THE HENRY SURTEES FOUNDATION TEAM KARTING CHALLENGE TO HONOUR JOHN SURTEES CBE

Team entries are shaping up well for the hotly contested Henry Surtees Foundation Team Karting Challenge, which will take place on Tuesday 11 July 2017. The event organised this year by the Surtees family in co-operation with Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World will be staged once again at the iconic Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and is free to spectate.

The 2017 HSF Team Karting Challenge is set to be the most high profile event yet and will include an extra special tribute to the charities founder, John Surtees CBE, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Each year the HSF Team Karting Challenge receives tremendous support from a host of motor sport celebrities and 2017 will be no exception the likes of Freddie Spencer, Derek Bell, Damon Hill, Stuart Graham and Paul Hollywood are amongst those already confirmed. Last year the event raised over £58,000 for the Henry Surtees Foundation which was established by John Surtees, following the tragic death of his son Henry, and the Brooklands Museum Trust.

John’s daughter Leonora Martell-Surtees said “we have a limited number of places still available for teams to participate in the HSF Team Karting Challenge. Why not put a team of four friends or colleagues together and come and join us at Brooklands - the original home of motorsport, where you will be able to enjoy the superb facilities of Mercedes-Benz World in the company of the Henry Surtees Foundation and our star guests”.

The prestigious event will see approximately 35 teams consisting of 130 competitors from the world of motorsport; business to members of the public battle it out in a 2hr endurance race in Daytona’s high-performance, two-stroke Dmax karts in the hope of securing the coveted ‘H’ trophy. The race will be officially flagged off by Derek Bell MBE.

Racing starts with practice and qualifying, followed by a spectacular demonstration of Surtees vehicles (both two and four wheels) driven by celebrity drivers as a special tribute to honour the late John Surtees.

The event culminates in a prize giving Champagne reception where the prestigious 'H' trophy is awarded to the reigning 2017 karting champions.

The reception hosted by Steve Rider and Henry Hope-Frost and also features VIP interviews, plus an incredible fundraising auction by Malcolm Barber of Bonhams featuring exclusive artwork, memorabilia and incredible experiences.

Aside from the karting action and celebrity driver parades, visitors are being actively encouraged to attend the event, which is FREE to spectate, and provides a great opportunity to explore the impressive Mercedes-Benz World visitor attraction featuring interactive displays, racing simulators and motorsport exhibits.

The event coincides with a special John Surtees themed exhibition at Mercedes-Benz World which runs from 1st June – 31 August inclusive, and is also free to visit.

Event Prices:

Brooklands Team Challenge: Teams are based on four competitors at the price of £1,500 per team entry.

The Champagne and canapé reception: Tickets are available to attend the reception, at cost of £70per person. The reception is open to all to attend (paid guests).

To Book:

Bookings are now being taken online, please visit: www.henrysurteesfoundation.com or contact: Leonora Martell- Surtees leonora@henrysurteesfoundation.com

Henry Surtees Foundation Charity Auction:A full list of auction lots will be released shortly. To register a bid - including those for telephone and absentee – please contact Mark Gold at Bonhams on T: 0207 468 5807 or mark.gold@bonhams.com

Lots include:

A tour of Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes for two people over the age of 16 years, with lunch and a half day simulator experience and evaluation by an F1 race engineer –courtesy of Red Bull Racing Team
A Ferrari California T for the weekend including insurance (Fri to Mon) - donated by Ferrari North Europe.
Two VIP passes for Goodwood Festival of Speed for Sunday 2 July 2017. To include access to VIP – Sponsors’ Area, paddock entry and lunch in the House – Donated by Lord March, Goodwood
Drive in an historic rally car with experienced navigator. Hotel and food provided – donated by Martin Phaff
Exclusive Omologato watch, No 1 of a limited edition range designed in collaboration with the Surtees Family in memory of the late John Surtees – Donated by Omologato
Tour of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team HQ in Brackley for 4 people. This is a 'money can't buy' opportunity to get inside the world of Formula One and see first-hand how a World Championship winning Formula One car is designed and built. The experience will last about 1½ hours and must be taken within 12 months – donated by Mercedes GP
A pair of Sebastian Vettel’s 2016 racing gloves – donated by Ferrari
A Champagne Helicopter Tour of London for 2 people – donated by Richard Martell
A pair of entry wristbands for Prescott Hill Climb’s American Autumn Classic event (Sept 30 – 1 Oct) with a thrilling passenger ride in a drag racing car up the historic hill climb course – Donated by the Bugatti Owners Club
A round of golf for four people with afternoon tea at the Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park – Donated by the Royal Automobile Club