Have you ever heard of any of the British Armed Forces motorsport teams? If the answer’s no, don’t worry. I hadn’t either until I recently attended Autosport International 2025 at the NEC. Both the British Army and RAF were in attendance, and I had one question ‘Why?’. Here’s the reason behind the teams’ existence and what they get up to.
It’s Part of the Lifestyle
Members of the British Armed Forces are encouraged to participate in sports as part of their time in the military. This is for a number of reasons, particularly as it’s beneficial for the mind and body, but also as it improves relations between members and brings some healthy competition.
Motorsport is one of the options available, with the forces subsidising some of the costs, allowing the cost of entry to be lower. What’s more, members of the various teams are able to get time off work to compete in races and come to events like Autosport International and the British Grand Prix.
The Recruitment Factor
Speaking to one of the RAF team members, the biggest reason for the military’s support of these teams is that they are part of the constant drive to attract new members, something that is only getting harder. It helps to sell the lifestyle, as do the other sports teams.
The RAF and British Army stand definitely drew some attention and the presence of these organisations at the show must have intrigued a few passers-by. There was a recruitment section on both stands and after editor Paul Hadley and I arrived at this bit first, we were nearly shipped off to the RAF!
Where the Armed Forces Motorsport Teams Compete
The RAF stand featured a go-kart, offering recruits the chance to compete in the most beginner-friendly motorsport. There was also a sim racing rig, a common theme at this year’s motorsport show. The two cars on display were both German, but very different prospects to drive from the sounds of it.
The modified BMW 116i is where many drivers in the team cut their teeth, being described as ‘planted’. From some quick research, the RAF Motor Sports Association has two of these cars, competing against similar machines from other military racing teams.
The Audi TT built by Darkside Developments is one of the most interesting cars at the show, being a rare diesel race car. It’s said to be harder to get on with than the BMW, unsurprisingly, as it weighs just 1140 kg but has 325 bhp and 543 Nm of torque. It runs on HVO, a sustainable diesel alternative.
There’s a whole host of events in which the Armed Forces motorsport teams compete. Chiefly, the teams battle each other in the Armed Forces Race Challenge which features 10 rounds of racing at 5 circuits across the UK. There’s also the annual Race of Remembrance at Anglesey, a 12-hour endurance race that takes place across Remembrance Weekend. The Audi TT previously mentioned won the 2024 Race of Remembrance – although it’s more than a race; it’s an opportunity to bring together people from across the Armed Forces and commemorate those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.