Team RAC driver Tom Onslow-Cole took part in the inaugural International Charity Karting Event at Rye House in Hertfordshire last Sunday

The event – hosted by the University of Manchester Motorsport Society – was held in aid of Cancer Research UK, with the aim to raise money for further research into the life-threatening disease.

The New Malden-born Onslow-Cole – who finished his debut British Touring Car Championship season in 10th – took part in special racing karts, capable of 85mph, in the feature race alongside rivals Fabrizio Giovanardi, Darren Turner and Jason Plato.

A celebrity race also formed part of the day, with around 25 celebrities and motorsport icons taking part in a 30 minute race against each other, with competitors including Sam Michael, Mike Gascoyne, Mark Preston and David Lapworth.

Team RAC displayed their BMW 320si E90 car at the static hypercar village alongside a host of FIA GT cars including Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg and Oreca Viper.

Tom Onslow-Cole said: “I was honoured to be invited to the event and tremendously excited to be taking part on Sunday for Team RAC. The International Charity Karting Event is for a fantastic cause in Cancer Research, with some friendly rivalry when everyone stepped into the karts.”

Matthew Roberts, University of Manchester Motorsport Society CEO,commented: “I would like to place on record my thanks to Tom Onslow- Cole and Team RAC for their involvement in this event. With top class drivers such as Tom taking part in the main feature race, it was the culmination of a terrific day for a very important cause.”