A SELF-CONFESSED petrolhead is taking part in a motoring charity challenge which culminates next year at Le Mans.
Bruce Chapman has had more than 20 cars over the years, ranging from a Caterham 7 sports car and a Lamborghini to a "real Mister Bean Mini".
Now he is taking part in a wheel-y exciting project which aims to raise £50,000 for two worthy causes.
Father-of-two Mr Chapman, 42, and eight other car enthusiasts are taking part in Le Mons 365.
Having each bought a sports car for up to £2,500, the team will now take on a series of tests and challenges involving their vehicles, coming to a climax in June in Le Mans.
Their itinerary will include a track day at Brands Hatch, laps of the Santa Pod racing circuit and fuel economy tests.
Mr Chapman, of Buxton Lane, Caterham, is a partner in Bruce Lugg accountants based in Caterham High Street.
One of the instigators of the challenge, he said: "Three of us entrants were having a business lunch when we came up with the idea of sharing our passion for cars with raising money for worthy causes.
"I'm a bit of a petrolhead.
"I've done historic racing before at the Goodwood Revival meeting."
After much searching he splashed out and bought a Mazda RX8.
He said: "A new one costs about £26,000.
"It's a bit of a gas guzzler really which only goes 19 miles to the gallon and can go out of fashion quite quickly.
"That's why I was able to get a second-hand one for just £2,500."
Mr Chapman, who admits his motor mechanic's skills are "very low", is a big fan of motor sport including Formula 1.
He said the event is being contested in the spirit of gentle competition.
Visitors to www.lemons365.co.uk can view the drivers and cars.
They can then vote for their favourite in return for a cash pledge.
In addition they can enter a raffle and also make donations at the various events.
Money raised from the challenge will be divided between Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, and Make A Wish UK.
