Daytona Sandown Park race circuit in Esher will host an epic six-hour endurance kart event today (April 30) to raise funds for Unicef and Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund and Sentebale.

So far, 15 teams have signed up for what promises to be a day of high-octane fun and very competitive racing – fees from all the entries going towards the charities.

Each team will share one of Daytona’s super fast two-stroke pro-karts capable of speeds up to 70mph – they will compete against each other in a Le Mans-style race incorporating pit stops for refuelling and driver change-overs.

One participant, whose skills will certainly be highly sought after, is GP2 racer and Claygate resident, Sam Bird.

The 23-year-old began his career in karting at Daytona Sandown Park when he was 10 and has since competed successfully in Formula BMW, British and European F3.

Bird will be offering his talent for a fee – teams can pay him by the lap to up their race positions, all proceeds of course, going to Unicef and not to his racing fund… In addition, the teams and spectators have the opportunity to influence the outcome of the race by buying laps and paying to penalise their rivals – not very sporting but all for a good cause!

Daytona Sandown Park is widely regarded as one of the best outdoor kart circuits in the UK.

Set within Sandown Park racecourse, Daytona offers the ideal facility for anyone keen to experience the thrills of motorsport – from beginners through to serious enthusiasts.

Not to be confused with small indoor kart tracks, this amazing resource is only 30 minutes from the centre of London and the only one of its kind within the M25.

The Daytona Sandown Park Unicef Enduro kicks off with a welcome at 11am and driver briefing at 11.30am – the race starts at 1pm.

After prize giving at 7pm, there will be a charity auction with some amazing sporting memorabilia up for grabs including signed pieces of former F1 cars and even a pair of Henry Cooper’s boxing gloves!

All are welcome on the day. To add to the day’s attractions, spectators can enjoy passenger rides (for a donation to the charity) in a Ferrari Enzo generously provided by Joe Macari.

There are still a few places available for those keen to race. Go to charitykarting.co.uk for details.