This National Motorsport Week we are celebrating the stories from around our community, whether a seasoned motorsport competitor or volunteer, or even from those who are just getting started in the sport.

Golden opportunities to work within the motorsport sector, are few and far between in County Down, but Bindi-Lee McQuid has taken her family’s love of stock car racing and decided to join local club Rathfriland Motor Club.

“Growing up, I always aspired to follow in their footsteps and race stock cars myself. While I never had the chance to do that, I did compete in rally sprints for two years, driving a Mk6 Ford Fiesta.

“I joined Rathfriland Motor Club at the beginning of 2025. I wanted to join for a while; my mum’s cousin had been a part of it for a few years. Whilst I was in Motor Club, I got to see the other side of motorsport, the organisation of it. I knew the preparation of cars for rallies was impressive, which I saw when I was on work experience with Kenny McKinstry.

“But I never knew the amount of preparation that was on the other side, and I was grateful to be part of it. Additionally, through connections in the stock car community, I also secured work experience with the Alpine F1 Team in June 2024.

“I applied, and the team made arrangements to bring me on board as a junior technician. I officially started at the end of June, and my experience so far has been incredible. I’ve learnt a huge amount already and had the chance to work with new tools and machines.

“And recently, I had the opportunity to help strip down one of the F1 cars, which gave me valuable insight into exactly where the components I help build are fitted on the car.”

With even more events in the diary, National Motorsport Week is well underway…

From a 20% discount on your first competition licence – that’s right, across Race, Rally and Kart, to enjoying 15% discount at a TeamSport Karting venue near you, there are even more ways to get involved and scratch that itch.

Feel electrified and enjoy the action from London’s Docklands at Formula E, don your best vintage garb and enjoy GoodWood Revival or try your luck to win the ultimate StreetCar experience… these, and more, are just some of the competitions open to you this National Motorsport Week.

Find out more, get your discount code – and good luck: https://motorsportweek.org/experience