Accelerating Connections: A Recruiter’s Journey Through Donington Park’s Racing Event

In the fast-paced world of automotive recruitment, staying connected with both the industry and its key players is essential. Our Senior Recruitment Consultant, Robert Cox, exemplifies this by actively engaging with the sector through events like the recent behind the scenes car racing event at Donington Park.

Enjoy Rob’s article below where he shares his insight and reflects on the event……..!

On Friday last week I attended the IAAF regional meeting that was very kindly hosted by NAPA Racing at Donington Park Race Circuit. As an Automotive aftermarket specialist recruiter AND Motorsport fan it is vital I stay updated on new innovation, government policy and the problems  faced by clients and sector professionals within the Aftermarket. The best way to do this is to meet up with sector colleagues and chat. The IAAF meetings are a great way of doing this so thank you to Mark Field and team for staging these events. 

One of the topics covered was the skills gap within the sector, an issue the Glen Callum team are very passionate about. We spend a considerable amount of time discussing possible ways of combatting these issues and coming up with resolutions for our clients. Anyone who attended the IAAF Summer Conference at the Belfry would have heard one of our Directors Glen Shepherd giving a presentation on this very subject. 

Pop Up NAPA hospitality

It seems the continued behind the scenes work carried out by the IAAF is proving effective with the government starting to listen and take advice on legislation to protect the aftermarket, so a big well done and thank you to all those who are working so hard to get the aftermarket what is needed. 

The personal highlight of my day was an informative guided tour of the NAPA Racing garages where we got close up and hands on with the race cars. We were shown how the teams of mechanics set the cars up and got them ready for a gruelling weekend of racing.  If anyone else was glued to the TV on Sunday, or was lucky enough to actually be there, then what a DRAMA filled weekend of racing it was across the board (Mini’s, Single Seaters and Touring Cars). There is an old saying “Rubbing is Racing” and there was plenty of rubbing going on, with yellow flags and safety cars playing a significant part. 

Because of Friday’s garage tour, I watched Sunday’s action on TV with a whole new perspective. The marshals and Donington staff had freshly painted the curbs green, and the teams meticulously paced the circuit, searching for the best racing lines. Further behind the scenes, TV technicians had equipped the cars with cameras so race fans got the best view of the action. It made me realise the immense hard work and dedication required from so many cogs to create one seamless big machine to entertain us with an exciting action packed day of racing. 

So a massive well done to everyone involved for the generous hospitality and the very best of luck to the NAPA Racing Team for the last meet of the BTCC season in a couple of weeks’ time. 

So as a bit of fun, below are 2 questions, hit me with your answers:

1. How much does the camera equipment weigh that is in the cars? 

2. How much does it cost to run one of the cars for a race season?

If you want to know the answers, or simply want to chat more with Rob on his Donington experience, or (and he will love me for including this!) if you have tickets to any future behind the scenes racing events, then Rob will be all ears!  Contact him on

Robert@glencallum.co.uk or 07398204832

With many years of technical recruiting experience across the Automotive Aftermarket and allied sectors, Robert has built a vast network of professional contacts. His deep industry knowledge and consultative approach enables him to tailor solutions for clients while guiding candidates through every step of the recruitment process. This article highlights Robert’s passion, keeping his finger on the pulse of the industry whilst fostering relationships that make a difference.