1st January 2009

SEAT Cupra Championship front-runner and probable Porsche Carrera Cup GB graduate Andrew Herron will join a star-studded line-up at Birmingham’s NEC this Friday, 9th January, as he bids to raise as much as possible for charity during the annual BP Ultimate Celebrity Kart Challenge.

Marking the second year in succession he’s been involved in the high-profile televised event, the 20-year-old Northern Irishman will join 2008 JHR Developments team-mate Robert Lawson, Formula 3 rookie Dean Smith, MINI Challenge racer Ollie Mortimer and former World Stock Car Champion, and prolific stunt car driver, Salvo Cachia as part of ‘The Thundercats’ team.

The event will take place during the second day of the 2009 Autosport International Show at the West Midlands venue and will see 16 teams of drivers competing in a two-hour race alongside members of the public who each pay £300 into the charity fund.

Raising money this year for the Richard Burns Foundation, the charity established following the tragic passing of former World Rally Champion Richard Burns in November 2005 after he lost a long and spirited fight against brain cancer, Andrew is fully focused on claiming a place on the 2009 BP Ultimate Celebrity Kart Challenge podium.

“The charity kart race at last year’s Autosport Show was a lot of fun but the reason we’re all taking part is to raise as much as we possibly can for the Richard Burns Foundation”, said the Co. Down based sensation, “Of course, all drivers are ultra-competitive by their nature and we all want to win but it’s the fund-raising we all care about the most.”

In 2008, Andrew’s team ‘Calamity Clios’ raced to a tremendous podium finish in the endurance spectacular and raised £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation – scorching through from 22nd on the grid to a terrific third place result. If his 2009 squad is able to repeat that performance, the Northern Ireland racer will be absolutely thrilled.

He added: “I’m delighted I’m able to do my bit for such a worthwhile charity again, last year we had a great result and it would be fantastic to do as well or even maybe go one better. Either way, I’m really looking forward to the race which is a really fun way to kick-off the New Year.”

The 2009 Autosport International Show will open to the media and trade visitors this Thursday, 8th January, with the televised BP Ultimate Celebrity Kart Challenge taking place on Friday, 9th January. The public days of the show are Saturday, 10th January, and Sunday, 11th January.