New Zealand’s Formula 1 superstar Liam Lawson will return to New Zealand to provide hot laps for charity this December.
Three unique hot lap experiences at Highlands aboard the stunning V12-powered Aston Martin Vulcan Supercar (the only one in the Southern Hemisphere) will be up for grabs this summer, with all proceeds being donated to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
The Racing Bulls driver will be at Highlands on Tuesday, 23 December, for one day only.
The effort to raise funds for Breast Cancer research comes after Highlands CEO Josie Spillane lost her close friend Louise Scott-Gallagher to the disease earlier this year.
As a bonus, one of the three charity hot lap experiences will be claimed by a lucky winner thanks to brand new Highlands GT Partner Shaw and Partners Financial Services, who will donate the money otherwise raised in the auction.
Shaw and Partners will provide the ride experience, plus flights and accommodation for the fortunate winner.
The relationship between Highlands CEO Spillane and Shaw and Partners CEO Earl Evans saw the industry-leading wealth management and investment firm come on board to support the cause by sponsoring one of the three available rides – and donating the full value to charity.
The remaining two Vulcan ride experiences with Lawson will be auctioned to the highest bidder, with all proceeds going to charity.
Shaw and Partners will also join as a GT Partner of Highlands, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and Taupo Motorsport Park effective immediately.
It builds on their already significant involvement in the sport, including serving as a major partner of Triple Eight Race Engineering / Red Bull Ampol Racing in the Repco Supercars Championship.
Shaw and Partners have recently launched their industry-leading services in New Zealand, with their new partnership with the circuits set to showcase their passion for the sport further.
The remainder of the day will be a chance for Kiwi motorsport fans to ride with Lawson in one of the Highlands Lamborghini Fast Dash cars, with just 20 rides available for just $399 via the Highlands website.
Lawson was the first ambassador of the Tony Quinn Foundation and recently met with a large group of Highlands members at the Singapore Grand Prix in early October.
“I caught up with Josie and TQ in Singapore and, in passing, said that I’d love to drive the Vulcan,” Lawson said.
“Josie didn’t even let TQ respond; it was an immediate yes – and we locked in the date and the idea that we could do something special for charity then and there.”
“The Tony Quinn Foundation and everyone associated with it have been great friends of mine and more than just supporters, so I try to support them where I can. It’s good for New Zealand and the sport, so I like to help, especially when I’m home.”
“We’d say that this is a money-can’t-buy opportunity, but in this case, it is!” added Highlands CEO, Josie Spillane.”
“Ordinarily, getting a hot lap in either the Vulcan or with a Formula One driver would be near impossible, but we’re thrilled to make it work and do it for a great cause. Tony is super generous with allowing us to use the Vulcan for charity, and we’ve raised over $250,000 to date for various New Zealand charities.”
“This is very personal for me. My friend Lou was just 44 years old when she lost her battle with breast cancer, and I’m so excited that we have been able to pull this together. Shaw and Partners didn’t even hesitate when we asked them to sponsor one of the three Vulcan rides so a fan could have a chance of winning. It means a lot to everyone. It’s great to work with such a passionate, talented team that believes in the relationship.”
“We also wanted this to be something everyone can have access to, so we’re stoked Liam has offered up another few laps in the Lamborghini Fast Dash car for people to purchase. It’s another exceptional experience that you’ll only be able to get at Highlands.”
Shaw and Partners CEO Earl Evans said they were going ‘all the way’ to support Highlands.
“Josie and I were talking about this opportunity for a while through our connections at Red Bull Ampol Racing, and basically, she wouldn’t let me say no!”
“We’ve only recently entered the New Zealand marketplace, and to get on board with the team at Highlands and experience what they are doing to build New Zealand Motorsport is outstanding.”
“The fact that we can help an incredible cause and sponsor one of the three hot lap experiences with Liam in the Vulcan is even better, although I’m going to try and bid for the other two so I can get out there with him and see how he goes and perhaps pass on some tips back to our Supercars drivers!”
“It made a lot of sense to link up with the team in New Zealand to keep showcasing what we do and our love for the sport on both sides of the Tasman. We can’t wait to be part of the ride, and the best thing is that with Josie and her incredible teams steering the ship, it’s always an exciting one!”
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Liam Lawson lend his time, talent, and passion to help New Zealanders affected by breast cancer. The chance to experience an exhilarating lap with Liam in a supercar is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and every dollar raised will directly support breast cancer patients through their greatest time of need.
“With nine women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand every day, we are so grateful to the teams at Highlands and Shaw and Partners for initiatives like this that can drive real change.”
AUCTION SITE DETAILS www.galabid.com/highlands
Header Image: Tayler Burke
