Mission Motorsport Newsletter - April 2025
Welcome to our monthly newsletter. Keep up to date with all latest news, key events, and other information from The Forces’ Motorsport Charity!
Latest News
National Transition Event 2025: A Resounding Success at Silverstone!
The National Transition Event on 24th February at Silverstone was a huge success, attracting over 1,900 attendees, making it the largest Armed Forces community event in the UK. The event featured more than 200 exhibitors, 100 drivers & cars, and key representatives from government, industry, and charities, all coordinated by a dedicated team of 15 staff and 70 volunteers. Highlights included free exhibitions from 43 charities, veteran-owned businesses in the Military in Business Village delivered by X-Forces Enterprise, and support from organisations including LinkedIn, Severn Trent and the Forces Employment Charity.
Other standout moments included a government announcement by Minister Al Carns and the Troops’ Track Day, which offered over 1,000 track rides. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of attendees likely to recommend the event. Stay tuned for news on next year’s NTE!
Challenge Complete! Simon Griffiths raises over £7000 for Mission Motorsport
A huge congratulations to Simon Griffiths, who completed his 1,500km solo cycle challenge from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson.
Despite facing Spain’s worst weather in 70 years and climbing over 50,000ft, Simon completed the journey solo, arriving on 28th March after starting on 9th March. He kept supporters engaged with regular updates to BFBS Gibraltar.
On arrival, Simon was greeted by the Mission Motorsport team, RAF personnel, and loved ones, celebrating his incredible determination. His fundraising has surpassed his £5,000 goal, and donations are still growing.
A big thank you to Simon and to all who have supported him—there’s still time to donate via JustGiving.
If Simon’s journey inspires you, reach out to us at fundraising@missionmotorsport.org
Veterans' Karting Championship 2025 Kicks Off in Bournemouth!
Thanks to the generosity of TeamSport, our Veterans' Karting championship kicked off at TeamSport Karting Bournemouth. Over 25 members of the Armed Forces Community from across the South came together for a thrilling day of recovery sport, forging new friendships and enjoying some high-speed action on the track.
Next stop: Leicester 29 April – Sign up here.
TeamSport Karting provide top-class karting venues and free sessions for our veterans.
Registration for all rounds of this year's championship are now open. Visit the website for more information here.
Christopher Darwin Track Day
Members from Mission Motorsport, BLESMA, and the Royal Marines Association had an unforgettable experience at the Christopher Darwin Track Day, making the most of both passenger and driving laps in the sunshine. The event was filled with lively conversations, shared experiences, and plenty of on track excitement, creating a truly memorable day for everyone involved. We were also delighted to see The Bike Experience at the event, showcasing their adapted motorcycles designed to make motorcycling more accessible.
A huge thank you to Christopher Darwin for hosting us and providing the perfect opportunity to bring our Subaru BRZ back to the tarmac. Reflecting on the experience, Stuart, shared: “I know I had a really good day, and talking to my BLESMA friends, I think it's fair to say a good day was had all round.”
The next Christopher Darwin Track Day is 3rd July.
Celebrating 13 Years of Mission Motorsport
On March 1st, Mission Motorsport proudly marked 13 years since its launch as the Forces’ Motorsport Charity. Over the past decade, we have empowered thousands of veterans and service leavers, helping them rediscover purpose through motorsport, employment, and rehabilitation. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the inspiring recoveries and achievements made possible by our supporters, volunteers, and partners.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach, changing lives, and making a lasting difference. Thank you for being part of the Mission Motorsport family!
New Automotive Sector Guide for the Armed Forces Community
Exciting news! Mission Automotive & the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have launched a new career guide to aid members of the Armed Forces Community seeking careers in the automotive sector. Unveiled at the 2025 National Transition Event, the guide highlights in-demand roles, qualifications & pathways—helping service leavers, veterans and military family members secure competitive careers in a sector set to create 40,000+ jobs by 2030.
Click here to find out more about Mission Automotive and read the Sector Guide
Upcoming Events
Exclusive Prodrive Tour – A Few Spaces Left!
There are just a few spots left for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Prodrive factory in Banbury on Friday, 11th April, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy tea and coffee on arrival before a 90-minute to two-hour accessible tour of Prodrive. Witness how race and rally machines are built, explore 40 years of motorsport heritage, and visit the Advanced Technology division driving innovations in motorsport, aerospace, and beyond.
To secure your spot, email team@missionmotorsport.org today! First come, first served — so don’t wait!
Sign up now to be part of the British Touring Car Championship with Speedworks.
Mission Motorsport beneficiaries once again have the chance to step onto the grid as an official "Grid Person" for Speedworks Motorsports during the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race weekends. Speedworks have for 4 cars racing this season and you could be part of that team.
What’s Involved?
Autograph Session – Stand behind your driver in the pitlane as fans queuefor signatures and photos.
