Generous Arbroath Round Tablers have put an innovative youth motorcycling project on the fast lane of the information superhighway.
Following a visit to the Hedzup race team to see first-hand the successful diversionary project for youngsters from across Angus, the Tablers have come up with vital computer equipment which will help the group in a variety of ways.
Bike racer Ian Pert launched the project more than five years ago as a means of helping young people gain life skills through being part of a race team, involved in every aspect from sponsorship letter-writing to pit crew duties on race day.
The team is now a familiar sight at Scottish race meetings, as well as the legendary Manx GP on the Isle of Man where they have run for the past three years.
Arbroath Round Table chairman Jamie Buchan said: “We were very impressed by the set-up of the organisation and the dedication of Ian and his team of young people who are part of the project.
“Hedzup Racing is very unique a proper motorbike racing team with the young people as pit and support crew to the riders, learning about mechanics as well, and then culminating in the Manx GP.
“During the tour of the project, which is based out of a lorry that travels around Angus and has the support of schools in the area where the project rolls up to each week, Ian mentioned that he was looking to get some computers in so the project members could update social media, learn website development and be able to scour the internet looking for parts whilst working on the project or away at race weekends.
“Following our visit, we felt we just had to help and fulfil that ambition,” added Mr Buchan.
The Tablers have now made Hedzup mobile with the donation of two laptops and a portable WiFi connection to allow the team to stay online wherever they are. Team leader Ian said the group was delighted with the boost.
“Hedzup Racing is a passion. We rely solely on the support of businesses and organisations to keep the team going from year-to-year and anything is greatly received,” he said.
“Keeping the bikes running is usually where we have to concentrate on using our very limited funds, so the computer project was a bit of a distant dream, to be honest.
“We are so appreciative of this amazing donation by Arbroath Round Table as it adds a whole new facet to the Hedzup Racing experience.”