The Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ annual charity karting grand prix will be even more special this year as it is in memory of Sue Baker.
Sue, a motoring pioneer, long-standing SGMW member and past chairman, died in November after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease.
SGMW members unanimously agreed to choose the Motor Neurone Disease Association as its nominated charity to benefit from this year’s karting GP in memory of Sue.
It looks set to raise a record amount for charity. That is testament to Sue’s popularity and the esteem she was held in throughout the motoring world.
It has been renamed the SGMW Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP.
Sue was the driving force behind setting up the annual charity event. She was part of the original team which came up with the idea, and got the karting GP established, and remained a keen supporter.
The highly-competitive event is on Thursday, April 27, 3pm to 8pm. It is again being staged at the triple-level indoor circuit at TeamSport Crawley (www.team-sport.co.uk/crawley), near Gatwick.
The SGMW karting GP is tremendously popular with PRs, each year attracting a grid of ‘works’ teams from the automotive world.
This year’s response has been exceptional with a near-maximum field of 15 teams, some making their debut in the event. There have been financial pledges from four other manufacturers which are unable to attend but want to help a good cause in memory of Sue.
Chris Rees, SGMW secretary and karting GP organiser, said: “The amazing response to this year’s karting GP is testament to Sue Baker’s popularity and the respect people have for this pioneer of the motoring industry.
“There will be a lot of memories of Sue, and a lot of laughter, which will make it even more fun – something Sue would approve of.”
The event is also a great opportunity to network and, including this year’s grand prix, has raised more than £30,000 for charity since launched.
Teams compete in a 150-minute endurance race, trying to complete as many laps as possible, for the coveted SGMW karting GP trophy.
