2025 Damon Hill Karting Challenge Raises Nearly £35,000 for Halow Project
On Wednesday, 4th June, Daytona once again played host to a spectacular day of racing and fundraising as the Damon Hill Karting Challenge returned for its twelfth year. The event, which continues to grow in popularity and impact, brought together motorsport legends, young aspiring drivers, and a passionate community in support of the Halow Project, a charity dedicated to empowering young adults with learning disabilities and autism.
This year’s event was particularly special, kicking off with an inclusive race featuring some of Halow’s own service users. These young adults took to the track with excitement and determination, bolstered by the opportunity to meet 1996 Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill himself. Damon not only gave them racing tips before their race but also spent quality time with the group afterward, sharing stories from his F1 career and answering questions. It was a memorable experience for all involved, highlighting the very spirit of the Halow Project’s mission to help young people live their best, most independent lives.
In the Halow Young Drivers' race, twelve drivers stepped into Daytona’s SODI kart fleet for a thrilling 20-minute session to kick off the day’s proceedings. For many, it was their first experience of racing but they took to the challenge brilliantly, quickly adapting to the track and showing great enthusiasm. With big smiles all around as they stepped out of their karts, Damon Hill was quick to congratulate each of them, awarding medals and sharing in their elation after the best introduction to racing any young motorsport fan could hope for.
Following this, the main Damon Hill Karting Challenge got underway with a grid split across three competitive categories: Amateur, Professional, and F1. The race featured an incredible roster of drivers, including motorsport legend Johnny Herbert, alongside teams representing sponsors Clapham North MOT and Childsey, and F1 giants McLaren and Williams.
After two and a half hours of highly competitive racing that saw everything from blazing sunshine to sudden downpours, it was Ignition Racing who clinched the top spot in the Professional Class, followed closely by Anthill Mob and Clapham North One. In the F1 division, McLaren took first place, with Williams finishing just behind.
As always, the race provided some unforgettable moments. Damon Hill himself spun out on track, drawing laughs as he light-heartedly apologised to fellow drivers for bumping into them in his post-race interview. Johnny Herbert crossed the finish line in true showman style, performing a perfectly-timed, celebratory spin. It was all part of the spirit of the day: fierce competition mixed with genuine camaraderie and fun.
Off the track, the excitement continued with a live stage interview featuring Damon Hill, where he offered insights into his career and teased his upcoming Sky documentary about his life in racing. Not to forget, providing some essential insight into Halow, the central pillar of the event.
The day concluded with a charity auction, where attendees bid on a range of exclusive items including F1 race-worn suits and a stunning original painting by motorsport artist David Johnson.
Adding to the prestige of the event, guests had the rare chance to get up close to two iconic Formula 1 cars on display: the Williams FW17-01, Damon Hill’s 1995 car, and a 2002 Jaguar F1.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of attendees, participants, and key sponsors Clapham North MOT and Childsey, this year’s challenge raised an outstanding total of nearly £35,000. These funds will go directly to supporting the Halow Project’s vital work with over 250 young people across Surrey, helping them gain new skills, build confidence, and pursue their dreams.
We were proud to once again welcome back the Halow Project team for a day filled with speed, smiles, and support.
To learn more about the Halow Project and how you can get involved or donate, please visit the link below:
