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Hurt soldiers get shot at racing

Mission Motorsport, an organisation that wants to use motorsport to help rehabilitate injured soldiers, has been launched in the UK.

It wants to deliver a driver development programme, skills training, coaching and licence-acquisition, the plans for which were laid out at a media event at the Thruxton circuit in England.

A fleet of race and track cars has been prepared and will be developed and maintained by the servicemen as they train and campaign in a number of racing disciplines.

RACE ENTRIES

The idea was developed by a group of serving soldiers, officers and motorsport professionals and hopes to help people from the armed services injured during military operations. The organisation has been cleared by the UK's Charities Commission and British racing legend Stirling Moss has been confirmed as the its first patron.

The charity wants its beneficiaries to enter the Britcar 24-hour race, the 25-hour Fun Cup race at Spa Francorchamps and a full season of Superstock Powerboat racing.

Through engagement in the sport the charity has a secondary aim, to open up a series of vocational opportunities, placements and secondments for injured servicemen considering a return to civilian life.

BENTLEY PLACEMENT

Mission Motorsport will work with Bentley to set up its first industrial placement later in 2012.

Christine Gaskell, member of the Bentley board, said: “Everybody at Bentley is aware of the sacrifices made by our armed forces and the challenges many servicemen face in adapting to civilian  life so, when we were approached by Mission Motorsport, we jumped at the opportunity to work with them.

“Bentley can offer a wide range of opportunities that use the skills and experience of the individuals."
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