Updated on
Glasgow-based motorsports competitor, Jamie Crease, has set his sights on a new challenge - to raise funds to support veterans and their families.
Jamie, who has won National and International Championships for Karting, is aiming to compete in all 16 races in a day at the Access Karting event, which takes place 14-16 August at the Rowrah circuit, Cumbria – the first time this has been attempted by anyone. To complete his challenge Jamie and his dad Alan, are building four different karts needed for each race.
“The idea for doing this event has developed over a few years”, Jamie, aged 36 said. “Several have raced two karts at a single event before, which was the original plan, but the Access Karting series I’m competing in has four different classes available for drivers aged 16 and above. Every driver in each class will do three heats and a final - and I had enough equipment for all these classes. So I thought, why not try and do all at the same time!”
The idea for raising money for Help for Heroes came from both Jamie’s role as a Safety Case Engineer, and having a brother and sister-in-law actively serving in the Royal Air Force. He said, “Most of my life I’ve had an affiliation to the Armed Forces in some way, whether it’s through my family or my line of work. I have seen the challenges faced by people who serve in and support our armed forces; particularly in relation to their mental health and the challenges faced with evolving threats around the world, and wanted to do something to show my support.
“The armed forces have also played a big part in the history of karting. The first kart was built by a WW2 US serviceman (Art Ingels) in 1956, the first kart race in the UK was held at RAF Lakenheath in 1959, and most of the venues today are built on former military sites.
I have seen the challenges faced by people who serve in and support our armed forces."
Fundraiser
“I’m aiming to raise funds for the Charity, which does such important work to support people after they’ve left service. We’re having a bucket collection on the day, and we’re hoping that people who are attending the event in August will be generous with their support. Post event, I will be selling some of my karting equipment as well with half of the money going to the Charity.”
Jamie is a long-time member of Access Karting, which encourages people to get into Karting. James Purchase, who is a Director at Access Karting said, “We’re really pleased to be supporting Jamie in his challenge. As a member of our Hall of Fame, he is a great role model for anyone thinking about getting into motorsports of any kind.”
Jamie’s challenge is being sponsored by User Centric Design Ltd (UCD), a specialist Human Factors and Safety consultancy supporting safety-critical industries across the UK. Ben Leonard, Director at UCD, said, “Jamie has set himself an extraordinary challenge and we are delighted to support him. His determination, professionalism and commitment to raising money for veterans reflect values that resonate strongly with us at UCD. The work the Charity does for veterans, and their families is hugely important, and we hope Jamie's effort inspires others to support this fantastic cause.”
For more information about the Access Karting Event, go to Access Karting and to show your support for Jamie, go to Jamie Crease Karting Challenge.