On 10th October 2024, thanks to the generous support of Nationwide Engineering, Sesanti and Team Forces, we officially launched the 2024 ‘Race of Remembrance’ (RoR) at Thruxton Circuit, Hampshire at the inaugural Race of Remembrance Launch Day, an unforgettable day of recovery sport and camaraderie.

150 members of the Armed Forces community came together including MoD recovery program attendees from Tedworth House, ten residents of a homeless shelter supported by Alabare, members of Blesma and of course the wonderful Chelsea Pensioners. Veteran beneficiaries had travelled from North Yorkshire, Somerset, Northumberland and Essex. Closer to home we’d also welcomed a contingent of Tidworth based serving soldiers who had just returned from Estonia and RAF Engineers from RAF Halton.

A multi-activity day, attendees enjoyed a vibrant mix of activities including passenger laps around the UK’s fastest circuit, car control sessions out on the skidpan, a chance to put their skills to the test in the autotests, 4x4 activity and even got some early practice ahead of RoR Karting in the morning karting sessions. Many of the activities were delivered by current Mission Motorsport beneficiaries - a testament to the healing and positive impact of motorsport in recovery and rehabilitation.

One of the day's highlights was the debut of several new teams, including the JLR Armed Forces Community and a team of Mission Motorsport beneficiary drivers who revealed their specially adapted Subaru BRZ, an eBay-sponsored car, equipped with hand controls. A surprise flypast by a Chinook helicopter at precisely the scheduled time added an emotional layer to the day. For many of the veterans present, the sound of the Chinook, so synonymous with their service in Afghanistan and Iraq, held profound meaning.

The day also witnessed key milestones, such as RML's signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in their 40th year marking their strong and continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community, Caterham’s handover of a charity auction project car, and Mike Smith, who will be racing the Subaru at the upcoming Race of Remembrance successfully passing his ARDS test.

First and foremost, the ‘RoR Launch’ was a day of recovery through sport. For Mission Motorsport beneficiaries—wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women—the event provided a platform for participation, both behind the wheel and in organisational roles. It also served as a chance to say thank you to the charity's supporters, who could witness firsthand the difference their contributions have made in the lives of servicemen and their families.

James Cameron, CEO said, “The 2024 Mission Motorsport Race of Remembrance Launch is an event we are incredibly proud of, and saw one of the largest gatherings of the Armed Forces community at Thruxton Circuit, made possible by the generous support of Nationwide Engineering, Sesanti, Team Forces, Thruxton Circuit and Karting Centre, BARC and all of our volunteers. I’m really proud too of the beneficiaries who were running activities and teams in the pitlane. ‘Beneficiaries’ is a broad term for an inspirational bunch who range from Colonel to the Private soldier.”

The Race of Remembrance Launch Day, is now a firm favourite in the MM calender of events - details of next year’s event will be published in the new year.

Images from the day can be viewed here