A RACING champion surprised fundraisers gearing up for their European adventure when he dropped by their office last week.

British Touring Car Championship star Tom Ingram, part of the Speedworks Motorsport team, popped into Unipart's head office in Cowley to meet staff.

The sportsman, who is sponsored by global distributor Unipart Autoparts, showed his support for a troupe of employees set to tackle a 2,000-mile trip for automotive industry charity BEN.

Staff, who have raised £10,000 towards their £25,000 target, will take part in the Bangers for BEN challenge in October, driving from Oxford to Maranello, Italy, and back again.

Racers will battle the trek in a 17-year-old Toyota Avensis cloned to mirror Ingram's flagship car.

Unipart Autoparts managing director Tony Sackett said: "We are delighted to be supporting Speedworks Motorsport this season.

"It’s great to welcome the team to Unipart House to gain additional sponsorship for BEN, which is a charity we have supported for many years.

"The Unipart brand has long been affiliated with motorsport, and we are excited to be continuing this with Tom and the rest of the Speedworks team."

Unipart staff also signed the bonnet of the car after donating cash to the fundraising appeal, gathering £400 during the visit last Tuesday.

The Bangers for Ben team will also join Ingram at events across the country in the coming weeks to raise more funds.

See justgiving.com/fundraising/Unipart-Bangers