Michelin Clio Cup Race Series podium finisher Tommy Ostgaard, a multiple race winner in the ‘Road Series’ division of the saloon car category, is striving to help up and coming young drivers from his native Norway carve out a path to UK motorsport after recently launching his own racing academy.
Creating the project in conjunction with SWB Motorsport, the team with whom the 21-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful maiden season in ‘tin tops’ last year, Ostgaard is determined to assist his young compatriots who have a desire to follow in his wheeltracks.
Justifiably optimistic about the academy, through which Ostgaard will impart the experience he has gained on and off track during his formative career in single-seaters and now saloons, the eventual winner will be rewarded with a fully-funded test in an SWB-run Michelin Clio Cup Road Series car.
As well as having the opportunity to test with a professional team, the successful driver will also receive coaching from Ostgaard himself and will be provided with additional benefits such as media assistance and photography. The Oslo-based racer is no stranger to first class media coverage in his homeland, having recently featured on the front page of ‘Racing’, Norway’s motorsport newspaper.
“Racing in the UK is hugely different to racing in Norway”, said Ostgaard, “It was a big transition for me but I have now established myself in the UK racing scene and I want to make it easier for other Norwegians to follow in my footsteps.
“We do not have any teams in Norway so it is hard for Norwegian drivers to imagine what it is like to drive for a professional racing team or get in touch with any of the teams. It is a great prize for the winner – they will have everything provided for a professional test.”
Ostgaard, who will compete in the headline Michelin Clio Cup Race Series this year with SV Racing, is working hard to attract commercial support for his academy which he strongly believes will deliver some promising future talent. His personal backer, Norwegian IT Projects and Software Consulting business Marcello, will also enjoy boosted exposure through its association with the academy.
“This is a great deal for my current sponsors”, he added, “I also hope new partners want to join the project to help me provide the best possible foundation for young and upcoming talents who, possibly like me, were not born with unlimited resources or opportunities.”
Ostgaard’s 2014 racing season in Britain will commence over the weekend 5th/6th April with the first two rounds of the Michelin Clio Cup Race Series taking place at Rockingham International Super Sportscar Circuit in Northamptonshire. The officially timed pre-season test and ‘Media Day’ will take place this coming Wednesday, 19th March, alongside the sister Renault UK Clio Cup and Protyre Formula Renault.
