Hello, my name is Raymond Hunter and I suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth (formally known as CMT UK) a progressive neurological disorder that damages peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness, atrophy (mainly in feet/legs), and sensory loss. I am preparing to compete as a novice disabled racing driver in the 2027 Mighty Minis Racing Championship, with the 750 Motor Club.

Why Crowd funding? Motorsport is one of the few sports where both disabled and able-bodied competitors can compete on a level playing field. Unfortunately, as I am disabled it is more challenging to become a racing driver and I am unable to finance this endeavour on my own. Your kind donations would allow me to realise my racing dream. A little bit about myself. I am 41 years old living with a form of muscular dystrophy. I have always been very interested in two and four wheeled motor vehicles, or anything with an engine! From a young age I have always loved motorsport and dreamt of being a racing driver. As I found out life is not as simple as that, especially with my disability. Over the years I have tried a few times and got nowhere so lost hope of ever making my dream a reality. Still having the passion for the sport, I attend motor shows, race meetings like Formula 1 and the smaller club meets. I watch them in person rather than on tv as it’s a buzz and a totally different experience. Myself, my wife and two daughters attended the NEC motor show one year and came across the Orange Army stand (Circuit Marshals). The idea of being a marshal sounded great, but I did not feel it was a role I wanted to take up in motorsport. My wife and my youngest daughter did a taster day at Croft our local race circuit and I just watched the racing that day. At the end of that day, they both joined. A few months later my oldest daughter also joined the Orange Army. In time all 3 of them talked me into doing a taster day myself at Croft as a marshal and I loved it. It really gives you a completely different view rather than just being a spectator. I am on my second season as a flag marshal, but my desire is still to be a racing driver and to compete on the track. Just recently we attended the Race Retro show as a visitor and got talking to John and James Jenkins the owners of Mighty Minis Racing. We are all big fans and my oldest daughter is “mini mad” and loves to attend their race meetings.

We chatted with John about the cars and the upcoming race meetings and the work involved in getting ready for this year’s racing season. I mentioned to John that I would love to get behind the wheel of an “adapted” classic mini race car. John was very supportive and said he would see what he could do, to help me realise my dream. Any form of motorsport is not cheap, however I chose Mighty Minis Racing as its one of the most affordable. Its also one of the UK’s most competitive and respected entry level race championships that’s been going for 30 years. It’s an ideal starting point for me as a novice. I would like the 2027 season to represent my official entry into competitive circuit racing, but I can’t do this without your help.

Approximate first season’s budget breakdown To purchase a Mighty Minis standard race car and trailer £13,000 - £15,000

Test Days £450

Driver tuition £500

Championship registration £200

Season entry fees £2,290

Season running costs, fuel, oil tyres etc £900

Weekend accommodation for the whole season £1800

The objective: To pass my ARDS test and then complete my novice season strongly and build toward becoming a front-running driver in future seasons.

Closing

This is the start of my racing journey — competing in Mighty Minis with the 750 Motor Club as a novice driver.

Every professional driver once stood at the same starting line.

Thank you for helping me reach mine.