26 September 2023 News
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is delighted to be chosen as the charity partner for the final round of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), which takes place at Brands Hatch on 7 and 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 Association 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, and the BTCC race cars will carry MND Association decals too.
“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.”
Ian Gardner, Head if Development at the MND Association
“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.”
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of Brands Hatch owner MSV
View the silent auction prizes
Find out more about the British Touring Car Championship