Plato to front new driver programme

KX Energy has launched a new bursary programme to help support rising stars on both four-wheels and two, which will be fronted by double BTCC champion Jason Plato.

The company, which backs Plato's touring car programme with the MG KX Momentum Racing team, will provide financial support to a number of drivers and riders, who will also benefit in a number of other ways.

Members of the KX Akademy will have monthly candidate meetings and training for all areas including technique, media, financials, mental preparedness, race and sports psychology and so on as well as being mentored by Plato.

The first two candidates will be revealed at Croft during the next round of the BTCC.

"Of the scholarship-style programmes already in existence, most tend to be pretty exclusive by nature, KX Akademy is a different beast totally," Plato said. "KX Energy Drink is one hundred percent dedicated to giving people a leg-up, that well deserved break that we all at some point in our lives need and in motorsport there are many talented drivers and riders that are crying out for that.

"I will mentor the candidates, have regular close contact with them as well as see them race and work with them on their career progression. This is a fantastic opportunity that I only wish had been available when I was struggling all those years ago. As a director of the BRDC I also applaud this valuable added resource into motorsport."