RACE ace Rory Butcher is behind the wheel of an environmental drive off-track by planting trees at circuits around the country to counteract his carbon emissions.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) competitor, who has close links with Knockhill Racing Circuit, has teamed-up with one of the UK's largest tree-growing nurseries, Frank P Matthews Trees, for his 'Racing Clean' project.

Dunfermline Press: Rory Butcher's 'Racing Clean' project has received support from Frank P Matthews Trees and Grounds Care Group.Rory Butcher's 'Racing Clean' project has received support from Frank P Matthews Trees and Grounds Care Group. (Image: Racing Clean / Rory Butcher Racing.)

Toyota Gazoo Racing UK driver Butcher, an 11-time race winner and former Independents' Champion in the UK's premier motorsport series, set out in 2021 to plant up to 80 native British trees per year at race tracks around the country, conscious of the carbon footprint generated by travelling to and from events from his home in Fife.

In addition, Butcher - in partnership with Adam Brindle, CEO of commercial landscape maintenance company the Grounds Care Group, and with the additional support of Toyota GB, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK and the British Racing Drivers' Club, as well as Knockhill and Silverstone circuits - has planeted further trees for every podium finish he has achieved over the past three BTCC campaigns.

That has taken the total to more than 250 so far, and Butcher's efforts have been further boosted by Worcestershire-based nursery Frank P Matthews supplying all of the saplings to Racing Clean free of charge.

"Motor racing has not traditionally enjoyed the best reputation when it comes to looking after the environment, but increasing steps are being taken to make the sport more sustainable, such as the hybrid powertrains introduced by the BTCC two years ago," Butcher commented.

"I knew I wanted to play my part by doing what I could to reduce my carbon footprint, but I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. Adam [Brindle] has been a tremendous source of encouragement and inspiration in that respect, and to now additionally have the support of the team at Frank P Matthews is fantastic, and will really help Racing Clean to take root!"

Stephanie James, director, Frank P Matthews Trees, commented: "We are delighted to be able to support Racing Clean with tree supply for its sustainability projects.

"It is a pleasure to promote the great work Rory and the Grounds Care Group have been undertaking. Such a passionate approach to the environment is exemplary and will benefit the landscape for generations to come."

Adam Brindle, CEO, Grounds Care Group, added: "I’ve always been committed to sustainability, and in Rory, I instantly recognised somebody with the same outlook.

"In an era in which too many people and companies are guilty of ‘greenwashing’, it’s been hugely refreshing to find someone who truly believes in the cause, and Rory is the first to roll up his sleeves and dig deep – literally, in this case!"