Exciting start to 2019 season for the HAU Motorsport Team

Harper Adams University Motorsport Team had a great start to the 2019 season completing the first three rounds of the newly chosen British Trials and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) forest rally championship.

After the academic year finished, the team were looking forward to a short summer break before attending the next round of the championship, however, after receiving an invite to one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world, the team were more than happy to cut that break short to attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed!

An event of this size and exposure was a completely new challenge for the team especially with a very short window of time to prepare. The Ford Fiesta R2T on loan from M-Sport had to be looking its absolute best to compete alongside many of the greatest vehicles in motorsport history attending the festival. With a few new panels, bits of vinyl and some late nights in the workshop, the team was ready to go!

The festival began on Thursday morning with a recce/open practice to get used to the course and conditions. It was driver Gareth Clarke’s, and co-driver Jack Clements's, first time in the car together which gave them some much-needed seat time ahead of the coming championship rounds.

As the event progressed Gareth began to learn the stage meaning Jack could have some time off and more importantly, it gave all of the other hard-working members of the team a chance to experience what it is like in the car on stage. Competing over the entire four days meant that the team also had the chance to explore all of the other activities and vehicles on display. Overall it was a fantastic opportunity for the team to experience competing at such a prestigious event and to meet so many great people!

Now as the next academic year begins the team is welcoming new members whilst preparing to compete at the last round of the championship, the Trackrod Stages, closely followed by the Wales GB round of the World Rally Championship!

As always many thanks to our partners for their continued support in making all of this possible for the team; M-Sport, Morris Lubricants, HCI Systems, Yokohama Tires, and of course Harper Adams University!

Harper Adams Motorsport Team