Louise Goodman is the latest high profile personality to become a Go Motorsport ambassador. The well known television presenter joins an impressive line up of British motor sport stars backing the Motor Sport Association's new initiative, which has been set up specifically to help people of all ages and genders to get involved in all areas of the sport whether as a competitor, volunteer or spectator.
Established by the MSA, governing body of UK motor sport, Go Motorsport was launched last summer at the McLaren Technology Centre by reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton. The list of ambassadors reads like a 'Who's Who' of British motor sport and includes: Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Damon Hill, Charles March, Allan McNish, Jason Plato, Andy Priaulx, Murray Walker, Sir Frank Williams and Malcolm Wilson.
"It's a great honour to be joining a such a roster of famous faces who are all supporting this first class initiative set up by the MSA. It's something I really believe in, too. Millions of people have been inspired by watching Lewis's brilliance in F1 on the television, but few understand just how easy it is for them to have a go - and how many other events are serving up great live entertainment much closer to home," says Louise (pictured above, centre), who has competed in both entry level racing and rallying.
"I know from my own limited experiences that you can have a lot of fun without splashing too much cash. What's more, if you don't want to get behind the wheel, there are plenty of other opportunities for both men and women to experience a similar buzz by working close to the action. Trackside marshals, for instance, not only play a vital role in putting on events but also enjoy the best seats in the house!"
Dubbed the 'First Woman of Formula One' Louise is best known as a founder member of ITV's award winning Grand Prix presentation team. Her love of the sport was inspired by the exploits of James Hunt and Derek Warwick (who, like Louise, grew up in Alresford in Hampshire) but, though she started out as a fan, Louise has gone on to have a very successful career in what's generally perceived to be male-dominated and highly competitive arena.
That career began in 1988 when Louise was appointed Head of Communications for the Leyton House F1 team. Over the years she has managed media relations for some of the best in the business including Mika Hakkinen, Jean Alesi, and Johnny Herbert. Eddie Irvine and Rubens Barrichello also benefited from her PR skills at Jordan Grand Prix, as did fellow Go Motorsport ambassador Martin Brundle.
In 1997 Louise was approached by ITV and invited to join Murray Walker and Martin Brundle as part of the team presenting their new Formula One programmes. She spent 12 years as a pit reporter interviewing the drivers at Grand Prix tracks all around the world and became the first female to take part in an F1 pit-stop, at the 2006 British Grand Prix.
Louise's numerous other TV credits include ITV's British Touring Car Championship, The Goodwood Festival of Speed, The Goodwood Revival Meeting, Honda Racing TV and the Audi Channel but, like fellow female Go Motorsport ambassador Vicki Butler Henderson, she is not content with just talking about motor sport. An enthusiastic karter for many years she has also competed in several circuit races. Her greatest success has been in rallying though. She made her debut behind the wheel of a works-supported entry in the 1997 Ford Rally Ka Championship and in 1999 finished a credible third in class on the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.
