Arthur Fletcher, a 19-year-old apprentice with Woolmer Classic Engineering, has been named the winner of the 2026 Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award.
Now in its fifth year, the award was established by Sarah Jane Adams-Diffey in memory of her husband, historic racing driver Simon Diffey, who died in a road accident in May 2022. Its purpose is to support young engineers entering the historic motor sport industry, with the winner receiving practical experience, training and assistance towards competing in motor sport.
Fletcher was selected from 14 employer-approved apprentice nominations, which were reduced to three finalists following an initial judging process. Final interviews took place at the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park on July 19, 2026.
Fletcher joined Woolmer Classic Engineering in 2025 and began his apprenticeship with the Heritage Skills Academy in February that year. He is currently in the second year of his engineering technician apprenticeship. Woolmer Classic Engineering is a family-owned company specialising in the preparation of classic road and competition cars, while also providing customer race and rally support at events in the UK and overseas. It is Fletcher’s first employment within the automotive industry.
The judging panel included HSCC chief executive Andy Dee-Crowne and Chilli Engineering director Charlie Hamilton, who is also the award’s mentor for 2026. Fletcher’s engineering knowledge, interest in historic motor sport and ambition to move into racing formed key parts of his selection.
“Arthur was an outstanding candidate for the Diffey Award, demonstrating confidence, enthusiasm and authenticity throughout his interview,” said Dee-Crowne. “He communicated his experiences clearly, gave thoughtful and engaging responses and showed a genuine understanding of the values behind the award.”
Hamilton added: “Arthur’s knowledge and passion for historic motor sport was something which couldn’t be missed and I know Simon would have been impressed.”
As part of the award, Fletcher will spend one month working with Blakeney Motorsport during the 2027 race season and will attend an international race with the team. He will also receive £3000 towards travel and subsistence costs.
The programme is intended to provide Fletcher with a route into competition as well as workshop experience. Motorsport UK will provide a race licence pack ahead of his ARDS test, while Will Nuthall and Martin Stretton will provide private race tuition. Silverstone will support his ARDS test, which is required for him to obtain a racing competition licence. Alpinestars will provide a race suit, shoes and gloves, while Arai will supply a helmet. The Historic Sports Car Club will also provide free entry into a suitable race series for a set number of events using the award’s MGB GT.
The scheme has built up a network of companies and organisations within historic motor sport since its creation. Its secondment partners include Classic Team Lotus, Ecurie Bertelli, GTO Engineering and Bell Sport & Classic, IN Racing and, new for 2026, Blakeney Motorsport. Heritage Skills Academy, the Royal Automobile Club, Goodwood, Silverstone, Motorsport UK, the HSCC and a number of motor sport suppliers and publications also support the programme.
Sarah Jane Adams-Diffey said Fletcher’s enthusiasm for historic racing, including his particular interest in James Hunt, had stood out during the selection process.
“I am delighted that Arthur is our winner for 2026,” she said. “His knowledge of historic motor sport at such a young age and his enthusiasm for all things James Hunt, his idol, demonstrated the Diffey sparkle that we were looking for.”
Fletcher will formally receive the award from Royal Automobile Club chairman Duncan Wiltshire during the Goodwood Revival weekend. The presentation will take place at the Tyrrell Shed at 11am on Sunday, September 20, with Goodwood Revival radio presenter Peter Snowdon hosting the ceremony.
More details are available here.
