July Newsletter
Another month passes us by and what a month it’s been! Read the latest newsletter to keep up-to-date with all the latest news, what’s coming up and details about how you can get involved.
LATEST NEWS
Mission Motorsport eBay Project Team Hit the Press!
For the last few months a team of wounded, injured and sick veterans have been busy in the Wantage workshop working on a Cat N damaged Subaru UK BRZ. The eBay project which aims to debunk the myths around Cat N damaged cars (non-structural) has seen the team repair the damaged bodywork and mechanical parts and restore the vehicle to its former glory. With the restoration complete, the team made up of disabled veterans, has gone a stage further and installed hand controls with the aim of racing it at the charity's flagship event Race of Remembrance in November. Members of the motoring press were invited to check out the project and we were thrilled to feature on BBC South Today.
Watch the BBC South Today Feature Here.
Read the features here:
The Sunday Times: https://www.driving.co.uk/news/interview/meet-the-military-veteran-helping restore-a-crashed-car-for-festival-of-speed-and-then-turning-it-into-a-racer/
The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/29059039/paralysed-veteran-champion-racing-driver/
The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/mission-motorsport-veterans-charity/
Caterham and RAF Create One-Off Tribute to Puma HC2 for Charity Auction
Caterham and the Royal Air Force have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the remarkable aircraft. To be auctioned off through Collecting Cars, it’s hoped the joint project between the Royal Air Force, Caterham, Mission Motorsport and Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund will raise more than £100,000.
Based on a Seven 360R, the external finish remains as it was when taken from the aircraft, while the remaining panels have been painted in matching ‘NATO Green’. The chassis also mirrors the aircraft beneath the surface, finished in ‘Desert Sand’. Aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors have been used as panels for the Seven’s exterior as well as the internal rear bulkhead, where the door jettison handle remains in place.
Racemakers Back in Action at the F1 British Grand Prix
This year, over 30 beneficiaries, led by Beneficiary Trustee Tony Compson and volunteer Sarah Wallace, proudly swapped their Mission Motorsport T-shirts for the vibrant pink and blue Silverstone Racemaker uniform at the F1 British Grand Prix. As volunteers, they took on various roles to support the event, undeterred by the damp, wet, and changeable weather. Everyone had an amazing time and is already excited to return this weekend for the MotoGP, where they'll do it all over again!
Details on how you can get involved in the Racemaker Programme will be released later this year.
A Fantastic Festival of Speed
This year, thanks to the generosity of Thakeham, we hosted over 145 beneficiaries and their families, including those from Scotty’s Little Soldiers at the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. Displaying the eBay project car – the newly restored Subaru BRZ fitted with hand controls, along with the Caterham Seven R made from Puma parts and the Little Car Company’s Tamiya Wild One, the vehicles garnered a lot of attention and proved to be a great conversational starter to share the work of the charity with the general public.
Thursday brought extra excitement with high-speed passenger laps courtesy of Ferrari. The event was a huge success, and we’re incredibly grateful to Thakeham, Caterham, the RAF Stem team, The Little Car Company and of course our volunteers who gave up their time to help and support us.
A Trip of a Lifetime!
Thanks to Darren at DN Events, a group of our beneficiaries recently enjoyed a bucket-list trip to the Nürburgring and the Belgian F1. The journey was packed with memorable experiences, from guided tours of the Nürburgring and the JLR Test Centre to thrilling laps on the track. Despite challenging weather, the group immersed themselves in motorsport action, including the Fanatec race series and the Belgian F1. Beyond the racing, the trip provided a vital space for recovery and camaraderie, allowing participants to reconnect with their passion for motorsport and each other.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PISTON HEADS ANNUAL SERVICE -10th August, Bicester Heritage
Long-term friend of the charity, Pistonheads, have generously donated 20 tickets for MM beneficiaries to attend their Annual Service for free. Along with jaw-dropping car displays, live interviews and other motor-related activities, Mission Motorsport will be at the event with the Goodwood Scalextric and merch.
