Young people have been urged to transform the city’s passion for cars into thriving careers in motorsport - with a little help from Formula 1 legend Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Bradford’s reputation for car meets, supercars, and modified automobiles has grown in recent years, but hasn't always manifested itself in a good way.
A symbol of status and self-expression, car meets have become a place for like-minded petrolheads to come together.
It even inspired a stereotype-smashing play at Oastler Car Park about how young British-Pakistani men find a sense of identity in car culture.
But the revhead lifestyle hasn’t come without negativity - from police crackdowns on dangerous meets at Bradford’s Euroway Trading Estate, supercar crashes and concerns over young drivers getting their hands on high-powered hire cars.
There have been efforts to create new ways of experiencing the city’s car culture - including a family-friendly car show held at a dealership recently.
Now Formula 1 star Sir Lewis Hamilton’s charity hopes to inspire the next generation to use their passion for good.
Mission 44, founded by Sir Lewis, will be taking part in the Fuelling Futures event, designed to show year nine and 10 pupils the world of STEM and car racing.
The next generation will get the chance to test RC Vision's radio controlled cars and learn the fundamentals of race engineering and off-roading.
There will be a whole host of car-themed activities in Centenary Square and City Hall on Friday, July 14.
Sabir Musaji, Fuelling Futures project lead at The Leap, said: “The Fuelling Futures campaign brings to the Bradford district a cool and fun way of celebrating our unique car culture, whilst getting young people inspired and thinking about STEM and careers in motorsports.
“I believe we can convert that passion and enthusiasm into career pathways that many young people might not have thought were possible for them.
“Ultimately, we want this new partnership and this day to inspire a whole new generation of talent from Bradford into motorsports and STEM careers. Who knows, maybe Bradford could end up producing the next Formula One World Champion or the next championship winning car.
“With Grand Prix season in full flow, it just makes it an even more exciting time to try and ignite young people’s imaginations and steer them towards a career that matches their passions.”
It comes after one group of Bradford’s young people got the chance to meet Sir Lewis Hamilton on a tour of the Silverstone paddock and museum.
The latest event has been created alongside car enthusiasts and businesses across the district.
Mission 44 teamed up with The Leap, Bradford’s Creative People and Places programme, Bradford College and Bradford Council.
Kelly McCallister, head of apprenticeships at Bradford College, said: “We have recognised a lack of participation and representation from ethnic minority apprentices and females in male-dominated industries such as engineering and motorsports over recent years.
“Having the backing of such a prestigious organisation will really help us shine a light on the opportunities available.”
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