[Skip to main content](#tm-main) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/en_gb.gif) UK ](#)- [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/en_gb.gif) UK ](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/academy-racer) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/en_us.gif) USA ](https://caterhamcars.com/us/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/de_de.gif) Germany ](https://caterhamcars.com/de/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/de_at.gif) Austria ](https://caterhamcars.com/at/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/nl_be.gif) Belgium ](https://caterhamcars.com/be/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/cs_cz.gif) Czech Rep ](https://caterhamcars.com/cz/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/es_es.gif) España ](https://caterhamcars.com/es/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/fr_fr.gif) France ](https://caterhamcars.com/fr/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/it_it.gif) Italy ](https://caterhamcars.com/it/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/ja_jp.gif) Japan ](https://caterhamcars.com/ja/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/nl_nl.gif) Netherlands ](https://caterhamcars.com/nl/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/sv_se.gif) Nordics ](https://caterhamcars.com/se/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/pt_pt.gif) Portugal ](https://caterhamcars.com/pt/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/de_ch.gif) Switzerland ](https://caterhamcars.com/ch/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/tw.gif) Taiwan ](https://caterhamcars.com/tw/) - [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/mod_languages/images/en-ae.gif) UAE ](https://caterhamcars.com/ae/) - [Models](https://caterhamcars.com/en/models/the-range) - [Find & Buy](https://caterhamcars.com/en/find-buy) - [Retailers](https://caterhamcars.com/en/retailers/find-a-retailer) - [For Owners](https://caterhamcars.com/en/for-owners/servicing) - [Experiences](https://caterhamcars.com/en/experiences/overview) - [Motorsport](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/championships) - [Championships](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/championships) - [Caffeine&Machine](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/caffeine-machine) - [Academy Racer](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/academy-racer) - [2026 Calendar](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/championship-calendar) - [Leaderboards](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/leaderboards) - [How to Compete](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/how-to-compete) - [Race Support](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/race-support) - [Sponsors](https://caterhamcars.com/en/motorsport/sponsors) - [About](https://caterhamcars.com/en/about/history) - [News](https://caterhamcars.com/en/news) - [Contact](https://caterhamcars.com/en/contact) [![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Brand/Caterham-Logo-WHT.svg)](https://caterhamcars.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&catid=9) ![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Logos/Academy%20Racer_WHT-_Left-aligned.svg) Welcome to "The Academy Racer," a six-part episode series that offers an exclusive look into the adrenaline-fuelled world of the Caterham racing series, designed for novice drivers. [ Watch epsode 06 ](# "Episode four") Academy Racer ![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Logos/Other%20partners/logo-dutch-barn-expanded.svg) - [ Episodes ](#episodes) - [ Statistics ](#statistics) - [ Sam’s Journey ](#journey) - [ Principle Sponsor ](#sponsor) - [ Social ](#social) [ JOIN THE ACADEMY ](https://caterhamcars.com/index.php?Itemid=798&lang=en-GB "Join the academy") ## Episodes We invite viewers to join Samantha Parker, a seasoned motorsport presenter, on her journey to becoming a racing driver. Samantha steps into the spotlight as the Academy partner for 2024, aiming to inspire and pave the way for aspiring racers, especially women, showing that the race track is open to all who share a passion for motorsport. [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/3e/sam-parker-ep-1-3e0a13f2.jpg) Episode 01 The Caterham Academy An introduction to the Academy, Sam & Dutch Barn Vodka. . ](#modal-video-episode-1) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/9d/The%20Academy%20Racer%20_%20Episode%202%20-%20ARDS%20Course%20%20Academy%20Track%20Day-9dd1c34d.jpg) Episode 02 ARDs Test and Track Day Sam takes her ARDs Test and gets on track with Academy drivers for the first time. . ](#modal-video-episode-2) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/05/academy_racer_ep_3-2-05167111.jpg) Episode 03 First Race Sam’s first sprint and racing on circuit for the first time. Curborough and Croft. . ](#modal-video-episode-3) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/12/EP4-Thumbnail-1252dc2f.jpg) Episode 04 Learning to Race A deeper look into the skill of driving competitively and learning race craft, with hints and tips shared by our championship winners at Silverstone and Cadwell . ](#modal-video-episode-4) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/d7/DB-3-d728507a.png) Episode 05 Diversity in Motorsport Sam delves into the subject of diversity