As I stated 6 weeks ago, the pain and heartbreak of missing the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is a feeling that wasn’t going to leave my mind for many a year. In typing this at Towcester’s Costa whilst waiting for a bus to Northampton and on a train back to Birmingham, that feeling very much still resonates.

However, and thankfully three weeks after the gutting blow, I received the invitation 18 months in the making: to do my first weekend as part of the 400+ strong Silverstone Race Maker team, for the first MotoGP race since 2019’s biblical on-the-line victory for Alex Rins.

And with the last few weeks at home being difficult (for reasons certainly not to explain right now), the opportunity of my first visit outside of the West Midlands since January 16^th, 2020, is one I can say was worthwhile.

Of course, being one of several newbies across the team naturally meant a few awkward moments; particularly with people’s names, length of time which they have been part of the Race Maker programme and where folk reside - which naturally, I am delighted the West Midlands has many! Having said that, everyone’s collective kindness, decency and friendliness made me feel just at home – knowing of the unique combination that Motorsport and Voluntary service runs through one and all.

I first knew of their outstanding pedigree, whilst donning the bright yellow shirts of Global Security Stewarding (now in the Blue of Sierra 1 Security Stewarding) of Sheffield, for the 2018 blazing hot Formula 1, the 2018 rained-off MotoGP (hope the F1 family have dried off in Belgium!) and 2019 Formula 1 (overshadowed by England’s marvellous Cricket World Cup win) in my Student days. The energy is the most boundless I’ve ever known and alongside that, folks’ friendly nature made my decision to apply for a spot in the 2020 recruitment the most straightforward thing in recent memory.

It makes me rather annoyed to know and have been told of experiences, that at every event a small minority of the public like to put the blame of the Pink and Blue army. I would simply say to all reading this and who heads to Silverstone: we can’t solve everything and if you have an issue, be clear about it but remember the need for respect in the process!

As for the weekend and the duties I had, my location was that of the unroofed but brilliant viewing point of the Village A grandstand. This is located within the circuit’s Zone 8 and covers the stands at Farm, Village and the trackside viewing down the Wellington Straight – alongside the vast Entertainment Zone, where Dizzy Rascal seemingly made several thousand go Bonkers on Saturday… Again I also say big thanks to my fellow Zone 8 team members, for making me extremely welcome and I would happily work with you anywhere across the track.

There are around 1,300/1,400 seats and is primed in an areas where at least half of the track is viewable. Alongside the flow of Farm Curve – a place primed for Motorcyclists heading straight for an accident and Village corner itself, fans can also see The Loop, Aintree and the majority of the Wellington Straight; which from the top is a superb sight and behind it the stunning Maggots and Becketts Complex (where Mr Marquez was hugely lucky on Friday), the flick of, all of The Hangar Straight, Stowe Corner and the run down to the Vale Chicane.

In being partnered with an experienced member of the crew, I felt very much at ease with his several years of volunteering in the bank, even despite him having to cover the covered Village B on Sunday thanks to a few dropouts and an ill Steward or two. Out of each day and despite being on my own on Sunday, Race Day actually felt the easiest, as a result of significant space remaining in the stand and everyone enjoying the occasion and the MANY Marc & Alex Marquez flags from their Fan Clubs, unlike the Friday and Saturday custom of General Admission ticket holders being able to rove anywhere they please.

That in itself meant a packed house for Saturday qualifying and many a Valentino Rossi fan embracing the 2^nd part, of a long and deserved goodbye (just a shame about his rear tire hitting the cliff quickly!) and myself just about grabbing a spot at the top, to see the action, ensuring everyone looked okay and keeping a close eye for problems, particularly of those who love to smoke and vape – which rightfully is not permitted in such an area.

At the forefront of my mind, was ensuring people knew where they were going, interacting with them in a pleasing and approachable manner, giving out many a Entertainment Guide which becomes your bible across the weekend and of course raving about the love of two wheels. It didn’t surprise me that with most betting on a Fabio Quartararo victory, he delivered in as cool and measured manner as needs be after he swopped in front early on. I very much see a 65 point lead with up to 6 races to go as uncatchable and the 22 Year Old Frenchmen looks fully enroute to the ultimate crown.

The other big highlight in my mind alongside the exploits of Fabio, Valentino, Cal Crutchlow (on the Yamaha, for probably the nicest one off possible) and Jake Dixon (who did what he could on his debut), was that of Sam Lowes in Moto2, where after an intense battle ended in a 4^th placed finish. The start to take the lead on the Opening Lap was sublime and rightfully sent the place into pandemonium and no doubt illustrates a man who after his season with Aprilia in 2017, deserves to give the top class a 2^nd bite of the cherry.

In finishing up and as mentioned, the combination of Sport and wanting to give back makes such a Programme and involvement within it extremely special. Many people look to events of the kind to make them feel happy, give them memories to last a lifetime and see people do their best for society and the nation.

As a 23 and going 24-year-old with Autism, it again proves that anyone can do that they hope and in my explicit opinion, if the Government were to make Volunteering – for up to a week, at least one a year compulsory, then I would feel delighted knowing of the ways such experiences can change people and, in many cases, change them for the better.

With the MotoGP championship rolling on to Aragon on September 12^th, I hugely look forward to keeping an eye on the business end of the season and preparing for many more trips to the area key to West Northamptonshire District Council, hopefully commencing with the Round 8 and Races 22, 23 and 24, of a mega tightly fought Kwit Fit British Touring Car Championship on September 25^th and 26^th!

The major question is: will defending Champion Ashley Sutton and Laser Tools Racing finally shine a light, knowing he has yet to crack at on the National Circuit? 😉