Racing into the action: The Lancaster Tab tries the Motorsport Society

A way to rev up your university experience at Lancaster


Looking to break away from the typical study grind and find something thrilling on campus?

The Lancaster Tab recently jumped into the fast lane with the Motorsport Society, and let me tell you, it’s about so much more than watching cars speed around a track.

Motorsport covers a wide range of competitive racing, including Formula 1, rallying, and karting. It combines speed, skill, and engineering to create a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans alike.

A night at Crafties: Mexican Grand Prix viewing

Last weekend we joined the Motorsport Society at Crafties to watch the Mexican Grand Prix. The society had taken over the entire top floor, transforming it into a race-watching haven with huge screens displaying every twist, turn, and overtake. Some people wore their favourite team merch, but regardless of who you cheered for, the crowd shared every high and low of the race. The room was packed with a great mix of people, excited to watch all 71 laps of the track.

The race itself got off to a chaotic start, with a crash at the very first corner settling a thrilling tone for the rest of the race. The race was intense between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, who went head-to-head in a fierce battle, with Verstappen receiving two penalties for on-track incidents. I quickly learned it was more than acceptable to celebrate Verstappen’s setbacks. 

It was an amazing experience to be part of a crowd that was so invested in the action. The night ended with a well-earned victory for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari.

A welcoming community for newcomers

We showed up only knowing a handful of drivers and team names, expecting to feel out of place. But after asking endless questions, we quickly realised we had nothing to worry about. Everyone was eager to help me understand the finer details of the sport.

Whether you’re an F1 rookie or a long-time fan, the society is full of people who love to share their passion and make newcomers feel right at home.

Of course, every motorsport group needs a bit of mystery. In this society, that’s “The Stig”, a helmeted member whose identity is a closely guarded secret. I’m still not sure how they watched the race through that helmet.

Beyond the races

Race weekends are just one part of what Motorsport Society has to offer. Their weekly socials range from bar crawls to both casual and competitive karting events, open to anyone who wants to join. There are also Women In Motorsport karting events to encourage inclusivity in the sport.

For those eager to catch the action live, the society even organises trips to local race events, including rally races and smaller series on nearby tracks.

Whether you’re new to F1 or a die-hard fan, it’s a welcoming community for anyone looking to get involved with motorsport in an exciting way – whether that’s experiencing live races, enjoying karting nights, or simply sharing the thrill of F1 with a friendly crowd. 

So, if you’re seeking something new, I’d definitely recommend giving Motorsport Society a shot.

Featured images via @lancastermotorsport on Instagram