Sutton chosen for 2017 BRDC Superstars
Subaru driver Ashley Sutton has been chosen as one of the BRDC Superstars, the elite programme run by the Silverstone owners to promote British racing talent.
The British Racing Drivers' Club founded the programme in 2008 under the auspices of then President Damon Hill and programme director Tim Harvey.
Over 60 drivers have since benefited from the guidance the BRDC SuperStars scheme has to offer.
Graduates include Formula One drivers Jolyon Palmer, Max Chilton and Will Stevens as well as 2013 British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan. Numerous others are now enjoying professional careers as factory-backed drivers.
Sutton is one of three drivers chosen to join the 12-strong programme this year, which also includes fellow BTCC racer Jack Goff and double Porsche Carrera Cup champion Dan Cammish.
All the SuperStars will benefit from the range of advice the programme has to offer to enhance their physical and mental fitness. Workshops and training events will also be run to enhance their communication, media and marketing skills to cover every aspect of professional racing driver development.
The unique element of the programme, and also the most invaluable, is the unprecedented access the SuperStars will have to the Members of the BRDC for advice and guidance.
Former BTCC champion Tim Harvey is on hand to counsel the drivers in his role as director of the SuperStars programme, which he dovetails with his responsibilities as ITV BTCC commentator.
“Getting picked was a big thing for me," said Sutton. "I was selected to become a Rising Star in 2014 so the goal was to step up to being a SuperStar. We put some work in to tick the boxes so I could move up so it’s great to be a part of the programme.
The networking and connections available now are fantastic and there are certain people that could be a big support in my future career.”