The Damon Hill Karting Challenge returned to Daytona Sandown Park on 17th June for its 13th annual edition, bringing together the motorsport community for a day of racing, fundraising and support for halow, a charity especially close to Damon’s heart.
This year’s event raised a record-breaking £43,000 for halow – £7,000 more than last year’s total and the highest amount raised by the event to date.
While the racing provided plenty of on-track action, the heart of the day was its charitable purpose. halow supports young adults with learning disabilities and autism, helping them build independence, confidence, friendships and a life filled with purpose.
The charity’s story began with five young people: Harriet, Amber, Laura, Oliver and William. Oliver is Damon Hill’s son, and one of the young people whose future helped inspire the creation of halow.
In 2006, their parents began meeting to discuss a shared concern. Like many families of young people with learning disabilities and autism, they found that once their children reached adulthood, the support and resources available to them became significantly more limited. Determined to create a better future, they came together and formed halow.
Nearly 20 years later, the charity now supports more than 350 young adults across Surrey, while also indirectly benefiting over 750 family members and friends who care for someone with a learning disability or autism.
halow’s work is built around helping people live well, learn new skills, become more independent and enjoy the life they want. The charity supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, from young adults aged 16 upwards to older members of the community, across areas including Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Redhill, Dorking, Godalming, Kingston, Sutton and Reigate.
Its personalised support includes several core programmes:
- Building Futures — a full-time educational programme helping young people develop life skills, work skills and achieve personal goals.
- Social Activities — opportunities for young people to make friends, attend events and enjoy an active social life.
- A Reason to Get Up — daily activities and work-like experiences designed to build confidence, purpose and community connection.
- Supported Living and the Independent Support Programme — tailored one-to-one support with everyday tasks such as budgeting and cooking, as well as 24-hour care in shared community homes.
Fundraising on the day came through ticket sales and a lively charity auction, expertly brought to life by motorsport commentator Jake Sanson. Lots included unique Formula 1 memorabilia signed by Damon Hill, artwork, a Williams-supported experience day and even a Mazda MX-5.
Speaking at the event, Damon thanked everyone who had helped make the day such a success:
“I just want to say thanks to everybody who has contributed, taken part and helped us out in any way with the halow karting challenge here at Daytona. I hope you had a great day.”
As in previous years, the event attracted a strong line-up of familiar faces from the motorsport world. Guests included Perry McCarthy, the original Top Gear Stig; racing driver and The Grand Tour test driver Abbie Eaton; Top Gear presenter Becky Evans; Formula 1 commentator Harry Benjamin; and motorsport presenter and social media personality Tom Gray.
On track, 28 teams competed across professional and amateur categories. The professional field included entries from Williams and McLaren, while long-time event supporters Clapham North MOT entered an all-star team featuring George Grant, Damon Hill, Abbie Eaton, Becky Evans and Thomas Langford.
Williams also supported the day with a special display of Damon Hill’s 1993 Williams FW15C, while a Porsche Group C 962C was also on show for fans and guests to enjoy.
In the amateur race, The Anthill Mob took victory — and won the race outright — with Joe Macari Classics finishing second and &Fast completing the podium.
In the professional category, McLaren Racing were the fastest team, ahead of Team Historics in second and The Oldtimers in third.
The 13th Damon Hill Karting Challenge was another powerful reminder of what can happen when motorsport comes together for a meaningful cause. With a record total raised, a packed grid and continued support for halow’s vital work, this year’s event was not only a celebration of racing, but of the young people and families whose lives the charity helps transform.