Grid Walk Experience – Before each of the three races, take your place in front of the car as fans flood the track for 30–40 minutes, capturing photos of the cars, drivers, and Grid Team.
Full day experience at the BTCC Championship.
To take part, fill out the Expression of Interest form
This is a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of BTCC up close while proudly representing Mission Motorsport. If you’ve submitted an Expression of Interest form, we will contact you shortly if you have been successful in the ballot.
Veterans@Heritage – Easter Event
Thursday 17th April | Bicester Heritage
Easter at Bicester Heritage: A Special Event for the Armed Forces Community, Bicester Heritage invites members of the Armed Forces Community to a fun-filled Easter event, combining history, adventure, and family entertainment in a stunning automotive setting.
Enjoy exclusive site tours, passenger experiences with Hedley Studios, and a behind-the-scenes look at classic car restoration. Families can join the Easter Egg Hunt, race on the Havenwood Raceway Scalextric track, or try the Hagerty Simulator for a virtual driving experience. Complimentary refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Open to all members of the Armed Forces Community, Register Here
Bicester Scramble
Sunday 27th April | Bicester Heritage
Thanks to the generosity of Bicester Heritage and the Scramble events team, Mission Motorsport beneficiaries can attend the second Scramble event of 2025 for free! A sold-out event, the Scramble is an opportunity for classic vehicle enthusiasts to come together and enjoy a relaxed gathering as well as the chance to gain a glimpse inside the 50 specialist businesses now based at Bicester Heritage.
If you would like to be in with a chance of getting tickets, please email team@missionmotorsport.org. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Millington Engines Tour – Including a Harrier Engine Fire-Up!
We’re thrilled to offer 20 Mission Motorsport beneficiaries a rare chance to go behind the scenes at Millington Engines engineering facility, based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, for an exclusive tour on Wednesday, 30th April, from 10:00am to 12:30pm.
Known for building some of the most legendary high-performance engines in motorsport, Millington Engines is opening its doors to showcase not just their engineering expertise, but also an incredible collection of aero engines — including one very special exhibit.
As part of the visit, beneficiaries will get to experience the firing up of a Harrier engine — a seriously cool, ears-on moment that’s not to be missed!
This is a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge engine technology, delve into aviation history, and see first-hand how Millington’s innovation spans land and air.
With only 20 places available, this will fill fast — to secure your spot, email: team@missionmotorsport.org
Want a sneak peek? Check this out: The Harrier
Looking Ahead
APRIL
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 02.04.2025 | Banter Brews & Cars | Three Sisters |
| 03.04.2025 | Skidpan Fundraiser in Partnership With Takona Talks | Thruxton |
| 11.04.2025 | Prodrive Factory Tour | Banbury |
| 17.04.2025 | Veterans @ Heritage | Bicester Heritage |
| 26.04.2025 - 27.04.2025 | BTCC | Donington |
| 26.04.2025 - 27.04.2025 | Model World | Birmingham NEC |
| 27.04.2025 | Scramble | Bicester Heritage |
| 29.04.2025 | Veterans' Karting Championship Round 2 | Leicester |
| 30.04.2025 | Millington Engines Tour | Shropshire |
May
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 07.05.2025 | Banter, Brews & Cars | Three Sisters |
| 10.05.2025 - 11.05.2025 | BTCC | Brands Hatch |
| 10.05.2025 - 11.05.2025 | UK Slot Fest | British Motor Museum (Gaydon) |
| 13.05.2025 | Veterans' Karting Championship Round 3 | Newcastle |
| 17.05.2025 | Hagerty Hill Climb | Shelsley Walsh |
| 24.05.2025 - 25.05.2025 | BTCC | Snetterton |
| 23.05.2025 - 25.05.2025 | Racemakers- Moto GP | Silverstone |
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 OPPORTUNITIES
Lend a Hand at Mission Motorsport HQ!
The Mission Motorsport team is small but busy, and we’d love some extra help at MMHQ as we gear up for a packed year ahead! There’s plenty to do — sorting, clearing, cleaning, and more — and every extra pair of hands makes a huge difference. If you have some time to spare and want to get involved, we’d really appreciate your support.
Get in touch at volunteering@missionmotorsport.org to lend a hand!
Mission Motorsport Scalextric Events 2025 :Volunteer for the Mission Motorsport Slot Car Track!
We have a packed calendar featuring the Goodwood Slot Car Track, with exciting new events added this year. We’re looking for volunteers to help marshal the track—resetting cars, engaging with visitors, and assisting with setup and pack-down.
In return, you’ll get free event entry, refreshments, and the satisfaction of supporting a great cause! We need up to 10 volunteers per day, allowing time to enjoy the event too. Accompanied children can also take part—just let us know in advance to ensure enough adult cover.
