MM Racemakers Return to Silverstone

Ask anyone and they will tell you that The F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone is the highlight of the UK Motorsport calendar, except for Race of Remembrance of course. Beneficiaries will tell you that too, especially those that are lucky enough to participate as a Silverstone Racemaker.

Since the beginning of the Racemaker Program, the charity’s beneficiaries have been invited by the UK’s premier race track, Silverstone, to swap their Mission Motorsport T-shirt for the vibrant pink and blue uniform of the Silverstone Racemakers. Every year we have attended with numerous beneficiaries enjoying the chance to soak up the atmosphere and help out at the world-famous circuit.

Having been canceled in 2020 due to COVID, there hung a big question mark as to whether the 2021 race weekend would be held behind closed doors or not. Happily, it was going ahead and having been given the green light, the fantastic Sarah Wallace, a long-time supporter and volunteer of the charity alongside Beneficiary Trustee Tony Compson raced into action, the only downside, racemaker training would not be available to new beneficiaries. Determined to provide beneficiaries with an amazing experience, the fantastic duo enlisted the help of 24 beneficicaries who, in previous years have attended in similar racemaker roles.

Arriving at Silverstone on the Wednesday, the Mission Motorsport Airshelter formed HQ for the entirety of the race weekend. With everybody pitching up their tents, the beneficiaries were one big happy family. No amount of early mornings, late finishes, and extreme heat would dampen the spirits of those attending. Exhausted and hot, beneficiaries still found time to relax at basecamp - interact, share experiences and support each other on their own recovery journey with the help and encouragement from the Mission Motorsport Welfare team, all living up to the ethos of the charity.

Sarah said, “The experience at Silverstone is more than just shiny cars rushing around a circuit. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the beneficiaries relax and encouraged.” Tony added, “Silverstone is all about engagement, getting the guys and girls talking and socialising”

Nick, former Royal Marine who served for 13 years before being medically discharged and who also lost his brother to operations said of his time as a beneficiary and a racemaker, “Mission Motorsport has helped me to socialise with other veterans, talk to them and share their experiences and all the time feel supported and feel safe.”