Direct Line to sponsor Motorsport Endeavour rally
Direct Line, the UK’s largest private car insurer, is to sponsor the Motorsport Endeavour rally on 27/28 May 2006.
The rally, only open to disabled drivers, takes place in Northampton and is the first of its kind. It combines both road and race circuits within the county. The event is being run by a number of motorsport’s biggest names.
The Motorsport Endeavour Club, was set up by Graham Raphael, who was a racing driver who was injured during training for the London to Sydney rally in 1976. Its sole purpose is to involve people with a wide range of disabilities in a programme of car and motorcycle events and experiences including rallying, auto tests, navigation, trials, visits to Motorsport Centres and employment in the industry.
As well as offering disabled people the opportunity to drive in rally conditions, Motorsport Endeavour also involves disabled people as navigators, marshals, timekeepers, administrators and spectators.
Entries to date include amputees and paraplegics, people with spina bifida and stroke victims from places as far flung as Russia and Australia.
Emma Holyer, spokesperson for Direct Line, said:
“Direct Line fully supports the work of Motorsport Endeavour and its aim to get disabled people involved in motorsports. This rally is a fantastic way of giving people the opportunity to do something different and learn new skills.”
Graham Raphael, Chief Executive of Motorsport Endeavour, said:
“We are extremely fortunate to have had tremendous support from personalities who have made their time available so that this event can happen and the list reads like a mini Who’s Who of the sport. Those involved include Sue Sanders-Peppit, Alec Pool, Fred Gallagher, Malcolm Neill and Win Percy whilst Bernie Ecclestone and John Surtees have sent their support for the event.
The fact that Direct Line has chosen to sponsor the event speaks volumes and I am delighted such a major insurer is supporting disabled drivers in this way.”
The rally starts at the Express Holiday Inn, Grange Park, Northampton and Paddy Hopkirik, the winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo rally, will flag the contestants away.
The event will conclude on Sunday 28th May with a dinner for all competitors at the Marriott Northampton with trophies and prizes donated by Direct Line, NGK and Green Leopard.
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Emma Holyer/Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 2182 / 07725 944190
Email: emma.holyer@directline.com
Graham Raphael
0208 991 2358
Email: graham.raphael@motorsportendeavour.com
Notes to Editors:
· Tour Britannia will be organising the event
· Entry fee to be kept as low as possible. A two person team can take part in the weekend for £75.00 pp or £150.00 per team
· To enter a team call Robert Barnes on 0797 164 1872 or rd.barnes@tiscali.co.uk
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