Scottish racer Carol Brown will go head to head with some of the most famous names in motorsport at a charity karting event on Friday (January 9).

The Falkirk-based driver will take part in the prestigious BP Ultimate Celebrity Kart Challenge at the Autosport International Show - held in Birmingham’s NEC arena - alongside stars such as David Brabham, Tom Kristensen, Frank Biela, Louise Goodman and fellow Scot Paul di Resta.

The annual race offers 30 members of the public the chance to join the televised event and rub shoulders with their racing heroes for £300 - and the 2008 competition raised a staggering £47,000 for good causes. The 2009 event promises to top £50,000 for various charities including the Richard Burns Foundation, Christies Hospital NARA and the Emmaus Hampshire.

Brown – who is the reigning Scottish Legends Cars champion and a former karting title winner - will join a team including Touring Car star Michael Doyle, karting champion Daniel Lloyd, sportcar ace Johnny Mowlem, Superbike rider Tom Sykes and also rockstar racer Neil Primrose of Travis.

She will be hoping to emulate the success of her last charity karting event – when she finished on the podium alongside her team-mates at the Radio Clyde Cash for Kids Grand Prix in December.

The 21-year-old is looking forward to mixing with some of the world’s best racers following her own stellar season in 2008. After an outstanding championship-winning season in the SMRC Legends Cars championship Brown became the first woman to win one of Scotland’s most prestigious motorsport awards - the Ecurie Ecosse Hub Cap trophy. She was also named the top lady driver competing in Scotland for the third time in succession.

Brown’s ultimate aim is to make the grade in the ultra-competitive British Touring Car Championship, and is currently trying to find sponsors willing to back her plans to step up a level and race across the UK in 2009.

Carol Brown said:
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in this event as there is an unbelievable line-up of drivers taking part. I’ve got plenty of experience in karts and it will be really good fun to test myself against them. There will be a few who I’ve raced with in the past, so it will be good to catch up with them too. It’s just great though to see so many famous names willing to do their bit for charity and raise money for such good causes.”