Waltham Forest College is set to make its debut on the national motorsport stage with the launch of WFC Racing, as students prepare to compete in the Student Motorsport Competition during the 2026 racing season, entering the BRSCC CityCar Cup Championship.
The ambitious programme places students at the heart of a professional motorsport environment. Participant have built, and will maintain, prepare and race a Citroën C1, gaining hands-on, real-world experience while developing the technical, organisational and professional skills required for careers in motorsport and beyond.
As part of their preparation, students visited Silverstone Circuit in October 2025 to experience a live race weekend and gain first-hand insight into the pace, structure and operational demands of professional motorsport. The group also visited NESCOT (North East Surrey College of Technology), a college with three years’ experience in the competition. There, students examined a completed race car, learned how to navigate race-day regulations, and spoke directly with students and staff who have already competed, gaining practical advice and tactical insight.
Student Motorsport is the world’s first race series dedicated exclusively to education. Established to address skills gaps within the industry, it creates a direct pipeline of talent into the UK’s highly competitive motorsport sector. The organisation supports schools, colleges, universities and training organisations in building sustainable racing teams, providing equipment, expertise and ongoing support throughout the season.
Speaking at Waltham Forest College during a student presentation, John Paul ‘JP’ Latham, Managing Director of Student Motorsport, said:
“If you participate in the whole programme, you are far more employable. The full experience gives students the skills and knowledge they need to start a career in motorsport. These skills are highly transferable and valuable across any industry.”
The programme extends beyond mechanical engineering. Students take on defined roles that reflect the full range of careers within professional motorsport, including race mechanics and engineers, driver coaches, logistics coordinators, photographers, press and media officers, data analysts, operations support, commercial (sponsorship), hospitality finance roles.
During the season, students will attend seven race weekends, taking part in approximately 18 races across England and Wales, alongside dedicated test sessions where vehicle performance and driver feedback are analysed to optimise race results. Race weekends closely replicate professional motorsport operations, with teams setting up on Thursday, testing on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday.
Beyond the competition, events offer invaluable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with industry professionals, collaborate with peers from across the UK and explore future employment pathways.
Vito Martino, Assistant Principal at Waltham Forest College, said:
“By entering the Student Motorsport Competition, Waltham Forest College is reinforcing its commitment to industry-aligned education, giving students the confidence, experience and skills to succeed in motorsport or any career they choose to pursue.”
Students interested in joining Student Motorsport from September 2026 can apply by enrolling on an automotive course via the College website: Automotive Engineering courses
