Motorsport is a high-pressure industry where demanding schedules, intense competition, and the risks inherent in racing take a toll on those who take part and those who enjoy it. During a recent visit to Oulton Park, motorsport chaplain Dave Limbrick approached the medical centre with offers of shortbread and a listening ear.
Working across paddocks, teams and events, chaplains provide confidential, independent support to people across the paddock and beyond, helping them navigate the personal and professional challenges of life in the sport.– regardless of faith or belief. Whether that’s providing friendly company, prayer, or support through injury, bereavement, and personal challenges, chaplains offer accessible wellbeing support and pastoral care across the racing community.
To learn more, MotorsportInsight Editor Maddie Hall spoke with Dave about how motorsport chaplaincy works, the support available, and how a trusted presence in the paddock can make a meaningful difference.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into motorsport chaplaincy? What first made you feel this was something you wanted to do?
I can best be described as a Christian biker. I’m married with three grown-up children, and after 30 years in commercial procurement, I now spend my time as a part-time handyman. For several years before becoming a chaplain, I enjoyed motorcycle track days with my two sons – and still do.
A group called Christians in Motorsport started appearing in my Facebook feed. Then came a call for help from a vicar, James Rigby, who used to race and instruct at Silverstone. He was seeking people to become motorsport chaplains and support the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC).
For me, it felt as though God had grabbed a wet kipper, slapped me around the face with it and said, “This is for you, sonny!” So, I arranged a meeting with James – and four years later, here we are.
2. For someone who has never met a motorsport chaplain, can you explain what your role involves on a typical race weekend and beyond?
Our motto is a great place to start: to support, encourage and inspire.
That support is available to everyone – racers, team members, friends and family, organisers, officials, marshals, security and medical staff, and the general public. Anyone who wants it can receive spiritual and pastoral care. We’re there when people need us, but we’re never in their face.
As well as chaplains wandering around the circuit, happy to chat, the chaplaincy tent is available as a safe space – both from the rain and as a private, dedicated area for conversations.
Prayer is also available when it’s wanted, and people often ask us to pray for them. A great example came earlier this year. I happened to be at a track day where a family was planning a lunchtime lap of remembrance for their son, who had been killed unexpectedly on the road.
I gave his mum a chaplaincy card and simply said, “I’m here if you need me. I’m happy to pray or say a few words, but it’s entirely up to you. If you need me, I’m in garage seven.”
Then I stepped away and left the decision with them. Five minutes later, the entire family arrived at the garage and said, “Yes, please pray for us.” It was a privilege to do so.
3. Who do you find yourself supporting most often within the motorsport community, and what kinds of challenges or issues do people come to you with?
Often, I think it comes down to growing relationships at the track, and that can really be with anyone and everyone. Personally, I have supported drivers, security staff, marshals, organisers and team members, and that relationship and support develops at the pace of the other person.
People come to us with frustrations and fears that arise within the racing environment, as well as personal issues and questions about where they are in life. Sometimes they even have questions about God. At the chaplaincy base, we aim to provide a safe space where people can unload when they need to.
4. Motorsport is obviously about lap times and competition, but what have you learned about the people behind those things through your work?
By and large, people in the paddock are incredibly resilient. They have to be, because motorsport can be very cruel.
Many work extra days or weeks to pay for their season, only to find that all their time, money and personal investment can be destroyed in an instant. You could say it’s only nuts and bolts, but it’s far more than that. For that, people in motorsport have my full respect.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a motorsport chaplain?
I could tell several stories about things that have happened at the circuit – including cars’ brakes suddenly working after prayer – but I think the greatest joy has been seeing chaplaincy become integrated into the organisation, particularly at Castle Combe.
One of the comments I hear most often is, “I’m not a believer, but I’m glad you’re here.” I am truly humbled by that.
Credit: Dave Limbrick
6. If someone reading this has never considered the work of a motorsport chaplain before, what do you hope they understand about what you do? What advice do you have for anyone considering motorsport chaplaincy?
Chaplaincy is first and foremost a ministry of presence. We are there for people.
It isn’t necessarily glamorous. I often find myself standing under an umbrella, sharing a less-than-ideal moment with a soaked-through marshal (but at least we bring cake).
It isn’t a job where you pop in, do a season and then move on. People need time, and we give them that over many seasons. In return, you find yourself building relationships with people you might never otherwise have encountered and being that light for them.
You need patience, but it is incredibly rewarding.
