Motorsport DiSE Learner Takes First Place with Prestigious Award

A second year DiSE learner has been announced as the Motorsport UK 2023 Young Driver of the Year Award winner, following challenging assessments and an exciting shootout at the iZone Driver Performance.

Motorsport UK Academy Enhanced DiSE Programme learner Marcus Littlewood was one of four students shortlisted for the award, which will be presented at the 2024 Night of Champions early next year.

High achieving DiSE learners are shortlisted for the prestigious title, which recognises their hard work and sporting excellence. This year, Marcus, alongside second year learners George Davis, Jack Meakin and Will Orton, undertook rigorous physical fitness training, distraction tasks, driving assessments and eye tracking at the Silverstone based iZone’s three cutting edge GT and single-seat simulators.

The finalists also had the chance to conduct a presentation in front of an elite panel focusing on the DiSE programme, which is delivered from Loughborough College’s facilities. They were then interviewed by one of the judges to further discuss their long-term aspirations and technical understanding before heading behind the wheel for an exhilarating shootout race to determine who would take the title.

Elite Sport Assessor at Loughborough College, Adam Gould, who made up part of the judging panel said, “Marcus’ preparation and work ethic shone through in all the assessments, and he thoroughly deserves the title of 2023 Young Driver of the Year.

“I look forward to following his career and seeing what he achieves next!”

Following a list of highly skilled drivers, the winner of the 2023 Young Driver of the Year award will be formally presented at a star-studded ceremony, hosted by Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers early next year at the Night of Champions event. Previous winners include 2018’s Joe Turney, one of the most decorated British Kart Drivers currently racing, and British GT4 Champion Sennan Fielding.