On 25 August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first race as part of my Level 3 Diploma in Motorsport at Silverstone. The weekend’s weather was ideal for racing, with temperatures around 21-23°C and a mostly cloudy sky. The cars I was supporting were the 2020 Shelby Cobra and the classic Mustang 429—two thrilling machines.

What I Did

We arrived at the track bright and early at 8 am, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I helped the team set up. My first task was to ensure all gear and spares were prepared, including checking that the spare tyres were at the correct PSI and confirming there were no leaks in the vehicles. I made sure the driver’s harness was properly secured to keep everything race-ready.

As this was my first time supporting a race event, I learned about the timing system with the pit board. Standing on the pit wall and setting up the boards, I was responsible for communicating with the drivers as they sped by, adding a level of excitement to my day.

Results

The Shelby Cobra qualified in an impressive 1st place for the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy, but unfortunately, it couldn’t finish due to a setback—a wrong set of wishbones was fitted. Despite the disappointment, the pace we showed was promising. For the Mustang, competing in the Pure Michigan Mustang Celebration Trophy for Pre-’66 Touring Cars, we qualified 3rd and finished 4th, a respectable result in a highly competitive field.

Conclusion

Overall, it was a successful day and an unforgettable experience, reminding me how much pace both cars have and what I can learn from each event. I feel grateful for the chance to support the team at Silverstone, and I’m already looking forward to the next race at Goodwood Revival!