MICK DE HAAS JOINS FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT AS CONSULTANT ON INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

Fewkes Sport Management is delighted to announce that experienced sports marketeer Mick de Haas will take on the role of Consultant for all international projects related to the business moving forward.

Boasting a wealth of experience which spans 35 years’, de Haas is highly accomplished in global sport and has been the architect of several leading global sponsorship campaigns whilst consulting to top brands. His knowledge will undoubtedly only benefit FSM moving forward as it continues to push its international presence.

During his glittering career de Haas has worked in Formula 1, World Sports Cars which included two decades at the 24 Hour of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series, World Rally Championship and the coveted Dakar Rally.

He was also the founder, organiser and promoter of the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup (NEC), a championship that propelled the careers of no less than 11 Formula 1 drivers including Valterri Bottas and Carlos Sainz Jnr.

In addition to his motorsport exploits, de Haas’ portfolio includes VISA EMEA, ING Bank Group Guinness – Distillers Group, Groupe Renault, Audi AG, Bentley, Aston Martin Group, Chrysler, Nissan/NISMO and Team Marketing – which encompasses the UEFA Champions League Football, Sail Amsterdam and more.

Serving as a Consultant on all international affairs to FSM, de Haas reinforces FSM’s vision to operate at the highest standards in sport with world-class credentials whilst taking into consideration each and every clients welfare.

Will Fewkes, FSM Founder, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Mick to FSM and this will undoubtedly see the business move to a new level in 2022 with his addition.

“Mick and I were advising to a number of global brands on sports sponsorship strategy behind the scenes of our work with Renault’s market leading customer racing programmes back in 2018 – so it makes perfect sense to continue this alongside creating a stable, commercially minded, surrounding for up-and-coming racing talent in motorsport.

“Having both promoted world-renowned racing championships that have developed the careers of many racing talents, Mick and I are both in agreement that our combined credentials can help many more drivers achieve their aspirations of becoming professionals alongside our work with global brands.”

Mick de Haas, FSM Consultant, added:

“I am pleased to be joining FSM and renew my working relationship with Will on all international projects.

“I’ve known Will for some time and we have always worked well together so I am confident that I can help him with his ambition of making FSM one of the leading agencies in the field of Sports Marketing.”

BTCC WINNER DANIEL ROWBOTTOM JOINS FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT

Fewkes Sport Management is delighted to announce that British Touring Car Championship race winner and newly crowned Jack Sears Trophy winner Daniel Rowbottom has joined the business ahead of the 2022 season.

Becoming the latest driver to join the ever-expanding ranks of FSM, Rowbottom will work with the fledgling agency to continue developing his career as he begins preparations for another season in the UK’s premier motorsport series.

After taking a sabbatical from racing in 2020, the 32-year-old’s sophomore campaign in the BTCC saw him emerge as one of the standout performers as he starred in the Halfords Racing with Cataclean Honda Civic Type R.

Scoring a maiden victory, a further three podium finishes and two pole positions, Rowbottom also dominated the Jack Sears Trophy, chalking up a total of 23 class wins on his way to clinching the coveted crown.

This new partnership will see Rowbottom and FSM founder Will Fewkes reunited, with the latter having played a part in Rowbottom’s racing return in 2016 as he competed in the Renault UK Clio Cup, where he went on to enjoy great success.

Commenting on joining FSM, Rowbottom said:

“I’m really happy to be able to announce that I am working with Fewkes Sport Management. I’ve known Will for a number of years and have every confidence that his global presence and what FSM has to offer will only add to helping me achieve my long term goals in the sport.

“The level at which we are now operating means that I have commitments with my title partners Cataclean, that quite rightly are my main focus. Joining FSM will only add further quality to my racing programme and strengthen other areas on track and commercially.

“Looking back, the 2021 season was good. I went into it with the aim of winning the Jack Sears Trophy and we managed that, along with becoming an established front-runner. Going into 2022 the aim is simple, to win the championship and I’m confident everything is in place to do just that.”

Will Fewkes added.

“I am delighted to welcome a driver of Daniel’s calibre to FSM”

“Daniel is a hugely talented and motivated driver that I believe has all of the right attributes to win that illustrious British Touring Car Championship title.

