Art in Racing: A New Era for Young Drivers

The Importance of Representation in Motorsport

In motorsport, talent alone is rarely enough. Raw speed, racecraft, and determination can only take a young driver so far. Sooner or later, they hit a brick wall: funding. Financial barriers shape who rises through the ranks, often determining the faces we see at the top of the sport. This reality prevents raw talent from getting a fair chance to shine. It also highlights why representation matters. The faces we see at the top influence who feels welcome to dream of reaching those heights.

This is why Art in Racing feels so significant. It declares that talent exists everywhere, even when opportunity does not. On a quiet Thursday evening in Brixton, a private audience gathered at The Department Store. They came to witness award-winning visual artist Elicia McKenzie, two extraordinary young drivers, and a community determined to open the doors of motorsport together.

Hosted by Disrupt Space under the leadership of Executive Director Paul Reid, the exhibition aims to disrupt the norm. It uses art as a platform to highlight the journeys of two talented young British drivers, Lewis Appiagyei and Ruben Stanislaus. Rather than letting their stories fade behind financial barriers, the exhibition brings their experiences into the spotlight. It rallies a community behind them, turning creativity into a tool for visibility, support, and opportunity.

Art that Tells a Deeper Truth

In the centre of the exhibition space, Elicia’s paintings told a story that words alone could never fully express. Her work captured not only the intensity and emotion of racing but also the quieter truths behind it. One of the most striking pieces depicted a father and son standing with their backs to the viewer, facing an obstacle ahead. The father’s hand rested on the back of his son’s shoulder. To me, it looked like a father giving support, love, protection, and encouragement.

That image resonated deeply because it mirrors real life for both Lewis and Ruben. Their parents were present that night, reminding us that it is never just a driver on their own. It is a family’s journey, sacrifice, and belief. The artist understood that better than most, drawing from her own life and the support she received from her mother.

Elicia spoke openly about the purpose behind her work.

“I see my art as a service. I think it is important that we capture the stories from the individual and people get to see that. There are a lot of young people that need to see Ruben and Lewis doing something amazing and know that they can do it too. So if through these events or activations and more eyes on them, more eyes on the art, if that makes a difference and they get sponsorship, then service done I believe.”

Her vision extends beyond this debut exhibition.

“This is just the kick-off, this is the launch of it. We have already put out word in different art institutes and different locations. Next year, 2026, I am hoping to have more exhibitions, more spotlight on the drivers, more workshops for young people, and more panel talks. Just keep getting the message out.”

For her, the parents’ stories matter just as much.

“It is not only the drivers; it is also about the people behind them. Their parents, my mum, because there is a lot of support that we do not see on the track. I think it is important that we capture that as well.”

The Drivers Behind the Canvas

Lewis Appiagyei and Ruben Stanislaus are two talented British racing drivers whose careers mirror each other in striking ways. Both began carving their paths in karting at a very young age. They rose quickly through the ranks and eventually learned the same difficult truth about motorsport: talent can only take a young driver so far without matching funding.

Their achievements, proudly displayed at the exhibition, speak for themselves.

Lewis has been winning since childhood. He earned Rookie of the Year honours, multiple karting titles, and even set a Guinness World Record for the fastest lap of Laguna Seca in Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3 with a 44-second time. His list includes championship wins in the BP Pro Series, international race victories, and recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list. He also featured in the BBC documentary We Are England: Born to Race, which followed both him and Ruben as they navigated the realities of trying to progress in motorsport without major backing.

Two attendees taking in Elicia's work

Speaking about seeing his journey turned into art, Lewis said:

“I was really blown away because it’s crazy to see yourself in a painting. Being able to visualise the journey that me and Ruben have had over the years is really great to see. Hopefully, it’s going to be a good inspiration for a lot of other racing drivers.”

Ruben’s résumé is just as compelling. From early karting wins and lap records to becoming runner-up in the ZEO Prototype Series and earning multiple race victories in Praga machinery, he has built a record that demonstrates undeniable talent and adaptability. Ruben also appeared in Born to Race, giving viewers insight into the sacrifices required to stay competitive.

On the financial pressure of the sport, he was open and honest:

“I’ve been lucky to have some family support. My grandad took out a loan to get me a simulator. My dad has been my biggest sponsor from the first day. Sponsorship is the backbone of motorsport.”

