THOUSANDS of pounds was raised for charity at a popular karting challenge at Castle Combe Race Circuit.

The Teenage Cancer Trust Karting Challenge took place on Saturday, July 14, and saw 49 drivers from around the world, including American, British and Australian champions take part to be crowned the winner.

Sports journalists, commentators and even a member of the public got to race against the elite.

The event raised £2,434 for charity with more money still coming in.

Events team member at Castle Combe, Luke Cooper, said: “It was great to see the drivers from so many different championships pitched against each other and all for a fantastic cause.

“We chose Teenage Cancer Trust simply because it is a fantastic charity that helps provide life-changing care and support so young people don’t have to face cancer alone.

“The majority of the drivers taking part in the event are racing drivers who are or have been successful.

“There were about 20 champions from a range of different motorsports competing.

“Many other spaces were taken by racing drivers who were competing at Castle Combe for the BRSCC TCR Weekender who wanted to support the event, and a couple of motorsport journalists and commentators.

“We gave one space to a marshal. All the marshals at Castle Combe interested in taking part put their name forward and the lucky winner was pulled out of a hat. We also hosted a public Grand Prix back in June, which allowed the members of the public to race against each other to win the final space in the TCT Karting Challenge.There were 35 drivers who took part in the Public Grand Prix and the winner got to race against the racing drivers in the main event."

Organisers hope that this will become an annual event, with even more money being raised for charity.

Mr Cooper added: “A few years ago we got asked to put on a karting event for some race drivers on the evening of the double header race weekend at Castle Combe and it seemed like a good idea to combine it with raising some money for a brilliant cause.

“Last year we put the TCT Karting Challenge together for the first time and after its massive success decided to organise it again this year.

“The event was a big success again this year as well, so we have every intention of making it an annual event.”