Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher won this afternoons Celebrity Challenge race ahead of musicians AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson and Jamiroquais Jay Kay at the Silverstone Classic powered by the AA event.
The annual race at the worlds biggest classic motor racing festival with its Rocking and Racing theme has raised money for the Birmingham Childrens Hospital, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the RPJ Chrons Foundation.
Other celebrities to participate included Hollywood actor Sir Patrick Stewart, Nicola Stapleton and Tony Hirst of Eastenders and Coronation Street fame, chef Heston Blumenthal, Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole, BBC Radio 1s Comedy Dave Dave Vitty, BBC Sport presenter Andrew Castle, Sky Sports Vicky Gomersall and Wolves soccer legend Steve Bull.All were in identical race-prepared 130mph Morgan sportscars but it was Fletcher, aka Emmerdale farmer Andy Sugden, who came out on top. Starting from pole position he led all the way and also set the races fastest lap around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix track.Fletcher commented: It was really good fun. The race was harder than qualifying, but I had an amazing time and a good battle with Jay Kay before edging away. Everyone came back unscathed which was the main thing. Its been a great day and weve raised awareness for three great charities.Runner-up Johnson said: It was fantastic. The crowds were awesome as were the guys who loaned us these magic cars. This is the best event on the planet and, whats more, its right here on our doorstep in the UK. Ive had a wonderful time. It was terrific fun.Kay added: It was brilliant although fairly full on and I had a great tussle with Tony Hirst and Brian Johnson. But I was a naughty boy for driving off the track a few times so got a small time penalty which meant I missed out on second. Im probably going to get six of the best for that but Ive had a ball.Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge (8 laps)1. Kelvin Fletcher, 21m05.479s2. Brian Johnson, +7.513s3. Jay Kay, +9.246s4. Tony Hirst, +16.861s5. Steve Bull, +21.682s6. Dave Vitty, +1m01.825s7. Heston Blumenthal, +1m34.207s8. Andrew Castle, 2m51.003s9. Sir Patrick Stewart, 3m02.808s10. Nicola Stapleton, +1 lap11. Vicky Gomersall, +1 lapFastest lap: Fletcher, 2m34.990s
