Race promoter Singapore GP’s 'Rev Up Singapore!' campaign is back for its second year, with new and enhanced initiatives to share the excitement of Formula One across the island.

This year’s fan-friendly initiatives include three new programmes – 'Karting Training Programme and Championship', 'Rev Up! Singapore Kartnival' and 'Pit Stop @ The Libraries' – as well as enhanced initiatives that were well received last year. These include the Thursday Pit Lane Experience, behind-the-scenes tours of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, and Singapore GP school visits.

“In 2013, we reached out to more than 32,400 people and were heartened to receive wonderful response for our various initiatives under the Rev Up Singapore! campaign. As we gear up for the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this September, we look forward to rev up even more locals by introducing exciting new initiatives. This year, in addition to our school visits and library roadshows, members of the public will also be able to experience the thrills of Formula One through karting, guided tours behind the scenes as well as opportunities to visit a team garage,” said Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

New this year, Singapore GP is launching the Karting Training Programme and Championship, exclusively for Singaporeans and Singapore residents between 15 to 21 years old. The complimentary programme serves as a platform to introduce participants to karting, a sport most Formula One drivers consider as the first step to professional racing. 120 students with no prior karting experience will be selected by ballot and trained in the fundamentals of motor racing with specialised theory and practical workshops. The rookies will then test their mettle in the Championship finals at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in two categories: 15 to 17 year old and 18 to 21 year old.

Members of the public will also be able to try their hand at go-karting for free by participating in the Rev Up Singapore! Kartnival, an event specially created in conjunction with the 'Tourism50' celebrations to commemorate 50 years of tourism development and promotion in Singapore. Participation is on a first-come-first-served basis, with a total of 500 exclusive slots available. The Kartnival takes place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on 31 August 2014. Visitors will also be able to check out a Formula One-themed exhibit, where they can partake in interactive activities and try their hand at racing on Singapore GP simulators.

Singapore GP has also teamed up with public libraries to present ‘Pit Stop @ The Libraries’, a series of roadshows on Formula One from May to September. The roadshows will take place at the Jurong Regional Library (May), Bukit Merah Public Library (June), Bedok Public Library (July), Ang Mo Kio Public Library (August) and Central Public Library (September). Each two-week long exhibition at the respective libraries will culminate in an activity-filled weekend where visitors can sit in for educational talks, enjoy free movie screenings of two award-winning Formula One movies — 'Grand Prix' and 'Senna' — and test their mettle on the Singapore GP race simulators. Visitors will also be able to try their hand at building a life-size cardboard sculpture of a Formula One car, designed by renowned Singapore cardboard sculptor Bartholomew Ting.

After a successful debut last year, 2,500 members of the public will once again be able to experience a Pit Lane walk for a privileged view of the Formula One garages up-close, as well as the F1 Village in Zone 1 of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, before the Circuit Park opens to ticketholders. The Thursday Pit Lane Experience will take place on 18th September, a day ahead of the Circuit Park’s opening. In addition, five successful balloters will be selected for an exclusive tour of the Caterham F1 Team garage for a close-up view of the all-new CT05.

Due to popular demand, Singapore GP will be working with the People’s Association Youth Movement to expand the school visit programme to 20 secondary schools this year. Participants will gain an insight into the world of Formula One through educational talks and have the opportunity to try their hand at racing on the Marina Bay Street Circuit on the Singapore GP simulators. Students from participating schools will also each receive a mini Formula One car kit, designed by Singapore cardboard sculptor Bartholomew Ting, for them to assemble. Students can also personalise the cars, and upload photos of their creative artwork to Instagram with the hashtag #revupsg. Five students will stand a chance to win a pair of three-day Zone 4 Walkabout tickets (worth S$228 per ticket) to the race.

This year, Singapore GP is extending the exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Marina Bay Street Circuit to members of the public. 200 participants will get an exclusive money-can’t-buy experience to have a first hand look into the Paddock, team garages and hospitality homes, and even restricted areas like the Race Control room, podium and commentary booths.

Members of the public can visit www.singaporegp.sg/revupsingapore for more information on how to participate in these free programmes.