“It is a very proud moment to be able to work with Daniel closely and to actively be putting positive steps in place for his career, especially having played a part in his return to racing in 2016.

“FSM is ideally placed to help Daniel achieve his ambitions in the coming years given our experience in top-level motorsport working with well-known talent. I look forward to getting the 2022 season underway.”

FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT PARTNERS WITH LEADING INSURANCE BROKERAGE AND RISK SPECIALIST GALLAGHER

Fewkes Sport Management is delighted to announce it has partnered with one of the leading insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting service companies in the world, Gallagher.

Gallagher, which operates across 150 countries worldwide, was founded in Chicago in 1927 and employs 34,000 people who provide insurance and risk management advice to clients across a wide range of different industries.

As one of the UK’s leading motorsport management agencies, FSM has established an impressive global network whilst promoting OEM motorsport programmes, drivers and brands, which will in turn benefit the presence of Gallagher in the market place moving forward.

Boasting a wealth of experience from promoting racing championships and talent, FSM founder Will Fewkes is well aware of the high stakes and risks associated with motorsport and is proud to welcome and work alongside a reputable firm such as Gallagher.

Will Fewkes, FSM Founder, said:

“Each time one of our athletes takes to the race track it is our duty as their representation to ensure that they are aware of the risks involved. To partner with a global leader such as Gallagher will only further enhance the standards of protection available to our athletes and strengthen our support offering with Gallagher’s industry experience. It makes us stand out from the rest, while also giving our athletes an added sense of security personally.

Commercially, Gallagher has an impressive insurance broking and risk management offering which will also benefit the brands that we work with too. The whole relationship is a match made in heaven and I am really looking forward to watching it evolve.”

Matthew Meredith, Director of Special Risks at Gallagher, added:

“Gallagher has provided insurance and risk management advice to businesses and athletes across many sports for a number of years, and this new partnership with Fewkes Sport Management will further build our presence. We are very pleased to be working with Will and the team to help support more clients and ensure they have the right insurance in place.” 

DANNY DWYER CONCLUDES MAIDEN GINETTA GT ACADEMY SEASON WITH FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT ON A HIGH

Fewkes Sport Management client Danny Dwyer recently brought the curtain down on his maiden season of car racing in the Ginetta GT Academy on a high as he secured fourth position in the Rookie Class standings at Donington Park on 16th/17th October.

Competing on the support bills of both the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and Intelligent Money British GT Championship in the new-for-2021 one-make series, Dwyer – who is supported by leading UK access firm PHD Access – showcased his development behind the wheel throughout the season.

Becoming a regular fixture inside the top ten, the first-time racer was a regular threat towards the podium positions, clinching a top-three class finish on his debut weekend at Brands Hatch GP back in May and then again at Snetterton in August.

As part of the FSM client roster, Dwyer was able to utilise more than 30 years’ of expertise within the motorsport industry that FSM possess to ensure he was as prepared as he could be when behind the wheel of his GT4 machine, and around his current business commitments.

Boasting invaluable experience of managing arguably one of the world’s strongest customer racing programmes under Renault Sport in the UK and Northern Europe, company founder Will Fewkes and FSM have worked on promoting categories that have resulted in drivers reaching great heights further up the racing pyramid since 2014, which only adds extra benefit to current clients on the FSM roster.

A total of 18 drivers have graduated to the BTCC from the Renault UK Clio Cup during this time, resulting in three championship wins and four Jack Sears Trophy title victories. Other former drivers from Formula Renault NEC include current FIA F2 Championship leader and 2020 FIA F3 Champion Oscar Piastri and recent 2022 Indy Car signing Christian Lundgaard. In addition, no less than 16 F1 Academy drivers competing in the NEC championship have benefitted from FSM’s services.

Dwyer said as he reflected on the year

“It has been a fantastic first season of racing,” “Going into the year with no racing experience was always going to be a challenge, but with the help of FSM we have made real strides and achieved some great results both on track and commercially for PHD Access.”

