Mission Motorsport Newsletter: August 2026
Welcome to our monthly newsletter. Keep up to date with all the latest news, key events and information from The Forces’ Motorsport Charity!
LASTEST NEWS
Join the Mission: Become a Mission Motorsport Supporter
Every day, Mission Motorsport helps veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose and reconnect with a supportive community through the power of motorsport.
For many, life after service can be uncertain and isolating. That's why our programmes are about so much more than cars and racing. We provide opportunities to recover, develop resilience, learn new skills and create lasting friendships, while opening doors to employment and new challenges.
As demand for our support continues to grow, so does the need for reliable, sustainable funding. That's why we're delighted to introduce a new way to support Mission Motorsport.
By becoming a Mission Motorsport Supporter, you'll be helping us plan for the future, expand our programmes and ensure more members of the Armed Forces community can access the life-changing opportunities they deserve.
Whether it's a regular monthly donation or another way of supporting our work, every contribution helps us continue to deliver recovery through motorsport and create opportunities for those who have served.
Mission Motorsport Returns to Destination Nürburgring
Our latest Mission Motorsport Destination Nürburgring trip was another fantastic success, from exclusive tours and unforgettable passenger laps to spending time with like-minded members of the Armed Forces community, the trip once again demonstrated the power of motorsport to bring people together.
As invited guests of DN Events, we are incredibly grateful to Darren and his team for their continued generosity and support. Their commitment to making us feel so welcome and to our members were able to enjoy everything the Nürburgring has to offer at a comfortable pace is hugely appreciated.
A real highlight for all was the opportunity to get behind the wheel of Mission Motorsport's hand-controlled Subaru BRZ and our MX-5 track car to drive the legendary Nürburgring circuit themselves. The impact of the trip is perhaps best summed up by one participant, who said: "I've had an amazing time, and I'm so chuffed you let me enjoy this with you all. You are a great group of friends and I can't wait to catch up again soon."
Behind the Scenes at Prodrive
Members of the Mission Motorsport community enjoyed an unforgettable visit to ProdriveHQ, gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of the world's most respected motorsport and advanced engineering companies.The group explored the impressive facility, learning about Prodrive's rich motorsport heritage and seeing first-hand how championship-winning race cars are designed, built and prepared. From cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing to the stories behind iconic competition cars, the tour offered a fascinating insight into the world of elite motorsport.
A huge thank you to everyone at Prodrive for their warm hospitality and for giving our community such an inspiring experience. Days like these help build confidence, strengthen connections and remind us of the incredible opportunities that exist within the motorsport and automotive industries.
Mission Motorsport Racemakers at the British Grand Prix
This year's Mission Motorsport Racemakers at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone were a remarkable group of wounded, injured and sick serving personnel, veterans and carers. Together, they played an important role in delivering one of the UK's biggest sporting events while demonstrating the resilience, teamwork and determination that define the Mission Motorsport community.
The Racemakers programme continues to show the positive impact that shared experiences can have on recovery, wellbeing and personal development, creating memories, friendships and opportunities that extend far beyond race weekend.
Our Racemaker Steve summed up the experience: “Mission Motorsport providing the opportunity to attend the F1 as a Racemaker is a huge help to my recovery journey. Being around motorsport and around those who 'just get it' is a huge help in my race to recovery and a brighter future. Without support like this, life would be a continuous challenge and an uncertain future."
The season doesn't stop there! More Mission Motorsport Racemakers are heading back to Silverstone for the MotoGP next week. We wish every one of them an amazing experience and look forward to hearing all about it.
Livery Bay Delivers Another Standout Project
Our talented Mission Motorsport Livery Bay has once again turned a customer's vision into reality, this time with a striking custom sidecar livery for Cpl Robert Atkinson and the RAF Sidecar Team.
Working to a very tight timescale and collaborating closely with Robert throughout the design process, the finished livery reflected exactly what the team had envisioned.
