The British Army is using the excitement and technology of top-level motorsport to inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians and problem-solvers through a new partnership with Speedworks Motorsport in the 2026 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
The collaboration brings together two organisations that thrive on precision, teamwork and high-performance environments, while showcasing the wide range of technical careers available within the Army.
The BTCC, Britain’s premier touring car racing series, visits some of the country’s most famous circuits across a ten-event season. Through its partnership with Speedworks Motorsport, the Army hopes to engage young people who are passionate about engineering, technology and motorsport, demonstrating how those same skills are vital in modern military service.
Inspiring Britain’s Future Engineers
At the heart of the initiative is a strong focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Speaking about the partnership, Colonel Rich Hall MBE, Head of Army Regional Engagement, said:
“What makes this partnership particularly powerful is the opportunity it gives us to bring young people, especially college students, directly into an environment where STEM comes alive.”
The Army believes the fast-paced world of motorsport provides an ideal platform to demonstrate the practical application of engineering and technical skills, while also highlighting the rewarding career opportunities available in uniform.
Colonel Hall added:
“By using the platform of Speedworks Motorsport, we can showcase how military engineering and technical trades operate in dynamic, high-performance settings.
“At the same time, we can harness the passion and adrenaline of a race weekend to demonstrate that Army Sport, and especially Army motorsport, sits right at the heart of Army life. It shows that a career in the Army is not only professionally rewarding but also offers individuals the chance to pursue their passions, compete, and be part of something exceptional.”
Bringing Military Engineering to the Public
Throughout the BTCC season, racegoers will be able to visit dedicated Army fan zones featuring military equipment displays, motorsport demonstrations and opportunities to learn more about Army careers.
The initiative also extends beyond race weekends. Cadet organisations and youth groups are being invited to Speedworks Motorsport’s headquarters for hands-on STEM workshops and behind-the-scenes tours, giving them first-hand experience of professional motorsport engineering.
The aim is to show young people how the skills required to build, maintain and operate racing cars are closely linked to the engineering, logistics and technical roles that help keep the British Army operating around the world.
Soldiers Working Alongside Racing Professionals
One of the most distinctive features of the partnership is the direct involvement of members of the British Army Motorsport Association.
Soldiers are being embedded within the Speedworks garage during race weekends, creating a unique exchange of knowledge between military personnel and professional motorsport engineers. Both environments demand rapid decision-making, meticulous preparation and flawless teamwork under pressure.
Staff Sergeant Will Ashmore from the Army Engagement Group and Army Motorsport said the partnership had already proved valuable in introducing young people to opportunities they may never have previously considered.
Speaking after the recent BTCC event at Oulton Park in Cheshire, he said:
“Through our partnership with Speedworks Motorsport, I was able to engage with students during their visit to Oulton Park, demonstrating the opportunities available within the Army – not only in motorsport, but across the wider spectrum of sport within the Army.”
He noted that many of the students were surprised to learn about the Army’s involvement in motorsport and the level at which military competitors participate.
“Prior to the event, none of the students were aware of the Army’s significant involvement in motorsport, which prompted a range of questions about the crossover between motorsport and Army life, as well as the level at which we compete.
“Working alongside my team from the British Army Motorsports Association, we were able to bridge the gap between motorsport enthusiasts attending the event and the Army.”
A Modern Army for a Modern Britain
The partnership highlights how today’s Army relies on highly skilled specialists across a wide range of technical disciplines. From engineering and cyber security to logistics, communications and vehicle maintenance, modern military operations increasingly depend on advanced technology and expert personnel.
With around 10,000 vacancies currently available across more than 200 different roles, the Army hopes the BTCC partnership will encourage talented young people to consider careers where they can develop valuable technical skills while serving their country.
By combining the thrill of British motorsport with the professionalism of the Armed Forces, the initiative offers a powerful reminder that engineering excellence, innovation and teamwork remain at the heart of both Britain’s racing success and its national defence.
Main Image: For illustration.
