Karting Australia Chief Operating Officer Lee Hanatschek is hoping the Australian motorsport community will help him get to his pledge target for next next month’s Tour de Cure Signature Tour.

Involved in Australian motorsport media and administration for almost two decades, Hanatschek has received great support from the industry, but is just shy of the $12,000 each rider needs to raise as part of their pledge to the event.

Direct Donations to the Tour de Cure for Hanatschek’s campaign can be made HERE.

The Tour de Cure will see 150 riders cycle 1400km from Sydney to Geelong from May 3-11 while raising funds for cancer research, support and prevention.

“I’m just shy of my pledge of $12,000 with a couple of weeks to go and my aim is to smash this pledge out of the water with the support of the motorsport community,” said Hanatschek, who has been racking up hundreds of kilometers a week in preparation for the event.

“Cancer is something that has affected me personally and it’s something that I could openly say that has touched every person that I know in one way or another. This is my way of doing something to help find a cure to the dreaded disease.

“I’ve seen too many of my family and friends fight cancer and, sadly, the majority of them have lost the battle.

“While I’m fit and able to, I want to do my bit to be able to help find a cure of this disease which continues to affect so many – and that is why I’ve committed to riding in the 2019 Tour de Cure Signature ride.”

While not a race, riders are split into teams for the Signature Tour and the Team Adge outfit (sponsored by Adge Apartments in Sydney) that Hanatschek is a part of has already raised $200,000 towards the cause.

As for the ride itself, Hanatschek believes that it will be the hardest physical challenge he has ever faced.

“Riding from Sydney to Geelong, which is 1400km, is something I never thought would have been possible a few years ago, but with the commitment and the support of my wife, family and friends it’s going to achieved,” he said.

Channel 7 Sunrise and motorsport personality Mark Beretta will be taking part in his 10th Tour de Cure Signature Tour.