The results have certainly made an impression. Robert shared: “The sidecar looks fantastic. We've had so many compliments from members of the public (and our competitors) since the livery was revealed at the last round. Lee was great to work with. He created the initial design but kept me involved throughout the process to make sure I was happy. Even with a very tight timescale, Lee did an amazing job.”
Congratulations to Lee and the entire Livery Bay team on delivering another exceptional project. We love seeing the skills developed through Mission Motorsport making such a positive impact, both on and off the track.
Poppy Car Takes Centre Stage at Cartmarking Ceremony
A huge thank you to Andy Graham MBE and the Worshipful Company of Carmen for inviting Mission Motorsport's Poppy Car to be showcased at the historic Cartmarking Ceremony over the weekend.
Our F-Type Jaguar began life as an art therapy project, providing veterans with the opportunity to be involved in creating something meaningful. The car was then transformed by our veteran community and Mission Motorsport's own Livery Bay team, featuring Winston Churchill's VE Day speech woven into a striking poppy design.
Seeing the Poppy Car displayed at an event with such a rich history was a truly special moment. With Cartmarking dating back over 750 years, it was a wonderful reminder of how far support for the Armed Forces community can reach when individuals and organisations choose to stand alongside us.
A special thank you to Andy, Sue, Colin and Debbie for making the day such a success, and to all our volunteers who helped bring everything together. The Poppy Car continues to be a powerful symbol of recovery, creativity and community, carrying the stories of those who have served wherever it goes.
Poppy Car Delivers Recovery Motorsport at Castle Combe
The Poppy Car was on circuit at the Christopher Darwin Charity Track Day at Castle Combe Circuit, for a fantastic group of veterans from Blesma South West to enjoy the power of recovery motorsport.
Fitted with hand controls, the Poppy Car gave veterans with limb loss the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving on circuit, many for the very first time. Supported by qualified instructors who are also veterans, participants were able to build confidence and enjoy the freedom of driving in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
When they weren't behind the wheel, attendees enjoyed exhilarating passenger laps with other drivers taking part in the day, creating opportunities to share experiences, reconnect with the community and enjoy the unique atmosphere that motorsport provides."A truly unforgettable day – great driving, great people, and the kind of military banter I've missed since leaving the Army. Thank you, Mission Motorsport."
A huge thank you to the Christopher Darwin Charity Track Day team, our dedicated volunteers, instructors and everyone who helped make such a special day possible.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Banter, Brews & Cars
5 August | Three Sisters Circuit
The Independent Porsche Owners Club are providing the exhilarating unlimited passenger rides at Three Sisters Circuit for our August event.
Tickets for PistonHeads Annual Service
8 August | Bicester Motion
We have been generously gifted a limited number of tickets for the PistonHeads Annual Service.
Issued on a first come first served basis, email team@missionmotorsport.com for the ticket codes.
Veterans@Heritage: Best of British Families Day
1 4 August | Bicester Motion
Iconic British cars, unlimited passenger rides and junior driving experiences and family fun for the Armed Forces community
Exclusive Discount for the Scalextric Open Weekend
15–16 August | Margate
Members of the Mission Motorsport Armed Forces community can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount for the Scalextric Open Weekend. The Mission Motorsport Goodwood Scalextric will be there in action!
To receive the exclusive discount code, please email team@missionmotorsport.org. Further details can be found here and on the event flyer at the end of this newsletter.
Forces Family Track Day
19 August | Croft Circuit
A day of exhilarating track action, junior driving experiences and family fun, with a dedicated Families Village featuring charitable organisations, local reserve units, veteran-owned businesses, static car displays and a range of other stallholders supporting members of the Armed Forces community.
Veterans’ Karting Championship
10 September | Reading
Run in partnership with TeamSport, this series is all about fun, connection, and friendly competition. Join us for a relaxed, inclusive day of karting perfect for meeting new people and trying something different.
LOOKING AHEAD
September
October
Keep checking What's On — MISSION MOTORSPORT 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.
