Full Steam Ahead: Sparkle Ambassador Gus Burton after debut win at British GT Championship

Beth Bauer • June 9, 2021

Teenage racing car driver Gus Burton achieved a debut victory in The Intelligent Money British GT Championship at Brands Hatch last month.

The 18-year-old British Racing Driver’s Club rising star, who is an ambassador for The Sparkle Foundation, secured pole position in qualifying with his co-driver Will Burns in the Century Motorsport prepared BMW M4 no. 57 car before going on to win the GT4 race.


As one of The Sparkle Foundation’s youngest ambassadors, Gus is ready to ‘sparkle’ during this year’s racing season as he raises awareness for vulnerable children in Malawi.


“The Sparkle Foundation remains close to my heart,” says Gus. “The charity’s CEO, Sarah Brook, is an Old-Felstedian student just like me and her inspiring story about Malawi is one that has stuck with me to this day.


Since becoming an ambassador for the charity, Gus Burton Racing has raised £55,000 for Sparkle, thanks to the generosity of sponsors. Gus continues: “This season, I’m going full speed ahead on both the racetrack to secure a title challenge and to raise awareness for Sparkle. Together with Team Century and my co-driver Will, I believe we have the foundations in place to have a successful year.”


As Gus prepares for his next challenge at Silverstone 500 on 27th June, Sparkle founder Sarah Brook wishes the young driver every success for the season ahead.


“Gus has been a fantastic ambassador for The Sparkle Foundation and has made such a difference to the children of Malawi,” added Sarah. “His long-standing commitment has meant that he has raised thousands of pounds for the charity and has seen first-hand how his sponsorship has helped following his visit to Malawi back in 2019. Even though he’s only 18, it just goes to show that being young doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference. In fact, it means you make an even bigger impact!”


“We wish Gus all the best for the upcoming season and hope that he can continue the positive momentum from his race win at Brands Hatch to Silverstone later this month. There is no doubt about it – we know Gus is going to ‘sparkle’ beyond the end of the season at Donnington GP in October, and Sparkle will be supporting him all the way.”



To keep track of Gus’ activities this season, please visit gusburtonracing.com


By chimwemwe gawa February 25, 2025
Is There Hope for Vulnerable Communities in Malawi? 
By Sarah Brook February 10, 2025
Sparkle's Clinic Transformation 
By Sarah Brook February 3, 2025
Malawi is on the frontlines of global crises. Cyclone Deirdre, though less devastating than Cyclone Freddy, ripped off the roof of Sparkle Farm’s newly built toilet - a frustrating setback as we work toward sustainable feeding programmes. Adding to the strain, delayed rains now push planting seasons from December to late January, shrinking growing periods and increasing crop failure risks. With 80% of Malawians relying on agriculture, the situation is dire. Last year’s harvests already fell short, leaving many vulnerable to hunger. Ripple Effects of Global Conflicts Global conflicts amplify these challenges. Mozambique, once a food lifeline, is now hindered by insurgencies. The war in Ukraine has created fertiliser shortages, not just price hikes. With Ukraine being a key supplier, farmers in Malawi are unable to access critical agricultural inputs, further threatening yields. As aid is diverted to other global crises, like Palestine, African nations like Malawi are left struggling with fewer resources to tackle mounting issues. Climate Change and Inequality Climate change compounds the crisis. Though Malawi contributes less than 0.1% to global emissions, it’s among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries. Cyclones, floods, and droughts are increasingly frequent, forcing communities into a relentless cycle of rebuilding. In rural areas, a lack of knowledge about sustainable practices leaves farmers using the same overworked land year after year, depleting soil quality and further reducing crop productivity.
More Posts
Share by: