Vicar, who drives high-speed cars in his free time to compete in Le Mans next year

VICAR Simon Butler is adventurous – as a racing driver.

And next year, the man nicknamed “The Racing Reverend” will even be at the start Le Mans.

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Simon, 42, started with go kart in its youth and has evolved into a powerful Ligier LMP3.

During that time he has set out to minister to 12 churches across Hampshire.

Simon, who lives in the village of Upton Grey, said some parishioners even supported him at the side of the track and cheered as he whizzed pastor.

Next year he will take a three-month sabbatical to compete in the famous 24-hour race in France and is already taking part in six pre-races this year.

He said: “People think of the stereotypical Playboy racer and the gentle and mild rural vicar and the two seem worlds apart – but to me they go hand in hand.”

“Racing doesn’t distract from my community work – on the contrary, it makes it better.”

Simon added: “While some pastors use study and writing to refresh themselves, I refresh myself in the cockpit of a race car.

“My community members are actually very supportive and come to watch me race.”

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