The Birkett Relay Race is the UK’s largest annual motor race offering six hours of unbeatable racing on the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit in a relay format. This year’s Birkett on Sat 27th saw a capacity grid of 70 teams. It is another great accolade to Team Army to be in a position to support both Team Brit and BAMA (British Army Motorsports Association) and help enable their cars and drivers get on the grid. No way was the freezing October weather going to derail the enthusiasm of both teams to get on the track in what is a grueling competition for man and machine.
Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters for braving the wind and rain to make it such a fun day at the BRDC Clubhouse. This year we had the added bonus of having Al Peasland (ex- formula 1 Red Bull Racing) to compere the day and run a series of Q&A with team members. Add to this the really interesting visits to the pits with the crews, drivers and machines and it made for a fabulous day — albeit a tad wet!
The event is also the finale to the sports car season and provides the stage for the Inter-services competition so plenty at stake, particularly with the recent RAF dominance. This year the Army team entered six cars, three of which needed some serious mechanical attention from the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately for Maj Farard Darvar, Team Director, his BMW didn’t make it in time and stayed off the track. Bad luck Farard!
Whilst there were nearly 100 Team Army sponsors, guests and petrol-head supporters enjoying the hospitality and fun on the track, it was also a milestone for CARWOOD, the principal event sponsor. A company which has a deep-rooted support for the Services, it was fitting that the the occasion marked the company’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. A proud moment for the managing Director, Kevin Mulholland to countersign with Maj Gen Mark Gaunt, BAMA Chairman.
All in all, it was an exhilarating day of motorsport. We would like to thank CARWOOD for their generous support that made the hospitality event happen in the first place and well done to all in the BAMA and Team BRIT teams.
The Roving Reporter
The Results:
The RAF were declared Inter Services Champions coming in at 15th position. Then the Royal Navy/ Royal Marines in 31st position and as the Army were sadly unable to get Darver’s BMW on the track, they had to settle for last place with a 57th position. Team Brit came in 14th in the rankings.
It was the big race day yesterday for the Inter-Service Motor Race.Congratulations to our mixed AFRC team who finished…
Posted by Armed Forces Race Challenge on Sunday, 28 October 2018
Armed Forces Race Challenge website and Facebook page
British Army Motorsports Association
The British Army Motorsports Association (BAMA) was formed in 1960 for the purpose of co-ordinating motorised wheeled driver training in the Army and in the form of competitive motorsport events and to represent the interests of Army Motor Sports at Service, National and International level. In 2010 BAMA was awarded the status of ‘Recognised Sport’ and organised itself into 3 Groups covering 8 motorsport disciplines; Navigation, Sports Car racing, Karting and Rallying are 4 wheel activities with Trials Enduro, Road Race and Adventure activities for the motorcycles.
Team BRIT
Team BRIT is a competitive motor racing team consisting of disabled drivers. Many are ex or serving military troops who have sustained serious injuries and are disabled.