Two rare pieces of motorsport memorabilia have been put on the market through Speedcafe.com and Lloyds Auctions with all proceeds going directly to the site’s official charity, Motor Racing Ministries.
Both rear tyres from Jamie Whincup’s 2009 championship-winning car will go to the highest bidder through Lloyd’s new monthly charity auction with 100 percent of all proceeds being donated.
Fans can bid on the tyres with the auction live until December 10.
The tyres were made available by Triple Eight Race Engineering for a charity event after the 2009 championship and were purchased by Speedcafe.com owner Brett ‘Crusher’ Murray.
Both tyres come complete with Jamie Whincup’s signature, an image of the 2009 championship burnout and a letter of authenticity from Dunlop.
The last championship tyres auctioned for charity were from Russell Ingall’s 2005 Stone Brothers Racing Falcon which raised $8400 ($4300 and $4100) for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
“I was completely surprised when I saw the tyres and was told of what was going to happen with them,” said Whincup.
“You just can’t get these tyres and the fact they are going to be sold for a second time to raise more money for charity is pretty cool.
“I am sure they would make an awesome addition to a pool room, bar or man cave. I was more than happy to add my signature to them.”
Speedcafe.com announced a charity relationship with Motor Racing Ministries and parent body Sports Chaplaincy Australia as part of its continued mantra of giving back to the wider motorsport community.
Motor Racing Ministries is headed by Reverend Dr Garry Coleman who was awarded an Order of Australia medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2010.
“This is a wonderful charitable donation,” said Coleman.
“We are grateful for Speedcafe.com’s recent support of our organisation and this first auction activity which will hopefully get us off to a great start.”
The role and function of the motorsport chaplains goes unrecognised for much of the time as they help guide drivers, teams, officials, volunteers, the public, and families through many critical times when there are severe accidents or injury as a result of competition.
Dunlop’s Motorsport Manager, Kevin Fitzsimons said that Supercar tyres are simply not available on the open market – especially ones with such significant history.
The two tyres carry the barcodes 87009080 (left) and 87008100 (right).
“I can confirm that these are the two tyres destroyed in burnouts at Homebush after Jamie won the title in 2009,” said Fitzsimons.
“It is extremely rare for any of our race tyres to be made available, especially ones as significant as these. They tyres still have the original barcodes and we have provided a letter of authenticity.”
Murray explained the history of the rare rubber and confirmed that the total amount bid for the tyres would be donated directly to Motorsport Ministries.
“Pieces of motorsport memorabilia don’t come much cooler than this,” said Murray.
“We are keen to raise as much money as possible through the year for Motor Racing Ministries and this is not a bad way to kick everything off.
“The great thing is that these tyres raised money for the Keith Evers fund back in 2010 and now they will be put to good use again.
“Lloyds Auctions are great partners of Speedcafe.com and should be applauded for this terrific new charity event and their commitment to having 100% of proceeds going to the cause.”
