I have worked with the Sporting Bears a couple of times and even booked a ride in an Aston Martin for a friend. I have to say that they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Chatting to the owner of the Aston Martin it is clear that many of the drivers really enjoy talking to those buying a seat and sharing their supercar experience. They are always looking for volunteers to run the events and provide interesting cars (not always super cars) so get in touch if it appeals.
Sporting Bears offers enthusiasts the chance to experience unforgettable passenger rides known as Dream Rides, in a remarkable mix of supercars, classics, quirky film cars and sports cars. It’s a winning formula, with thousands of Dream Rides undertaken every year. Every penny raised is given directly to more than 70 local children’s charities across the UK, where it makes a massive difference. To see which charities Sporting Bears Motor Club supports, plus a lot more about how the group operates and the difference that it makes, check out their website at sportingbears.co.uk.
The Sporting Bears Motor Club is set to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local children’s charities once again this year, by offering Dream Rides at dozens of shows across the UK. The Club’s 2026 season kicked off at the Practical Classics Restoration Show at Birmingham’s NEC in March, and from now until the end of the year it’ll be taking part in more than 60 events.
Attending events and giving Dream Rides is at the heart of what the Sporting Bears do, and you’ll find them all listed at sportingbears.co.uk. Having been out in force at the Oulton Park Family Fun Day over the Easter weekend, our next stop is the South of England Showground in West Sussex on 18-19 April. In May alone they will be in Dorset, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, with June, July and August even busier.
Some of the many highlights this summer include Supercarfest at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on 16-17 May, the Silverstone Classic on 24-26 July, the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 1-2 August, and the British Motor Show at Farnborough on 21-23 August. We’re also really looking forward to being at the relaunched CarFest at Silverstone on 28-30 August. Alongside these huge events are lots of others big and small, with every one of them offering unforgettable rides, incredible cars, and the chance for enthusiasts to make a difference by donating to charity in return for a ride in the car of their dreams.
Andrew Lake is the new chairman of the Sporting Bears Motor Club. He says: “Our eight regional groups are back on the road, and 2026 is shaping up to be our most exciting Dream Rides season yet. From supercars to smiles, this year’s programme delivers unforgettable experiences, all while raising vital funds for amazing causes across the UK. There really is something for everyone – wherever you are.
“We were proud to announce in March, that since the group was formed in 1989 we have raised more than £4 million for children’s charities, mainly from donations made by our incredible Dream Ride supporters, with an incredible £312,000 of that in 2025. We support more than 70 children’s charities every year and have supported more than 400 since the group started.
“The announcement that we’d broken the £4 million barrier was made by Mike Brewer at the Practical Classics Restoration Show, ably assisted by our mascot Whizzo. That weekend marked the start of our 2026 season which is now officially underway.”
The Sporting Bears Motor Club is always looking for new members, whether you have a special car you would like to do Dream Rides in, you are a great event organiser or you fancy marshalling cars around one of our busy event garages. Join us, ride with us, or cheer us on, because when it comes to making dreams come true, everyone is invited.
Find The Sporting Bear online:
- Web: sportingbears.co.uk
- Facebook: facebook.com/SportingBears
- YouTube: youtube.com/@sportingbearsmotorclub2051
- 2026 reel: youtube.com/shorts/VTZPv9xTfVA
- Instagram: Instagram.com/sporting_bears
Hi there, I have read with interest articles on your blog and wanted to get in touch. I am the coordinator of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and we are organising the inaugural ‘God’s Own Country’ classic car rally on Saturday 17 October to raise funds for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust. This event is a motoring pilgrimage, with participants given a starting point and an end point, but no map and the challenge to visit as many historic landmarks along the way in 3 hours. We’d be delighted if you were able to share details of the event on your blog? If this is something you can do, please do let me know and I will send you the press release and further details. Many thanks in advance.
We are always keen to support classic car events in Yorkshire so please forward a press release (with picture if possible) and we will do an article and add it to our events calendar. Send y
to yorkshirepublications@gmail.com