The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has been chosen as the charity partner for Brands Hatch's final event of the 2023 BTCC season, which takes place on 7/8 October.
This year’s champion will be crowned following three races around the Kent circuit’s famous full Grand Prix circuit on Sunday. In addition to the headline BTCC action, there will be a full national support programme with seasons coming to an end in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, F4 British Championship, MINI CHALLENGE and Porsche Sprint Challenge GB.
Ahead of the event, a silent auction to raise funds for the charity has been launched, with a range of special prizes available, including experiences kindly donated by the British motor racing industry. These range from ‘money can’t buy’ VIP hospitality places in MotorSport Vision (MSV) Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer’s personal suite for the BTCC finale, to places on PalmerSport – the world’s greatest motorsport driving event. You can also bid for laps in the safety car during the event – and even win the opportunity to wave the chequered flag!
Attendees at the event will be able to learn more about MND and donate through bucket collections across the weekend. The BTCC race cars will carry MND Association decals too. All of the money raised for the Association will further aid the organisation’s cause to research, improving access to care and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Ian Gardner, Head of Development at the MND Association said: “The fight against MND will only be successful through partnership. We are therefore delighted that the British Touring Car Championship and Brands Hatch have agreed to support the MND Association at this weekend’s closing round of this year’s championship. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise both awareness and vital funds for the Association’s work and we are grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make it possible.”
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of Brands Hatch owner MSV, said: “MND is a horrible illness which is exceptionally challenging not just for those living with it, but also their loved ones. After diagnosis, progressive muscle weakness, from controlling nerve damage, inexorably extends to affect every part of the body, and ultimately leaves victims unable to move anything at all.”
“Our support for this charity serves as a tribute to those who’ve lost their lives from this cruel disease, including my friend Paul Cook, whose wife Julie is now heavily involved in championing the cause of the MND Association. David Ward, Chair of the East Kent MND Association, tragically lost his son Alex to MND in 2020 and as someone with a great motorsport background, particularly with the FIA, suggested the charity’s partnership with the final round of British Touring Cars at Brands Hatch, something I thought was an excellent idea, as did Alan Gow.
“Motor racing has in fact lost many prematurely from this awful disease, for which there is as yet no cure. I hope that between us all we can raise further awareness and more much-needed funds, for not only trying to find ways to extend victim’s lives, but also provide them with the increasing support they need as their condition deteriorates. Thank you for helping.”
For more information about MND and the MND Association please visit www.mndassociation.org
You can buy tickets to the British Touring Car Championship at www.brandshatch.co.uk.
Visit the auction site by clicking here.