Should you wish to attend, please email the team at team@missionmotorsport.org no later than 7.08.2024. Those who are successful will be notified by the team.
Veterans@Heritage: Mini Motor Mania 16th August,Bicester Heritage
This month the event is all about the kids! An unforgettable event, we're providing the little people in your life with the opportunity to embark on a driving adventure! Hosted by Hagerty, activities include passenger rides, Lightning McQueen (split control) and MX-5 (Dual control) young driving experiences, Scalextric racing on the Goodwood track, and Sim racing experiences.
Spaces are limited, so please register asap to avoid disappointment:
Forces Family Track Day - 20th August, Croft Circuit.
In true Mission Motorsport style, you can enjoy thrilling, heart-racing passenger rides around 2.1 miles of amazing track in a variety of cars ranging from Fiat Pandas to McLarens and everything in between! For the younger petrol heads in your family, we'll be bringing Lightening McQueen, the split control and even a dual-control MX-5 meaning those as young as 10 years old can get behind the wheel. The popular and ever-growing "family’s village" will be back and we're thrilled to be joined by other charitable organisations, local reserve units, local veteran-owned businesses, static car displays and other stall holders. There'll be plenty of fun to be had with a range of activities suitable for all ages.
Register to attend here:
Speedworks Grid Person Experience at BTCC
Thanks to leading British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) team Speedworks, beneficiaries are being given the opportunity to become a "grid person" at the different stages of the championship. We still have places available for:
Croft - 28th July Knockhill - 11th August Donington - 25th August Silverstone - 22nd September Brands Hatch - 6th October
Christopher Darwin Charity Track Day: Passenger Rides - 5th September, Castle Combe
Thanks to the generosity of Christopher Darwin, we have another opportunity for beneficiaries to enjoy passenger rides at Castle Combe. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Should you wish to attend, please email the team at team@missionmotorsport.org no later than 2.09.2024. Those who are successful will be notified by the team.
September Events at a Glance…
Don’t forget to check www.missionmotorsport.org/events24 to find out what we have planned throughout the year. It’s constantly updated so well worth checking regularly to see what else has been added!
VOLUNTEERING
The British Motorshow -15-18th August 2024, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
Our friends at The British Motor Show need your help and are seeking volunteers to help at this year's event. All roles are on-site and customer-facing, giving you the chance to work directly with the fantastic British Motor Show team and include: Gate support and welcoming, general support, and customer assistance. In return, they are offering all volunteers a free family ticket and complimentary meals & refreshments:
If you are interested in helping out, please contact the British Motor Show team by emailing andy@automotion.live
FUNDRAISING
Daves Corner raises funds for Mission Motorsport
We'd like to say a huge thank you to Daves Corner Silverstone, Luffield Formula 1 for raising and donating £125 at Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone. Without the generous donations of supporters such as yourselves, we simply wouldn't be able to do the work we do!
“Mad Runner” Harry To Complete Third And Final Ultra Marathon
We’d like to wish Harry the very best of luck! With two ultra marathons under his belt, Harry is set to complete his third and final ultra marathon -the Leeds & Liverpool Canal 130 Mile Race, known as 'The Trans-Pennine Run', on Saturday 24th August. Like in previous races, he must run the first 70 miles solo. We’re looking for people to support him by either running as buddy runners or cheer him on from the sidelines to spur him on! Buddy runners can meet him at the 70.6 mile point which is Business First Car Park, Bridge Nr 126 Liverpool Road, Burnley, BB12 6HH (What three words is ///beans.wide.spent) , where he'll have to be there before 0110 on Sunday 25th August. If you would like to support Harry, please contact Charlotte at cw@missionmotorsport.org for more details.
Mission Motorsport Joins Forces with Hagerty for a Very Special Fundraising Evening
Thanks to the generosity of Hagerty, we'll be joining them at their latest event, Hagerty Hangout: Drop-Top Night on the 13th of August at the Hagerty Clubhouse situated at Bicester Heritage for a very special evening of fun!