17th Apr – Bicester Motion Veterans Family Day (Thu)
25-26th Apr – NEC Birmingham Model World (Sat & Sun)
9-10th May – Gaydon UK Slot Car Fest (Sat & Sun)
16-17th May – Shelsley Walsh Hagerty Hill Climb (Sat)
If you can help, contact paul.s.wooding@gmail.com. More dates from June to follow. Setup usually takes place on Fridays before weekend events and takes about two hours with three people. We also welcome ongoing support to learn the track’s technology for wider fundraising use. Get involved and be part of the action!
FUNDRAISING
CAT Driver Training Boosts Mission Motorsport with Book Sales
CAT Driver Training continues to support Mission Motorsport, raising an impressive £1,100 through recent book sales. Since 2021, Colin Hoad’s books—Your Track Day Guide and How to Start Racing—have generated a remarkable £4,894.18 for The Forces’ Motorsport Charity.
Renowned for their elite driver training, CAT blends engineering expertise with cutting-edge coaching, helping drivers master vehicle dynamics. Colin’s books offer invaluable insights for track day enthusiasts and aspiring racers, making high-performance driving more accessible.
Read more about this fundraising here.
Both books are available on Amazon: How to Start Racing and Your Track Day Guide
Support Mission Motorsport with Monthly Giving Through Give as You Live
We’re excited to announce that Give as You Live now offers the option to set up monthly giving to Mission Motorsport! A donation to our work can make a huge difference to those in need.
We've teamed up with Give As You Live to make it quick and easy to make a donation. Thank you.
We rely on our amazing Fundraising Force to help us continue providing life-changing recovery, rehabilitation, and transition support. Every fundraiser, doing something big or small, makes a difference. Whether you're challenging yourself to cross a marathon finish line, hosting a raffle, a bake sale, or getting your colleagues to dress up, it’s simple to get started. If you are fundraising for us or even thinking about it, let us know at fundraising@missionmotorsport.org
OTHER INFORMATION
StreetCar Disabled Driver Scholarship to Launch at Three Locations for 2025
Following a record turnout in 2024, the StreetCar Disabled Driver Scholarship is back, offering more accessible motorsport opportunities for disabled drivers across the UK!
Run by Motorsport UK in partnership with Loughborough Car Club and the FIA Sport Grant Programme, this initiative breaks barriers in grassroots motorsport.
For 2025, the scholarship expands to three locations:
Maidstone & Mid Kent Motor Club – 19 April (Ashford Cattle Market) Sporting Car Club
Norfolk – 27 April (Lotus)
Loughborough Car Club – 23 May (Coalville Rugby Club)
The most promising drivers will have the chance to win a fully funded AutoSOLO season and access to an adapted vehicle, equipped with hand controls, adjustable accelerator positions, upper back support, and more.
New Environmental and Social Sustainability Toolkit Launched to Support Armed Forces Service Charities
Mission Community, in collaboration with the Invictus Games Foundation and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), has proudly announced the release of the Charities. The toolkit provides practical guidance and case studies across four key pillars: Events, Special Projects, People Engagement, and Buildings, Operations & Administration. It offers a wealth of knowledge, including strategies for implementing sustainable initiatives, reducing carbon footprints, and engaging stakeholders in meaningful sustainability efforts.
Government Announces Op Ascend – a commitment to get more veterans into meaningful jobs
Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND.
Announced at the National Transition Event by the Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, the newly announced service is free and has so far supported and equipped over 3,000 veterans and family members with the tools to make their next career move.
Mission Community Joins Automechanika Motorvate: Unlock Your Automotive Career
We are thrilled to announce that Mission Community, as part of our Mission Automotive initiative, has partnered with Automechanika Motorvate for a major careers and skills event in the automotive industry. If you're looking for your next career move or want to explore opportunities in the sector, this is an event you won't want to miss!
Save the Date: 3rd – 5th June 2025 Location: NEC Birmingham
Why Attend?
· Meet Employers – Connect with top companies looking to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces community.
· Discover Career Pathways – Learn about training, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.
· Be Inspired – Hear from James Cameron speaking in the Motorvate Ignite Arena on 4th June.
· Networking Opportunities – Engage with industry leaders and fellow beneficiaries.
· Exclusive Insights – Get firsthand knowledge of the automotive sector and the skills in demand.
Mission Community will have a dedicated stand at the event, showcasing opportunities and support available to you. This is a fantastic chance to explore career options, gain industry insights, and build valuable connections.
Mark your calendars now and reserve your spot here.
Help Shape an Adaptive Skateboarding & WCMX Event
Skateboard GB is planning an adaptive skateboarding and WCMX event for the end of May—and they want your input to ensure it truly reflects the community's needs.
Takea few minutes to share your thoughts by filling out their Insight Gathering Form.
They’re also looking for people to get more involved, whether through consultation, coaching, creative skills, MCing, or running workshops. If you're interested, email Amber to let them know how you'd like to contribute: amber@skateboardgb.org
Your insights will help create an inclusive, community-driven event—get involved today!