Stars from across British motorsport will join forces next month to pay tribute to a talented racing driver and engineer.

Drivers will gather at Buckmore Park in Chatham to remember Ryan Lawford, from Blean, who took his own life at the age of 26 last January.

They will compete in teams of three in a 90-minute endurance kart race on Saturday, March 8, to raise funds for the Demelza Hospice children's charity.

Among the drivers entered for the race – which is open to anyone who would like to compete – is British Touring Car champion Andrew Jordan, who worked with Lawford for many years.

Ryan’s father, Martin, who has organised the event with wife Julie, said: “We were thinking of doing something like this for a while – it will all be in memory of Ryan and to raise money for Demelza.

“With some high profile names racing, hopefully other people will jump on it and a lot get involved.”
Ryan, who was a successful rallycross driver for many years, was a popular figure in both the motorsport and local community.

“We’ve got scaffolders and college students racing – it is open to anyone" - Martin Lawford

“A lot of people knew Ryan and anyone can race,” Mr Lawford added. “We’ve got scaffolders and college students racing – it is open to anyone. The more teams the better.”

Drivers from across the motorsport community will compete – and it is hoped European Rallycross star Liam Doran, from Sittingbourne, will also take part.

Rallycross legend Will Gollop, from Blean, mentored Ryan throughout his racing career and has donated one of his European Rallycross trophies for the winning team.

The race will start at 12.30pm and entry to compete is £75 per person, with all money going to charity. Grid positions will be up for grabs on the day with pole position going to the highest bidder. And solo drivers will be paired on the day.

It is open to men and women and drivers must be over 16 years of age. Food and drink will be available and spectators are welcome.

The KM Group's Dan Wright will be joining the grid for his debut race.