Andy Priaulx returns to kart racing for charity

Priaulx is returning to kart racing for a special charity race

Triple world touring car champion Andy Priaulx is to make a return to kart racing in a charity event on Friday.

Priaulx, who started his racing career in go-karts, will compete in a celebrity karting challenge at the Autosport International in Birmingham.

David Brabham, winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours and champion of the 2009 American Le Mans Series, is behind the event.

It will involve more than 20 teams in a 90-minute endurance race and the money raised will go to Malaria No More UK.

It is certainly going to be a busy and exciting year. I have many new challenges ahead of me and I just can't wait to get back on track

Andy Priaulx

The show is the largest motorsport one in Europe and thousands of fans flock there.

Priaulx said: "I always try to get to Birmingham in January as there are always a lot of fans, who I only get to see once a year due to my hectic racing schedule.

"Add to this the chance to help raise money and awareness about a life-saving charity and this was a must for me."

While at the event he will also be a guest on the Autosport stage on Saturday, where he will discuss his past seasons as well as looking forward to 2010.

Priaulx is not only due to race for BMW in World Touring Cars, alongside Augusto Farfus, but has also been selected to race for the team in endurance races.

"It is certainly going to be a busy and exciting year," he said. "I have many new challenges ahead of me and I just can't wait to get back on track for our first race in Brazil in March."

Malaria No More UK is committed to ending suffering and death caused by malaria, through working with governments, corporations, celebrities and the public to raise awareness and funds to achieve UN goals.