"New phase for the Trust" says James Allen
Friday 13 May 11 by James Allen
It’s great that we have the new website up and running now, signalling a new phase for the Trust and its role in Formula 1 motor racing.
I have been a trustee for a good few years and really enjoy working alongside Sir Jackie and the other trustees– some legendary names from the world of F1.
And as the son of a former racer who is now in his late 70s, I am aware that for highly competitive individuals who once lived life on the edge, growing old requires comfort and security and not everyone who worked in the pitlane is lucky enough to have that.
I’ve heard people question whether the Trust is as relevant today as it was when Sir Jackie set it up 25 years ago, given that most F1 teams now have schemes for their mechanics.
But these schemes were not in place in the past, so there are many older mechanics who need our help and even the current ones may need it later on when they have moved on from their current teams.
As well as quietly helping out those in need, we’ve done some great things in the public eye lately, including some fantastic auctions at Grand Prix events – thanks to the generosity of the Formula One Teams Association, who donate memorabilia or car parts to us.
And then we had a fantastic night in London in May with a preview screening of the documentary movie about Ayrton Senna, supported by TAG Heuer.
Six of Senna’s former mechanics from Lotus and McLaren were there, along with Trustees Martin Brundle, Prof Watkins and Dave Ryan, who was also Senna’s team manager at McLaren. You can see a video record of the evening on this site.
So we look forward to 2011 and beyond with a positive feeling.