News 2008: Motorbase Supports Help for Heroes

Motorbase Performance BMW has pledged its support to Help for Heroes ahead of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season finale at Brands Hatch this weekend (20/21 September).

Help for Heroes will be collecting donations at the Kent circuit and 60 soldiers from the Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Surrey will be visiting Brands Hatch to enjoy the BTCC's final three races this year.  During their visit, Motorbase team boss David Bartrum has invited soldiers on a garage tour to gain a greater insight into the workings of a British Touring Car team.

Bartrum and driver Steven Kane also pledged their support to the charity by posing for photos with some active soldiers on the start/finish straight at Brands Hatch last Friday.  Kane then treated the soldiers to several passenger laps of Brands' Indy circuit in a road-going BMW.

Motorbase team principal David Bartrum said, "The four guys in the photo with Steven helped save my pal's son when he was injured in a war zone.  He now works with Help The Heroes.  There are around 60 recuperating soldiers coming along to Brands on Sunday and I hope we can give them a day out they will not forget."

As well as offering them a behind-the-scenes look at the BTCC, Bartrum also believes that the Headley Court soldiers will be part of an exciting season finale for Motorbase.

"I've lived within ten miles of Brands Hatch all my adult life and it's the reason I got involved in motor racing.  Brands Hatch is my home circuit, which is a bonus as Motorbase supporters turn out in big numbers and it inspires you to put on a performance for them.

"We started the season a little nervously because it was the beginning of a whole new project for us.  We had two completely new cars and two new drivers.  In the second half of the season that's exactly what happened and we've made steady progress in every respect.  It will be good to go back to Brands Hatch feeling confident that we can be among the front runners and looking to score a win if it all goes to plan."