Historic racing is unlike any other form of motorsport. It's a world built on shared knowledge, generosity and a genuine sense of community, where enthusiasts, competitors and professionals come together to celebrate the cars and the people who keep them alive.
This year marked the inaugural BRDC Classic, a fresh take on one of Silverstone's most beloved events, the Classic. Motor Racing Legends, alongside organisations such as the HRDC (Historic Racing Drivers Club), played host to a weekend of spectacular racing, featuring an eclectic mix of machinery taking to the track. From Pre-War Sports Cars and GP Icons to GT3 Legends, there was something for every motorsport enthusiast.
Working with Silverstone and Motor Racing Legends, we helped turn the event into much more than a race meeting. Through complimentary tickets and structured work experience placements, 25 young people were able to step behind the scenes, explore career pathways and experience the industry from the inside during an unforgettable race weekend.
What makes events like this so special is the openness of the paddock and the accessibility to all of the action. Garages are open, paddocks are free to roam, and assembly areas are out in the open meaning the sights, sounds and smells of the sport are all around. It creates a unique experience that helps fuel excitement, ambition and a desire to become part of the industry. It’s a chance for young people to engage with employers, spark conversations and develop those all-important networking skills which will support them in the long-term.
Five students completed busy work experience placements, accumulating more than 80 hours across the weekend while gaining invaluable real-world experience.
Sophie – joining the Motor Racing Legends team, Sophie supported event operations throughout the weekend. From coordinating pre-race assembly to assisting with podium presentations and helping ensure the day's activities ran smoothly, she quickly became a valued member of the team and enjoyed an unforgettable experience.
Emily – from podium interviews to main stage presentations, Emily experienced a variety of broadcasting and presenting opportunities across the weekend. Under the guidance of Toby Moody, she had the chance to learn from an industry icon and did us incredibly proud.
Thomas – our good friends at team Club68 welcomed Thomas for the weekend, providing him hands-on experience in race preparation and mechanical support. From ensuring the car was ready for action to monitoring timings and assisting our Ambassador, Evie, with race strategy, it was a truly unforgettable opportunity.
Jess – tasked with capturing the magic of a special weekend, Jess perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event through her photography. With the support and guidance of photographer Lyndon, she produced a fantastic collection of images that reflected the excitement, passion and atmosphere felt across the circuit.
Millie – supporting our main stage interviews and helping create content with the likes of Alex Brundle and our Ambassadors, Millie played a pivotal role, ensuring the weekend's standout moments reached audiences beyond the circuit.
Work experience remains one of the most effective ways of helping young people develop confidence, build practical skills and understand the realities of working in the automotive and motorsport sectors. Few sector-based settings could offer a richer learning environment than the BRDC Classic, which made the weekend so special.
Throughout the paddock, the future of the industry was impossible to miss. Young mechanics worked alongside experienced professionals; aspiring media specialists documented the action and emerging motorsport talent gained meaningful hands-on experience. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and determination added a real energy to the weekend and offered a clear reminder that the sector has an exciting future ahead.
Weekends like the BRDC Classic demonstrate exactly why StarterMotor exists. Every introduction, every conversation and every hands-on experience helps to build confidence, broaden horizons and open doors into careers across the classic and historic vehicle industry.
We left Silverstone feeling proud, grateful and inspired. None of this would have been possible without the support of Silverstone, Motor Racing Legends and Club68. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating opportunities and unforgettable experiences for the next generation of our community.
Images by Jess Croome