Announcing our September Bright Young Sparks Winner!

Mark’s Story…….

‘I’ve found my passion' Mark Wager followed his dream after being knocked back at school.

How did your it start?

'After I learnt to drive. I didn’t do very well in my A levels, so I went to college to study motor vehicle and thrived at that. My enthusiasm for cars took off from there. I passed my test within three months and then the question of which ‘first car’ do I want came along. I knew that I didn’t want something new. Growing up around old VWs has been in the family for quite a while as both my parents owned MkIs and IIs. I knew I wanted an older VW. Originally, I wanted a MkI, but price changed my mind pretty quick. So, I settled with a MkII.'

What is your car dream?

'My earliest car memory is from when I was two, when I would sit in my dad’s MkI GTI and I would pretend to drive it. I grew up around VWs specifically Golfs. So it is obviously in the blood. And I want it to stay that way. I’d like to one day to open my own garage, working on and restoring classic VWs as well as continuing to improve my knowledge and driving skills by doing track days. That’s the dream. My MkII is a 1988 1.6 CL. It was my first car and I have owned it for six years. My parents bought it behind my back after I had shown interest in the MkII.'

What your plans for it?

'When we bought the car the head gasket was starting to blow. As I started my motor vehicle course I replaced the head gasket and upgraded to a GTI cam. Then I just kept the car in a good original condition and took it to a few shows. It came off the road after COVID to have some engine work done to it. Full exhaust system, upgraded camshaft, plus I stripped the interior, then overhauled the suspension and brakes. Later on, I put in a roll cage and some bucket seats. The current plan for my car is to build a 16V engine with bike carbs and upgrade the brakes. In the meantime, I will enjoy my Audi TT and 2.6-litre Audi convertible.'

What about the club?

'I joined the clubs for help when I had problems. There are lots of knowledgeable people there. Now I am an admin on both the main Mk2 Golf owners club and the South East Club. I helped to start the South East MK2 Owners Club and also I help to organise events for both groups. I have also been invited to be the youngest ever serving member of the Mk2 Golf Owners’ Club committee.' So are you the Brightest Young Spark? 'Maybe. I believe it doesn't matter how well you do in school. As long as you find the thing you are passionate about and can make a living, that is what matters most. It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down as long as you get back up and continue what you are doing.

Inspiring our Young People

The Lancaster Insurance Bright Young Sparks initiative supports young people who are striving to join the classic world – whether by working in it or simply enjoying it as a hobby. In the run up to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2024, we will be celebrating the stories of six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ – as nominated by you!

The six finalists will each win: £250 to go towards tools or classic kit, plus two tickets to the PC Resto Show in March 2024 and will be in the Lancaster newsletter and in PC, plus being in with a chance of winning an industry taster week with specialists. Visit Bright Young Sparks (lancasterinsurance.co.uk) to find out more!