As we commemorate Operation Motorsport Founders Day, we reflect with deep pride and humility on the journey that began in 2017 with a simple yet powerful idea: that recovery is fueled by purpose. Operation Motorsport was born from a shared belief that the transition from military to civilian life—especially for those impacted by injury or medical release—should not mean the end of a meaningful mission. Through the world of motorsport, we created a space where camaraderie, identity, and purpose could thrive once again.

From the very beginning, Operation Motorsport has been driven by people—by the beneficiaries who demonstrate resilience and strength every day, by the volunteers and teams who give their time and talents so generously, and by the partners who stand shoulder to shoulder with us in support of our cause. It is this collective commitment that transformed a vision into a growing, international community dedicated to empowering our service members through motorsport immersion and recovery programming.

This past year has been one of remarkable growth, marked by new partnerships, expanded programming, and a renewed focus on long-term impact. Whether it’s on the pit wall, in the garage, or behind the wheel, we’ve seen firsthand how lives are being changed—one event, one connection, one mission at a time. It is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens with purpose, with teamwork, and with a shared sense of belonging.



As we look to the future, our mission remains clear and unwavering. We will continue to innovate, expand, and advocate for those who have served. Our founders’ promise is still at the core of everything we do: to ensure that our veterans are not forgotten, but empowered, respected, and re-engaged in a new mission that matters.

With gratitude and resolve,

Diezel Lodder, Board Chair & Co-founder

Tiffany Lodder, Executive Director & Co-founder

We were humbled to find out Operation Motorsport was nominated for and awarded an Oshkosh Excellence Award by Ankit Mathur, a Pratt Miller employee.

The Oshkosh Excellence Awards were created to “celebrate the innovative spirit & community commitment of our team members.” When asked to choose an organization to give back to, Mathur remembered the work we do with military veterans & put us forward for an award.

Thank you, Ankit. Thank you to Pratt Miller Motorsports & Oshkosh.

Pictured: Operation Motorsport beneficiary Richard Davenport, U.S. Army/Navy veteran & Ankit Mathur, Pratt Miller Motorsports.

Photo taken by BCPix.com – Photo by Brian Cleary.

Our medically released/retired veterans come to us searching for a new Team, Identity & Purpose & we work hard every day to deliver.

Hear about the difference it’s made to Richard Davenport, a U.S. Army & Navy veteran who gives us the inside look at our Motorsport Immersion program with his photography assignment.

The tradition of military Challenge Coins dates back decades. It’s a way to show you are part of a Team.

Here at Operation Motorsport, each of the veteran beneficiaries participating in the Motorsport Immersion program receives a numbered gold challenge coin.

Don’t forget to carry it with you! You never know when you might be challenged to show it!

KohR Motorsports | CrowdStrike Racing | APR Racing | CSM Motorsport | IMSA

Photo credit – Richard Davenport, U.S. Army/Navy veteran

#OpMo #Sahlens6HRS #IMSA

James • Benjamin • Frank • Erik • Jason • Jonathan • Tamika • Linda • Brent • Kathy • Kim & Matt • Mark • James • Martin • Benjamin • Jodi • Ann • Amy

A big THANK YOU to those of you who have joined our “22 Pit Crew” by pledging $22 a month to support our programs for medically released/retired veterans or veterans with a service-connected disability as recognized by the U.S. VA or VA-Canada. “22 Pit Crew” members will receive our monthly newsletter & an exclusive sticker.

Make your monthly pledge:

In the U.S. – https://operationmotorsport.org/donate-us/

In Canada (see “Ways to Give” for e transfer info) – https://operationmotorsport.org/donate-ca/

We know this level of commitment isn’t possible for everyone.

To make a one-time donation, visit: https://operationmotorsport.org/donate-us/

Photo credit Richard Davenport, U.S. Army/Navy veteran

#OpMo #veteranrecovery #motorsports

The clock is ticking on the early bird discount for teams entering the 12-hour, multiclass CrowdStrike Veterans Race of Remembrance Powered by AWS, Nov. 7-9, 2025 at VIRginia International Raceway.

