Sparking Career’s at the Vintage Sports Car Club’s Spring Start

The Vintage Sports-Car Club’s event calendar crackles into life from the very start of the year. January opens with the legendary Measham Rally, quickly followed by the New Year Driving Tests, before February brings the roar of circuit competition with the ever-entertaining Pomeroy Trophy. It’s an event we know well, having previously worked with the Club to give our Ambassadors hands-on experience across a wide variety of roles. Then, as winter fades and the season gathers momentum, attention shifts to one of the highlights of the spring calendar: the Spring Start.

So far in 2026, the charity has supported and mentored more than 30 young students and enthusiasts. From CV development to employability skills, every conversation tends to lead to the same thing: a hunger for meaningful work experience and a chance to get closer to the industry they are passionate about. These opportunities are invaluable, not only giving young people practical insight into potential careers, but also connecting them with experienced professionals who can inspire, encourage, and open doors.

At April’s Spring Start event, we brought along five students we’d been working with over recent months for a full-throttle day of immersive activity. Beginning bright and early at 7:00am, the group joined a scrutineering briefing led by the Chief Scrutineer. Even for those not necessarily considering a mechanical career path, the session proved fascinating, especially with the added bonus of climbing into some of the magnificent machines waiting to be inspected.

The action continued trackside at the AutoSolo, where students soaked up the atmosphere and even had the opportunity to briefly meet Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame. Better still, Richard already knew about the charity which was very encouraging to hear. Shortly afterwards, Connor from CarNatter, a social community group dedicated to making club events more accessible, spoke passionately about his work in the industry and the importance of building welcoming automotive communities.

Behind-the-scenes access formed a major part of the experience. A visit to Race Control with Club Secretary Tania Brown gave students a firsthand insight into the coordination, concentration, and teamwork required to keep an event running smoothly. This was followed by a paddock tour with Club Accountant Rupert Clark, who shared further insight into the operational side of motorsport and the huge collaborative effort behind every successful event.

The group also spent time with StarterMotor Ambassador and former Heritage Skills Academy apprentice Morgan Wallace, who shared his own journey into the industry. His honest reflections and practical advice gave students a relatable and inspiring perspective on how a career within the sector can become a reality.

To finish the day in style, students experienced the excitement of the AutoSolo course from the passenger seat of a selection of thrilling cars. Smiles were unavoidable. It was the perfect conclusion to a day filled with energy, inspiration, and hands-on learning.

Thanks to the Vintage Sports-Car Club, six young people gained invaluable trackside experience. For one student, the hours spent at the event even contributed towards their qualification at the National College for Motorsport. More importantly, the day lit a genuine spark. Confidence grew, ambitions sharpened, and by the end of the event there was no mistaking the excitement and enthusiasm these young people now felt for the future of the industry.

The Vintage Sports-Car Club stands as a fantastic example of an organisation actively investing in the next generation. By creating opportunities like these and championing meaningful work experience, the Club is helping ensure the future of the historic motorsport and automotive sector remains bright, vibrant, and full of fresh talent.