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A Fast Education: Should 'Car-Culture' Be Taught In Schools?
The modern world has become dominated by the transport culture, most specifically the culture of ‘the car’. Our society rests on a solid foundation of communication, trade and distribution. The global transport system therefore is one of the most fundamental aspects that ties together every ‘sector’ of our world, whether this be business or personal. Of all methods of transportation, arguably the most comprehensive is the road network which accommodates everything from our cars, buses, vans, coaches and lorries to name a few. In our daily lives, most of us will interact with either the road network or the vehicles that use it. Cars especially are becoming increasingly vital for success in our lifetime. However, the auto-verse does not feature in the education of many young people, how can this be right? With so many applications, should ‘car culture’ not be an indispensible part of the education system?
The Global Road Network. Image and Data Credit: CIESIN Columbia University, March 2013
For any regular readers of my posts, I am not often one to use scientific reasoning and hard data to illustrate my arguments, but this is an issue that I do feel passionate about. Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the image you see above; you may be wondering why the world is covered in various shades of yellow. The dark yellow that covers most of the map is a representation of the extent of the global road network, based on the research conducted at Columbia University. To therefore argue that cars, transport systems and road safety is not relevant to the education of young people is somewhat silly.
The definition of ‘school’ is an institution for educating children; it gives them the key skills they need to go out into the world and forge their own paths, both in terms of career and personal development. If schools are in fact there to teach the young generation about the ways of the world, it would be almost misguided to leave out essential skills like road safety and traffic education from the national curriculum.
It is not just me that shares such an opinion; the Institute of Advance Motorists (UK) believes that road safety should become a mandatory part of the curriculum, so as to reduce the number of incidents on the road involving young people. If they are aware of how traffic systems operate, it will reduce the risk to themselves and drivers on the road. Furthermore, a recent survey has shown that only 8/15 European countries have mandatory traffic education courses as opposed to voluntary ones.
As a child, I do remember various adverts on television about how to safely cross the road (STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and all that) and while being taught how to ride a bike on the main road basic traffic information was given. However, a few adverts and a voluntary riding course may be a good start, but I do not think it is enough. In the future, I would like to see a more comprehensive exploration of how young people interact with the world around them (most specifically roads, considering for many of us the ‘world around us’ is jam packed full of roads with vehicles on them).
While undertaking my research for this article, I also found various quotes I have pulled from people on the topic of cars, driving and education. The first of these is an insinuation that merely teaching young people about road safety alone may not be enough. Relating back to my original point about the dominance of the ‘car culture’, this person believes that the physical act of driving itself should be integrated into education. It would also give each person the knowledge to make an informed decision to then embrace the ‘car culture’ or not:
“I think in a modern world, driving is SUCH an important life skill and SO required for life that it should be formally taught in schools so that, in time no-one would be able “not” to drive…if however they chose to, or used their money differently that would clearly be their choice rather than being hampered by an inability to do it…”
I have to say that I agree with this; learning the rules of the road is important, but I do not think that it goes far enough. In a similar way that we are often taught about how to write a successful CV and how best to act in an interview, I believe that driving falls under the same category. Driving encompasses both the personal and the professional side of someones life, while also providing prominent risks.
I believe that young people deserve to be taught about something we interact with all the time
Across the UK, more and more ‘young drive’ experiences are cropping up all over the place; my first ever driving lesson took place on the ‘Young Drive Experience’ at Brands Hatch race track of all places. As a 12 year old, it was the most exciting thing I had ever done. What made it so good was that it was in essentially a simulated environment with minimized risk, but it was the same sensation as any driving experience. I remember back to my early school years when we would be taken to the local swimming pool to learn how to swim. I was always told that everyone should at least know how to swim and then choose not to do it. If driving isn’t ‘relevant’ to be taught in schools, may I ask one question; how many times do you find yourself having to swim to work? If swimming is taught so the skills are obtained, then it should be the same with driving. After all, people drive a hell of lot of more than they swim.
