The team was led by Mike Smith, joint managing director of Fleet Assist, included industry colleagues Duncan Metcalfe, international remarketing manager at business mobility specialist Alphabet, Alan Green, remarketing manager at leasing and fleet management company LeasePlan UK, and Fleet Assist senior service booking co-ordinator Alex Marwick. 

The 24-hour event took place at the Alain Prost Circuit next to the Porsche Curves at the famous Le Mans race circuit in France. It was organised by Teeside Karting and was the European round of its 24-hour Endurance Karting Championship featuring some of the UK’s top teams. 

The team has so far raised more than £2,300 to help fund a new minibus for the Nene Valley, Northamptonshire, branch of PHAB, a national charity dedicated to the integration of people with physical disabilities in the community, with the aim of promoting and encouraging people of all abilities to come together on equal terms. 

On the day, the team covered 1,348 laps of the 1.1 kilometre circuit in the 24 hours at an average speed of 66kph. That meant, including qualifying, the team completed more than 1,500km. 

Smith said: “We finished a very respectable 26th out of 38 starters [36 teams finished the race], which we were very happy with. We have already completed our entry for next year’s race and have all committed to be fitter and lighter!” 

The PHAB branch where Smith helps as a volunteer driver operates two minibuses, which are a lifeline for members and transport people, many of whom are wheelchair bound, from their homes to weekly meetings as well as to national events, residential breaks and other activities. 

Donations can be made via Mike Smith’s Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Mike-Smith76.