LINK: https://operationmotorsport.org/…/less-than-30-days…/

Michelin | GoSunoco | USAC Racing | VIR | Mobil 1

#OpMo #VetsRoR

Just one year ago, New York-based U.S. Army veteran Nolan Yuke came to the #Sahlens6HRS as a fan who won free tickets in a contest. Today, he’s there with Meyer Shank Racing as an Operation Motorsport beneficiary – and his family is coming to see him at work.



This is what it’s all about. A new Team, Identity & Purpose through motorsport for our medically released/retired veterans & veterans with a service-connected disability.

Photo credit – Richard Davenport, U.S. Army/Navy veteran

#OpMo

We’d like to take a moment to recognize Casey Soble, whose DWD service for the RCAF was today. Former beneficiary Brent O’Connor attended as friend (and #OpMo brother) & shared these words from us with him.

“As you hang up your uniform for the last time, we want to take a moment—not just to recognize your incredible service, but to celebrate the person behind the rank. You’ve worn the uniform of the RCAF with pride & professionalism, but it’s the way you carried yourself—with humility, quiet strength, & unwavering integrity—that truly stands out…At Operation Motorsport, we often talk about team, identity & purpose. But you didn’t just talk about those things—you lived them. Whether you were guiding someone through a tough transition or lending your time & heart to our mission, you showed up. Fully. Authentically. And always with others in mind.

“Your presence has left a mark on this community that goes far beyond your service record. You’ve made us better—individually & as a team. And while others will miss seeing you in uniform, we know your next chapter will be just as impactful, because that same heart & purpose will carry forward into everything you do.

“So, from all of us—your Operation Motorsport family, your teammates & everyone lucky enough to have served beside you—thank you. For your service. For your trust. And for being someone we could always count on.



We’re proud of you, Casey. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.”

With deep respect and gratitude,

Your Operation Motorsport Family

Please join us in congratulating Josh Snider, Operation Motorsport beneficiary, on his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces this week!

Josh has served his country with pride since 2014 as a member of 3 PPCLI, deploying both domestically and overseas. Throughout his military career, his passion for motorsport never wavered—whether it was wrenching on snowmobiles, tuning trucks, or jumping into a wide range of racing disciplines, Josh has always thrived in the adrenaline and camaraderie of the motorsport community.

From 2022–2023, Josh was a vital part of the Operation Motorsport family, serving as our official photographer across the SRO, IMSA, and FEL paddocks. He beautifully captured the essence of our mission—telling the stories of our beneficiaries and documenting the heart of the paddock. He also brought his talents to Rilli Racing, Gradient Racing, and worked alongside motorsport photographer Brian Cleary, sharpening his creative craft and always finding new ways to see the motorsport world through his lens.

Josh has a unique gift for connecting with people, but his true love was getting creative with the car shots—and it showed.



Thank you for your service, Josh. We’re proud of what you’ve accomplished in and out of uniform, and we’re excited to see what comes next in your motorsport journey.

#OpMo

Christopher Anderson was a former beneficiary of operationmotorsport who then became a volunteer, joined our Canadian Board, and for a brief time served as our Canadian Beneficiary Trustee. He was a big part of OpMo. Serious, funny, loved anything motorsports related, his girl Karen, and laughed with his whole body.

Christopher joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 and lived through more than most could imagine. Infantry. Special Operations. Multiple deployments. He was smart, capable, and committed to helping others. He still showed up for his brothers and sisters—even when things got heavy, and he struggled himself.

He came to OpMo in 2018 and stayed as part of the team until late 2021. We watched him step up in a big way, step in when needed, and talk relentlessly about mental health. He believed you could overcome the demons, but somewhere he got lost.

This isn’t about closure or tribute.

This is a gut punch.

If you’re carrying something, say it.

If someone crosses your mind, reach out.

Don’t assume they’re okay because they look okay.

Ask twice. Mean it.

Christopher, your fight is over—but damn it, I wish you were still here.

Blue Skies and Gentle Winds, RIP Christopher

#veterans #mentalhealth