I have often spent many an hour, writing many a rant on some of the stupidity I encounter on the road. I find myself wondering whether these people have either (not so) common sense or a shred of intelligence. It seems others on the internet take a similar view to me on such issues, and clearly the idea of teaching road safety and driving in schools is nothing but a good plan:
“I can only dream for a time when the skills of the average driver are on a par with the writing, mathematical and analytical skills of the average school leaver!”
Of course not everyone shares the same views on this issue. Some believe that driving is not something that needs to be taught, which means schools can focus on the more important aspects:
“But you don’t need to drive. Far better really if people didn’t, for the environment really. If people are happy enough to take public transport then that’s great. Far better to teach first aid, finance, proper cooking etc”
While naturally I have nothing but respect to opinions such as these, the examples that were provided as things that were ‘far better’ to teach could also be classified under the same banner as driving. Surely not everyone needs to be able to cook, there are other options. Online banking and accountants are making handling our finances easier and not personally necessary. The same could also be said about first aid; it is not (hopefully) a constant need and there are those (paramedics) that are already trained in such things. Where I am not trying to belittle any of these elements; they are all in there own way vital to a healthy and successful lifestyle and I do believe they should be taught. But technically speaking the same argument can be applied to those as driving. Therefore, either none of these should really be taught in schools or (and this is the more likely) they all deserve their rightful place in the education system.
Career in the Dubai police force? I bet you want to learn about cars now..
I believe that this is an important issue that does need some proper discussion and debate. This article serves more as an introduction to what I believe is a much wider issue.
I will be following this up with further posts about how in detail, I think cars (and motorsport) can be integrated into the school system in a way that is not only beneficial to the development of young people, but make education something more engaging.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Follow me on Twitter @lewisglynn69 for more updates
Keep Driving (and learning!) People!
Peace and Love!
Since You've Been Gone: The End of Vauxhall in the BTCC?
Vauxhall once dominated the tarmac in the BTCC. Image Credit: Speedhunters.com
If you turned the clocks back 10 years, you would probably be mistaken for thinking that the BTCC was in fact called the British Touring Vauxhall Championship. Throughout the 2000s, the name ‘Vauxhall’ characterized what it was to race in the championship. Vauxhall and Triple Eight were a driving force behind consistent championship success. For those history heads, Vauxhall has been a name associated with the BTCC since 1989. Alas, in recent years they have become an endangered species until last year when the single surviving member of their species was lost. Is this the end for Vauxhall?
The Vauxhall journey began back in 1989 when a little known Scotsman named John Cleland entered an Astra GTE (Class C) and walked away at the end of the year with the overall drivers championship. Cleland and his Vauxhall were able to blitz the rest of the Class C field and even battle with the Class B BMW’s. The next year saw the 2-litre formula beginning to take shape, although the monstrous Class A Sierras remained for one final year. Vauxhall entered the larger Cavalier GSI, although 1990 saw Cleland lose out in the class honours to the BMW of Frank Sytner. The overall title in that year went to Robb Gravett in the Ford Sierra.
Between 1991 and 1994, the backbone of the Vauxhall manufacturer team would always be the potent combination of John Cleland, Jeff Allam and the Vauxhall Cavalier. The team would never win a championship outright (although Cleland did come tantalizingly close in 1992 as we all remember). Alongside the factory team, Ecurie Ecosse also entered two Vauxhalls in 1992 and three in 1993; David Leslie was the stand out driver for the team and even got a rather patriotic livery to go with it. This independent team was run by RML, which in 1994 switched to the factory deal following their success with Leslie in 1992/1993.
Where it all began. Cleland in his Astra GTE in 1989. Image Credit: TouringCarTimes.com
David Leslie in his 1993 Ecurie Ecosse Vauxhall. Image Credit: Speedhunters.com
Following the controversial Alfa Romeo championship victory in 1994, the regulations were amended for 1995 allowing for the addition of wings, even if they were not standard on the road car. The partnership of Vauxhall and RML was a winning combination in 1995; John Cleland won his second championship after a season long battle with the Volvo of Rickard Rydell. Cleland’s team mate James Thompson also got a race win at Thruxton. Little did anyone know what this young driver would achieve in years to come. After 6 years in the championship, 1995 was the final curtain call for the Cavalier as the works car.