“Having FSM working alongside me gave me the ability to solely focusing on arriving at the track each race weekend and driving the car. They took care of running the car as well as covering all aspects of planning for development, coaching and more.

“FSM really do bring the right tools to ensure that you yourself can be the most complete package out on-track. Everything interlinks and they play a crucial role on why I have improved so much this year on a restricted time allowance.”

Will Fewkes, FSM Founder, added:

“I am immensely proud of how Danny has developed during his debut season of car racing and since the first round Brands Hatch GP back in May. We have been discussing a potential motorsport programme for a number of years and it was a pleasure to see it become a reality in 2021.

“Danny has proved that he has the pace to mix it with some of the strongest drivers on the grid and our expectation will only be to further cement that when the season gets underway in 2022.

“All of the tools are now in place to continue the learning process this winter, and FSM is excited to continue working with Danny and PHD Access into the programmes second year.”

DANNY DWYER ENJOYS COMPETITIVE START TO 2021 SEASON WITH FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT

Fewkes Sport Management client Danny Dwyer, supported by PHD Access, has enjoyed an encouraging start to his racing career having a produced a string of notable performances in the Ginetta GT Academy. 

Taking his first steps into motorsport with the benefit of FSM’s wealth of experience and expertise, Dwyer has showcased his potential in the one-make series which offers entry level racing for drivers of all experience levels.

Competing on the support bill of the coveted British GT Championship, Dwyer kicked off his campaign at Brands Hatch in late May taking a Rookie Class podium finish in his debut weekend. 

Returning to action in early July at Donington Park, Dwyer continued to show great promise as he claimed a trio of finishes, the best of which was a ninth place in race two whilst battling well inside the overall top ten. 

Drawing on the skills of Alpine F1 Team Simulator driver and Head of FSM of Driver Development Jordan King, the rookie ace is keen to continue his development both on and off the track as he bids for even better results as the year progresses. 

Danny Dwyer commented: 

“I’ve loved every second of the season so far,” Dwyer said. “I’m really enjoying the process of the Ginetta GT Academy and the championship is proving to be ultra-competitive, which only serves as a benefit to push me further.

“Having Fewkes Sport Management looking over the programme has meant that I can arrive and drive, and know that everything is in place. I’ve been able to focus purely on the job of driving and have full confidence that everything is taken care of courtesy of Will [Fewkes] and Jordan [King].

“Away from the racing FSM has also been able to open up other commercial opportunities too which perhaps wouldn’t have been an option before as well.”

Jordan King, Head of FSM Driver Development, added:

“It has been great to work with Danny so far; our results at Brands Hatch and Donington Park have continued to build nicely whilst Danny develops within the championship.

“Every time he gets behind the wheel his pace is improving, he’s developing well and taking on-board everything to ensure he is in the best position when behind the wheel. We’ve also worked with him away from the race meetings using our exclusive network to further enhance his ability, which again will undoubtedly shine through in the coming races.”

DANNY DWYER JOINS FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT CLIENT ROSTER SUPPORTED BY PHD ACCESS AHEAD OF RACING DEBUT IN 2021

Fewkes Sport Management is delighted to announce that Danny Dwyer has joined its ever-expanding client roster supported by PHD Access ahead of making their racing debut in 2021, which will see them compete in the all-new Ginetta GT Academy.

Well-known as an independently owned, fully comprehensive scaffold and access company, PHD Access has become internationally renowned for producing challenging engineered ideas with innovative techniques – winning plenty of awards along the way.

At the helm of the company, Dwyer has also forged a name for himself within the sporting industry by virtue of his ties with its sponsorship of London Irish Rugby Club in the Gallagher Premiership.

With more than 30 years’ of expertise working within the motorsport industry, FSM will work closely with Dwyer to develop his skills and maximise commercial opportunities within PHD’s activation as they take their first steps into motor racing via the Ginetta GT Academy.

The GT Academy is a new championship launched for 2021 and is billed as a one-make series which offers entry level racing for drivers of all experience levels. The field will be split between experienced drivers and a ‘Rookie’ class, with the calendar made up of appearances alongside both British GT and the British Touring Car Championship.

