Growing up in the 80's with a car fanatic Dad, it didn't take long for my motorsports obsession to grow. In 88, Dad and his friends made their annual pilgrimage to the 24hr Le Mans and I was lucky enough to go along. Having only ever experienced motorsports on the TV, I had absolutely no idea of the impact that weekend would have (that screaming XJR9 V12!!).

We returned to Le Mans several times over the next few years to share the highs and lows of Group C racing.  To this day, they are some of my best memories. A year after diagnosis, on March 1st 2017, my Dad lost his battle with oesophageal cancer. It's approaching a year since he died and I want to try to do something in his memory that, even if the smallest of chances, may help to stop others experiencing the pain that he went through.

In all honesty, I've no idea how to do that! So, as a life long Sim Racer (Something Dad also got me into when he bought me a steering wheel for the family computer after that Le Mans) and being 30 years since that race made its way in to the history books, it seems fitting to pay tribute by getting a Jaguar over the Le Mans finish line again. Not being a billionaire, and having no access to historic race cars, I'm unfortunately unable to recreate the actual race. However, with an extreme amount of help from my friend J, and the world's supply of patience from my girlfriend Sarah (I have not shut up about Le Mans and tuning Jags on a computer game for months) on the 3rd of March 2018 we will try to take a 1988 Jaguar XJR9 to the chequered flag once again... albeit in a 24 hour PC simulation.

There will be two drivers, myself and J, piloting the #22 XJR9, against a full grid of group C and GT class cars. Qualifying will take place on Friday 2nd March and the race starts on Saturday 3rd through to Sunday 4th, drivers swapping stints over the 24 hour period, all on a driving simulator built by J, using Project Cars 2 on PC. The race will be broadcast live on YouTube Gaming and Steam Broadcast with commentary and group chat, so you can all come and share your support (laugh at us as we gradually fall asleep or go insane trying to keep this show on the road).

"That's no challenge!" you may say, but if we make one wrong move at any moment in the race, it could be over. We'll have to keep our wits about us and stay focussed throughout to stop it from being an early night. 

Heartburn Cancer is a great charity that was hugely supportive throughout my Dad's battle. Any pennies, pounds, dollars or even euros you found down the back of the sofa will be greatly appreciated so please share whatever you can. 

Details of the event - Race rules and broadcast links/times etc will be posted on the challenge Facebook page over the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to ask any questions about it over there too!

https://www.facebook.com/PCARS24hrCC