Legend Dario switches gear to aid Sir Jackie's dementia charity

SCOTS driving legend Dario Franchitti has donated his race kit and helmet to be auctioned off in aid of Sir Jackie Stewart's dementia charity.

- Stuart MacDonald

The four-time IndyCar champion was mentored by Stewart when he started out at racing karts at a track in Lanarkshire town Larkhall as a youngster.

He has remained close to the family and said he wanted to do something to help Formula 1 great Stewart's campaign to find a cure for dementia.

Honoured

Stewart, 85, set up charity Race Against Dementia (RAD) after his wife Helen was diagnosed with the illness in 2014.

Franchitti's racing kit includes a Sparco race suit, balaclava and bespoke Nomex protective layers, as well as a pair of Puma boots, Alpinestars gloves and a matching visor.

His signed racing helmet has the Saltire draped across it and retains its radio and drinks tube.

Both lots are being sold by Broad Arrow Auctions with 100% of the proceeds to be donated to Race Against Dementia.