Disadvantaged youngsters to be given dream car rides at Aintree circuit

YOUNG petrolheads will be given the chance to speed around the historic Aintree race circuit in their favourite supercars as part of a charity event later this year.

Visitors to motoring events across the country might already be familiar with Sporting Bears - a group of car enthusiasts who give rides in their machines to raise money for a variety of children's charities - and this week they announced they will be taking 200 youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds for a spin at the former Grand Prix track on September 8.

Max Walker, the club's north west representative, said: "The event in September is all about giving kids who have had major issues to deal with, the chance to have a bit of fun and enjoy a unique experience.

"We are expecting around 200 kids on the day, many of whom are disabled or terminally ill, and they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a ride on the Aintree race circuit in their choice of supercar."

The youngsters will be able to take to the track in some of the exotic cars familiar to visitors to some of the country's biggest motoring events, including Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Morgans, TVRs, and Lotus sports cars among others, and get the rare chance to ride around the historic circuit.

The club also extended their thanks to Aintree Racecourse, who have helped to organise the event and to secure free use of the old motor racing circuit, which hosted the British Grand Prix on five occasions between 1955 and 1962.

Debbie Slee, conference and events manager at Aintree Racecourse said: "We host a number of charity events and balls here at Aintree but it’s great to do something really unique like this and give children the chance to enjoy a truly memorable experience."

Sporting Bears was formed in 1989 and has raised over £1m for children's charities across the UK.