Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat racing driver Kris Mitra raised just under £2000 for a ride experience in his Cougar 225hp powerboat on Monday 17th November when he attended an auction for the Beaujolais Run driver’s briefing at the famous Hackett store in Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London.
The Beaujolais Run which left London yesterday morning (Tuesday 18th) heading for Paris kicked off the week-long event with a star studded party hosted by television presenter Mike Brewer. Guests included Neil and Christine Hamilton former ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ contestants, Anthony Reed British Touring car driver, former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry and Television personality Des Lynam.
Mitra who has been an avid supporter of the Beaujolais Run since his involvement in 2007 decided to raise awareness of his own motor sport by showing the competitors from the run the Cougar 225hp Xcite raceboat that he drives in the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat series.
Xcite was auctioned off twice, once for a day out on the Solent and again for an opportunity to be a VIP guest and possible navigator at one of five 2009 Honda events. The highest bid for the day on the race boat went to David Richards Chairman of Aston Martin and head of Pro-Drive.
David attended the event to oversee Aston Martin’s involvement with the run, which has evolved to become a navigational shoot out over a cryptic checkpoint course, a format of which ensures Aston, Austin, Jaguar, Jalpa, Porsche and Prius can compete on a level playing field.
In total over £14k was raised on the evening at the charity auction which is aimed at benefiting Winston’s Wish, CLIC Sargent and The Richard Burns Foundation.
“I think that there is a great synergy between the Honda Formula 4-Stroke and the Beaujolais Run with regards charity fund raising. We all share the same passion for power and excitement whether it is on the road or sea and we all have a cause close to our heart that we want to help. I am very excited to have David Richards join me next year in the boat”, said Kris.
If you would like to keep on track with the Beaujolais Run please log onto www.beaujolaisrun.com for more information.