Danny Dwyer commented: 

“I am delighted to join Fewkes Sport Management ahead of my debut year of car racing in the Ginetta GT Academy in 2021.

“FSM have a wealth of experience both on track with their racing credentials, and off track commercially. This is an excellent fit for my personal development and for that of PHD Access, who are broadening their activations from the Gallagher Premiership.

“We have already sampled the Ginetta GT Academy car a few times and I felt comfortable in it instantly. We have all of the right ingredients to challenge at the front of the grid in my debut year and I can’t wait to get started.”

Will Fewkes, FSM Founder, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Danny Dwyer and PHD Access to FSM and cannot wait to get started on this exciting venture into the Ginetta GT Academy for 2021.

“It’s been in the pipeline for some time now, and to be working with Danny and such a key international award-winning scaffolding and access provider is a hugely proud moment for FSM.

“PHD Access has a fantastic reputation from activating with London Irish Rugby Club in the Gallagher Premiership, and FSM looks forward to matching its ambitions commercially on and off the track within motorsport.

Jordan King, Head of FSM Driver Development, added:

“Having worked with Ginetta on their LMP1 project and knowing what they are capable of, I’m excited to be helping Danny develop his driving as he starts his motorsport journey while entering a new championship.”

OLIVER CLARKE SIGNS OFF ROOKIE BRITISH F3 SEASON IN STYLE AT SILVERSTONE

Oliver Clarke signed off his maiden year in the BRDC British F3 Championship at Silverstone this past weekend (November 7/8) in sensational style, claiming an impressive trio of top six finishes and producing one of the drives of the season, charging from last place to narrowly miss out on the podium.

Bringing the curtain down on what has been a whirlwind campaign which packed seven events into little over three months, the Hillspeed driver took centre stage during the season finale; bagging a brace of fourths and a sixth place finish to secure eighth overall in the final championship standings.

Having got to grips with the flowing layout of the Home of British Motor Racing during practice, the 17-year-old headed into the final qualifying session of the season on Saturday optimistic that he could once again be in the mix towards the sharp end of the grid.

In what proved to be an ultra-competitive battle for pole position, the Torq Racewear athlete powered his way to the ninth fastest time, a mere half a second off of the front row.

Launching off the line in the opening encounter, Clarke wasted no time in making progress as he moved up a spot off the start and he soon settled into a groove, chasing the down the train of cars ahead of him.

Jumping into seventh prior to the appearance of the safety car, the two-time podium finisher went on to produce a stunning overtake around the outside of Brooklands corner in the latter stages to secure sixth at the chequered flag.

The first of Sunday’s two races would see Clarke serve up an overtaking masterclass as he powered his way from dead last to fourth place after making an inspired late switch to slick tyres. On a cold and damp track, the former karting ace started 12th but soon dropped to the back of the pack as he scrambled for tyre temperature.

However, once his tyres had enough heat in them the Fewkes Sport Management driver delivered a superlative drive as he carved his way up the order, jumping up two or three spots each lap.

Moving into the top five with a handful of tours remaining, Clarke closed the gap to the lead pack but was unable to find a way past and he ultimately settled for fourth. Despite missing out on the podium, his drive is one that will likely be talked about for some time.

Clarke capped off his weekend, and his season, with another eye-catching performance as he once again came close to a return to the rostrum. Starting sixth, the teenage racer initially dropped back two positions before once again showcasing his racecraft as he battled back to cross the line in fourth.

Had it not been for an unfortunate non-finish at Donington Park, Clarke would have ended the season sitting sixth in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite missing out on the spot by a handful of points, two podiums and a number of standout drives have cemented Clarke’s status as one of the most exciting single-seater prospects to move up the racing ladder in recent years and the future looks bright for the King’s Lynn ace.

Oliver Clarke:

“That was a great way to end the season! I’d have loved to have come away with a podium but it wasn’t meant to be and on reflection; two fourths and a sixth is not something to turn my nose up at.

“We had phenomenal pace though in each race and I absolutely loved what we were able to do in race two. We rolled the dice in terms of tyres and took the pain of dropping to the back in the opening stages but once the tyres came in I just had so much grip and was able to move forward.

