Veterans Team on a Mission.
THE VETERANS TEAM ARE ON A MISSION
Recently the charity was made aware of the Tri Service E Sports F1 Championship 2020, this is played on a PC platform using the game F1 2019 as it’s base. This championship is not a bit of fun, this is serious high-level online gaming which follows strict rules and a high code of conduct, they even have a Stewards meeting after each race.
Each of the three services are represented by some serious talent who form into proper organisations and some have been doing this for some time and have therefore become very good. The format follows the circuits used on the F1 calendar with a short qualifying followed immediately by the race. Those in the top 10 must start on the compound of tyre they set there fastest time on so strategy forms a key part. During the race penalties are awarded for various infringements, causing a collision and gaining a time advantage for example. The real beauty of all this is that the teams spend the week before practicing at the track and some real friendships are forming, even between the teams, born from a mutual respect, a passion for what they are doing and a desire to entertain those who are watching.
As most should be aware Mission Motorsport has used online gaming to bring people together during these times of isolation so we were delighted to be notified that there was a chance that a Veterans team could join this years championship, even better that the offer was put to us by one of our own Beneficiaries, Gareth Patterson. Gareth hurriedly assembled a team ready for the first race from Bahrain on Saturday 18th April, the following week a couple of more drivers were recruited so by last Saturday we had a full Veterans team at China. The best bit is that apart from one driver (and I’m currently trying to get him into MM) the whole team is made up from Mission Motorsport Beneficiaries, and the charity is very proud of that fact. China was an epic result for the team with all four drivers in the top 10, finishing 2nd, 5th, 6th and 9th. The team is made up of the following people, they have also given some insight into how they found the race in China:
Gareth Patterson uses the gamer tag C1PH3R is the team manager and drives car 69. Gareth did Silverstone Racemakers with us in 2014 but has also been involved with Race to Recovery and the Invictus Games. Gareth is the Team Manager and set up the team and was the link into the Championship for the Charity.
“Round 2 in Shanghai was a steep learning curve, the circuit has some very fast straights with some very tight turns thrown in for good measure. The Team performed well in qualifying with Tosti qualifying on the front row, I had qualified in 4th with Leg and Kev bringing up 7th and 8th respectively. Due to starting on the second row I was placing unnecessary pressure on myself and started to over think the race as I was sat on the starting grid. The race started and everyone made it through turns one and two. I was holding my own until turn 11, I span going into the left hander due to a little ‘love tap’ by a fellow teammate. It was nothing malicious, he was fighting off one of the army team and wanted to keep his position. I returned to the track in second to last. This was not ideal but as I drove the circuit with no one around me I started to realise I was overtaking those who were trying too hard, over cooking it into corners and spinning out. I decided the best thing for me to do was to drive quick consistently but not to over drive the car in an effort to catch the front runners (There are some extremely quick drivers in the championship and I think it would be almost impossible to catch them without a safety car) I came into the pits to change onto the medium compound tyre and through a stupid mistake drove through the pit at 51MPH (The speed limit is 50) This gave me a 5 second penalty, something I could do without. I proceeded to drive quick but consistent to finish the race in 5th but due to the 5 second penalty I was pushed down to 6th. This race taught me a few things, 1) Things will go wrong, when they do just deal with it and crack on. 2) Consistency far outweighs over trying. 3) Don’t get silly penalties for silly mistakes, these will bite you in the backside in the end. The Veterans team performed amazingly in this round with all 4 drivers in the points. Next, we are onto the tight corners of Baku in Azerbaijan, this is a brutal course as there is no margin for error. I am working on the theory, if I can get through turns 1 and 2 then I can finish. "
Lionel O’Conner
Lionel O’Connor uses the gamer tag legless and drives car 13, Lionel came to his first event in 2012 and is very much part of the Mission Family, after gaining his race license he has raced at many events with us including Race of Remembrance, most will know him from Car Control and the professional way he runs that event, he also recently led our Display Team at Autosport International. He is a big ambassador for BLESMA and a love of golf has seen him compete at a high level around the world.
“Saturdays race was my second race of the championship. A little less nervous about the race, as the previous race proved that there are some decent drivers on the grid. Qualy didn’t go very well as I attempted to put in a decent time with Mediums, but failed miserably, meaning, I had to start on the softs that I set the time with. I knew that I had to make the most out of the tires. After starting in 9th, I bullied my way up to 3rd, but not without taking out Cipher, our team captain, in an awfully executed overtake on the car behind him. I tried to dive in on the inside of turn 11 but was over ambitious and end up using the Captains car to turn the corner. So, I had that guilt looming over me the entire race, but on the bright side, he was good enough to get himself back up the order to finish 6th which is a valiant effort. I am sure if there was a virtual garden in the game, I’d be painting the grass green. Thanks to all the team members for doing their bit. Really great bunch. Extremely thankful.”