in motorsport, and how the Academy inspires drivers from all walks of life. . ](#modal-video-episode-5) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/d4/ep-6-1-d4d92266.jpg) Episode 06 Chequered Flag In the final episode of the series, Sam takes a look back at the highs, lows and learnings from her first year of racing. . ](#modal-video-episode-6) ## STATISTICS - Races completed 7 (+ 1 sprint) - Championship position 11 - Cups of tea 100+ - Podiums 0 - Points 103 - Training hours 42 ![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/championships-logos/academy-logo-white.svg) | Pos | Driver | Points | |---|---|---| | 9 | Dean Burden | 112 | | 10 | Daniel Crawley | 104 | | 11 | Sam Parker | 103 | | 12 | Jimmy Wai | 90 | | 13 | Charlie Nearn | 79 | [ ACADEMY LEADERBOARDS ](https://caterhamcars.com/index.php?Itemid=687&lang=en-GB "Explore academy leaderboards") ## SAM’s JOURNEY [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/84/12%20January%202004-848c3bf0.jpg) 12 January 2004 After a quick introduction to the team in December 2003, Sam officially started her Caterham adventure supporting the original Caterham Driving Experiences team. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/12%20January%202004.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/cc/26%20January%202005-ccd24137.jpg) 26 January 2005 After just one year Sam became Caterham’s first female drift instructor and went on to support Caterham drift Experiences after it moved to external providers, right up until 2019. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/26%20January%202005.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/0d/9%20April%202022%20Credit%20SnapyRacers-0d3902b7.jpg) 9 April 2022 Sam makes her presenting debut when Caterham introduced its Motorsport Livestream. Joined by Chris ‘Cheesy’ Hutchinson as official commentator, the duo are still presenting today. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/9%20April%202022%20Credit%20SnapyRacers.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/d1/15%20March%202023-d156340c.jpg) 15 March 2023 Caterham Experiences is revived by Caterham Cars under new management, not only bringing experiences back in house – but also Sam as a lead instructor. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/15%20March%202023.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/60/6%20November%202023-60a8608a.jpg) 6 November 2023 Sam confirmed as the 2024 Caterham Academy Media Partner. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/6%20November%202023.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/4f/9%20December%202023-4f10f817.jpg) 9 December 2023 Sam attends the 2024 Caterham Academy Seminar hosted at Silverstone Museum, where she met her fellow Academy competitors for the first time. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/9%20December%202023.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/b0/26%20February%202024-b0da8694.jpg) 26 February 2024 Filming begins for ‘The Academy Racer’ at Caterham’s temporary press unit, and Sam unveils her Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka sponsored Seven for the first time. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/26%20February%202024.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/55/29%20February%202024%20Credit%20SnappyRacers-55f52c0e.jpg) 29 February 2024 Sam takes part in the famous ARDs test, officially becoming a racing driver along with over fifty new drivers. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/29%20February%202024%20Credit%20SnappyRacers.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/4b/16%20March%202024-4bdd6d93.jpg) 16 March 2024 Even with 20 years of driving Sevens under her belt, Sam attended her first-ever track day and got to grips with driving a Seven at high speed. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/16%20March%202024.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/b0/22%20March-b0b5691c.jpg) 22 March 2024 Included with the Academy Package, Sam attended the Academy Track Day – the first opportunity for Academy Drivers to get on track and learn race starts. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/22%20March.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/25/2%20April%202024-25a1036a.jpg) 2 April 2024 Academy Racer Series officially launched. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/2%20April%202024.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/45/3rd%20April-45587d03.jpg) 3 April 2024 The first episode of ‘The Academy Racer’ lands. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/3rd%20April.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/6f/academy-racer_ep_3-3-6fc01378.jpg) 6 April 2024 Sam and her fellow racers take on their first competitive event at Curborough Sprint, officially kicking off the 2024 championship. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-3/academy-racer_ep_3-3.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/c6/academy-racer_ep_3-5-c6a4d047.jpg) 1 May 2024 The second instalment of ‘The Academy Racer’ showcases the all-important ARDS Test and the exclusive Academy Track Day. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-3/academy-racer_ep_3-5.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/4f/ep-3-1-4ff50817.jpg) 18 May 2024 The first Academy race of 2024 takes place at the tight and technical Croft Circuit in Darlington. