WILTSHIRE College & University Centre is celebrating a huge achievement after our Motorsport team received a Special Recognition Award at the Castle Combe Racing Club (CCRC) Awards last weekend. The honour recognises our outstanding contribution to the club and the work we do to develop the next generation of motorsport talent.
The award, which is kept secret until the night, is given to an individual or organisation that has made a significant impact on CCRC. Event hosts praised the passion and professionalism of our Motorsport team, highlighting the real-world, industry-focused experience our students gain at Castle Combe throughout the racing season.
Head of Faculty for Engineering, Automotive and Motorsport, Lily Raynor-Blundell, said the recognition truly reflects the hear of the team’s work:
“It was an exceptional evening that highlighted exactly why we do what we do for our learners. The team provide real-life, hands-on, live experience that immerses students in the world of motorsport. I am incredibly proud of their dedication and thrilled that this has been recognised externally with the Special Recognition Award.”
A standout season for students and staff
The awards highlighted an exceptional season at Castle Combe for both students and staff. Throughout 2024, Motorsport Engineering Degree students worked trackside to prepare and maintain our competition cars under the guidance of race engineer Ethan Walsh and lecturers David Campion, Sid Jagdeo and Sam Williams. From diagnostics and data analysis to full race-day preparation, students played an essential role in keeping the cars competitive all year.
Their hard work came into the spotlight in October, when lecturer Sam Williams, in his debut year as a racing driver, secured the Hot Hatch Championship title at Castle Combe. At the awards ceremony, Sam collected two further trophies: Winner of Class in the Hot Hatch Series and Overall Hot Hatch Championship Winner – both achieved in a college-run car that students helped prepare.
Reflecting on the year, Sam said in an earlier interview:
“I never planned on winning the championship this year, but the best part was seeing our students enjoy having a result to show for the hard work they’ve put in all season.”
A unique trackside learning experience
Our Motorsport Engineering Degree, delivered entirely from the campus at Castle Combe Circuit in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, offers something truly unique: a live motorsport environment where learns develop the skills required for careers in motorsport engineering and race team operations.
Come and see for yourself
We hosted a hugely popular and successful, open event at Castle Combe in the autumn, and we’re excited to welcome visitors back on 10 January. It’s the perfect chance to explore the specialist facilities, meet the team and discover the pathways into motorsport engineering.
Courses are also available for younger learners at the College’s Chippenham Campus.
