As True Heroes Racing completed their eleventh year on the track as a racing team, we look back on some of the highlights of the season.
This year, the team competed in the Bennetts British Superbike Superstock 1000 and the British TriOptions Cup competitions under the guise of the British Superbike Championships series.
Moving up a class in motorsport
True Heroes Racing are the UK’s first and only motorcycle racing team dedicated to supporting wounded, injured and sick (WIS) UK service personnel and veterans. Among their many achievements this year, they have been able to provide the largest number of beneficiary activities to veterans – both on and off the track – to date.
But 2023 also saw them expand on all fronts with entry into a second premier class at the British Superbike Championships (BSB) – the British Supersport Class – along with their current National Superstock 1000 competitors.
This wasn’t without its challenges as one of their riders experienced a substantial absence due to an early season racing injury. The team pulled together to ensure his bike was still on the grid with other team riders taking up the position.
Dave Mackay rides off into the sunset after a magical day at Thruxton
Long-standing rider, Dave Mackay #22, combined finishing his last race at BSB at Thruxton in August with celebrating his 50th birthday, drawing attention from the media on the grid before rolling away when the lights went green.
Mackay will now formally take over managing the team’s club level activities with long-standing partner, North Gloucester Road Racing Club. This includes their ever-expanding Grassroots and Associate Rider programmes, which are specifically designed to mentor, train and guide those who benefit from their support at a novice level as they embark on their journey onto the racetrack.
True Heroes racing’s grassroots programme continues to prosper
After launching their Grassroots Rider Programme in 2020 following completion of the beneficiary ACU Race Licence Assessment, the programme has continued to grow year on year, with 2023 seeing new riders being added to the original team and existing riders growing in confidence and ability.
The team’s Associate rider programme also expanded in 2023, with a number of riders getting involved at different levels. This not only facilitates more visibility and exposure for their brand, but it also highlights those who specifically support this initiative.
True Heroes Racing encourages social inclusion and uses physical training and endurance activities to help boost confidence, inspire others and aid the rehabilitation and recovery of WIS personnel and veterans.
True Heroes also work in conjunction with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centres, where they provide inspirational respite and holistic rehabilitation activities for military personnel undergoing recovery treatment as well as their families.
Strengthening sponsorship ties
During 2023 True Heroes strengthened their links and partnerships with other similar organisations supporting wounded, injured and sick UK Service personnel and veterans, such as the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall and the Pals Battalion.
There are some exciting options being discussed for 2024 to further enhance these relationships and support more joint beneficiary demographics.
Throughout 2023, True Heroes Racing has continued to grow with the help of sponsors, partners and supporters.
With the support of Ducati UK and Laguna Motorcycles the team also commissioned a short video to reinforce the impact True Heroes Racing is having on individuals from beneficiary communities:
Who are True Heroes Racing?
True Heroes Racing offer former UK service personnel and veterans the chance to get into professional motorcycle racing and are the UK’s first and only motorcycle team dedicated to supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The True Heroes’ aim is to “engage, empower and inspire”, and you won’t meet any more inspiring riders than those who race for the team.
Are you taking to the track for the day?
Are you thinking of taking to the track like True Heroes Racing? Maybe their story has whetted your appetite to partake in a track day.
If so, you’ll need to have the right cover. As well as brilliant bespoke motorcycle insurance deals, Bikesure can organise special cover for trackdays and other bike events.
And if you’re a member of Motorsport UK, you can get a discount with our exclusive scheme.
Give us a call on 0800 369 8580 or book a callback at a time that suits you.
