Mission Motorsport Newsletter - January 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
Mission Motorsport’s Race of Remembrance Wins MSUK’s Event of the Year!
Mission Motorsport is thrilled to announce that our flagship event, Race of Remembrance, has been named Motorsport UK’s (MSUK) Event of the Year! This prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication, passion, and impact of an event that continues to honour and support the Armed Forces community through motorsport.
James Cameron, CEO of Mission Motorsport, said, “This accolade is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. RoR is more than just a 12-hour race in Anglesey - it is now multi-venue, multi activities and multifaceted across the UK, it is how British Motorsport marks Remembrance weekend. We are incredibly grateful to MSUK for this recognition and to all the participants, volunteers, and supporters who make this event possible.”
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.
To celebrate, we’ve opened entries for Race of Remembrance 2025 early:
Mission Motorsport's Daylight & Headlights Event at Track Mon, Anglesey Raises £6,500!
At the beginning of January, we were thrilled to host our first “Daylight & Headlights” fundraising event, a track day and night at the stunning Trac Môn Circuit in Anglesey. Believed to be the first event of its kind on an unlit circuit anywhere in the world, drivers experienced the unique challenge of night driving on an unlit track. The event successfully raised an outstanding £6,500, all of which will go towards Mission Motorsport’s invaluable work supporting veterans and service personnel.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Anglesey Circuit, everyone who participated, donated, and made this event possible.
Anglesey Circuit Strengthens Commitment to Armed Forces with Covenant Signing
On 10th January 2024, Trac Môn Anglesey Circuit reaffirmed its commitment to the UK’s Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging support, fairness, and respect for service personnel and their families.
For more than ten years Anglesey Circuit’s innovative and poignant Remembrance service has uplifted a community and made it the spiritual home of Race of Remembrance. Their commitment to the Armed Forces community is exemplary, and the signing ceremony only reinforces their long-term support for veterans and service personnel.
Smith and Sniff at PistonHeads Sunday Service Raises £4,000
Mission Motorsport would like to extend a thank you to everyone who attended the live Sniff and Smith podcast recording at the recent PistonHeads Sunday Service at Haynes Motor Museum on 19 January.
Smith and Sniff brought their signature wit and insight, enhancing the event and making it a day to remember for all. In total over £4,000 was raised to support Mission Motorsport .
We're incredibly grateful to PistonHeads, Smith and Sniff, and everyone who donated or participated.
Veterans Karting Championship: New Dates Released!
Back by popular demand, we’ve teamed up with the fantastic people at TeamSport Karting to bring you another year Karting fun. The Veterans Championship promises to be an adrenaline-fueled experience, bringing together the Armed Forces Community from all over the UK and different backgrounds to compete in a friendly environment. Are you our next Champion?Whether you're a seasoned karting pro or a newcomer, this is your chance to be part of something fun!
Stay tuned for more details on how to register!
BTCC Collaboration with Speedworks to Continue in 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that our fantastic collaboration with Speedworks Motorsport and the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) will continue into the 2025 season! This partnership provides an incredible opportunity for Mission Motorsport beneficiaries to step onto the grid as an official "Grid Person" during BTCC race weekends.
If you're interested in taking part in this amazing opportunity, stay tuned for further details on how to apply.
Mission Automotive Shortlisted for IMI Diversity Award!
We’re proud to announce that Mission Automotive has been shortlisted for the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Celebrating Diversity in the Automotive Industry Award—a recognition of our efforts in making the sector more inclusive.
Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, Mission Automotive has driven diversity in the automotive sector by championing the Armed Forces community. With over 100 companies and seven OEMs adopting Armed Forces engagement strategies, we’ve helped employers harness the unique skills of veterans and service leavers, fostering inclusive networks and systemic change.
Race of Remembrance Goes Virtual This Year!
You’ve asked and we’ve listened…We’re delighted to announce that Race of Remembrance is going virtual once again! Held over the 4-5th October, Virtual Race of Remembrance (V-RoR) will be a special 24-hour virtual race packed full of sim-racing fun. The team is working hard in the background to get things ready, so watch this space for more information.
If you simply can’t wait until then, register your interest by emailing the team at team@missionmotorsport.org
Upcoming Events
Veterans@Heritage – Introduction to 4x4 Driving
Friday 7th February
Bicester Heritage
Open to members of the Armed Forces Community, this event offers a fantastic introduction to the exciting world of 4x4 off-roading at Bicester Motion. Running from 9:30am to 3:00pm, we are generously being hosted by Hagerty (Building 141b, The Command Works), which will serve as our HQ for the day. Enjoy a brew on us, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable off-road driving insights in a supportive and engaging environment. Hand control vehicles will be available.
Banter, Brews & Cars: Passenger Rides & Introduction to Circuit Driving
Wednesday12th February
Three Sisters Circuit
If you’re a member of the Armed Forces community based in the North, get ready for another adrenaline-fuelled day of recovery sport. This month you can expect an introduction to circuit driving, high-speed passenger rides, excitement, camaraderie, and of course, plenty of brews, this is an experience not to be missed.