As 1996 rolled around Vauxhall switched to the Vectra which lacked much of the performance always held by the Cavalier. In the final year with the RML partnership, the only spoils came with a chance victory for James Thompson at Snetterton. From 1997 until 2009, the legendary Triple Eight Engineering (formed by Derek Warwick and Ian Harrison) would run the Vauxhall works effort. In their inaugural year, Vauxhall (now piloted by Cleland and Warwick) endured a tough time, struggling to be on the pace with the Renaults. However, in 1998 the cars were significantly more competitive and Cleland managed two race victories, both of which came at Donington Park; the second of these is arguably from one of the greatest races the sport had ever seen when Nigel Mansell nearly won the very wet feature race which he had started in last place.
Cleland was flying high in 1995, taking the title in spectacular style. Image Credit: Pistonheads.com
The final two years of the Supertouring era were more competitive for Vauxhall; gaining a race win at Brands Hatch for Yvan Muller after completing a near impossible overtake at Paddock Hill. Cleland retired from the BTCC at the end of 1999, leaving his seat to be filled by ex-Renault man Jason Plato and the addition of Vincent Radermecker for 2000. Vauxhall had a sniff at the championship in 2000, but sadly they could not keep up with the all-conquering Ford team who won the title with Alain Menu.
The new era of BTCC in 2001 (BTC-T regulations) began what would become an almighty dominance from Vauxhall, who were the only returning manufacturer from the 2000 season. In 2001, Vauxhall would win 25 of the 26 races, with only MG spoiling the fun at a wet Brands Hatch at the end of the year. They fielded two teams, the works team and egg:sport; Peugeot, Alfa Romeo and Lexus never stood a chance. One of the only memorable moments of the year was the season long battle between Plato and Muller, who struggled to work as team mates (to put it lightly). From 2002 – 2004, the Vauxhall pairing of Yvan Muller and James Thompson would share the titles between them, two for Thompson and one for Muller in 2003.
The new car in 2005 brought the same problems as in 1996. Image Credit: carenthusiast.com
Vauxhall must have suffered a massive case of deja vu in 2005/2006; just like in 1996/1997 they introduced a new model (this time the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch) but were not in a high performance position to challenge for the titles, which in both years went to Matt Neal in the Halfords Honda Integra run by Team Dynamics. Colin Turkington and Yvan Muller may have departed the VX-R team at the end of 2005, but it did pave the way for World Touring Car driver Giovanardi; 2006 was not the best time for Giovanardi, who was in a car that was developed for Yvan Muller (who coincidentally had moved to take on the WTCC) which consequently suffered on his performances. He did however managed to take a race win that happened to be the 100th BTCC win for Vauxhall.
The switch to the Vectra in 2007 was the final hurrah for the VX-R team; Giovanardi took a thrilling championship title in 2007 after an amazing final race at Thruxton. He repeated his success in 2008 with a comfortable championship win. By 2009, VX Racing were the only factory support team, but even the dangerous combination of Vauxhall and Giovanardi could not stop Colin Turkington from winning the title. By the end of 2009 Vauxhall had made their decision; they were to pull out as a manufacturer in the BTCC. It was the beginning of the end; one of the greatest racing empires had crumbled. But it was not the end for Vauxhall just yet.
Vauxhall often dominated the independent entries in the BTCC. Image Credit: TouringCarTimes.com
Fiona Leggate entered a bio-ethanol powered Vauxhall Astra in 2005 and 2006. Image Credit: online-utility.org
The final few years of Vauxhall in the BTCC was as an independent effort. It says a great deal about the strength, performance and affordability of the Vauxhall as a machine in the sense that it was probably the most used car as an independent machine between 1991 and 2014. From Jeff Wilson running a Vauxhall Belmont in 1991, to Chris Goodwin in a Demon Tweeks Cavalier in 1993, to Mark Blair’s Vauxhall Vectra in 1999, even to Rob Collard’s Vauxhall Astra in 2003/2004, a Vauxhall appeared to be the car of choice for private entries.
