launched in London by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE
2013 Motor Sport magazine Hall of Fame in February to host auction in association with Bonhams
F1 fans can bid online from Friday 14 December for exclusive auction items including Sebastian Vettels Red Bull Racing steering wheel and a unique pair of Ayrton Sennas racing gloves
New for the 2013 Motor Sport magazine Hall of Fame, taking place on 25 February at the world-famous Royal Opera House, is a charity auction raising funds for the remarkable Grand Prix Mechanics Charitable Trust. Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, the Trusts founder and a founding inductee of the Hall of Fame, officially launched the auction last night (Wednesday 05 December) at the prestigious Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, London.
Sir Jackie Stewart spoke at the Motor Sport reader evening about the importance of the Grand Prix Mechanics Charitable Trust and the support it gives to the unsung heroes of motor racing.
Sir Jackie Stewart said, If I hadnt had the best mechanics in the world when I was racing, I wouldnt be here today. I think mechanics are the only true professionals in the business, totally dedicated to the sport. It is not just a question of helping Grand Prix mechanics through hardships they may face, but a question of access to the right help, for example assisting them with recovery from injury.
Established over 25 years ago by Sir Jackie Stewart, Ken Tyrrell and Walter Hayes CBE, the Trust was created with the sole purpose of providing medical and financial help and advice to Grand Prix mechanics and their families. Trustees include James Allen F1 correspondent for BBC Radio 5 Live, Martin Brundle from Sky Sports F1, BBCs F1 commentator David Coulthard MBE, Patrick Head co-founder of Williams F1, along with many other big names such as Jo Ramirez and Dave Ryan, two of the most respected mechanics in the world of motor sport.
Motor Sport magazines unique collection of F1 auction items consists of stylish memorabilia on bespoke mounts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, kindly donated by Red Bull Racing, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes AMG Petronas, the Lotus F1 Team, Williams F1 Team, Bernie Ecclestone, trustees Jo Ramirez and Martin Brundle, Derek Warwick, the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), Pirelli and Motor Passion.
This is also the first time Motor Sport readers can get directly involved in the invitation-only Hall of Fame evening and bid online for the following confirmed auction lots:2013 F1 British Grand Prix VIP Paddock Club and paddock passes (for two guests for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday), donated by Bernie EcclestoneSebastian Vettels steering wheel, donated by Red Bull RacingAyrton Sennas racing gloves worn in 1991 when he won his third World Championship, donated by Jo RamirezCylinder head, donated by Scuderia FerrariHydraulic manifold, donated by Lotus F1 TeamKimi Rikknens wheel, donated by Lotus F1 Team; tyre donated by PirelliMercedes F1 suspension upright, donated by Mercedes AMG PetronasJenson Buttons McLaren race seat from his 2012 Australian Grand Prix winning car, donated by Vodafone McLaren MercedesDifferential gear, donated by Williams F1 TeamVisit to the Ferrari factory at Maranello including a drive round the Fiorano track. Travel, accommodation and transfers included, courtesy of Motor passionSilverstone Driving Experience with Martin Brundle and Derek Warwick, donated by the BRDC
Bidding is easy via: www.motorsportmagazine.com/halloffame/charity-auction and will go live on Friday 14 December 2012 and run until midnight on Sunday 24 February 2013. In addition, fans can click here to register their interest in the charity auction.
Commenting on the auction itself, Sir Jackie Stewart said, What Motor Sport is doing, in connection with their Hall of Fame night, is aiming to raise enough money to help the Trust significantly by allowing the public to also bid on the auction items that have been donated to us. Its perhaps the most spectacular auction Ive ever seen of F1 jewels which could never be bought anywhere else.
Celebrating the greatest names in motor racing, Motor Sport magazines fourth annual Hall of Fame awards will be held in the striking Paul Hamlyn Hall at the Royal Opera House. Four more inductees will be added to the Motor Sport honours list on the night.
