A broken piston has led to an early end to the highways sector team’s Race of Remembrance challenge, after its drivers completed 11 of the event’s 12 hours at Anglesey Circuit.
The team had shown strong pace during the endurance race, running 11th overall and third in class during Saturday afternoon and evening. However, contact with another car forced a pit stop for repairs, dropping it down the field before engine trouble ultimately ended its running with an hour remaining.
Sharing driving duties were SG Group Technology Director Simon Waterfall, Clearway Group Chief Product Officer Christopher Stretton, Josh Bromley of Bromley Motorsport and former Armed Forces member Mike Close.
Mr Waterfall said contact between a piston and a valve had caused the engine to lose compression, bringing a frustrating conclusion to a competitive performance.
“We made 11 hours of the 12 hours. Not quite enough, but the car was going great,” he said. “We were up there with the fastest times in the class.”
Despite missing the final hour, Mr Waterfall said the team would still be classified, and praised everyone involved: “Well done, team.”
The entry was supported by Highways News, Levett Business Services, VESOS, White Willow Consulting, Boundary PR & Marketing, HAAS Alert and Ian Routledge Consultancy.
Support for Mission Motorsport also extended beyond the racing. White Willow Consulting founder Andy Graham completed the event’s “Biathlon of Foolishness”, combining a run around the circuit with a swim in the Irish Sea to raise additional funds for the charity. His challenge was also supported by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, which supported all the race entries.
Mr Graham said: “If ever there was a sporting event where it is the taking part that matters more than winning, this is it. Of course we wanted to reach the finish, and everyone put so much into getting the car as far as it did, but the purpose of this weekend goes well beyond the result.
“We raised money for Mission Motorsport, helped raise the profile of its work and came together to honour our fallen heroes. That is something everyone involved can be proud of, from the drivers and mechanics to our sponsors and everyone who donated. We’ll be back next year.”
Organised by Mission Motorsport and the British Racing & Sports Car Club, the Race of Remembrance brings together military veterans, service leavers and the wider motorsport community for an endurance event built around remembrance.
At its heart is the Remembrance Sunday service in the pit lane. Racing pauses so competitors, teams and supporters can gather to remember those who have died in conflict and recognise the sacrifices of those still living with its consequences.
Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports recovery and rehabilitation for people affected by military service. It uses motorsport and opportunities within the automotive sector to help beneficiaries rebuild confidence, develop skills and move towards employment and civilian life.
To donate, please go through Andy Graham’s JustGiving page and watch a rerun of the Saturday and Sunday on YouTube
(Pictures – Andy Graham)
