The launch event that heralds the arrival of the charity Mission Motorsport (MM) in Scotland has been hailed a huge success with 65 Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) Forces’ personnel all experiencing the thrill of high-speed laps of Knockhill’s famous racing circuit.

On Thursday the 16th of April Mission Motorsport was kindly donated use of the circuit and over 20 racing drivers and motorsport enthusiasts gave of their time to show their support to the work of the charity. More than simply a chance to experience the track the event brought about the opportunity for MM to introduce their employment services to both the WIS and industry in Scotland, too. The event organiser and MM’s Scottish Representative Findlay Leask said “We owe huge thanks to Stuart Gray and the entire team at Knockhill for the use of their fantastic facility plus every driver that has taken the time to come here today to let our guests have a real thrill ride round the track!” He adds that the veterans all seem to have greatly enjoyed the event “When you see just how remarkable the changes are in some of these guys, just within the space of the event, it’s incredible. You can see their smiles as they come back into the pit lane!”.

 

Mission Motorsport – the Forces’ Motorsport Charity was set up to help aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport.

The charity uses motorsport to engage and merge the activities of the disabled and those carrying mentally and

physically debilitating injuries with able bodied servicemen and women as well as a large supporting cast of civilian

motorsport practitioners, sponsors and supporters.

 

Mission Motorsport forms part of the MoD’s Recovery Career Services by sourcing vocational opportunities, work placements and training, where possible in the automotive sector (Jaguar LandRover, for example) but also across all industry sectors. The charity has support from Sir Stirling Moss, Lord Drayson and was engaged with HRH Prince Harry through the Invictus Games 2014.

 

Adam Marchant-Wincott whose role with the charity is as Relationship Manager was delighted with the success of the event “The fallout from the event is that we now have soldiers and veterans incredibly keen to look at potential vocational opportunities in the automotive and motorsport industries in Scotland and I very much hope we can capitalise on this in coming months.”

 

John Cleland, two-time British Touring Car Champion, spared some of his time to meet the charity’s team and the WIS. “It was great to see the high number of people turn up for this event and the enthusiasm they all seemed to have for it. In my opinion it is a great initiative to get a number of these service men and women into our sport and back working as a team again to enhance their confidence.”

Stuart Gray who oversaw the entire event for Knockhill says “We were delighted to part of the Mission Motorsport launch. The role of Mission Motorsport to help the wounded, injured and sick service men and women back into employment through motor sport will, I’m sure, be successful.”

 

The final word on the day went to James Cameron, the CEO and co-founder of Mission Motorsport “Knockhill have been exemplary hosts to us today and it’s obvious from the reaction of the forces’ guys here today that the generosity of the circuit and all the drivers has had an incredibly positive impact.” When asked about the future James said “It’s clear that there is enthusiasm and need for our services here in Scotland. Key to our function is helping the men and women here today to find new jobs after leaving the military. Judging by the overall success of the event, both from the fun track element and the vocational opportunities we have discussed, I’m extremely excited for the future of Mission Motorsport in Scotland.”

 

If you require further information please contact Scottish Area Representative Findlay Leask on 07921 623453, email fl@missionmotorsport.org or visit www.missionmotorsport.org

 

Attached images show the launch team L to R: Kes Bradley (MM beneficiary), Findlay Leask (MM Scotland Area Representative), John Cleland (two time BTCC Champion), Michael Courts (MM beneficiary and racing driver) and James Cameron (MM CEO and co-founder). The second picture is of a number of cars lined up in the pit lane. Other images are available on request. All photo credits to Flat Out Photography.

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X