ChatGPT said: Roaring Success: Tonbridge Supercar Rally Raises £10,000 and Helps Drive a Teen’s Dream Forward
TONBRIDGE – July 2025 — Petrolheads and families alike descended on Tonbridge Racecourse last month for a high-octane community celebration that raised over £10,000 for charity—and inspired one young car enthusiast in an unforgettable way.
Hosted by national charity The Mason Foundation, the inaugural Charity Supercar Rally and Community Event took place on Sunday 29th June and brought together over 3,000 visitors, more than 100 supercars and classic cars, and a convoy of 50 Harley-Davidsons. The free, family-focused event transformed Tonbridge High Street into a parade of horsepower, style, and community spirit.
Car lovers were treated to a jaw-dropping showcase of automotive excellence, with standout vehicles earning awards and drawing admiration from attendees across Kent and beyond. Meanwhile, food vendors, live music performances, and demonstrations from local organisations helped create a buzzing festival atmosphere.
But the day’s most powerful moment came not from the roar of engines, but from a quiet act of kindness that made a lasting impact on a local teenager.
Jake, a 17-year-old student from Tonbridge living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, realised a lifelong dream when he climbed into the driver’s seat of an Aston Martin DB11. The car’s owner, Stephen Mason, is the founder of The Mason Foundation—and someone who understands the challenges of disability and adversity. Born with a physical disability and later diagnosed with dyslexia, Stephen left school without qualifications but went on to gain a degree, build successful businesses, and establish a national charity focused on community wellbeing.
After bonding over a shared passion for cars and discussing adaptive driving solutions, Stephen made a promise to Jake—and kept it. Just days later, he turned up outside Jake’s school to take him for a ride in the DB11. During the drive, the pair talked cars, careers, and confidence, and by the end of the day, Jake had been appointed Youth Ambassador for the Mason Foundation.
Reflecting on the experience, Jake said:
“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.”
Jake now hopes to pursue a career as a video-game writer, with support from the Foundation helping him build skills and confidence.
While Jake’s story was a personal gesture, not a formal programme of the charity, The Mason Foundation ensured appropriate safeguarding and supervision throughout.
Founder Stephen Mason shared his pride in the event’s success:
“The charity supercar rally in Tonbridge was a fantastic event—with over 100 supercars and 50 Harley-Davidsons, it truly brought the community together. We’re absolutely thrilled to have raised over £10,000 to support our mission across the UK.”
That mission includes initiatives like The Community Mile, Propel, and various locally-led programmes aimed at building healthier, more inclusive communities.
The event’s success was made possible by support from local partners and volunteers, including Tonbridge Farmers Market, Kent Police Cadets, Music Station Pro, West Kent Freemasons, Rye Sailability, and individual contributors such as Steve Wood, James Sedge, and James Taylor.
For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved with The Mason Foundation, visit: www.masonfoundation.co.uk