Tonbridge Racecourse hosts successful inaugural Charity Supercar Rally and Community Event
On Sunday, 29th June, Tonbridge Racecourse was filled with the roar of engines as national charity The Mason Foundation held its first-ever Charity Supercar Rally and Community Event. Over 3,000 visitors flocked to the event, which celebrated automotive excellence, community spirit, and charitable giving.
The free, family-friendly festival showcased more than 100 supercars and classic cars, as well as 50 Harley-Davidsons, drawing crowds from all over Kent and beyond. Spectators lined Tonbridge High Street to witness the impressive vehicle parade before awards were presented to standout cars and bikes.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, exhibitors, and supporters, including a significant donation from NFU Mutual, the event raised over £10,000. These funds will go towards The Mason Foundation’s mission to build healthier, happier, and more inclusive communities nationwide through various programmes such as The Community Mile, Propel, and community-designed impact projects.
Founder of The Mason Foundation, Stephen Mason, expressed his thoughts on the successful event, stating, “The charity supercar rally in Tonbridge was a fantastic event – with over 100 supercars and 50 Harley-Davidsons, it truly brought the community together. The day was filled with a brilliant mix of food, music, physical activity, and good old-fashioned community spirit. We’re absolutely thrilled to have raised over £10,000 to support our mission across the UK.”
The event was made possible through the dedication of local partners and volunteers, including Steve Wood from Tonbridge Farmers Market, who curated the fantastic food vendors, James Sedge from Music Station Pro and his talented students, who provided live musical entertainment, and James Taylor, who championed the Tonbridge Community Mile. Other notable contributors include the Kent Police Cadets, who showcased their skills and equipment, Rye Sailability, who demonstrated that sailing is accessible to all, and the West Kent Freemasons, who provided invaluable support with marshalling and road closures. Additionally, David and Faye March captured the day’s memories through photography and videography.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when 17-year-old Jake, a student from Tonbridge living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, had the opportunity to sit in his dream car, an Aston Martin DB11, and meet the car’s owner, Stephen Mason. They even discussed adaptive vehicle possibilities for drivers with disabilities. Stephen, who was born with a physical disability and later diagnosed with dyslexia, left school with no qualifications but went on to obtain a degree and launch a mix of successful businesses, alongside founding the charity.
To Jake’s surprise, Stephen later offered to pick him up from school for a drive in the DB11. True to his word, he arrived the following Wednesday, giving Jake the chance to experience the DB11 in action and receive career advice and mentoring. Jake has since been appointed as the Youth Ambassador at The Mason Foundation, providing him with the opportunity to develop employability skills.
Reflecting on his experience, Jake shared, “It was a day I’ll never forget – not just for the thrill of sitting in a DB11, but for the kindness, inspiration, and generosity shown by Mr. Mason. Before I met him, my future seemed like a cul-de-sac because there wasn’t much to look forward to. Since we became friends, my future began to look quite promising.”
With newfound confidence and optimism, Jake now dreams of becoming a video-game writer and believes that The Mason Foundation’s support will help make those ambitions possible.
Stephen Mason emphasized that Jake’s experience was a unique and personal gesture, born from Jake’s motivation and ability to network, and not part of the charity’s regular activities. All interactions were carried out safely with appropriate supervision and safeguarding in place.
The Mason Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all who joined, exhibited vehicles, volunteered, and donated. Your support is transforming lives, ensuring that young people like Jake can dream big, and communities can thrive.
For more information about The Mason Foundation’s work and upcoming events, please visit www.masonfoundation.co.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.