OUMF, a unique non-funded student-run motorsport foundation, has received an extraordinary invitation to participate in one of the world’s most well-known rallies, and one of the Caribbean’s largest annual sporting events: The Barbados Rally, May 21 – July 3rd 2008! 

The Rally organisers have made an unprecedented exception by inviting and allowing OUMF students to compete - in their classic 1965 Riley 1.5 which they have rebuilt, rally prepared and already successfully raced!  Their historic motor will be racing alongside the world’s top rally drivers and some of the most modern WRC (World Rally Championship) cars and  will undoubtedly attract a great deal of media attention. OUMF just has to find the means of doing so.

OUMF was founded by students, for students at both the universities in Oxford. As such, it is independent of both universities, and receives no academic or government funding; the students raise all funds themselves.  Ding Boston, one of the founders, commented, “Industry recognises OUMF as one of the few facilities whereby top undergradutes can bolster their theoretical learning by gaining practical, ‘hands on’ engineering skills.  This opportunity is the most exciting we have ever been offered, and will help secure the future of the Foundation.”

Jon Pulliston, OUMF’s top navigator, said “In our short history since 2005, we have already been invited to compete at motor races including the Goodwood Revival, Le Jog, and the Tour Britannia; to exhibit at world class events like Race Retro and the Goodwood Festival of Speed; and have won numerous local rally championships - all achieved in cars the students themselves have restored and prepared for competition.”

Journalist Martin Sharp was so impressed with the OUMF stand and achievements he saw exhibited at the International Historic Motorshow, in March this year, that he recommended their efforts to the organisers of the Barbados Rally. They shared his view, and in order to encourage the students to even greater efforts - on a truly world stage - have said they will make an extraordinary exception this year and allow OUMF to compete.

OUMF’s great challenge is to deliver the car to Portsmouth by the 29th April.  Their fundraising target of just £10,000 reflects the student’s amazing budgeting skills – many race teams will have six figure budgets.  This covers the cost of return shipping of the Riley 1.5 and rally support equipment to Barbados; flights and two weeks board and accommodation for the OUMF Team of up to 8 students; entry fees; transit and rally insurance; fuel and associated rally costs. They are delighted that Eclipse Events, Geestline shipping, Recaro, Powervamp Racing, MASS engines, TOYO tyres, Sportsline Suspension/Koni, Amsoil, Phillips Tyres, The Tree Hotel, Swan Motor Company, Xi’an, Ashby Engineering, Cherwell Car Finance, Horspath Service Station, and Saftek have offered support at short notice.

Unfortunately, raising £10,000 in such short time seems like an almost impossible challenge to the team.  David Nash, OUMF member and fundraiser, commented “The Foundation's initiative is highly regarded and has been applauded throughout the motor-industry, enjoying wide support - but unfortunately not yet in financial terms. The Foundation's work 'costs' its student members over £20,000 in funds raised per year. OUMF's already debt ridden students just do not have access to the £10,000 necessary at short notice for this amazing opportunity which will broaden their experience and capabilities enormously.”

Exclusive or major sponsors will have their logo prominently featured on the car and team clothing, and will be named in all Barbados Rally and OUMF promotional literature. Sharp expects OUMF's story to be fully featured in the Daily Telegraph, Classic Car magazine and other classic and motoring press, Men and Motors, Sky TV, and OUMF is also in talks with independent TV production houses.

For sponsors, this also represents an excellent platform for promotion. Hannah Byrd, OUMF member, said “Sponsorship will return many times the investment in publicity, and, more importantly, help our Foundation find support and the students to learn so much through this fantastic opportunity!” If you can help, or need more information, contact Ding Boston at OUMF: 07761 823609 or dboston@oumf.org