BTCC drivers past and present were out in force yesterday (16 February) to help raise money for fellow racer Neil Cunningham.

The former single-seater and GT driver was diagnosed with Motor Neurons Disease in 2010 and the motor racing community came together to help support one of its own at Race Hut race car simulators in Slough.

Reigning BTCC champion Andrew Jordan, double champ Jason Plato and former-F1 star Mark Webber were among more than 50 professional drivers in attendance, where a number of stellar items were put up for auction. Helicopter flight, VIP hospitality at Rockingham, Supercar driving experience and even a pair of football boots signed by Arsenal and England footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were among the items snapped up by bidders.

There was also the small matter of the race simulator event itself, which was based on the Formula Ford Festival, for which Neil won in the World Team Cup back in 1992. Practice, qualifying and the classic knock out heats was the order of the day as many pro single-seater, GT and touring car drivers went to battle.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow, a close friend of Neil’s from when they were racing in Australia, was also there to lend his support whilst other sometime BTCC racers present included Darren Turner, Jake Hill, Mike Jordan, Shaun Hollamby, David Brabham, Paul O’Neill, Karl Jones and Kelvin Burt.

Alan said: “Neil is simply one of the nicest bloke’s you could hope to meet – it was fantastic that so many of the motorsport community are getting right behind Neil as he fights this devastating disease. Treatment and equipment to make his life a little more bearable is not cheap and Neil is far from being a wealthy man – so it would be great if our fantastic BTCC fans could also assist with a donation – no matter how big or small, it all helps.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Neil, should please contact the BTCC Media Office at btccmediaoffice@mpacreative.com.

Click here to see photos from the event (PHOTO CREDIT: Gary Hawkins).