National Transition Event 2025
Monday 24th February
Silverstone
Exclusively for Service Leavers, Reservists, Veterans & family members join us at the 'The Wing’, Silverstone Circuit's state-of-the-art conference centre, surrounded by the UK's most iconic race circuit to meet with businesses, Service charities, Government agencies and the Ministry of Defence to find out more about opportunities that await you as you seek to find your next career.
Click Here to Find Out More About The National Transition Event
Race Retro
21st-23rd February
Stoneleigh
We’re thrilled to announce that Mission Motorsport has been chosen as the charity partner for Race Retro, taking place 21- 23 February at Stoneleigh Park!
As part of this exciting partnership, we have a limited number of tickets available exclusively for our beneficiaries.
If you’d like to attend, email team@missionmotorsport.org Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rally Ride Raffle
Heading to Race Retro? Don’t miss out on the chance to win an exhilarating 4-lap rally ride experience! There's a prize for Saturday AND Sunday! Raffle tickets are available now on our Mission Motorsport merchandise store.
Looking Ahead
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
A Special Livery Project!
We’re looking for members of the Armed Forces Community to get hands-on with an exciting project—helping to apply the livery to a special very special car (we can’t say what just yet!). This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something meaningful and awe-inspiring whilst getting involved in the creative side of motorsport. No prior experience is needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in! Please note whilst we can supply the brews and good company, we cannot pay travel or hotel expenses.
Email team@missionmotorsport.org to find out more and get involved
Fundraising
Simon Griffiths Cycling Challenge Gib2Benson
Volunteer Simon Griffiths is embarking on an ambitious solo, unsupported cycling challenge from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Benson, covering 1,500km all to raise £5,000 for Mission Motorsport. Inspired by the charity’s work, Simon became a volunteer in 2024, drawn to its mission after a friend’s recommendation. The idea for his current challenge sparked during a sailing trip to Gibraltar, and his route will span Spain, ending with a ferry to Portsmouth and a final ride to RAF Benson, Oxfordshire.
Looking for a Charity of the Year? Partner with Mission Motorsport!
If your business is still deciding on its Charity of the Year, we’d love for you to consider Mission Motorsport—The Forces’ Motorsport Charity.By choosing Mission Motorsport, you’ll be directly supporting veterans and service personnel on their journey to recovery, while aligning your brand with a dynamic, impactful cause. Whether through fundraising, events, or hands-on involvement, your support will make a real difference.
We’d love to explore how we can work together, email team@missionmotorsport.org
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!
With Give as You Live, you can choose the amount you wish to donate, as well as the date the donation will be processed via direct debit. Plus, you have the flexibility to cancel at any time—making it easy and convenient to support Mission Motorsport on your terms. This means you can make a regular contribution to support our vital work, helping veterans and service personnel through motorsport and recovery programs.
Sign up today and become part of our community of supporters making a difference all year long!
Every fundraiser, doing something big or small, makes a difference. We rely on our amazing Fundraising Force to help us continue providing life-changing recovery, rehabilitation, and transition support. If you are fundraising for us or even thinking about it, let us know at fundraising@missionmotorsport.org
Other News
Free Access to HeadFIT, The MoD’s Mental Health Fitness Tool
Veterans now have free access to the MoD’s mental health fitness tool HeadFIT. Packed full of mental health exercises, HeadFIT, designed by the military for the military is designed to help you maintain your mental health fitness and includes tools that aim to lift your mood, boost confidence, help with sleep and much more.
HM Forces Veteran Card Goes Digital
The HM Forces Veteran Card will be one of the first documents available in the Gov.UK Wallet. This digital version offers veterans an easy and secure way to access and prove their status, ensuring greater convenience and support across a range of services and benefits.
Female Voice Series for International Women’s Day 2025 - Women in the Armed Forces Community
Join Irwin Mitchell aboard HMS Belfast to discuss the journey and challenges women face when transitioning from military to civilian life. Covering key topics such as employment, emotional support, identity, health, and family, you’ll hear inspiring stories from spouses, widows, and veterans as they share their unique experiences. You will also get the opportunity to ask questions, share your own experiences, and gain valuable advice.
BuildForce Armed Forces Project Day with Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV)
The event will showcase employment opportunities with BBV on the HS2 project, as well as in the wider supply chain. Balfour Beatty VINCI is actively recruiting for a number of live vacancies available across multiple different sectors, including: Construction Management, Commercial, Design, Engineering, Finance, Health & Safety, HR, Lifting Supervisors, Planning, Plant Operators, Quality Assurance, Skilled Operatives and Technology.
The Ripple Pond – Networking & Information Sessions
Throughout 2025, The Ripple Pond are hosting professional information and networking sessions. These sessions are aimed at professionals working with the families of serving people or veterans and will give people who attend more information about the work that The Ripple Pond do, the services offered, how to professionally refer someone and the opportunity to network with other professionals in your region.
To find out dates, regions and register to attend, visit www.theripplepond.org/networking. A professional’s toolkit has also been launched with printable posters and flyers, videos, member stories and feedback and more and this can be found at the following link www.theripplepond.org/toolkit.
If you can’t attend on the relevant date but would still like more information, please email comms@theripplepond.org.