“Overall it has been a really positive season, we’ve been a regular in the top ten despite having had limited testing and we’ve scored a couple of podiums along the way too. I think in the second half of the season I really hit my stride and proved that I’m more than capable of competing at this level and beyond.

“I’ve got say a big thank you to Fewkes Sport Management as the professional structure they have provided me has really proved beneficial both on and off the track. The support of Mojo Media, Torq Racewear, Hillspeed, my family and friends has been invaluable as well – without everyone I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have done this year.

“Whilst the season may have come to an end the hard work doesn’t stop and I’m already looking ahead to the 2021 season. We’re working on putting a deal together and I’m keen to welcome any new sponsors, partners and investors to join me on this journey.”

Will Fewkes, Fewkes Sport Management:

“Oliver has been a pleasure to watch during his debut BRDC British F3 campaign under difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 situation.

“It’s quite clear to see that in our FSM stable we have one of the most exciting UK single-seater talents to emerge in recent years, and Oliver’s raw speed and race craft has been exceptional against a lot of year two drivers whilst running on a very limited budget.

“We’re very excited about what the future holds for Oliver and hope to return in 2021 to challenge for championship honours. To make this all possible, we are still in search of partners to join Oliver on his journey and will welcome any interested parties with some great commercial offerings. He’s certainly the real deal and has a highly experienced support team around him.”

OLIVER CLARKE SET TO BRING THE CURTAIN DOWN ON MAIDEN BRITISH F3 SEASON AT SILVERSTONE

Oliver Clarke will bring the curtain down on his rookie season in the BRDC British F3 Championship this weekend (November 7/8) at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone.

In what has been an unprecedented year where the 2020 season has been crammed into a three-month period due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Hillspeed driver has emerged as one of the standout performers in the single-seater series, tallying a string of notable results.

Two podium finishes, the first in just his second race meeting and the other coming last time out at Donington Park, have been the highlights of the 17-year-old’s campaign however he is far from finished in adding to his trophy collection.

With three races scheduled to play out around the legendary Grand Prix layout of the Northamptonshire venue, the Torq Racewear Athlete is setting his sights on one final flurry to sign off what has been a memorable maiden foray into British F3.

Having really hit form in recent rounds and underlined his credentials as one of the most exciting single-seater prospects to move up the racing ladder in recent years, Clarke is also hoping to use the finale to make his mark on potential new investors as he begins to look ahead to the 2021 season.

Oliver Clarke:

“This season has literally flown by and it is a bit surreal that we are now heading into the finale. It’s been a rollercoaster year but I’m really happy with how things have gone and to have two podiums to my name is something I’m proud of.

“I feel that I’ve really hit my stride in recent rounds and I’m confident we can be in the mix at Silverstone. I’m not in title contention or anything like that so I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain; I’m going there to get more podiums and hopefully even a win.

“I’ve already got one eye on 2021 as well and I know that this weekend’s performance, as well as how I’ve performed in recent rounds, is the greatest pitch for any potential sponsor, partner or investor that I could possibly make.

“We’ll head to Silverstone with great optimism, work hard like we always do and hopefully the results will fall our way. I’m fired up to end the year on a high!”

To view all of the important information ahead of this weekend’s race meeting at Silverstone, including links to live timing and the event timetable, click here.

OLIVER CLARKE EXCELS WHILST SCORING SECOND BRITISH F3 PODIUM OF ROOKIE SEASON AT DONINGTON PARK

Oliver Clarke excelled whilst enduring a whirlwind of emotions during the penultimate event of the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship at Donington Park this past weekend (October 24/25) as he scored a sensational podium and then saw another slip away on the penultimate lap of the final race.

Proving to be one of the stars of the show around the National layout of the Leicestershire venue, the Hillspeed driver underlined why he is one of the most exciting single-seater talents to progress through the racing ladder in recent years.

Backed by Mark Brown Electrical, Mitchell Piling Ltd and S Rodwell Decorators for the weekend, the 17-year-old got his eye in across Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions, showing impressive pace and bolstering his confidence heading into qualifying.