FUNDRAISING
Thank You to Dave’s Corner
Dave’s Corner is a fantastic group who attend the Formula 1 British Grand Prix each year, where they base themselves at Luffield Corner of the circuit, and support Mission Motorsport through their fundraising.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to ‘The Daves’ for their incredible support over the F1 race weekend, raising an amazing £637 for Mission Motorsport.
We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.
Mission Motorsport Named Charity Partner for Rapid Repair Rally
Mission Motorsport is delighted to be the chosen charity partner for this year’s Rapid Repair Rally - Run to the Riviera, taking place from 25 - 27 August. The rally brings together teams from across the automotive industry for a unique road adventure, raising funds to support Mission Motorsport’s work.
A huge thank you to the Rapid Repair Network team and everyone taking part. We wish all the teams the best of luck for an unforgettable few days on the road! There’s still room on the grid, but it’s filling fast.
If you’d like to be part of it, the conversation starts with Lizzie at Lizzie.cove@rrn.co.uk.
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 atfundraising@missionmotorsport.org
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers Needed for our Forces Family Track Day
19 August | Croft Circuit
Our biggest event in the North is almost here, and we need 35 volunteers to help make it happen.
Support is needed for set-up on 18 August (4:00pm - 6:00pm) and throughout the event on 19 August (7:15am - 5:00pm). There are a variety of roles available, including registration, pit lane support, merchandise, photography, the junior driving course, Lightning McQueen split control, refreshments and general event support.
Whether you can spare a few hours or the whole day, we'd love to have you on the team. Your support will help us deliver an unforgettable day for the Armed Forces community. Email volunteering@missionmotorsport.org
Join the Mission Motorsport Slot Car Team!
Mission Motorsport is looking for volunteers to help run our popular Goodwood Slot Car Track at fundraising events throughout 2026.
Volunteer roles include marshalling cars, engaging with visitors, and helping with setup and pack-down. In return, you'll enjoy free event entry, refreshments, and the chance to be part of a fantastic team raising funds for the Armed Forces Motorsport Charity.
Upcoming Events:
15–16 August – Hornby Open Weekend, Margate
4 October – Bicester Scramble
Interested? Contact paul.s.wooding@gmail.com and help keep the track racing while supporting the Armed Forces community. Accompanied children are welcome to join in too.
Interested in Volunteering with Mission Motorsport?
We truly couldn’t do what we do without the incredible dedication and support of our volunteers, thank you for making a difference.
Sign up here to get involved!
We'll keep you updated with all upcoming volunteering opportunities.
OTHER INFORMATION
Take Part in AFTER Study
AFTER Study is exploring the long-term impact of conflict-related genital injuries on ex-servicemen and their partners, with the aim of improving future support and reducing stigma.
Researchers are looking to hear from ex-servicemen and partners who are willing to share their experiences.
If you'd like to find out more or take part, visit AFTER Study, scan the QR code or email afterstudy@kcl.ac.uk.
BuildForce National Armed Forces Insight Day
14 October | Pavilions of Harrogate
BuildForce is hosting its next National Armed Forces Insight Day with AtkinsRéalis, offering members of the Armed Forces community the chance to explore careers in construction and the built environment, meet employers from across the UK and learn about training and employment opportunities. One previous attendee said:
"I found the BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day extremely valuable... I left with several meaningful contacts and a much clearer view of the pathways available. Rating: 10/10."
Free Peer Mentoring & Train the Trainer Courses
Adferiad, Wales' leading mental health and wellbeing charity, is offering FREE online Peer Mentoring and Train the Trainer Level 2 courses for the Armed Forces community, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.
Open to veterans, serving personnel, reservists, family members, carers, volunteers and professionals across the UK, these courses are designed to build confidence, develop peer support skills and help participants support others in their communities.
Peer Mentoring Level 2 - 23 & 30 September 2026 (09:30–16:00)
Additional dates are available from October to December.
Train the Trainer Level 2 - Additional dates are available from October to December (email to request details).
To book a place, or for more information, please email suzana.silva@adferiad.org.