Imagine this: you pass your driving test in April, earn your Association of Racing Drivers’ Schools (ARDS) license in August, turn 18 in September, and then make your racing debut in October at Silverstone, the heart of British motorsport. Not only that, but you’re competing alongside your grandad in his 1964 MGB Roadster in the Motor Racing Legends Generation Trophy.
Well, you don’t have to imagine it - because the newest StarterMotor Ambassador, Evie Russell, did exactly that.
A true dynasty in the historic motorsport world, Evie and the Russell family, known around the paddock as Club68 - had a weekend to remember. With Mike (Evie’s Dad) and Gordon (Mike’s dad, Evie’s Grandad) also getting behind the wheel in different races over the MRL Silverstone GP weekend, Evie’s debut on track was a special moment, marking the passing of the family’s racing torch to the next generation.
For context, motorsport runs deep in the Russell family. Starting on two wheels before moving to four, Mike has been racing for over 30 years. A multiple British Champion and Goodwood Revival winner, he’s competed at both club and international levels. He follows in the footsteps of his parents, Gordon and Sally Russell, paddock legends and pioneers within the sport.
After StarterMotor supported Evie with mentoring and early career development, Mike reached out with an idea: to bring some young, enthusiastic individuals to race meetings and have them work as part of the Club68 team. The range of career opportunities within motorsport is vast. From coaching to photography, engineering to operations, yet many young people starting out are unaware of just how many pathways there are into the industry.
The group of StarterMotor Ambassadors, focused primarily on the Gen-Z cohort, includes students to full-time professionals already working in the sector. The opportunity with Club68 allowed us to put forward two young people who would benefit greatly from this experience, enabling them to explore different routes into the industry. Enter Emily Grace, a budding motoring storyteller, and Dexter, a future race engineer.
The experience began bright and early on Saturday, 7:30am to be exact. Ready for scrutineering, Dexter got to grips with his roles and responsibilities for the weekend, while the shutter of Emily Grace’s camera clicked into action, capturing the atmosphere, commemorating the special weekend. Throughout the morning, Evie and Gordon completed their qualifying laps, setting their times and positions for the race. In the afternoon, the real battle began, and by the end, although still a novice, Evie could officially call herself a racing driver.
Sharing that moment with her grandad was truly special. Watching from the pitlanes, we were moved by their infectious enthusiasm, their excitement rippled through the paddock garage. After all, there are very few people in the world who can say they’ve competed alongside their grandfather in any context, let alone in a classic race-prepared MGB.
Soon after came the awards. In the Dynasty class, Evie and Gordon walked away with a gold medal, joining other Generation Trophy winners in celebration. The trophy perfectly encapsulated the passion for racing that runs through the Russell generations, a true family affair. With Rick and Joe Willmott taking first place, Patrick and Aimee Watts second, and James and Harvey McBrien third, it was a race to remember, not least for us, and for the invaluable experience it offered Emily Grace and Dexter.
At StarterMotor, we often talk about building a network of opportunities for young people, and this weekend embodied exactly that. It was a chance to develop practical skills in a hands-on environment surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts, and to discover new job roles within the motorsport world.
Without the support of organisations like Club68, who recognise the ageing demographic faced by the classic and historic sector, it would be far more difficult to offer these incredible opportunities to the next generation.
Thank you, Club68.
