialling of a new event for young drivers aged 12-17. The inaugural StarterMotor Driving Experience will take place on April 14 at Bicester Heritage, with the idea that the event template can be used at other locations in the future.
StarterMotor is based at Bicester Heritage and is a registered charity that has been set up to educate and inspire young people in the maintenance and use of classic cars. It’s teamed up with insurance specialist Hagerty, the Alvis Owner Club (AOC) and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) for the occasion, with all donating their time, resources and vehicles.
The inaugural event will be free to attend, albeit by invitation only, and will involve 20 participants. Each will have the chance to drive an Alvis TA14 provided by the AOC, using the closed roads around the Bicester Heritage site. This will be in addition to navigating on a special road stage using a tulip map, the chance to enjoy skills talks from businesses based at the Bicester Heritage site and a passenger ride in a military tank.
Angus Forsyth, Hagerty’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this new event and to be helping to protect the future interest in our industry. Classic cars provide enjoyment to millions around the world; they ignite a passion in us and create a sense of belonging. Through the Starter Motor Driving experience, we can pass on this enjoyment, inspire the next generation and in turn protect our automotive history. We would like to thank the AOC, the FBHVC and Bicester Heritage for their generous support and enthusiasm in making this happen.”
It’s hoped the event will create a format that can be used at any location around the world for a larger number of participants. Indeed, a second event has been provisionally agreed to take place in conjunction with the National Motor Museum, Gaydon, on July 13.
