Brentwood School Racer selected for Motorsport UK Academy

Brentwood School racer Liam McNeilly has been selected for the prestigious Motorsport UK Academy following his breakthrough year in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2021.

The 15-year-old Year 11 student was confirmed as part of the national motorsport governing body’s ‘Team UK Futures Programme’ this week.

The Academy equips the country’s most promising young drivers and co-drivers, like Liam, with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance as they strive to become professional athletes.

Liam, who remains with Fox Motorsport this year as he aims to go one step better than last second-place finish in the points, was present at the launch of the 2022 programme at Motorsport UK headquarters, Bicester, this week.

He, along with fellow Academy members such as W Series Champion Jamie Chadwick, FIA Formula 2 racer Olli Caldwell and BMW Motorsport Junior Dan Harper, were welcomed by ex-F1 racer Karun Chandhok and Motorsport UK Chairman Hugh Chambers.

As part of the Team UK Futures Programme, which supports young talents aged 15-24 that demonstrate ‘exceptional potential to progress’ to the full Team UK programme and beyond, Liam will receive support in several areas this year.

These include specialist workshops offering industry insight, education sessions and bespoke events aimed at improving all-round driving ability and developing both personally and professionally within the sport.

Liam said:

“It’s an honour to be selected for the Motorsport UK Academy; something I really wasn’t expecting. The UK has been a world leader in motorsport for over half a century so to be recognised by its motorsport federation makes me very proud. To have the opportunity to learn first-hand from experts, who have succeeded at the top level of motorsport, is something I’ll take full advantage of. It can only help me to become a stronger driver and a better sportsperson, and that’s going to be very important for me this year and beyond.”