Coventry’s Ross Templeman named as RAC’s Patrol of the Year
Roadside technician gets to drive a brand-new RAC Ford Transit van with coveted ‘P1 RAC’ numberplate
A roadside mechanic who has been with the RAC for just 14 months has been named the RAC’s Patrol of the Year at the motoring company’s prestigious national awards ceremony at Silverstone – the home of British motor racing.
Ross Templeman, 29, from Coventry, beat around 1,700 patrols to win the coveted award, which means he gets to drive a brand-new Ford Transit, with the unique P1 RAC numberplate.
He said: “I’m thrilled to win this award; it’s great to work for a company that recognises your hard work.”
After spending around 13 years working as a mechanic in dealerships, in early 2025 Ross decided that he needed a change.
He said: “I wanted some freedom and independence. When you’re on patrol, every day is different and you never know what you’re going to get.
“Often people break down when they’re least expecting it, and it can be quite a stressful situation for them. I enjoy being that person who can come along and help them get back on their way.”
Once, Ross was wrapping up his shift at Toddington Services when a woman spotted the distinctive orange RAC van and knocked on his window.
Her electric vehicle’s battery wasn’t charging, and she was on her way to the Lake District for a family holiday with her kids.
Already an RAC member, she was waiting for a patrol to arrive, but Ross decided to take a look at her car there and then to see if he could fix the issue.
It turned out the vehicle’s 12V battery was flat which was preventing the high-voltage battery from charging, so Ross replaced it so it would charge up.
He said: “She was so relieved. It was late at night and the kids were crying, so she was grateful to be on her way again. That’s what makes the job so rewarding.”
Patrol team manager Richard Heathcock said: “Ross is so deserving of this award.
“He’ll go above and beyond to get the best resolution for RAC members, because they’ve had enough upset from breaking down. That’s what makes him stand out.”
Press team
