Rory Butcher and RAcing Clean partner with Frank P Matthews

In parallel with his on-track exploits as a front-runner in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), Rory Butcher has been accelerating his environmental drive away from the track by teaming up with one of the UK’s largest tree-growing nurseries, Frank P Matthews Trees, for his ‘Racing Clean’ project.

As an 11-time race-winner and former Independents’ Champion in the UK’s premier motorsport series, Butcher’s skill behind the wheel speaks for itself, but conscious of the carbon footprint generated by travelling to and from events from his home in Kirkcaldy, he vowed in 2021 to counteract his carbon emissions by planting up to 80 native British trees per year at race tracks around the country.

Joining forces 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 (TMUK), the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) and Silverstone and Knockhill circuits – Butcher has been as good as his word.

Indeed, the 36-year-old Scot has planted further trees for every podium finish he has achieved over the past three BTCC campaigns behind the wheel of Toyota Gazoo Racing UK’s British-built Corolla GR Sport, bringing the total to over 250 to-date.

Now, his carbon offset efforts have been boosted by Worcestershire-based nursery Frank P Matthews – known for its wide selection of fruit and ornamental trees – which has committed to sponsor Racing Clean by supplying all of the saplings free of charge.

Rory Butcher planting trees at Silverstone Race Circuit

Rory Butcher, Driver, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK, said:

“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.

“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, said:

“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, said:

“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!

“It’s very important to us at the Grounds Care Group that we plant native British trees, which have co-evolved to support surrounding ecosystems and foster biodiversity – and as one of the country’s pre-eminent tree-growers, Frank P Matthews perfectly shares that vision. We are thrilled to bring them on-board as we bid to make 2024 Racing Clean’s most fruitful year yet.”