New sponsors & partnerships for 2016

2016 started with some good things in the shape of Motors TV, the first in the series of GoCharlie: Hillclimb Project was viewed by over 36,000 people in the initial broadcast, fantastic figures that have really helped create momentum in the build up to my second season in France. With so many ambitions this year, and already a plan for 2017, I’m thankful to find myself in a good position having formed new partnerships with a number of companies as well as continuing with those that supported me in my first year à l’étranger. 

First of those is NGK who supply the OEM spark plugs for the Formula Renault’s 2 litre engine – you’ll be able to see their logo on the car as well as on my freshly painted helmet which arrived back from JLF Designs literally the day before I leave for my maiden race at Hébécrevon. It’s something I’ve longed for since I bought my first helmet back in 2005, and now on my third ‘lid’ I’ve finally been able to get it customised.

I think it looks fantastic, especially the metallic blue – and with NGK’s support I’m hoping to power on to some great results in 2016! 

Next up are Dryden House Publishing, an exciting collaboration of game designers, programmers & developers, artists and other creative disciplines who will be basing the leading character of their Sci fi series on me. Set it the fabulous Dryden Sci fi universe, Charlie X is a lot of things; race driver, daredevil, interstellar woman of mystery. She races to the stars in a form of racing called LQF (Liquid Fire Racing), and my season in the CFM will form the basis of a script which will then become a webcomic published throughout the year. It’s slightly surreal to be the inspiration for a futuristic racing driver in a graphic novel but super cool too, and talking to Katie Papillo who is leading the project over Skype (she’s based in Kansas) there is so much enthusiasm and talent behind the project it’s impossible not to get excited by it. The whole concept will be launched as a role playing game (RPG) in July, so I can’t wait to see how it all develops over the coming months – GoCharlie X!

Tectri SA, Garage Pride, Discover Grand Prix & Ski Academy Switzerland are all continuing their support, with Jelf Motorsport assisting with a tailored and extremely competitive insurance package, as well help from Percy Martin Machine Tools who are one of the top dealers for used CNC machinery in the UK. 

Although I will be blogging on my website with the occasional update on PistonHeads throughout the year, I’m thrilled to be writing regular blogs for Eurocarparts and these will form the backbone of my reporting this season. As the largest supplier of spare parts to the motor trade & public, their website received a staggering 40 million visits in 2015, so it’s an incredible opportunity to write for them and I hope you’ll all keep an eye on there for the launch any time soon!

The next Motors TV programme will be airing in July after the first three rounds are completed, but you’ll also be able to see my video diaries that I’ll be making myself and uploading to Facebook and also inserting into articles. I’m putting more time and effort into writing than ever before, and I was ecstatic last week when Susie Wolff liked one on Twitter that was published by Carrie Mathieson – she’s a role model and inspiration for me so it put a huge smile across my face! I’ve just joined up with Dare To Be Different, the initative she launched with the MSA & Claire Williams, and I’ve already made some great connections on there so I’d urge any ladies out there to check out there website & FB page.