A 24-year-old racing driver from Shepton Mallet has launched a fundraising appeal after a blown engine during a race at Oulton Park put his debut season in jeopardy.

Donovan Dyer, who is competing in the Kent Models MX-5 Championship with Bromley Motorsport, is aiming to raise £5,000 to cover the cost of an engine rebuild. So far, £150 has been raised through two donations on GoFundMe.

Working three jobs to fund his racing career, Dyer was in contention for a top rookie finish when extreme temperatures during the final race at Oulton Park caused a critical engine failure. With trackside heat reaching 38°C and over 40°C inside the vehicle, the mechanical strain proved too much.

"I am fully self-funded and have stretched my resources to the limit just to get this far," Dyer wrote on his fundraiser page. "Every entry fee, replacement part, tyre and repair comes out of my own pocket."

In return for support, Dyer is offering donors a chance to win exclusive race merchandise, Silverstone race day tickets, behind-the-scenes access, and a hot lap in a race-ready car. All donors will also have their names featured on the car's livery for the rest of the season.

The campaign, titled Support Independent Motorsports – Keep the Dream Alive, is active on GoFundMe.