A pioneering Angus youth diversion project is on track to go international in the mecca of motorcycling.
The Hedz Up Racing Team initiative is set to expand its reach to the Isle of Man, home of the internationally renowned TT circuit, from where the outfit recently returned after its third outing in the Manx Grand Prix.
The scheme was formed some five years ago, with the idea of giving young people a project to develop themselves in a variety of ways through their involvement in a motorcycle track racing team.
International bike racer Ian Pert dreamt up the project as part of an extension of his youth leadership activities and has watched Hedz Up become a firm fixture in the paddock at Scottish motorcycle events, with a burgeoning reputation at home and abroad.
Teenagers from Angus schools and 16-plus groups who sign up for the project are involved in every part of running the race team from seeking sponsorship through letter-writing and presentations, to preparing the machines for competition and performing pit-crew duties on race day.
Three years ago, Ian made the ambitious move of taking the team to the historic Manx GP and the Hedz Up reputation has rocketed as a result.
The latest trip brought a double success for the team, with 17-year-old Conor Cosgrove Turner named the volunteer marshall of the event and Hedz Up rider Derek Wilson taking a podium place in the newcomers’ class race.
Team chief Ian, 45, has now been asked to return to the island to help direct the groundwork there for an offshoot of the project.
“Since we’ve been going to the Isle of Man, there has been a huge interest in Hedz Up but this year, it has really gone to another level,” he said.
“There is always a great interest in the paddock when we are there but it’s far from a holiday for the kids.
“They have got to work really hard for the whole of the time that they’re on the island but they are treated really well by everyone at the Grand Prix and regarded as another team trying to get results.”
Ian added: “This year, I happened to be speaking to German visitors in the paddock and when I told them who we were, they instantly recognised Hedz Up and knew where we were from. The team got a good bit of coverage in a video which was made last year, so that has really helped to get out there what we are trying to do.”
He continued: “As soon as I can get things sorted, I’ll be trying to get back to the Isle of Man to see how we can move things forward there. They are behind everything we are trying to achieve through Hedz Up and it’s a great place to be.”
Much of the Hedz Up race preparation for Scottish events at circuits like East Fortune, near Edinburgh, is carried out in Friday-night sessions at Forfar Academy and school rector Melvyn Lynch has watched the scheme develop successfully since its inception.
“In terms of team building, responsibility and individual aspiration, as well as practical motorcycling mechanical skills, the project is a huge success,” he said.
“The Friday-night sessions bring youngsters from the age of 13 to the school to pursue a real and genuine interest that diverts them from less meaningful activities.
“We’re grateful to all the sponsors and as part of the project, the youngsters actively seek support through phone calls, letters and presentations to groups such as rotary clubs.”