MOTORSPORT enthusiasts are racing ahead with a charity Xbox challenge after the developers of an acclaimed game series agreed to back their event.


As reported in the Warrington Guardian, 24 gamers will be recreating the atmosphere of Le Mans on Saturday by racing for 24 hours in teams of three.


They will be ‘driving’ on Circuit de la Sarthe using the game Forza 5 to match the famous endurance championship in real time.


But they had no idea that their cause, in aid of Kidney Research UK, would catch the attention of the makers of Forza in America.


The ‘drivers’ have been sent $700 in donations and merchandise from Forza’s studio Turn 10, including a board from its ‘Filmspeed’ advertising campaign.


Stuart Baird, a Forza fan, has even designed a customised virtual Kidney Research UK car for the team to race in at DB Gaming in Crown Street.


Organiser Chris Larsen, who works at Vodafone in Birchwood Park, is urging people to visit the centre to show their support.


The race finishes at 2pm on Sunday followed by podium presentation for the winning team.
Chris, aged 32, said: “I'm so overwhelmed by the support online and the amount of people who are getting behind my idea.


“People already want to be a part of future events which is incredible.


“I feel so privileged to be part of this community, my only hope now is that the people of Warrington come in and show their support.


“It’s going to be so difficult to do and their support will make a massive difference to all the drivers involved.”


Chris hopes to raise £2,000 for Kidney Research UK in tribute to his friend Sophie Walker’s battle with Goodpasture syndrome.

The Le Mans 24 hour challenge starts at 2pm on Saturday at DB Gaming in Crown Street.