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-3/ep-3-1.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/2a/academy-racer_ep_3-4-2abf5994.jpg) 3 June 2024 Episode 3 of ‘The Academy Racer’ goes live, delving into Sam’s first time racing on a track. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-3/academy-racer_ep_3-4.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/9b/3%20August%202024-9b7eecac.jpg) 3 August 2024 The 2024 Caterham Academy joins all five of the UK championships for the first time for the unique ‘Caterham Knockhill Superheader’ where competitors race the circuit in both directions over two days. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Journey/3%20August%202024.jpg) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/49/DB-2-49ad2315.png) 4 September 2024 Sam and the team visit Eller’s Farm to catch up with our series sponsor and talk through diversity within motorsport. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-5/DB-2.png) [ ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/95/ep-6-1-9523dacb.jpg) 19 October 2024 Sam completes her Academy journey and finally removes the novice stickers. She is now a… Racing Driver. ](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Episodes/EP-6/ep-6-1.jpg) There is often a perception that motorsport is a difficult industry for women to get into and succeed, but I hope that my role in the Caterham Academy will break that. Being part of the Caterham Academy this year, while still being Sam Parker, mother of two, will be a challenge, but it’s one that I am more than ready to take on and I know I’ll have the support along the way. Sam Parker The statistics don’t lie; last year a report found female participation currently represents on average about 10% across all categories of competition. A lack of female role models is often seen as a barrier for participation in the sport. ‘The Academy Racer’ video series won’t simply solve these barriers, but our hope is by documenting Sam’s journey this season we can showcase the fun, friendly, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere anyone can enjoy by entering the Caterham Academy. Sam has been a role model for this brand for 20 years, so we are excited to finally have her compete in a season and continue to drive excitement for audiences as our presenter. Simon Lambert ## principal sponsor ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/6b/landscape-6b8f88a4.png) ![](https://caterhamcars.com/media/yootheme/cache/8e/bottle-original-8ee7c77b.png) ![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Logos/Other%20partners/logo-dutch-barn-expanded.svg) Caterham racing is some of the most competitive and fun motorsport in the world. As an affordable and equal playing field, it enables anyone to strap in and have an awesome experience, racing hard and laughing even harder in the paddock after the races. I am really pleased that Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is sponsoring Sam to get her racing career started and to raise awareness of the opportunity that Caterham racing represents for women wanting to get involved in motorsport in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. Chris Fraser, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka’s CEO [ Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka ](https://dutchbarn.com/ "Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka site") ## SOCIAL \#THEAcademyRacer [ FOLLOW SAM ](https://www.instagram.com/sammyalice7/ "Follow Sam ") [ FOLLOW SAM ](https://www.instagram.com/sammyalice7/ "Follow Sam ") ## IGNITE YOUR INNER RACER Be like Sam and go from track days to race days, embracing the thrill of competition. The Caterham Academy Championship was created exclusively for novice drivers and is Europe’s largest factory-backed racing championship. [ JOIN THE ACADEMY ](https://caterhamcars.com/index.php?Itemid=798&lang=en-GB "Join the academy") Your own Caterham Academy car 1 sprint and 7 races with step-by-step support ARDS test and competition license Event hospitality for you and your guests ![](https://caterhamcars.com/assets/Images/Motorsport/The%20Academy%20Racer/Logos/CMS-Academy%20Racer_Lockup_WHT.svg) Follow us through our social media channels to get up to the minute news and insight into Caterham. - [](https://www.facebook.com/CaterhamCars) - [](https://twitter.com/caterhamcars) - [](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn68HUuoX0gL_GtcQI3bSJA) - [](https://www.instagram.com/caterhamcarsltd) ### SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest news about Caterham cars, events and more. ### SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us through our social media channels to get up to the minute news and insight into Caterham. - [](https://www.instagram.com/caterhamcarsltd) - [](https://www.facebook.com/CaterhamCars) - [](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn68HUuoX0gL_GtcQI3bSJA) - [Terms and Conditions](https://caterhamcars.com/en/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://caterhamcars.com/en/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://caterhamcars.com/en/cookie-policy) - [Retailer Hub](https://caterhamcars.com/en/retailer-hub) © Copyright 2026 Caterham Cars Ltd [ back to top ](#) [ . ](https://caterhamcars.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&catid=9)