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Motorsport fans can join the action and raise funds for the worthy Alzheimer's Society by competing in the Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy during January's Autosport International.
A regular feature at Europe's biggest motorsport show, the three-hour charity karting race will be held on Saturday 10 January from 6pm at Birmingham's NEC during the 8-11 January* event.
The annual race celebrates the life and achievements of dual Indy 500 winner and 2005 IndyCar Champion Dan Wheldon, who died in a racing incident in October 2011.
The Dan Wheldon Tribute Fund has raised over £51,000 to date, with the 2014 karting trophy contributing £7,000. Coronation Street actor and Alzheimer’s Society celebrity supporter Tony Hirst was among the field, joined by the likes of former World Superbike Champion Troy Corser, commentator Steve Parish and British Touring Car Championship drivers Adam Morgan and Dan Welch.
Autosport International's bespoke indoor karting track will host the action, with Teesside Karting providing the 160cc machinery. Teams can enter by emailing admin@teessidekarting.co.uk or calling 01642 231117.
In January, Tony Hirst, known to Corrie fans as fire fighter Paul Kershaw, will be returning to the track.
“I was a huge fan of Dan’s and I’m a passionate supporter of Alzheimer's Society so I was really honoured to take part last year,” he said.
“It’s a great event and I would encourage anyone who loves their motorsports to sign-up for the race on the Saturday. I can’t wait to be involved again and just hope our team beat both last year's fundraising efforts and our race time!”
“As a family, it so important we're able to keep Dan’s memory alive by doing something that he loved and raising money for a charity so close to all of our hearts in the Alzheimer's Society,” said Jo Wheldon, sister-in-law of Dan.
“The Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy captures so much about Dan, extremely competitive but hugely fun and we're looking forward to the 2015 race at Autosport International.”
Once again celebrities and motorsport stars will be on-hand to mentor the 25 teams, providing trackside advice. A six-person team can enter for £300 with the opportunity to raise additional funds by securing their own sponsorship.
Show attendees will also be able to make donations to the Alzheimer's Society through collection buckets located near the entry to Autosport International's 5,000-seat Live Action Arena as well as through the Just Giving page.
“We are proud to host the Dan Wheldon Karting Trophy. The race has been a popular part of Autosport International over the years, and we hope to see a great turnout on 10 January,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, Autosport International will feature appearances by the likes of 2014 FIA World Rallycross and 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg and British Touring Car Championship heroes Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.
Special displays will showcase Formula 1, karting, touring car racing, rallying and historic motorsport, while the latest supercars and high-performance favourites will star in the Performance Car Show, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Tickets are available from £32 for adults, with children's tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. To book and for further details, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