Triple Eight continued to run Vauxhalls in the championship, but in 2010 they most definitely ran into some issues, making their way through multiple drivers including Giovanardi, Phillip Glew, Sam Tordoff before eventually settling on James Nash. On the other hand, 2011 seemed to be looking up for the fledgling team, having finally sorted the crippling sponsorship problems that had ruined their 2010 campaign. James Nash was blisteringly fast throughout the year, eventually winning at Rockingham, taking the overall Independent title and finishing joint 4th overall with Mat Jackson. Triple Eight switched to run the MG-factory team from 2012.
The final win for a Vauxhall in the BTCC came from Dave Newsham. Image Credit: MJP Media
Dave Newsham now holds the honour of being the last driver to ever take a Vauxhall to victory having won at Snetterton and Knockhill in the 2012 season. It was in the same year that the Vauxhall Insignia was introduced by John Thorne of ‘Thorney Motorsport’. It is fair to say that Thorne was much more of an owner/engineer than a racer; this is the man who once managed to spin out of control on the warm up lap. It was in 2013 that a Vauxhall would see a whole season for the final time; Lea Wood won the Jack Sears Trophy in the S2000 Vectra and Tony Gilham ran the two ex-Thorney motorsport Insignias, with drivers including Jack Goff. One of the highlights of the Insignia was Jack Goff harassing Gordon Shedden for the race win in the final round of the year at a drenched Brands Hatch GP.
As we reach 2014, Team BMR entered two Insignias as part of the 4-car team for Jack Goff and Warren Scott. However, these were eventually switched to the ever-improving Volkswagen CCs. After 25 years glorious years in the worlds best touring car series, the age of extinction has hit. Vauxhall has now completely left the British Touring Car Championship.
Every rose has its Thorne – the car that never really was. Image Credit: thorny.ms
Goff fought hard against Shedden to nearly get the first win for an Insignia at Brands Hatch. Image Credit: BTCC.net
Heading in 2015, there may yet be no official plans or even rumours of a Vauxhall return, but with the NGTC regulations going from strength to strength, I would not rule out a return. A while ago I wrote an article about the Return of the Manufacturer to the BTCC, and I believe this now more than ever. If I was to put my money on an ex-manufacturer making a glorious return to the sport, I would take the bet with Vauxhall. In the 90s and even the 00s, the Vauxhall was quite clearly the perfect drive for both factory and independent teams; there were times when Vauxhalls would outnumber other manufacturers by at least 3:1 in many years. The audience has grown, the new regulations limit spending (eliminating the financial issues) and the sport is fast returning to world recognition as the best race series in the world. Even if not as a manufacturer, the potential to have an independent entry with an Insignia is considerable. Look what Jack Goff managed in 2013. Unlike Volvo who have announced that their motorsport division does not follow their company vision and will pull factory backing in the next few years; Vauxhall have become famous for producing what is essentially ‘race cars for the road’, whether this is the Astra, Corsa or of course the 600BHP monster that is the VXR8. What better way to market such a brand than enter the best series in the world as a factory-backed team.
Is this truly the end? Second only to Ford (in the ever-honest opinion of mine anyway), Vauxhall have become one of the most successful manufacturers ever to enter the BTCC. From their humble beginnings with the Astra GTE following the rise of a living Scottish racing legend, the name Vauxhall truly embodies the meaning of BTCC. Close racing, big drama and glorious victories became a beautifully common occurrence with the addition of Vauxhall to the grid. They have been there every step of the way, as the championship has evolved to the NGTC masterpiece it is today. The passing of the Vauxhall may be a time to grieve, with no plans yet emerging of a comeback in 2015, but something still remains at the back of my mind…
Is this truly the end?