Bringing with us the fabulous large-scale Scalextric replica of the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit and classic cars you've seen race at the iconic circuit, you'll not only have the chance to co-drive with the stars of Goodwood Revival in our Pro/AM recreation of the St Mary’s Trophy but chat and ask any questions you would like. Prizes will be available for podiums and fastest laps as well as some wonderful memorabilia from each of our drivers.
So, make the most of the beautiful weather and blow out the cobwebs of your favourite roofless steed and get ready for a night of fun! But you'll need to be quick - tickets are limited. Get yours here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hagerty-hangout-drop-tops-at-dusk-tickets-744327101397?aff=mimo
Takona Talks: Alex Robbins Walking to Race of Remembrance
You've all heard about motoring Journalist Alex Robbins' gargantuan walk to Race of Remembrance in November, but now you can hear about it directly from the source!
Listen to the latest Takona Talks podcast as Alex talks about his plans, preparations ahead of November and how it's been hugely beneficial for his physical and mental wellbeing:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3a47tBZkpfTnwwEm8dhc3M?si=VC0ouBagT5OJdnlwPRoiGw
Shop online and raise funds for Mission Motorsport
Did you know that when you shop online, you could be helping us to raise vital funds? By signing up to Give as you Live , their partner stores will donate a percentage of your spending back to us, at no cost to you; It’s free ,there's a handy app and there are over 6,000 stores!
Signing up is easy and quick, simply click the link!
https://www.giveasyoulive.com/refer/R9UrYw8zjn5KlO7DZ4Tyrg7anEKzM98D/charity/mission-motorsport
OTHER NEWS & INFORMATION
2024 FIA Motorsport Games
Motorsport UK is partnering with Williams Esports for driver selections in both the F4 (iRacing) and GT (ACC) Esports competitions in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games.
Applications are now open to submit your interest to participate in the free to enter, online hot lap qualifying session. You must be at least 16 years of age by 23 October 2024, a British passport holder, a valid member of Williams Gaming Club and a (free) Motorsport UK Esports member.
BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day hosted by Morgan Sindall
9th October 2024, Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground
BuildForce is delighted to be hosting its next Insight Day, with sponsor Morgan Sindall. It is an opportunity to hear from the wider Morgan Sindall Group on what they have to offer, and meet with many of our industry employers, to learn about the vast careers available to you. On the day, engage directly with consultants, contractors, housebuilders, and supply chain to hear about the projects they work on and the careers they offer, including: PMO, Project Management, Site Management, Logistics, Engineering, Design, Quantity Surveying, Health & Safety, Quality, Environmental/Sustainability, Facilities Management, Social Value, Trade roles, Plant Operators, HR, IT, Executive roles, to name but a few.
For more information and to register use the link below:
Help Improve Mental Health Services in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust are working together as part of a big plan to improve mental health services. They are working together with doctors, voluntary groups, community services, and others, to help everyone in Oxfordshire with their mental health.
As part of this programme they are seeking the views of people that have used mental health services in Oxfordshire and have been undertaking a number of surveys and focus groups to help us understand what is working well and what could be improved upon. We would like to hear the views of people who have previously or are currently serving in the military of partners or adults dependants that have used mental health services in Oxfordshire.
The survey is open until 9th August and a link to it can be found here:
Fill | Veterans - Making mental health care better in Oxfordshire – we want to hear from you…
The Veterans’ Resilience Programme
The RAF Association in collaboration with Loughborough University is delighted to have received funding from the AFCFT to deliver six more Veterans’ Resilience Programme courses in 2024/25.
A 2-day residential course at Loughborough University’s world class facilities, this course is open to all military veterans from the Midlands and surrounding areas. Participants take part in a range of activities, led by experts in developing resilience and enhancing health and wellbeing. At the end of the course participants will have a plan of action to help sustain the improvements they have made, including an opportunity to attend a follow-up meeting with other programme participants.
To find out more information or register click the link below:
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/veteran-resilience/