Poots thanks driving champion for road safety support

Poots thanks driving champion for road safety support

Environment Minister Edwin Poots and DCAL Minister Nelson McCausland congratulated Colin Turkington on his recent victory in the 2009 British Touring Car Championship at a reception at Stormont tonight.

The event also acknowledged Colin’s recent accolade in becoming an ambassador for Go Motorsport UK and to thank him for his public support for road safety in Northern Ireland.

Mr Poots said: “Colin has achieved so much in his racing career, particularly this year, and his successes have seen him become something of a hero to motorsport fans across Northern Ireland. Just a few weeks ago he was victorious at Brands Hatch becoming the British Touring Car Champion 2009.

“I always remind fans at these exciting motorsport events that there is a huge difference between driving behaviour on the circuit and everyday driving behaviour on the road.

“It would be foolish for any driver to imitate on the road what they see on the circuit. This high-speed racing takes place in a controlled environment, in specially designed cars, driven by experienced racing drivers. Those skills cannot and should not be put to the test on any road by any driver. The consequences could be lethal.”

The Minister added: “It is for this reason I have invited Colin to become a champion for road safety – to speak to our young people who think it is acceptable to drive at inappropriate speeds.

Touring car champion Colin advised: “I know the difference between being on the race track and being on the real road. That’s why my advice to drivers is – keep your speed down on the road. At speed, you never know what will happen next. One mistake - and you’ve no chance. Believe me, on the track and on the road, safety always wins.”

Mr McCausland said: “I am pleased to be able to congratulate Colin on winning this year’s British Touring Car Championship. Colin’s drive and determination to become the best has seen him rise to the very forefront of the sport.

“Colin has joined a growing list of world class sportsmen and women who have come from Northern Ireland.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work and dedication that Colin has given to motorsport and I especially commend his efforts in championing road safety.

“This campaign, together with the £2million my Department has allocated over the next two years for health and safety improvements at motorsport venues, will hopefully help to save lives both on our roads and in motorsport competitions.”

“I wish Colin a very safe and successful future in his continuing career, especially for his personal target to win the World Touring Car Championship. But with Colin’s burning ambition, there’s no doubt it is only a matter of time.”

Notes to editors:

1. Last year on Northern Ireland’s roads 36 people lost their lives due to excessive speed having regards to conditions. A further 913 people were injured – 155 of them seriously.
2. Colin Turkington began his racing career in the early 1990's on the karting circuit and competed in his first British Touring Car Championship race in 2002. Colin drives for Team RAC BMW and has been Independents’ Touring Car Champion three years in a row.
3. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or DCAL Press Office 028 9051 5048. Out of office hours please contact theduty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.