Hedzup Racing, a motorcycle road racing team run as a youth development project, is all set to star at this month’s Manx Grand Prix thanks to support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
Hedzup is an exciting and innovative youth development project started in 2009 by motorcycle racer Ian Pert which runs at schools and youth groups in Scotland in conjunction with Tayside Police, Forfar Academy, Arbroath Academy and Carnoustie High School.
The team’s mission statement is ‘To give youths the chance to develop and try new experiences through the running of a motorcycle road racing team’.
This will be Hedzup’s second appearance at the MGP and there will be 10 youngsters included in the team. Ian will race a GPZ 600 Kawasaki, bought in an online auction, in the Post Classic Junior class.
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We receive many requests for assistance with travel costs, especially from those attending the TT and Manx Grand Prix festivals, so it is always difficult to assess who we can best assist. This project stood out from the other requests because it offers a long-term benefit to the youths taking part and the experience that they gain should assist in their development over the next several years.’
Ian, who will race at number 47 in the Post Classic Junior, said: ‘We are grateful for the assistance given by the Steam Packet Company in allowing this group of youngsters to travel free of charge. Not only will this assist with the cost of the project, but the experience of actually attending the MGP festival will help the youngsters develop the usable life skills that this project is all about.’
For more information about Hedzup Racing, visit www.hedzup.info
Members of the Hedzup Racing team prepare for this year’s Manx Grand Prix
