An Angus project aimed at diverting Angus youngsters down a positive life track is revving up for a new season on Scotland’s race circuits.
Hedzup Racing was established in 2009 under the leadership of local man Ian Pert in partnership with Tayside Police, with a motorcycle race team as the vehicle for scheme which encourages personal development and usable life skills which may be passing participants by.
Young people tackle every aspect of being part of a race team, from seeking out sponsorship through letters and presentations to potential sources of support to preparing the bikes and being part of the race day pit crew.
“Being part of Hedzup Racing lets young people appreciate the importance of being able to work with others, appreciate the importance of discussion and experience how it feels to work to a deadline,” said Mr Pert.
“On race day, as part of the Hedzup Racing pit crew, they experience how it feels to be put under pressure as they undertake preparations for practice and the race, while also coping with the rider’s requests for improvements and adjustments to be made to the bike within a short space of time.
“Throughout the course, the team members meet people who make good, realistic, role models not because they race motorbikes or are part of a motorcycle race team but because they are ordinary people who have normal jobs but at the weekend do something special by participating in something which gives them adventure or enjoyment or simply the feeling of being part of something.
“The aim of Hedzup Racing isn’t to find the next Valentino Rossi but to let young people see that nothing is impossible whether they want to race, play rugby or ballet dance.”
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Close ties with the police have helped many of the young people to see officers and authority in general in a very different light and, with the early success of the project exceeding all expectations, the team has become a source of great interest both in the paddock and the wider youth sector.
“The course is very fluid which makes it easy to adapt it so it’s best suited to each group and to each member of the group,” continued Mr Pert. “The benefits of this project are now being widely recognised in Forfar Academy’s recent HMI inspection report, Hedzup Racing was highlighted as an example of good practice.
“At the moment, four Angus schools are involved in Hedzup Racing Forfar Academy, Arbroath Academy, Arbroath High School and Carnoustie High School. The project is also attracting interest from Perth and Edinburgh, and the success is also translating to the track where we had several wins in the 2010 season, bringing a runner-up spot in three championships.”
Mr Pert added, “We’re very aware that it is largely due to the forward thinking of the schools and the fantastic generosity of our supporters that we have managed to get Hedzup Racing off the ground. The Kawasaki GPX 600 that has been built by Forfar Academy was provided by Bruce Birnie, multiple Scottish champion, while the Honda CBR 600, being raced in the pre-injection 600 class and built by Arbroath Academy, is my bike from when I raced in the past.
“In addition, we now have two Yamaha FZR 1000s for the Forgotten Era Class, one we bought and one supplied by Angus Classic Bikes in Forfar.”
The current season will see Mr Pert joined in the rider line-up by Colin McDougall from Blair Atholl and Arbroath’s Alan Cummings, with new main sponsorship coming from drinks giant Diageo. Holyrood Components also join the sponsors.
Mark Baird of Diageo GB said, “We are absolutely delighted to be involved with Hedzup and believe that the project does a great job in providing diversionary activities for young people whilst offering them vital life skills.”