Words: Nathan Chadwick
Photography: Lewis Warren/Takona
We speak to the charity’s Paul Wooding about the vital work the charity does for the Armed Forces
“A pit lane is a perfect example of where military people naturally excel. It’s noisy, fast-moving, dangerous, time-critical – exactly the kind of environment service personnel are trained to handle calmly and competently,” says Mission Motorsport benefactor Paul Wooding. Mission Motorsport is the Armed Forces’ motorsport charity, and was created primarily to help service personnel – both veterans and those still serving – transition into civilian life. However, the charity also works to support serving and former members of the Forces who may be struggling in any way, whether during their transition or because of something that’s happened to them earlier in their service.
“The charity works to create a community for veterans, for all service people and for their families – a place they can turn to when they need it,” explains Paul. “One of the biggest challenges, especially for men, is communicating. Motorsport and cars act as a catalyst for conversation; they help draw people out of themselves – sometimes quite literally out of their homes. The charity’s core purpose is to create that community, and then to support people within it.”
This is done through the charity’s own motorsport activities, through simple communication and contact, or by linking people with other military charities that provide more specialist support, whether that’s mental health help for PTSD, physical rehabilitation, therapeutic services or other types of assistance.
“It works the other way too,” says Paul. “Charities who struggle to get their beneficiaries talking will often invite them to Mission Motorsport events because the atmosphere helps unlock conversation and encourages people to seek help. Until a veteran or serving person reaches the point of being willing to engage, everything remains closed off, and it’s very hard to support them.”
Mission Motorsport was created to break down those barriers, and it has been doing that for 14 years now. The charity organises more than 100 events all year, but the highlight is the Race of Remembrance – a 12-hour endurance race held in November at Anglesey. “Around 2000 people gather to take part in the act of remembrance, with a two-minute silence at its centre. Around that sits the race, with roughly 50 cars on track, supported by veterans and beneficiaries embedded within the pit teams,” Paul explains. “When they’re placed in that atmosphere, they instantly feel at home. They understand the pressure and know how to deal with it, and that allows them to thrive.”
The event has become a bridge between the military and civilian worlds – companies are invited to see just what veterans can do. “They see them operating under pressure, performing brilliantly, and suddenly the translation happens: this person would be brilliant in our business,” Paul says. “It turns what can feel like an alien world – ‘Civvy Street’ – into something more familiar and understandable.”
The event also brings back the camaraderie that may have been lost in the transition from the services to civilian life. “Endurance racing isn’t about the driver – it’s about the team working to keep a car running for 12 hours, which is far harder than it sounds,” Paul says. “That recreates the regimental spirit – people coming together for a common mission.”
Paul’s amazed by the generosity in the pit lane. “Teams help each other to get cars to the finish. Winning isn’t at the expense of others; success is shared – it sets the Race of Remembrance apart from almost any other motorsport event,” he says.
Paul’s also in awe of the Orange Army – the 400 volunteer marshals willing to stand in all weathers at the tip of North Wales. “Many other events struggle to find marshals, but the atmosphere at the Race of Remembrance keeps them coming back,” he grins. “It feels authentic – competitive racing with mutual respect and genuine enjoyment.”
Many of those who’ve taken part in Mission Motorsport events have gone into the automotive industry or motorsport; some work within teams, while others have gone on to create their own outfits. There are more indirect success stories too. “One young lad – a rifleman injured in Afghanistan – came to Mission Motorsport and was introduced to a race team, where he discovered he had a real interest in vehicle wrapping,” Paul says. Mission Motorsport trained him in wrapping cars professionally, and he’s since built his own thriving business. He now employs people and wraps everything from cars to commercial vehicles. “For someone medically discharged from service, that’s an extraordinary achievement: a new career, a renewed sense of purpose and the ability to support his family – there are many stories like his.”
This year, we begin with the National Transition Event on Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit. Taking over the entire Wing complex, it’s supported by the Ministry of Defence and designed to introduce serving personnel to industries that might suit them once they leave the Forces. “More than 40 companies attend, explaining the skills they’re looking for and the opportunities available, and around 1500 service people usually take part,” Paul says. “Alongside that, about 100 cars run passenger laps to help spark conversations and open people up to new ideas.”
Aside from that, there are regular track days at venues like Three Sisters in Wigan, events at Bicester Motion, days at Goodwood and others. There are family events too, through organisations like Hagerty and the Bicester Scrambles. “Mission Motorsport also runs Scalextric setups at events as a way of engaging families and raising funds,” Paul says. “Volunteers also serve as race makers at events like the British Grand Prix, supporting teams and contributing to major events in small but meaningful ways.”
The year builds towards the Race of Remembrance in November, but if you’re in need of a greater challenge then Paul has the answer. “There’s a night-time track day at Anglesey – with no lighting other than the cars’ headlights. It’s an extraordinary, slightly surreal experience,” Paul chuckles. The charity survives entirely on fundraising – it isn’t grant-funded and it has no financial legacy. “Every month requires fresh support, and with the economic pressures people are facing, fundraising is tougher than ever,” Paul says. “Any support people can give – time or money – makes a real difference.”
To find out more, head over to the Mission Motorsport website.
Do you participate in any track days? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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