Mission Motorsport Hits the Ring!
This year, thanks to our very good friend Darren at DN Events, we were lucky enough to take lucky beneficiaries Steve Binns, Lee Ashton, Danny Graham, Rohan Smith, and Jason Capone on a trip of a lifetime to the Nurburg Ring, a must for all petrol heads.
Day 1
Collecting a motley crew of excited beneficiaries early doors on August 20, CEO James Cameron and Operations Manager Mark White hit the road and the long journey to Germany began. A smooth ferry crossing, helped by access to the ferry’s club lounge, the group made their way to Spa Francorchamps for a quick pitstop and a guided tour of the circuit.
From Spa, the group continued on their travels to Germany hitting the sack at the Sonnenhoff Hotel in Adenauhe. A stone’s throw from the Nurburgring, the hotel became home for what made the next few day’s activities much easier.
Day 2
Day two of the trip and first on the itinerary was a visit to the outside of the ring, visiting notorious parts of the circuit and the local area, and a history lesson for all. Mid-morning we headed to the JLR Test Centre, where Nick from JLR treated the boys to a comprehensive and enjoyable tour of the site.
After a tasty lunch, it was time to hit the ring! Bundled into a car, James took the guys on a warm lap of the Nurburgring whilst providing commentary, hints, tips, and (another) history lesson. After a swift visit to the Pistenklause which saw everybody refueled, it was another exploratory session; this time visiting parts of the track not even accessible to locals. After a busy day, the boys were lucky enough to hitch a lift with some of the drivers at the ring.
Day 3
Day three and the weather had turned. Undeterred, we collected a Mini Copper S and headed to the track. Both James and Mark took each of the beneficiaries out for a steady lap of the circuit offering coaching hints and instructions; wet lines, braking points, apexes and kerbs to avoid. Unbeknownst to them, this was prep as they would soon be in the driving seat enjoying the drive of their life!
With cars returned all in one piece, the day drew to an end. There was time for a quick stop at the new Boulevard and GP circuit for another history lesson before drinks and networking at the Comfy Corner with other trackday goers, staff, and of course, our fabulous host Darren!
Day 4
After a busy few days like all good things, it had to come to an end. Belongings were packed up and we hit the road to home. Unlike the journey to the ring, it was a much more subdued ride home - less of the excited chatter and more of the sounds of happy snores coming from the passenger seats.
Not Just a Motorsport Thing
One can be forgiven for thinking that the trip was purely about motorsport. It wasn’t. At the heart of it (and everything we do) it was a mechanism to take them on a journey of recovery, exploiting their love of motorsport. It gave independence to some, for others it gave them the confidence to get out and about and engage with others. It has enabled them to meet with key personalities to help them fulfill their dream of getting involved in the sport. For all, it gave them a safe space to be themselves, to forget their issues, create lasting memories that they could look back on fondly. It allowed them to find camaraderie, something they all have missed since leaving the forces.
Looking back at his time at the ring Steve Binns said, “ My ‘ticker’ still beats a little faster every time I remember my first lap of Nürburgring an unforgettable moment that will stay with me forever. Everyone was very supportive of each other within the group and the banter flowed as we embraced each other’s idiosyncratic personalities. It has given me the confidence to now embark on other projects whether here in this country or further afield.”
Danny Graham said, “ Mission Motorsport has shown me there is something out there for others like me, and that there is always hope. In the past week I have had more fun than the past 15 years of my life, and met some lifelong friends. For the whole time I was away, I felt like I was part of something, a rare feeling I haven't had since my army days. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that Mission Motorsport has given me - it has allowed me to realize my dream of becoming involved in motorsport. Thank you.”
Rohan Smith added, “My eternal thanks be to Mark, James and the entire Mission Motorsport charity. To be invited has been a real privilege and something I'll keep with me forever. I have managed to come away with an incredible experience and also potential contacts for working in the Motorsport industry. I think it's fair to say that the charity has practiced what it preaches on this event; Race, Retrain, Recover.”
Lee Ashton reflected, “ Being invited to the Nürburgring was a real test for me as it was the furthest I’ve been away but being with Mission Motorsport I felt safe.”
We’d like to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to Daren at DN Events, Nick at JLR and all the other friendly staff and people we met at the event. It’s safe to say that everybody had an amazing time. Without your support events like this would simply not be possible.