Knowledge Gets Student Off To A Great Start
26 August 2011
Matt Hamilton, being interviewed after a previous race
Most people study Sport Psychology so they can help sportspeople reach their peak performances, but I'm putting theory into practice on myself.
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An artist's impression of the completed Skoda Octavia
A University of Derby Buxton student will be putting what he learned on his Sports Psychology degree into action when he lines up to race in the British Touring Car Championship next season.
Matt Hamilton, age 21, from Hemel Hempstead, will drive for TH Motorsport next year, and is currently working with the team to ensure their Skoda Octavia is ready for the grid on the car's first outing on the Touring Car circuit.
Matt completed a Joint Honours BA (Hons) degree in Sports Psychology and Sports Development at the University of Derby Buxton in June 2011, and what he learned during the degree is proving invaluable as he pursues a career in motorsport.
"Most people study Sport Psychology so they can help sportspeople reach their peak performances," said Matt, "but I'm putting theory into practice on myself."
"Everything I've learned helps me when I race - especially as motorsport is such a mental sport. Once you're in the car, your mind is in complete control of how the race goes, so mental preparation is key.
"Driving fast and winning races is all down to confidence. You need to be able to learn from past experiences but not to let bad performances haunt you."
Matt began racing karts at eight years old and has been racing cars since he was 16, before most people even learn to drive. Throughout his studies, Matt continued to pursue the sport, and even competing in the 2010 British Touring Car Championship season for TH Motorsport alongside studying towards his degree.
Since completing his degree in June 2011, Matt has been working with the team to prepare the Skoda Octavia for testing this winter, and they hope to be ready to race in the 2012 season.
Matt added: "I also love the development side of racing, and it's been great to be involved with a programme from the test work right through to getting the car ready."
John Pates, lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton, said: "We're all really pleased for Matt, and wish him the best of luck for his future in motorsport. This proves the variety of pursuits that sport psychology can be applied to, and the different roads that a degree can take you down."
Matt will formally graduate from his degree at the University of Derby Buxton's Awards ceremony on Saturday December 3 2011.