What are your thoughts on the Vauxhall extinction in the BTCC? Don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Whatever happens, the Vauxhall legacy will live on. Image Credit: Speedmoney.com
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
RSPCA: Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Automobiles
Christmas time is fast approaching; a time for family, a time for giving, a time for happiness. As we delve into the devilishly delicious dinner laid down before us, everything in the world feels perfect. But what about those who do not enjoy the same luxuries? As we enjoy the familiar warmth of Christmas time, let us not forget those that must face the bitter chill of winter. There are those who must suffer at the hands of their masters.
Their suffering is not just for Christmas. Their suffering cannot be ignored.
Let them not suffer in silence forever; it is time to give our cars the voice they deserve.
How can we let this suffering continue?
Just the other day, my friend sent me this very photo that sits sadly above these words. There are places that are safe for the cars of this world, but it would appear that Croydon (SW London) is not one of those places. The once majestic Lambourghini, adorned in angelic white has been horrifically besmirched. Her great and powerful legs cruelly ripped away from her body. The sightings of such beautiful creatures are rare in this part of the world, and yet here you look upon the lifeless shell that once roamed so free with so many horses.
This was never going to end well..
The pain and suffering caused to the ever endangered Lamborghini species will forever be caused by the oppressive and destructive nature of the human race. In this case however it seems more down to some horrible disease most commonly known as stupidity. The blame can go one of two ways in this case; either the driver of the Lamborghini was travelling way too fast down an urban street or the car pulling out did not check properly that the road was clear before setting off.
Here is the video of the incident, make up your own mind on this one: Aventador Crash – Moment of Impact
Are You F***ing Nuts??
This next video really does make me fear for my own safety on the road. Jeremy Clarkson once presented the statement that some people may have started to mate with vegetables. Well, after watching this next clip you may well start to believe it. Brake checking someone is dangerous enough on a small town road, let alone on a dual carriageway where high speeds cause fatal incidents.
This total arsewipe decided it would be utterly hilarious to come to a complete stop on the road, just to piss off the driver behind. What happens next, horrifying. The worst part is, that poor blue Peugeot will probably never again feel the freedom of the open road. Let us not also forget both other vehicles involved. The lives of 3 machines forever ruined.
I will leave this here, while I go and change my underwear: Idiot Brake Checks and Causes Accident
The Pain of Winter
All those innocent cars, gone. Image Credit: tikkaspikes.eu
Winter is a dangerous time for the automobiles we cherish. Their owners suddenly begin to believe that they have become Colin McRae and that any road surface and any weather condition is no match for their superior driving skillz. And yes, the z is intentional.
Of course it is possible to drive in treacherous conditions such as snow, ice and decreased visibility. The problem is that one wrong move will not only cost you your dignity, but also your insurance bonus and maybe even your life. And think of the cars, all they are trying to do is serve their owners and do the best job they can.
The Ultimate Neglect
A sad, painful and lonely end to a once great life
So please, if you can this Christmas, spare a thought for our faithful cars. No presents for the hard working. No warmth embrace of the relatives by the fire.
Without them, what would you do?
They need our love, they need our care.
But please remember, do not take them for granted. Let’s fight the oppression of the idiot, of the LAD trying to show off and the downright brainless.
Join the fight on Twitter @lewisglynn69
Have a good Christmas everyone, and please drive safe!
Peace and Love!
Driving for Change: #RacingforHeroes is Live
A ground breaking new motorsport team launches in support of ‘Help for Heroes’
In just one moment everything can change. In that moment, everything you once knew, is transformed. Due to the breath taking new initiative by Stirling Motorsport Management, this is that moment. In partnership with the UK’s most high profile charity ‘Help For Heroes’, the #RacingforHeroes motorsport team supports not only the promising careers of prominent young race drivers, but will raise both funds and awareness for our injured, wounded and sick veterans. This truly is a drive for real change, and it is happening right now. Welcome to the dawning of a whole new era in global motorsport.
