Caddy Williams to stage charity speedway night

Steve Williams

New Zealand golf caddy Steve Williams will hold a celebrity speedway event to raise money for needy young sporting talent in this country.

Williams, who races cars when he isn't caddying for world golf number one, Tiger Woods, has attracted top V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy, former All Black captain Tana Umaga and top driver Tony Galbraith for the event.

Williams, who won the national Super Saloon Car title in January, will stage the event on April 24, the day after the V8 Supercar round at Pukekohe.

Money raised will go to the Steve Williams Foundation which provides funding for young sports people who cannot afford coaching or to help them with sports-related tertiary educational opportunities.

"Any funds I raise when I am in New Zealand from speaking engagements or corporate hospitality work all goes to my foundation," Williams said.

"Of course my own passion is speedway and so I thought this was a good chance to do something a bit different and raise some money for the foundation.

"I am delighted that Greg Murphy will be taking part. And Tana had graciously accepted also. He will be getting a crash course in stock car driving."

Asked if Woods would take part, Williams said: "Could you really imagine Tiger racing a stock car?

"I remember his reaction when I rang him last year to say I had hurt myself racing my car and would be out of action. The golf course is his domain, not a speedway track."

The foundation, established in 2000, has dispersed $250,000 to young athletes.

- NZPA