Lewis echoed the sentiment:

“Ruben and I have the talent; we’ve proved it for years. But we’ve watched people we used to race against progress, and it’s hard knowing you can do the same but finances hold you back.”

The Invisible Costs

Beyond limiting opportunities, finances even affect how young drivers race. Ruben captured this reality clearly, explaining how a lack of budget forces drivers to think twice before taking risks.

He put it plainly:

“Even when I was racing a few seasons ago, I was scared to go for overtakes because if I crashed the car, we haven’t got twenty grand to fix a front wing. So mentally you have to drive differently, and that can be the difference between coming first and coming second. That can cost you a championship.”

It is a truth rarely seen from the outside but felt deeply by those living it.

Despite these challenges, both drivers continue to develop and chase the opportunities they deserve.

An Exhibition That Became a Living Story

As the evening unfolded, the exhibition shifted from a showcase into a living, breathing story of community and ambition. Guided by host Adisa Stephen-Ezeocha, the room moved seamlessly from art appreciation into conversation, reflection, and shared experience. We had the opportunity to sit in on an intimate discussion between Adisa, the drivers, the artist, and their parents. This offered a rare window into the sacrifices, hopes, and determination behind their journeys.

Before the conversation began, Adisa encouraged the room to connect. He invited everyone to turn to someone they did not come with and ask what brought them there. It was a simple request, but it changed the energy instantly. Strangers became participants. Conversations sparked. Smiles appeared. Among those weaving through the crowd asking others what brought them there was Lewis’ mum, a moment that captured just how personal and communal this gathering truly was.

Throughout the night, Paul Reid, Executive Director of Disrupt Space, spoke about the purpose behind creating platforms like this one. Addressing the room, Paul Reid said:

“Whatever your skill is that you might be able to contribute towards elevating these two wonderful drivers, please come forward, make yourself known.”

As the conversation with Lewis and Ruben continued, the walls around us glowed with moving images. Onboard footage from the cars they had driven bounced off the wall. Ruben was asked to guide us through what we were seeing. It was actual race footage from inside different cars they had competed in, showing some of the moments that shaped their careers. This added a deeper layer to the exhibition, turning what could have been simple visuals into lived experiences.

All around the room, there were physical pieces of their journey on display. Trophies they had won despite limited track time, racing suits they had used during a race season, and photographs and mementos from their early years in karting formed part of Elicia’s mood board as she developed the collection. Each item added another layer to the evening, surrounding us with milestones from two careers still being written.

The energy lifted again as guests filtered toward the simulator rig at the back of the room. The setup, surrounded by glowing projections and the hum of conversation, invited everyone to experience a small piece of what the drivers feel in the cockpit. A fastest-lap competition soon kicked off, adding an unexpected dose of excitement to the evening and drawing people together in friendly rivalry.

The Voice’s motoring correspondent, Damian Hall, with Elicia Jacobs and Voice sports editor, Rodney Hinds (right)

I shook off a few cobwebs and found myself at the top of the leaderboard, winning a watch from one of Ruben’s sponsors, STORM. The entire projection and simulator setup was provided by Sysco, whose technical work gave the exhibition an immersive and authentic motorsport feel.

Art in Racing feels and looks like a community choosing to make change instead of waiting for it. The evening highlighted two young drivers with world-class potential and placed them in a room filled with people who believed in their journeys. Progress in motorsport is rarely straightforward, but it becomes far more possible when a community stands behind those trying to break through.

Ruben has already attracted interest from GT and endurance teams, with opportunities ranging from Lamborghini to prototype programmes, all pathways toward his dream of winning at Le Mans one day. Lewis continues to push for the seat time needed to showcase the talent he has demonstrated since karting. With the right support, both drivers have the potential to build long-term careers in GT and endurance racing.

How You Can Help

For anyone who wants to support that progression, there are practical ways to get involved. This includes purchasing artwork from the exhibition, exploring sponsorship opportunities, or connecting them with people and organisations who can help move their careers forward.

Every contribution plays a part in opening the door wider for future talent.

To offer support or enquire about acquiring work from the collection, email info@artinracing.com. To follow their journey, visit @team.artinracing on Instagram.