The Days of Thunder series – featuring 170mph American V8 car racing as seen in the Tom Cruise film of the same name – will take place on the first Sunday of each month, from May to October. Rockingham’s 52,000 seater venue offers 100% visibility from 95% of its seats, which means fans can witness all the action at Europe's fastest circuit.
"Tresham is pleased to support Team West-Tec this season, and to continue it's close links with motorsport at a regional and national level," said Siân Macdonald, Principal of Tresham Institute. "We are endeavouring to provide the sport with desperately-needed technicians with a combination of theory and practical experience - and our links with Team West-Tec prove that learning is not all about classrooms and textbooks!"
"We are always looking for new and innovative ways of reaching potential learners," said Cath Smith, Skills for Life Co-ordinator for learndirect Northamptonshire. "Sponsoring a Days of Thunder race car allows us to have our name seen by approximately 30 000 people at each event."
Team West-Tec and learndirect have already proved to be a winning combination, with two visits to the podium for last years driver Rob Speak, including victory in round 3 of the 2003 championship. learndirect is a national household brand, providing online courses at all levels of ability. On a local level learndirect has links with the Tresham Institute based in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. The Tresham Institute is a Centre of Vocational Excellence in Motorsport and Performance Engineering and is a partner in the new "National College for Motorsport" providing the first Motorsport Technician training in the country.
"I’m really looking forward to the new season," said Chris Cooke. "It will be great to be driving with a professional team and being associated with a well known sponsor such as learndirect. Having Michael Vergers as a teammate will also be a great help. He is a very experienced driver and I’m sure I can pick up a few tricks from him."
Last year Cooke, from Plymouth, drove for West-Tec in two races and he also raced with CWS. He now heads into his first full season with backing from a household name sponsor.
Hot on the heals of signing Michael Vergers to drive the new NEC Infrontia race car, Team West-Tec have signed West Country driver Chris Cooke to race in the 2004 Days of Thunder championship, driving the learndirect sponsored car.
