David Richards CBE - Chairman, Motorsport UK

“I can't imagine a more appropriate way to remember Simon than an award that allows young people the opportunity to go racing in these wonderful old cars.”

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Tony Jardine – rally driver, motorsport pundit and former Formula One assistant team manager 

"This is one of the most important yet heartening nights of the historic motoring year, when an apprentice is crowned and launched into a motorsport opportunity to work with a race team and have the chance to learn how to race themselves. It is such a vital scheme to encourage and support fresh talent into historic motorsport due to the fact that the many senior artisans are reaching the end of their careers and new blood is needed. Without the Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award and the Heritage Skills Academy, for whom I have enormous admiration, the world of heritage motoring and motorsport would be left wanting. The fact that so many key industry figures support the awards and attend the superb evening, means that there is real momentum behind the efforts to protect and nurture the future of historic motorsport."

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Stuart Pringle – CEO, Silverstone Circuit

"Silverstone has been delighted to help train the winner of the Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award annually. There is no question that if an engineer has personal experience and a first hand appreciation of what racing drivers are exposed to they are far better placed to diagnose issues and offer performance enhancing solutions to competitors. The whole rationale of the Award therefore makes complete sense and it will, over time, serve to enhance Great Britain’s reputation as the centre of historic motorsport still further."

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Duncan Wiltshire - Chairman of The Royal Automobile Club

"On behalf of the Royal Automobile Club, I applaud Simon’s Award, which is very important for sustaining historic motorsport engineering and inspiring the next generation.”“The Royal Automobile Club has been celebrating success and rewarding achievements for over 125 years, and we are delighted to now be playing an even greater part – with Sarah and her other supporters – in this great way to foster new talent.”

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Hugh Chambers - CEO, Motorsport UK

"The  Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award 2024 at the Royal Automobile Club was an enormous success, highlighting the talents of the winner, Jamie Scott Marriott, an apprentice and employee of P&K Thornton Restorations, as well as demonstrating the link between the workshop and the track. Sarah has delivered yet another brilliant awards evening that stands as great testament to Simon Diffey, who was a champion for youth and the enjoyment of motorsport – both of which are perfectly captured by this year’s award."

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Richard Attwood - Le Mans winner and former F1 driver

“The Simon Diffey Award represents a fantastic opportunity for a young person to make a difference for the motorsport industry in general and, more importantly, for him or herself.”

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Kacey Burgess - 2025 Award Winner

"I couldn't be more grateful for this award giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. Since I first heard about the award I was so excited to apply, now I still can't believe I've won! This is life changing for me, as I never thought I'd be the one behind the wheel. I'm so looking forward to what's to come in the next year and all that I'll be able to achieve."

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Jamie Scott Marriott - 2024 Award Winner

"It is so hard to put into words exactly how grateful I am to everyone involved with the Diffey Award, and for every opportunity given, to provide me with this past year. This Award has made my dreams come true. You have allowed me to do something I never thought possible for someone like me. For that, and for everything, thank you."

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John Worth - Award Mentor and veteran and classic car collector

“A fabulous evening - great to catch up with familiar faces and meet new friends. Lots of young people and wonderful to see our motoring heritage being enjoyed by a whole new generation of enthusiasts.” 

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Rob Blakemore - Ecurie Bertelli – Secondment Partner 2023

"It was a pleasure to host Adam Cameron, The Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice winner 2023. Indeed, it was a privilege to have Adam as part of our race team as we introduced him to preparing and supporting pre-war race cars in the UK and Europe."

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Adam Cameron - 2023 Award Winner

"My award year finished with my final race at Silverstone, friends, family, and award supporters in the stand cheering me on. The feeling of getting out on track full of confidence, getting in amongst other drivers and having some battles was better than I could have imagined. After getting out the car I’ve never had such a big smile on my face. During the year I  had some incredible experiences, made some great memories, lifelong stories and met some amazing people. Without these amazing people I would not have had the year I’ve had. Although it may be over, I’m looking forward to watch this wonderful award evolve and change the lives of many more young people."

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Emilia Brown - 2022 Award Winner

"To have been selected as the inaugural winner of Diffey's award was an absolute honour. It has made a lifelong dream of mine a reality and provided a whole host of people, memories and skills that I'll cherish for life. I can't thank all those who made this award possible enough."