The extraordinary work of #RacingforHeroes has culminated in an unrivalled race outfit the spans the length of the TOCA package. The campaign will be spearheaded by an entry in the British Touring Car Championship, the ultimate touring test for any race team. If that wasn’t enough, entries will also be made into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, the Renault Clio UK Cup, the Ginetta GT4 Supercup and the MSA Formula Championship, the side dishes to the succulent main course that is the BTCC. Each car will be identically branded to create a strong message of both the dedication and importance of the cause they are supporting. One powerful brand has the strength to invoke awareness and active support from followers.
The selection of future superstars of the racing world include Josh Cook, Josh Files, Tom Butler, Zac Chapman and Jess Hawkins. Alan Gow, the race director of both BTCC and TOCA believes that #RacingforHeroes finds its strength in its multi-dimensional qualities,
“#RacingforHeroes is not only supporting a very worthy cause but it is also helping to develop promising young racing driver talent in the UK – a Win Win for all involved.”
TOCA is the largest race-based event across Europe, while #RacingforHeroes is by far the biggest team within TOCA; therefore one might say that #RacingforHeroes is the most significant motorsport operation across Europe. I dare you to find any better foundation than that to launch this revolutionary motorsport-charity partnership unto the racing fans across the UK. With such a dominant presence, it will further one of the central aims of the team; to one day have a team made entirely of veterans to run, engineer and race an entry in the BTCC.
Peter Thorpe, the founder of #RacingforHeroes will lead the team to what will be a fruitful future,
“#RacingforHeroes was designed to change the way partnerships in Motorsport work, my vision was to maximise the outcome of a sponsorship engagement for all involved while offering a truly remarkable reason to be part of it. Being able to offer companies such a multi beneficial opportunity for their PR and marketing platforms, support young British Racing talent and support the recovery of our wounded, injured and sick veterans does just that. A marketing platform anyone can be proud of.”
This concept of ‘relationships’ is a fundamental component to #RacingforHeroes; through the relatability and personal nature that the team express, it can truly bring forward the message of support for those veterans that have been injured serving their country in combat. From their media inception, #RacingforHeroes will be looking for both brand partners and sponsors to join the project throughout the 2015 motorsport campaign and beyond. Potential partners will be directly responsible for supporting the wounded through motorsport, a truly unique platform for engagement and unparalleled involvement. The #RacingforHeroes package combines supporting young drivers towards a fruitful motorsport career, direct investment that has a particular focus on donation to ‘Help for Heroes’, the emotional vision of bringing careers and happiness to wounded veterans, extensive media exposure and benefits including charitable partnership status and faultless track side hospitality.
Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder Help for Heroes believes that the inspirational vision of #RacingforHeroes comes down to the integral relationship held between Stirling Motorsport and ‘Help for Heroes’,
“When Stirling Motorsport approached us with the exciting idea for #RacingforHeroes, we knew immediately they shared our passion and ‘can-do’ attitude. The team is committed to fundraising and providing opportunities for our wounded through motorsport. We wish them every success and hope British racing fans will get behind the team.”
There will be no doubt that not only the British fans, but motorsport fans from across the world will show their compassionate support to the team. Within the modern world, the relevance of motorsport is often called into question; there can be no stronger argument than supporting our wounded directly, both through fan support and the unrivalled adrenaline filled thrill ride that is the motorsport spectrum. This is a revolutionary step forward that will go down in the eternal racing history books.
#RacingforHeroes is a sensational step forward in the motorsport universe; the team has a direct impact on the recovery and rehabilitation of our wounded veterans through them doing something they love. The team is proud to fly the flag for not only our home grown talent but our wounded too. This project has not only financial, but emotional influence; it has the power to unify under the name of motorsport. The success of #RacingforHeroes comes down to just one simple word: support.
You can show your support on Twitter: @RacingforHeroes
Or Facebook – Racing for Heroes
To speak to Peter directly, please email peter.t@racingforheroes.co.uk
![H4H CHARITY_PARTNER[1]](http://blog.privatefleet.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/H4H-CHARITY_PARTNER1.jpg)
Written by Lewis Glynn – Official Partner of #RacingforHeroes
Follow me on Twitter: @lewisglynn69
Keep Driving People!
Peace and Love!
Level 2, 9 Help Street