Introducing “Perseverance” - the Race of Remembrance trophy

Unveiled at the Thruxton Race of Remembrance drive-through service of Remembrance conducted as lockdowns were imposed in 2020, beneficiary and former RAF Chinook technician Jack Taylor designed and created ‘Perseverance’ a stunning statue of a poppy using reclaimed metals and timber. Donated to the charity to be used as the RoR overall winner’s trophy, the charity in 2021 commissioned Jack to make smaller individual statues which will be used at RoR 2021’s prize-giving ceremonies at both Anglesey and Thruxton for RoR class winners to keep. Each is special, unique, and made with love.

The creation of the statue was a real labour of love over some months for Jack and helped him to focus on positive activities during a very challenging time in his recovery journey. He named the statue ‘Perseverance’ in recognition of the daily battles faced by those who have been affected by their time in service, and for the endurance race that is held in their honour every year.

Taking Jack months to create, all the materials for Perseverance were locally sourced. The wood came from nearby woodlands in Wiltshire, the steel was sourced from RAF Odiham, home of the UK Chinook Force, and the center of the poppy was taken from an engine of a car he loves.

A special Link

The chain is special - over 100 years old, it was unearthed by Jack from a farmer’s field. It is a harness chain used in on a stud farm where horses during World War One were born and trained before their deployment to the frontline. Making it even more poignant, Jack whilst working on the project discovered that his great, great grandfather had been a farrier in the Army at the frontline.

Upon completion of the trophies, Jack said, “When I made Perseverance, I did so as a way to give something back to Mission Motorsport and have been completely overwhelmed by the response it has received. Finding out that my great, great Grandfather would have used these chains is absolutely mind-blowing.”

James Cameron, CEO Mission Motorsport added, “ We are incredibly proud of Jack and what he has produced. Perseverance and the class trophy poppies that we commissioned are truly stunning. The name Perseverance resonates with many and is emblematic of the sheer determination and bravery our beneficiaries and Service Personnel face on a daily basis. Making it all the more special is the discovery of Jack’s heritage and the real emotion that he captured in each and every one of them.”

Perseverance, or ‘Percy’ as it is affectionately known, will be passed on from winner to winner every Remembrance weekend. From an unveiling online during Covid, it has become part of the fabric of the Race of Remembrance.