Top Gear stars put to the test
THREE LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE STUDENTS WENT HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH TV HOSTS ON EASTER SHOW
THREE county motorsport students appeared on Top Gear alongside the show’s presenters.
Olivia Petix-Martin, Harry Rice and James Black, from Loughborough College, took to the track as part of the latest BBC series, in a prerecorded episode which was aired on Easter Sunday.
The trio went head-to-head on the track with hosts Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
The three students are all on Loughborough College’s enhanced diploma in sporting excellence, which the college offers in partnership with Motorsport UK, the governing body for British motorsport.
Harry, 16, of Market Harborough, said: “I’ve been a fan of the show since I was knee high, so being given the opportunity to feature in it was a dream come true.
“The experience was incredible. Seeing everything that goes on behind the scenes, as well as meeting the Top Gear presenters, was thrilling.” He said his personal highlight was overtaking Paddy as they went into a low-speed hairpin bend on the second run, “as well as hunting down Chris in the V8 Monaro”.
“It was by far the fastest car,” he said of the Monaro, “and making sure we gave him a good challenge in his severely underpowered Saxo.”
Harry said the course was perfect for aspiring racers because it allowed students to learn and gain their qualifications while supporting their racing careers.
Adam Gould, an elite sport tutor at the college, said: “It’s great to see some of our first-year students getting opportunities like this outside of their college and racing commitments.
“They are all great students and fierce competitors, so hopefully they give Paddy, Chris and Fred a run for their money.”
Katie Baldwin, competitors pathway manager for Motorsport UK, said: “We’re so pleased for our athletes who were given this fantastic opportunity to star on the long-running show.
“It’s a great and well-deserved experience for them and a huge platform to showcase their enthusiasm for the sport.”
The three are all on the college’s enhanced diploma in sporting excellence, offered in partnership with Motorsport UK.