Willpower is proud to announce our sponsorship of the Thruxton Lightning Bolts women’s softball cricket team ahead of what promises to be an exciting season for the club. The 2026 Lightning Bolts Cricket Top Willpower is pleased to support local grassroots sport, particularly teams that promote inclusivity, teamwork, and participation within the community. Partnering with the Thruxton Lightning Bolts was a natural fit, with the team demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and positive environment both on and off the pitch. The Thruxton Lightning Bolts recently debuted their new Willpower sponsored playing tops at the softball cricket festival held at the Utilita Bowl on Sunday 10th May. The team produced a strong performance throughout the day, winning two of their three matches while proudly representing the club in their new kit and continuing to build momentum ahead of their first league season. The Lightning Bolts at the Utilita Bowl, Sunday 10th May Attention now turns to the team’s upcoming first league season, which represents an exciting next step for the players, coaches, and everyone involved with the club. The Lightning Bolts are competing in the Hampshire District Cricket Competition Tier 2 Group 3 North, marking a significant milestone in the team’s development and progression within local women’s cricket. Entering league competition reflects the hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm shown by the entire squad throughout recent months, and everyone at Willpower is looking forward to supporting the team during what promises to be an exciting season ahead. At Willpower, we understand the importance of local sport in bringing communities together and creating opportunities for people of all ages to participate, compete, and build confidence. Supporting the Lightning Bolts forms part of our ongoing commitment to championing grassroots initiatives and helping local teams continue to thrive. We are excited to follow the team’s progress throughout the season and look forward to supporting the players as they continue their journey. We would like to wish the Thruxton Lightning Bolts the very best of luck for their inaugural league campaign. We are proud to be part of the journey and look forward to seeing what the season brings.

We’re excited to announce a special collaboration between Willpower 2 Run and local independent coffee spot Route Coffee Hatch at Andover Train Station. Will Dorman (Willpower 2 Run) & Rhys Saville (Route Coffee Hatch) Join us on Monday 25th May at 8:30am for a relaxed and social Bank Holiday community run starting from Town Mills Car Park, Andover. The route will take us through Andover before finishing at Route Coffee Hatch, where runners can enjoy a well-earned coffee and pastries after the run. This collaboration is all about bringing people together through movement, community, and supporting local independent businesses. Whether you’re a regular runner with us at Willpower 2 Run or a completely new runner looking to get involved, you are welcome. The run is designed to be friendly and inclusive, with a supportive atmosphere throughout. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people, stay active over the Bank Holiday weekend, and enjoy great coffee at one of Andover’s local businesses. Start Location: Town Mills Car Park, Andover, SP10 1BL Finish Location: Route Coffee Hatch, Station Approach, Andover, SP10 3HN Date: Monday 25th May Start Time: 8:30am Please arrive a little earlier before the run start so everyone is ready to go on time. All event details can be viewed on our website: Willpower 2 Run Event Page You can also view the full run route here: Strava Route We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces for a great morning of running, coffee, and community. Will Dorman Willpower Sports Rehabilitation & Conditioning

When thinking about the physical demands of motorsport, high G-forces, sharp reflexes, and precise driving are usually the first things that come to mind. However, one often overlooked factor is neck strength, which is a key element that directly affects a driver’s performance, safety, and endurance. The neck endures enormous strain during cornering, braking, and acceleration. Without proper conditioning, fatigue or injury can quickly affect performance. Today, neck training is a vital part of every driver’s fitness routine, helping maintain control, stability, and focus under extreme forces. In this blog, we’ll explore why neck training is so important in motorsport and how it helps drivers tackle the extreme conditions they face on the track. James Hedley, Brands Hatch, GB3 2024 The Role of G-Forces in Motorsport One of the defining characteristics of motorsport, particularly at high speeds, is the intense G-forces exerted on a driver’s body. These forces can reach up to 5–6 Gs during sharp turns, braking, or acceleration. To put that into perspective, experiencing 5 Gs means a driver’s body feels five times heavier than normal. When cornering at high speeds, these forces can push a driver’s head to the side, backward, or forward, depending on the direction of the turn. A strong neck is essential to counteract these forces and maintain control of the vehicle. If a driver’s neck muscles are weak, the head can be thrown around, making it more difficult to focus, react to situations, and maintain proper posture. In extreme cases, this could even lead to a loss of consciousness (G-LOC, or G-induced Loss of Consciousness), which is incredibly dangerous. James Hedley training at Willpower SRC Preventing Injury Neck injuries are a known risk in motorsport, especially during crashes at high speeds or when drivers are exposed to strong G-forces without proper head and neck support. The human head weighs about 10–12 pounds, but under heavy acceleration or sudden stops, that load increases dramatically. This places significant strain on the neck muscles, which are responsible for keeping the head stable. If these muscles are not strong enough, the risk of whiplash, muscle strain, or even spinal injury increases considerably. Strength training for the neck helps reduce these risks. By developing the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, drivers can better control sudden movements and minimize excessive head motion. A stronger neck also improves endurance, allowing drivers to maintain head stability for longer periods, preventing fatigue during long races and lowering the risk of injury under extreme forces. Enhancing Focus and Endurance Races can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, and during that time, the neck muscles are constantly engaged. Without proper training, a driver may begin to feel fatigued, which can lead to poor posture, slower reaction times, and reduced focus. Neck fatigue can also cause discomfort and pain, distracting drivers from the task at hand. By incorporating neck training into their fitness regimen, drivers can build endurance, allowing them to maintain focus and physical control throughout the race. Additionally, a well-conditioned neck helps keep the head in a neutral position, improving a driver’s ability to focus on the road ahead, read the track, and react to competitors. Key Neck Training Exercises for Drivers Neck training for motorsport requires a combination of exercises that focus on strength, flexibility, and endurance. Here are some of the key exercises that motorsport athletes can incorporate into their routine: James Hedley, neck activation during race warm up Isometric Neck Holds : These exercises involve holding the head in various positions (forward, backward, and sideways) to engage and strengthen the neck muscles. Isometric holds can be done using resistance bands or body weight. Neck Flexion and Extension : These movements involve tilting the head forward and backward while maintaining control. A common method is to use a neck harness with weight attached for increased resistance. Neck Lateral Flexion : This exercise involves tilting the head to the side to strengthen the muscles on either side of the neck. Resistance bands or a partner can provide added resistance. Strengthening the Trapezius and Upper Back:  The upper back and trapezius muscles play a crucial role in supporting the neck during high G-forces. Exercises like shrugs, reverse fly, and rowing variations can help strengthen these areas. Neck Rotation : Turning the head from side to side while keeping the shoulders steady can help increase neck rotation and flexibility. Final Thoughts In the high-speed, high-pressure world of motorsport, neck strength is just as important as a driver’s reaction time and hand-eye coordination. The ability to withstand extreme G-forces, prevent injuries, maintain focus, and endure long races depends heavily on the condition of the neck muscles. For drivers who are serious about their performance, neck training should be a cornerstone of their fitness routine. By dedicating time and effort to neck exercises, motorsport athletes can strengthen their ability to handle the demands of the sport, reduce the risk of injury, and ultimately improve their on-track performance. If you’re a racing driver or a motorsport enthusiast, don’t underestimate the power of neck training, it could be the key to unlocking your full potential on the track.