Exotic Chevrolet line-up supports Beaujolais Run

A line-up of exotic Chevrolets, accompanied by legendary drivers, marked the start of this year’s Beaujolais Run, an annual charity driving experience that raises money for good causes. The new Corvette Stingray lined up alongside the 2012 Beaujolais Run winner, a Corvette C6 to lead the field away at the iconic Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, flanked by a pair of Camaros driven by Le Mans legends including Chevrolet’s own star driver, Oliver Gavin. The Beaujolais Run is a navigational shootout through a cryptic checkpoint course, which begins at the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park and ends in deepest Burgundy.  The ‘Run attracts an impressive array of teams each year piloting vehicles from everyday road cars to supercars, and aims to provide 'money can't buy experiences' to its participants, as well as raising money for worthwhile causes. John Surtees OBE and Dr Jonathan Palmer took up the role of starters of the 2013 Run, flagging away Le Mans heroes Anthony Reid and Chevrolet works driver Oliver Gavin, both of whom are driving Chevrolet Camaros on the event. The great races of Le Mans have served as a theme for this years’ event as Corvette has a great racing pedigree and has competed in Le Mans 24 hour races for over five decades, since its debut at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in 1960. The Beaujolais Run is a not for profit event, which this year will raise much needed funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation under the direction of the Run’s patron, John Surtees OBE.  In partnership the Run and the Foundation have already equipped Air Ambulances in the South of England with vital blood transfusion equipment. John Surtees OBE said: “When I was asked to become a patron, the answer was not a difficult one. The opportunity of being involved with an event that included travelling on fine French roads, through superb villages and visiting Chateaux, together with superb wine, champagne and food was hard to resist. The important point however is that all proceeds go to charity. I have to thank all concerned for nominating the charity set up in the name of my late son Henry as beneficiary. I will certainly ensure that every penny counts in helping causes for those that are less fortunate than ourselves”. Rob Bellinger Director of The Beaujolais Run said: “We were delighted Chevrolet agreed to be our celebrated marque this year. To be able to use such an evocative setting like Brands Hatch and to debut Chevrolet’s latest cars on the Run here is a great privilege. Entering Oliver Gavin, their Le Mans winning driver, has really made this year special. Experiences like this are what differentiates us from other events and drives our entrants to raise as much money as they can for the Henry Surtees Foundation” Dr Jonathan Palmer concluded: “The Beaujolais Run is an exciting event and I’m delighted that Brands Hatch was the start point for this year’s event. As well as being a great deal of fun for those taking part, this year’s event is supporting a cause close to our hearts and we are proud to honour Henry’s memory and support the Run’s fundraising activities.” Not only will competitors have the chance to share the track with Surtees, Palmer, Gavin and Reid they will also experience the hospitality of Taittinger and be guests at the release of this year’s Beaujolais on Wednesday 20th November. Source: Chevrolet