NetWorks Issue 17: The Design Issue

Racing Ahead

Following up with F2 driver Zak O’Sullivan

I HAVE BEEN BOWLED OVER BY HOW PEOPLE ARE GETTING BEHIND ME TO HELP FUND MY F2 SEAT AND GET ME ONE STEP CLOSER TO MY F1 DREAM.

Those of you who attended our Construction networking Lunch in February at the Royal Horseguards, will remember hearing from Zak and his family.

An inspirational young driver, Zak is a 19-year-old racing driver just one step away from Formula One. A British racing driver with close family ties to Tipperary, Zak has raced in the Ginetta Junior Championship, the F4 British Championship, the GB3 Championship and the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Now the 2024 racing season is seeing him take part in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for ART Grand Prix team.

Zak joined the Williams Driver Academy in 2022, following his winning the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award in 2021, and is set on reaching his goal of joining the F1 line up.

In February at the lunch, we were lucky enough to talk to Zak and his father about his goals and aspirations, and what drives him to achieve his dreams. He was such an inspirational and impressive person, we at BITA were very keen to get behind and support him achieve his goals. We are thrilled that Zak proudly carries the BITA logo on his ART Grand Prix machine.

This is why we are excited to promote his 500:500 Club to our members, an inspirational fundraising effort appealing to 500 companies to contribute £500 sponsorship.

The campaign has really flown, but Zak is now looking for more companies to come onboard to help him achieve his fundraising goal of £250,000.

Like many aspiring Grand Prix drivers, the 19-year-old faces a huge challenge to reach the pinnacle of the sport – and it’s not connected to his ability behind the wheel. The high cost of elite motorsport is no secret, and this is the major hurdle Zak must overcome. 500:500 sponsorship provides businesses the opportunity to support a young sports professional as well as network and gain promotion for their business.

Above all, everyone that comes onboard will be playing a valuable part in Zak’s incredible journey.

“I have been bowled over by how people are getting behind me to help fund my F2 seat and get me one step closer to my F1 dream” explains Zak. “My whole family are working tirelessly to make it happen, but we still have a way to go and need more sponsors to come onboard.”

“My family has funded my career from eight years old with very little support, so now we’re appealing to others to get involved and help with that final push to make it happen!”

The campaign is gaining significant traction and has attracted new partners for the 2024 season.

“We wanted to make the 500:500 Business Club really affordable. Sponsorship at any level goes a long way and it is truly appreciated by me and my family. Anyone wanting to support, no matter how big or small – we’d love to hear from you.”

How does 500:500 Sponsorship work?

• Company logos are featured on Zak’s 500:500 webpage with a direct website link.

• Everyone will be added to a Race Updates Newsletter mailing list.

• 500:500 Members can interact through the club via the LinkedIn page as well as a very lively race day WhatsApp group.

• Once you sign up you will be entered into a prize draw for 2 Silverstone F1 BRDC Hospitality passes as Zak’s guests – Prize Draw at the end of May.

• You will be invited to an end of season ‘thank you” networking event hosted by Zak.

www.instagram.com/zak.osullivan or visit www.zakosullivan.com