RACING driver Will Crewdson has clinched this year’s prestigious Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) Scholarship, securing a fully funded opportunity to compete in the acclaimed series throughout its tenth anniversary year.

The 17-year-old, from Corbridge, raced to victory at Croft Circuit on Saturday, February 17, to clinch the career-launching prize, valued at up to £40,000.

It marks a significant milestone for the teenager, who is studying for his A Levels at Dame Allan’s Schools, in Newcastle, while embarking on a promising journey in motorsport.

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Will was among thirty talented teenage drivers who participated in the rigorous one-day scholarship competition at the North Yorkshire racing circuit.

Contenders took part in on-track driving assessments, group fitness challenges, simulated racing driving and pitstop activities.

Commenting after his success, Will said: “I’m extremely proud to represent the JSCC in their 10-year anniversary as their scholarship winner, especially given the incredible display of talent from the rest of the entrants. I really can’t wait for the start of my very first full season.”

Will started competing in the JSCC – a racing series for talented young drivers between the ages of 14 and 17, offering close and highly competitive racing at tracks across the UK – last year, having previously trained on a simulator in his bedroom.

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He is the seventh driver to be awarded a JSCC scholarship since the series launched in 2014, with previous winners now having successful careers in F1 academy and F4.

JSCC coordinator Dave Beecroft said: “We’re looking forward to working with this young man in 2024; a super scholarship winner!”

Will sat his GCSEs while competing as a rookie in the 2023 series. Despite being involved in a crash just days before his GCSE Geography exam, he collected an impressive set of grade 7s and an 8 on results day. He is now studying for A Levels in Geography, Design and Technology and Business at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, in Fenham.

His mum, Tracey Crewdson, said: “Will works very hard and we owe so much to Dame Allan’s for the amazing grounding they have given him. The school has played a huge role in his journey.

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“He is going to be a great ambassador for the JSCC series. While his driving ability was 99.9 per cent of the scholarship assessment, his character, kindness and hard work ethic also shone through. This is a huge opportunity, and we are immensely proud of him.”

The opening rounds of the 2024 Junior Saloon Car Championship are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 31/April 1 at Brands Hatch.

As part of Will’s scholarship, all registration and race entry fees will be covered, and he will have use, transportation and storage of a race car for the full JSCC season. He will continue to race with Orex Competition during his final year as a junior.