Twenty-one year old Kacey Burgess has been named winner of the Simon Diffey Heritage Motorsport Apprentice Award 2025.
Kacey works for Road and Competition Engineering Ltd and is in year two of her apprenticeship as an engineering technician.
Sarah Jane Adams-Diffey, Award Patron, said: ‘I am delighted that Kacey is our winner for 2025. When asked to explain to the judges why she should be selected as the winner over the other finalists, her response was pure motoring passion as she exclaimed “this is my dream, motorsport is my life!” That is exactly what we were looking for in a winner, somebody who is passionate, inspirational and will be an ambassador and continue the spirit of Simon’s award.’
As part of the award, Kacey will spend a month working with IN Racing during the 2026 race season and attend an international race with them. She also receives £3000 to help with subsistence and travel, a free Motorsport UK race licence, private race tuition, ARDS test supported by Silverstone, Alpinestars race kit, Arai helmet, and free entry to a suitable race series with the Historic Sports Car Club.
The Award was established by Sarah Jane Adams-Diffey in memory of her late husband and well-known historic racing driver, Simon Diffey, who was killed aged 57 in a road accident in May 2022. The aim is to continue in perpetuity Simon’s ethos of recognising and encouraging the next generation of young heritage apprentice engineers through opportunity.
Award secondment partner for 2025 and Director of IN Racing Ltd, Will Nuthall, said: ‘During the process Kacey’s passion for motorsport shone through immediately, coupled with her breadth of mechanical interest and knowledge made her a more than worthy recipient for the Simon Diffey Award.’
The award will be presented to Kacey by Clive Chapman, Founder and Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, at an awards ceremony hosted by racer and voice of Pebble Beach concours, Amanda Stretton, at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London, on Wednesday 24 September.
