For those that don't know, we host Autism Friendly karting sessions once a month with our local indoor kart venue TeamKarting in Rochdale. Februarys' Autism Friendly Karting turned out to be a very very special evening. Not only did we have a visit from TeamBRIT's star McLaren driver Bobby Trundley, but he also had a film crew from the US accompanying him.
Citizen Film are currently filming Bobby as part of their forthcoming documentary "Racing on the Spectrum" which will also feature the lives of Nascar driver Armani Williams, and the inspiration for our autism friendly karting sessions, Canadian Radical Champion and Racing with Autism founder Austin Riley. All of whom I became very good friends with in lockdown when we raced together on the Racing with Autism International team for the virtual 24hr Le Mans.
These factors made for our biggest ever turnout since pre covid. The night went very well with the opportunity for all, regardless of ability, to be able to experience the thrill of speed in a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment. The feedback we have had has been amazing, and it was great to see the support and encouragement being offered from our most experienced drivers and their parents/carers towards others.
Thanks to the venue and all the staff for organising a great event, and to the film crew for their calm approach and sensitivity. The night ended with a very special announcement too...
I am absolutely thrilled, that in the next step of my motorsport journey I will be pairing up with Bobby Trundley in the Audi TT for the Club Enduro Championship, where we will be sharing the mostly 2hr endurance races. Huge thanks to Dave Player and my dad for working hard to put this together and also Team BRIT for their support. Speaking as my mentor and teammate Bobby said.
"I am really looking forward to racing with Sandro. I have known him for years and watched him develop into a fantastic driver. We both found our passion for racing in karting so are equally as competitive and therefore taking the championship really seriously...."
"We are in it to win it !!"
" It will be a great opportunity to mentor Sandro, sharing what I have learned in my 5 years with TeamBRIT, during which time I have moved from racing a BMW 116, to a McLaren GT4.
I am really grateful to all at TeamBRIT for their help in making this happen. They will also be giving support to Sandros' dad, Tony, who will be leading our championship efforts. So it will be great to bring everyone together in the paddock."
I am so proud to be teaming up with Bobby, he is a friend who I have always looked up to and can learn a lot from. We first met at an autism hero awards evening and have some nice history together endurance karting and sim racing online in lockdown. It will be great to take my racing to the next level with someone who has his experience, and truly understands.
We also share the same goals off the track too, using our racing to share autism awareness and acceptance, and supporting and hopefully inspiring others to follow their dreams.
I think we will make a great team as we both dream of racing the 24hrs of Le Mans one day.....With a full team racing on the spectrum that really would make history.
Our first Club Enduro race is on Sunday 21st April at Croft where I drove my first solo one and a half hour endurance race in the BMW 116 last year. I also attend Croft circuit regularly with my racecars in support of a local charity JPC Specialist Motorsport, who host their "Smiles for Miles"events there. Their 2024 event on May 25th in partnership with Yiannimize Live is going to be amazing. Here is the link for tickets
Throughout 2024 Bobby will also be competing in select rounds of the British Endurance Championship, driving a McLaren 570s GT4, a car he has driven for the past two years in British GT Championship and McLaren Trophy Series Europe.
Still a lot of work still to do in preparation before the start of the season and planning for the new challenge of longer races, in race refuelling and driver swaps, with the addition of getting used to a totally different, more powerful front wheel drive car. I am already counting down the days though....so excited the TT is a great car.
With the step up in performance there is also a significant step up in running costs, so if there are any businesses out there who would like to get involved and see their brand on the new car please get in touch, we have various levels of sponsorship available.
Big thanks also to Garage 23 for the opportunity to test their Audi TT at Donington and Oulton Park, and for bringing it to show at our Autism event. Also thanks to everyone who attended, and for the kind messages of support both myself and Bobby have recieved since the announcement. We look forward to seeing you at some of the races.
Thank you,
Sandro#19
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