Grandad set for ‘white knuckle’ racing

There will be a panic button inside the car that Mr Ridler can press

A thrill-seeking grandfather is taking on the challenge of driving racing cars at "breakneck speeds".

Pete Ridler is taken on the ‘Fast Car Challenge’ at Thruxton Race Circuit in June to raise money for North Somerset's Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The 77-year-old will be driving a Porsche Sports Saloon, a V8 Ford Mustang and a dual seat Formula One-style open wheel car – with a racing driver at the helm.

“Apparently there is a white button on the back of the driver’s seat - if it gets a bit scary, I may have to push it,” he said.

He has been fundraising for the hospice for more than 30 years

“Being passenger in the Formula One replica will be the ultimate white knuckle ride.”

The Formula One replica could see Pete reach speeds of up to 160mph.

Mr Ridler and his wife Jenny have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice over three decades.

“We’ve been fundraising since the day the foundation stone was laid at Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Devon more than 30 years ago,” said the retired helicopter engineer said.

“And we’ve kept going ever since. We still do a couple of bingo fundraisers at our local community centre to raise funds which are always popular.”