Ian Horton, NCMT sales director; Vicky Knight, NCMT marketing manager; Shane Kelly, UWR professional driver; Terry Gibson, head of alumni and development

University of Wolverhampton Racing (UWR) has gained a new official sponsor — machine tool supplier NCMT, best known in the UK and Ireland as the sole agent for selling the Japanese Okuma and Makino brands. The agreement was concluded in mid-February 2023, in time for the first race of the Britcar Prototype Cup.

UWR is the only student-run team that takes part in the competition using a Praga R1, a Czech-manufactured racing car eligible for the competition. The team competed in 2022 using the same car, after being crowned Formula 3 Cup class champions in 2021. It is an academic-led, student-run racing team that competes not only in the above events but also in the AR Morgan Challenge, working directly with the Morgan Motor Company and www.imeche.org IMechE Formula Student.

NCMT managing director Jonathan Smart said: “We are delighted to start sponsoring UWR, which unlike all other student teams in the UK competes against professional racing teams. It gives their graduates the edge when trying to enter professional motorsport or other employment. Moreover, the Department of Engineering is especially committed to extending opportunities and promoting diversity in engineering and motorsport.”

Terry Gibson, head of alumni and development at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “UWR is thrilled to be supported by NCMT for the 2023 season. Working with companies in the engineering and manufacturing industry provides exceptional, real-world opportunities for our student engineers.

“Whether their careers are in motorsport or manufacturing, working with companies like NCMT inspires them all to raise their game and perform to the very best of their abilities. We are grateful to the team at NCMT for helping to make their futures possible.”