2018 Rally – enthusing the next generation
This year’s eagerly-awaited Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (October 4-7) will again be the focal point for a number of farreaching initiatives aimed at inspiring future generations of ambitious young talent.
The presence in the region of the high-tech and exciting FIA World Rally Championship will once again be maximised via the presence of a ‘Big Bang’ Industry Awareness STEM exhibition in the Rally Village. This is the event’s dynamic hub, located in the largely industrial conurbation of Deeside, where all the WRC teams are based throughout the high-profile motorsport event.
More than 1,500 students studying key STEM subjects at local educational establishments will visit the Big Bang fair which will host a raft of engaging, interactive activities provided by a number of proactive exhibitors. What’s more, the showcase will be open to all those visiting the Rally Village – one of a number of free-to-view opportunities available to the public.
“Engaging with education is just one of the many ways that the rally makes a positive contribution to life within Wales,” explained Ben Taylor, managing director of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.
Ben continued:“The location of the Rally Village, right next to Toyota’s engine plant, and the presence of the world’s top WRC rally teams provides us with a fantastic opportunity to enthuse the next generation. The interactive Big Bang scheme is an exciting way to illustrate the attractions of a career within motorsport or the wider automotive industry.”
Adding to Toyota involvement, its GB arm has also supported an exciting car livery design competition for young students, with the winning entry being applied to a GT86 rally car.
Once liveried, the GT86 will be displayed within the Big Bang showcase located right at the heart of the dynamic Rally Village.
Jointly coordinated by the rally organisers and the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW) on behalf of the Welsh Government, the inspirational contest was open to all primary schools, secondary schools and colleges throughout the UK with individual entry categories for Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Winners of all four categories are being invited to the Rally Village where they will be presented with rally goody-bag prizes courtesy of Performance Clothing and enjoy a special behind-the-scenes insight into one of the world’s most exciting and technologically-advanced sports.
Last year’s winning design – drawn by 12-year-old Rheinallt Jones from Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni comprehensive school in Anglesey – was officially revealed by Ken Skates, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Infrastructure and Toyota GAZOO Racing WRC star JariMatti Latvala.
Rheinallt not only saw his prize-winning design adorning the GT86 but was also presented with a scale model of his liveried car, plus an artist’s impression of his design. Both were signed by WRC racing drivers Latvala, Juho Hänninen and Esapekka Lappi as well as team principal and four-time WRC Champion Tommi Mäkinen.
The World Championship rally – won last year by local hero Elfyn Evans – also offers free admission to all accompanied children aged 15 and under.