In what proved to be a frenetic battle for pole position on Saturday morning, the Torq Racewear Athlete left it until the dying moments before he punched in a rapid time of 1:03.221 to move into second place – securing his best qualifying of the season.

Following qualifying however, heavy rain forced race officials to postpone the opening race until Sunday due to the adverse track conditions.

Greeted by autumnal sunshine the following day, a quick rain shower prior to race one saw tyre choice being the big topic of discussion. Clarke would opt for intermediates; a decision that would ultimately serve him well.

Scrambling for grip as he launched off the outside of the front row in race one, Clarke dropped to third, however his chances of fighting back were immediately halted due to the appearance of the safety car after a string of incidents took place further down the order.

Following a handful of laps behind the safety car, the restart saw Clarke apply pressure on the driver in second place but he was unable to find a way back past. Settling into a groove as the laps ticked by, the Fewkes Sport Management ace held station to cross the line in third place for his second podium finish of the season.

In race two, Clarke was forced to take avoiding action of a rival on the opening lap, taking a trip through the gravel and subsequently dropping to the back of the pack. Producing a string of eye-catching overtakes, the former karting ace underlined his overtaking prowess to bank valuable points in ninth.

Starting second for the third and final race of the weekend, Clarke endured heartbreak as he saw a guaranteed podium finish slip away in the closing stages. Breaking away from the chasing pack, the teenage ace was running comfortably in second before a rear right mechanical failure forced him to pull off the track.

Not only did Clarke’s race three retirement cost him a third podium of the season but it also dented his hopes of cementing sixth in the overall Drivers’ Championship, subsequently now sitting ninth.

Oliver Clarke:

“It really is a weekend of mix emotions because I’m obviously over the moon to have equalled my best result of the season and clinch a second podium but we could have repeated the feat in race three.

“Ever since we hit the track on Thursday we were on the pace and I’ve just been able to carry that speed into every session. The car felt great and I really felt I’ve elevated myself to another level in recent rounds.

“Scoring that podium in race one was mega and we had good pace in race two, it was just a shame that I dropped down the order early on. That podium finish was all-but guaranteed in race three and I can’t describe the emotions I felt when the problem struck – I was gutted.

“We’ve got to keep our heads held high though cause we have shown a signal of intent to the rest of the grid. We’ll head to Silverstone in less than two weeks’ time and see if we can end the year on a high.”

OLIVER CLARKE TARGETING ROSTRUM RETURN AS BRITISH F3 HEADS BACK TO DONINGTON PARK

Oliver Clarke is setting his sights on a return to the podium this weekend (October 24/25) as the BRDC British F3 Championship makes its third and final visit to Donington Park for the penultimate event of the 2020 season.

Coming off the back of producing his strongest showing to-date in the single-seater series at his home circuit of Snetterton, the Hillspeed driver has his tail firmly in the air as he chases after more silverware.

Having showcased his raw speed and overtaking prowess as the season has progressed, 17-year-old Clarke has now established himself into a regular top ten contender and is ready to make that next step forward.

With three races scheduled to play out under the flightpath of East Midlands airport over the course of the weekend, the Torq Racewear Athlete will be looking to reproduce his performance from the categories first visit to Donington Park, which saw him net a maiden rostrum in just his second race meeting.

The sixth weekend of the campaign will also see Clarke welcome two new partners on-board in the shape of Mark Brown Electrical from his home town of King’s Lynn and Mitchell Piling Ltd, who as based in Norwich.

Oliver Clarke:

“It’s a bit surreal that we’re about to head into the penultimate meeting of the season, this condensed campaign has really flown by but I’ve enjoyed every second so far; we’ve still got lots of racing to do though.

“Heading into the weekend, I’m feeling confident that we have really turned a corner after I had my best performance of the year at Snetterton last time out. Everything clicked and I’m hopeful that I can carry that momentum into Donington Park.

“This will be our third trip to Donington this season so we’ve got plenty of data and experience to draw upon. It’s a circuit I relish driving and it hold special memories as it was where I scored my first podium in the series earlier in the year.

“The way I see it; there are now six opportunities to get back on the podium before the curtain falls on the 2020 season and I’m going to give it everything I have to make sure we I pick up some more silverware!”