Andy Sayle will race for Cancer Research UK in the 2004 John Cooper Challenge and is hoping to raise up to £20,000 for the charity by selling the space on his car to both individuals and companies. Sayle will compete in the MINI S Class with a new Works Cooper S.

"It's really simple," says Andy. "The car is divided up into 200 blocks in a chequered flag design and anybody can get their name on the car for the whole season by simply making a £100 donation directly to Cancer Research UK. It's open to private individuals and companies alike and we hope to raise up to £20,000."

In return for making the donation, all donors will get their name on the car. In addition Sayle's Racing4research initiative will provide two race tickets to a John Cooper Challenge race meeting and a limited edition baseball cap.

"The idea came to me last year, following the loss of my life-long friend through cancer," explains the Cheshire racer. "We both shared a passion for Minis ever since buying old Mini Coopers as our very first cars. I was looking for a new series to contest and was instantly attracted to the new championship. The idea of raising money for such a worthy cause seemed to be the perfect tribute to the memory of my great friend."

Andy has over a decade of racing experience, from karts, through Formula 600 single-seaters and most recently in Radicals at British and European level.

Potential supporters can sign up by simply clicking on racing4research.co.uk where donations can be made directly to Cancer Research UK, either on-line, or by cheque and a free 'racing4research' gift pack can be claimed.