Racing for Robert

Wigan

June 2007

Following on from their fundraiser 'Running for Robert' with the Great Manchester Run in 2006, friends of the late Robert Speak decided to organise 'Racing for Robert' - a karting event with teams competing. This was felt to be a fitting fundraiser as Robert, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2005, was regarded as the best amateur racing driver of his generation in the North West, and as an amateur won a round of the British Touring Car Championship in 1987. As a professional motor engineer, he also prepared many race and rally cars for customers in the North West.

Andrew Wareing and Nigel Bentley organised the event, and on the day twenty teams competed

Why's Maggie waving?

at the Wigan circuit, no doubt inspired by the reputation of F1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton who had developed his skills there as a teenager. Despite the rain, the competition was fierce. Fittingly, the team led by Robert's son Jonathan won with the fastest overall time.