SRO Motorsports Group distributes 2023 sporting fines among charitable causes

SRO Motorsports Group has shared the money collected in fines during the 2023 racing season among a selection of good causes.

The fund is drawn from three series: Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS; the Fanatec GT2 European Series Powered by Pirelli; and the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club. Fines can be administered for a variety of infringements, including unsporting behaviour and speeding in the pit lane, as well as team infractions such as breaking working guidelines.

This money is distributed to a selection of carefully selected causes, both international and closer to home. Among the former, help was offered in February 2023 after a powerful earthquake struck southern and central Turkey. More than 37,000 people are known to have died, while countless others across the region were left homeless and in dire need of essential supplies. 

SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO Stéphane Ratel pledged $10,000 towards the subsequent relief effort. The funds were used by Trendyol, a Turkey-based e-commerce company, which created a platform for international contributions to provide much-needed items such as clothing, tents, and sanitary products. 

A donation has also been made to the family of SRO logistics co-ordinator Jérémy Bellefontaine. On Christmas Day 2022, Jérémy's wife Pauline was hospitalised due to a severe infection; she subsequently fell into coma and almost lost her life. Sadly, the infection resulted in the amputation of both feet. 

Pauline has since demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, returning to work and learning to drive once again. Money has been donated to support the family as it adapts to these new circumstances, which have required a change of house and car.

SRO has contributed to Racing for Dilano, a charitable foundation that supports mental recovery and rehabilitation in the wake of car accidents. It was established in 2023 to remember Dilano van 't Hoff, a young driver who lost his life competing in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine event that ran in support of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. 

A further donation has been made to Leukaemia Care in memory of Bernard Cottrell, who passed away in 2021 following a long battle with the disease. Bernard was among the most popular and senior members of the British motor racing community, as well as a regular in the SRO paddock. Leukaemia Care is the UK's leading leukaemia charity, providing those affected by a diagnosis with advice, treatment, and support.

Finally, a donation has been made to help two track marshals who were injured during last year's 24-hour 2CV race at Spa-Francorchamps. A fund has been established by the event organiser and the circuit through the Pêcheur de Lune association. This aims to help the families of the marshals, who will be unable to work until they have recovered fully.

SRO Motorsports Group launched its European racing season earlier this month when Fanatec GT Europe, Fanatec GT2 Europe and GT4 Europe Powered by RAFA Racing Club travelled to Circuit Paul Ricard (5–7 April). Fanatec GT Europe resumes at Brands Hatch on 4/5 May, while all three series will be back in action at Misano on 17–19 May.