Charity race draws big prizes

A GP3 test with Carlin Motorsport and a simulator session at the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 factory are just two of the amazing prizes on offer to young racing drivers, at an all-stars karting event organised by John Surtees this autumn.

The Henry Surtees Challenge, named in honour of John’s late son who was killed in a Formula 2 accident in 2009, targets budding racers aged 16 and above. It will take place at Buckmore Park, Kent, on October 24. Rising sports car contender Alexander Sims won last year’s inaugural event.

The top six finishers and the driver who claims fastest lap will be offered a choice of prizes, but others will be handed to the day’s unluckiest racer and suchlike. “This event is purposely staged towards the end of the season,” said the 1964 F1 World Champion. “The objective of course is to raise funds for Henry’s charity, the Henry Surtees Foundation. I am acutely aware of the problems that young drivers face in developing their careers, however, so with the help of some very generous sponsors I wanted to organise an event with prizes that would create valuable contacts, publicity and career enhancement.”

Surtees hopes for a full 50-kart entry from all areas of the sport. The field will line up in identical TKM karts run by the Club 100 series and competitors must hold an MSA licence, be a Club 100 member or a Buckmore Park ‘Elite’ driver. Entries cost £500.

For more details, call the Buckmore circuit office on 01634 201 562 or contact Sharon Bowness — [email protected].

Oxford Brookes University emerged as the top UK team from the 2012 Formula Student competition. Victory went to the Swedish Chalmers University of Technology with Holland’s Delft University of Technology second and Australia’s Monash University third. Oxford Brookes finished seventh after suffering problems with their shifting system.