The Grounds Care Group and Toyota Gazoo Racing UK British Touring Car Championship star Rory Butcher have renewed their commitment to the 'Clean Racing' campaign.
Launched in 2021, the campaign, conceived by Adam Brindle, MD of Grounds Care Group, aims to offset Rory's carbon footprint by planting trees at race circuits across the country and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd in Burnaston.
In addition to pursuing the prestigious prize in British motorsport, Butcher is dedicated to environmental protection and has pledged to neutralize the carbon emissions generated by his travel to and from race circuits, from his home in Kirkcaldy.
Based on his mileage and average fuel consumption, Butcher and Brindle have determined that 72 established trees* need to be planted to instantly offset his annual emissions.
Furthermore, Rory has committed to planting additional trees for each podium he achieves this season in his British-built Toyota Corolla – three for every victory, two for each runner-up result, and one for every third-place finish.
Butcher explains, "Adam approached me back in 2021 and expressed his interest in sponsoring a BTCC driver due to his passion for biodiversity and environmental conservation through his business.
As a motorsport enthusiast himself, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to merge the two.
He came up with an exciting idea to offset part of my carbon footprint, and he has been incredibly supportive.
"We named the project Racing Clean, and our plan was to encourage venues to plant these trees.
What better place than the very venues where we race?
We have already planted trees at Silverstone, Knockhill, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, and Toyota HQ, to name a few.
"The trees not only help reduce my carbon footprint but also enhance biodiversity in the area", adds Butcher.
Brindle further explains, "I wanted to partner with someone who would understand the project and have a long-term presence in the BTCC.
[W]e take pride in fostering on-site biodiversity while creating an engaging space for our staff and visitors.
With Rory's impressive track record and history, he was the obvious choice for me.
"While many companies discuss carbon offsetting, biodiversity, and sustainability, not all are genuinely interested when approached.
Therefore, it's truly remarkable to have both TMUK and Toyota HQ wholeheartedly supporting this project.
"Our goal is to plant 80 trees per year, so by the end of 2023, we will have planted over 200.
These trees, a few years old upon planting, are native to the UK, which is essential for biodiversity as they do not compete with existing trees in the area.
"We have achieved fantastic success thus far, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this collaboration throughout the season and beyond."
Agustín Martín, TGB President and CEO, says, "We are thrilled to support Rory and Adam with the Racing Clean Project.
It's a fantastic initiative that aligns closely with our vision here at Toyota Eco-HQ and Toyota's Global Environmental Challenge 2050, which aims to establish a future society in harmony with nature.
"At Eco-HQ, we take pride in fostering on-site biodiversity while creating an engaging space for our staff and visitors.
We aim to leave a legacy through educating our staff and the local community.
We all have a responsibility to the environment, and the Racing Clean Project is an excellent example of how this can be achieved."
