Media Release: Walkinshaw Takes Air Ambulance Pit Stop En Route To Rockingham

Rockingham, Northamptonshire – Friday, September 21, 2012: Heading in to the next Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup rounds at Rockingham, near Corby, Fergus Walkinshaw has already got his long race weekend off to a busy start. En route to the Northamptonshire circuit, Walkinshaw paid a pit stop at RAF Benson with his 3.7-litre Ginetta G55 sportscar, to help drive awareness for the forthcoming National Air Ambulance Week 2012.

Fulfilling his first official duties in his new role as Motorsport Advocate for the Association of Air Ambulances, Walkinshaw had the pleasure of meeting the Thames Valley Air Ambulance Crew and view the impressive Eurocopter EC135.

There are 30 air ambulances nationwide which touch 60 lives per day, providing vital care to significantly improve the outcome of a serious accident or health complaint. Walkinshaw hopes to help drive awareness and funding to local air ambulance charities through his Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup racing campaign, part of the British Touring Car Championship package.

National Air Ambulance Week 2012 offers the opportunity for the public to support the invaluable work of local charities, which exist largely thanks to public donations due to limited government support. Visit www.aoaa.org.uk for further details.

With fresh motivation for the cause, Walkinshaw arrived at Rockingham ready to sport his new race car livery, featuring the motivational ‘Support Your Local Air Ambulance’ message and web address, aboard the #91 podium winning car in Friday’s official TOCA test.

Despite changeable weather conditions through the two Ginetta GT Supercup stints, the 21 year-old ranked fifth fastest in the tricky wet session while dialling-in the G55’s set-up to the 1.9-mile circuit. Walkinshaw will be back on track tomorrow, with qualifying at 10.25 and the first of two 24-lap feature races at 15.55.

Walkinshaw commented: “It was quite an experience to visit RAF Benson, meet the Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew and get a closer look at the Eurocopter EC135. I was really interested to hear about their work and the crew wanted to hear all about the car, so it was a really good day. My visit was just a very small part of the massive drive behind promoting the National Air Ambulance Week 2012 and I’m honoured to be involved.

“My Century Motorsport Ginetta G55 looks fantastic with the new livery, it was good to run it for the first time in official testing today and I look forward to delivering a strong race weekend at Rockingham.”

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Media Contact

Emma Spearing, Hazel PR:

Mobile: 07736 341828 | Email: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com

Notes to Editors

The Association of Air Ambulances has been established as a representative body for the Air Ambulance Services in the UK, which formally recognises the integral part that Air Ambulances play in the Medical Service provision. The success of the Air Ambulance Services in providing a rapid response to life-threatening situations has been clearly established.

The importance of close co-operation between Ambulance Services and their local Air Ambulance operations is paramount in ensuring that patient well-being is the number one priority when responding to an incident.

The Association endeavours to build on existing relationships between charities and the Ambulance Service to develop a continually improving Emergency response network.

Visit www.aoaa.org.uk for further information.

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