A racing enthusiast is trying to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation after his wife gave him her kidney.

South Hams businessman Reuben Taylor races in the intermarque championship, an event for spaceframe coupe and saloon cars built to strict regulations run by the British Automobile Racing Club. The regulations are designed to encourage close competition and keep costs tightly under control.

The championship is run exclusively for hot rod-based machines which have a passing resemblance to cars like the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK, VW Corrado, Peugeot 206 and Vauxhall Tigra.

Reuben said: “We are trying to highlight NHS organ donors, they have sponsorship on the roof of the car. I had a kidney transplant four years ago and my wife was able to donate, luckily enough, but others aren’t so fortunate.

Reuben is also on the hunt for anyone with an interest in motorsport to help out with the team, which races at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Lydden Hill, Snetterton and Rock­ingham. He is looking for someone local, preferably around the Ivybridge area, that is keen on motorsport and either has a mechanical background or is quick to learn.

He said: “It’s an exciting sport and we have a good team. I’m the driver, team manager is Charlie Taylor and the mechanic/pit crew is Andy with occasional help from others. We have won the Hardest Trying Trophy this year at the Brands Hatch BARC Motor­sport Awards and eight others throughout the season.