20/08/2011
NEWS STORY
At first glimpse, motorsport is not the richest vein of Jewish contribution to sporting prowess. However there are more examples than you might think... from FIA president Jean Todt, whose father was a Polish Jew, to Stirling Moss, whose father was Jewish. However, the proudest moment was the crowning of the only Jewish Formula One World Champion... Jody Scheckter in 1979.
The Jewish Racing Drivers Association (JRDA), founded in January this year, is an initiative led by a new sports agency run by two young Jewish entrepreneurs and motorsport enthusiasts.
The JRDA hopes to break down many of the barriers surrounding motorsport and to nurture young Jewish talent to the top of the racing ladder. It's admitted aim being to find the next Jewish F1 champion within the next 5 years.
However, it's not just about drivers, the JRDA aims to provide an all-encompassing service for motorsport enthusiasts. Whether you are interested in watching motor racing but never known quite how to access the sport, or if your child is keen to enter the UK Karting scene - the JRDA will point you in the right direction.
It is the belief of those behind the JRDA that it would fill the Jewish community with pride to see an F1 race led by a Jewish driver with the Magen David emblazoned on his helmet and the livery of top Jewish businesses and brands on his car.
Lotus Silverstone has agreed to host the JRDA launch event at the world famous circuit on September 11. To add to the excitement, Alon Day, the young Israeli driver who is racing for HS Techneck Motorsport in the German F3 Series this year has also teamed up with the JRDA. He will be competing at Silverstone carrying the JRDA logo on his car.
"Having the JRDA logo on my car acts as a visible reminder to our community that anyone with enough ambition and drive can achieve anything and that nothing is impossible," said Day.
"Our plan was always to have a launch event if we had enough interested people," said Paul Burns of the JRDA. "We've had a fantastic response from like minded racing enthusiasts from far and wide and now have a great launch event for all to enjoy."
"What better place to launch The JRDA," he said of next month's event, "surrounded by some of the most exciting Lotus sports cars and at a great racing event. At the launch event we'll have a chance meet each other, watch some great Le Mans series racing, hear some interesting speakers, and discuss how we want to progress with the JRDA."
Further details of the association can be found on its website.