Several times during our chat, Malcolm stressed the importance of the "team concept," a concept that he intends to take beyond the track. As he described his plan to help troubled teens build self-confidence and find their way in life, his enthusiasm for helping others and giving back was nothing short of inspirational. With the cooperation of social service agencies, Malcolm hopes to establish a program in which troubled youth join the Wessex Racing Team and develop a sense of purpose and belonging. Along the way he hopes that each individual will learn that they can contribute and can make a difference in the world. A lesson many adults would dearly benefit from.
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| Wessex Team owner Malcolm Karl chatting with another driver. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
One thing that is clear to me as I sit among the Wessex team and chat is that this is not the "Malcolm Show." It's a team show and it's not a team of Prima Donnas. Wessex Racing is a group of individuals who all share a passion for racing, a sense of teamwork and a desire to help others. Whether it's a race competitor in need of a wrench or a teenager aching for acceptance, the Wessex team is always willing to lay-it-on-the-line to help others.
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| P.A.C.E.R. is a strong supporter of the Wessex team, who proudly display Pacer decals on thier car and paddock. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
That help also comes in the form of strong support for the anti-streetracing program known as P.A.C.E.R. (Police and Community Educating Racers). You will see Pacer decals proudly displayed on the Wessex racing cars and around their paddock where they will be handing out Pacer literature and bending the ear of anyone who will listen.
Pacer is a non-profit society committed to reducing death and injury resulting from illegal street racing. Police departments throughout Canada are adopting Pacer as a mechanism for reaching out to sportscar enthusiasts and the "tuner" groups in a meaningful way. The Pacer message is simple: Take it to the track. Acceptance of the message by potential streetracers is not so simple.