Kevin Carlton uses the gamer tag Kevcarlton81 and drives car 66, we first met Kev at the Autosport International at the beginning of 2019 when he came to see us on the stand. He has packed so much into the year, attending events and lending his support. He was a key member of the recent Display Team, offering not only his driving skill but also his mechanical support. His is also under the wing of Dave Guilfoyle completing NVQ training as the charity help him prepare for civilian life.
“So, week two of the Inter Services F1 Esports series, Shanghai China and after the week before in Bahrain receiving the driver of the day after only 5 hours of having the game, confidence was high. So were the nerves, especially with the challenges of China's turns 1,2 and 3. Feeling the need to achieve a better standard of qualifying and a good finish in the race practice through the week was key. With strong support on and off the track from the team and MM Saturday morning I felt ready. That was short lived as we went into the drivers brief and the nerves mounted however soon settled with a good qualifying leaving me in 8th place on the grid. This I was happy with mid table to start and now thinking strategy would be the key to success. All I had to do was stay calm and give my teammate next to me on the grid some space into turn 1. The start was a success coming away unscathed, I started to settle into a rhythm. Unfortunately lap 3 brought a surprise not only losing an end plate from the front wing which I hadn't noticed but massive brake and down-force failure into turn 14 at 200 MPH this caused a massive accident with PAZZP, I returned to the pit immediately for a fix. On with medium yellow wall tyres and out for a long stint on them to regain ground which brought its own stresses, however it paid off I came from the back and finished in 9th place which meant all of the Vets team came in the points for China. So far this has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to Baku this week. Anyone who knows the Baku circuit probably realises that now after one days practice I am somewhat nervous again but excited too. The team has also grown with the 4th seat in the team filled and two reserve drivers all who are brilliant and the strength and support of the team grows stronger every day. "
Craig Tostevin uses the gamer tag TostiCh3 and drives car 31, Craig has been with Mission Motorsport since March 2017 after service with the Royal Anglian Regiment. He recently has been active with our gaming community and answered the call to drive with a brilliant performance in China.
“As China was my first race, I set myself with simply a top ten finish and initially with a one stop strategy.
But during qualifying, I started to see my name drop down, so I decided to try another go with the Soft tyre compound.
I was happy to see myself at the top of the board at the end, knowing I will be able to avoid a likely possibility of Turn 1 Chaos.
After a strong and exciting battle with the front runner, my tyres started to fade so I decided to make my final pit with medium tyres and remain consistent in 2nd to bring in the 18 points. Receiving so much love for Driver of The Day completely made my week, and also gave us an extra point to the team.
It truly was a great experience and I am looking forward to the season ahead, with such a great bunch of guys to share it with.”
Andrew Thompson uses the gamer tag Blienheim and will drive car 22, Andrew has been with us since 2013 seeking employment after service, he is currently employed with JLR as a Senior Material Planner at the Halewood Plant. Although yet to drive in a race, as the reserve driver Andrew does all the practice sessions with the team and then heads up the comms during the race, letting the team aware of positions, tyre wear and when best to pit.
“I was looking to find something to occupy me during this lock down and beyond, and when i heard about the F1 E-Sports league i jumped at the chance. The experience has been fun and to meet like mind colleagues and looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully get a few drives.
Although a reserve driver I have done all the training with the guys and learnt the track, to step in if required.
During the race I took over the role of the race engineer informing the guys where to push when to hold and giving vital info on their position amongst the field, so looks like that is going to be my role going forward for the time being.”
The second reserve driver is Alex Simmonds, he uses the gamer tag Simmo0916 and when he gets the chance, he will drive car 46.
So Mission Motorsport is very proud of it’s association with this championship, the Veterans Team and in particular what our five guys are achieving. If this has wet your appetite then I have good news, it is possible to follow the team as they compete in the Tri Service Championship. Each race is live streamed, so follow them, cheer them on and more importantly create an account on the stream and leave useful comments including Driver of The Day. Let us show our guys that the entire Mission Motorsport family is behind them. The stream should go live at 14.30 Saturday 2nd May with race coverage around 15.00. You can watch the live stream by following this link:
If you would like more information on what the charity is doing with online gaming then message James Griffin on jg@missionmotorsport.org and keep an eye on the website and other social media channels for regular updates.
KEEP SAFE.