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

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The lifespan of many charity organisations is often startlingly short—most fold within just a few years, unable to sustain their work without consistent support. At The Sparkle Foundation, we have learned an essential truth: sustainability is not only about funding or resources. It is about involving the community. When people take ownership of a program, they ensure its longevity, impact, and meaningfulness. This principle guides our nutrition program, which provides breakfast and lunch to preschool and primary school children daily. But this program is not just about the meals—it is about the people who make them possible. Parents play an essential role, contributing firewood for cooking and dedicating their time and effort to preparing meals and cleaning dishes. Their involvement turns an ordinary program into a shared mission and a testament to the strength of collective action. Shared Ownership for Shared Success Every morning, guardians arrive at our three early childhood development centres, eager to help. With their assistance, we prepare breakfast and lunch, ensuring every child receives the nourishment needed to grow, learn, and thrive. Their involvement transforms meal preparation into a lively community activity, promoting a sense of shared purpose and pride. This hands-on involvement is not only practical but also transformative. By actively engaging, guardians become partners in their children's well-being. They demonstrate to their children that education and nutrition are important priorities that require collective effort. 
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