George Grant brought the curtain down on his 2014 season at last weekend’s inaugural Race of Remembrance (9 November) where the motorsport community gathered to compete in honour of Britain’s service personnel.
Hosted by Anglesey Circuit, the event was run in aid of official Armed Forces charity Mission Motorsport and marked 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, as well as other conflicts in which British troops have served.
Grant was joined by a crack crew aboard his Mazda MX5 at the Welsh venue, with former BTCC racer Shaun Hollamby and Mazda aces Rob Boston and Jonathan Cryer sharing driving duties.
Sunday’s eight-hour contest employed a unique format, with competitors taking the start at 09.00 before pulling into the pits at 10.45. A service of remembrance was then held in the paddock, led by Army Chaplain Revd. David Banbury and supported by a Welsh Male Voice Choir, before racing resumed.
“As ever, the Mission Motorsport team did a fantastic job in preparing the car and I was proud to represent them at such a significant event,” enthused Grant afterwards.
“We improved throughout practice, particularly after switching to Federal tyres which were absolutely superb,” he continued. “Our MeisterR suspension was also excellent and did a lot for the MX5’s performance.”
Following a wet-dry qualifying session on Saturday the team claimed fifth on the grid for Sunday’s race, with reigning Mazda MaX5 Racing champion Cryer posting their fastest lap.
“After changeable conditions during qualifying we were treated to much better weather for race day,” explained Grant . “Rob took the start and remained on-track until the remembrance service. I was next at the wheel before Jon and then Shaun ran their stints. Finally, I was back at the controls for the last half-hour, which was a great honour.”
The crew eventually finished a very satisfying fifth overall and third in the Heroes Trophy, a traditional endurance category reserved for single-car entries such as Grant’s.
“Overall it was a great weekend that perfectly combined remembering our servicemen and women’s sacrifices with the competitive spirit of motorsport,” he added. “The racing was excellent, while the two-minute silence was especially poignant and beautifully observed. It was so peaceful that you could hear the sea rolling in the distance. That is certainly a moment which will remain with me.”
The Race of Remembrance capped a busy maiden year of motor racing for Grant, who concluded his MaX5 Racing Championship season at Pembrey last month with a season-best finish.
