Skip advert
Advertisement

Mark Hales appeal launched

Revered racing driver and motoring journalist Mark Hales faces bankrupcy after a Porsche 917 he was driving suffered engine damage.

Mark Hales drives McLaren F1 GTR

A racing driver and journalist faces a six-figure bill after damage to a Porsche 917 he was driving. Mark Hales was sued by the car’s owner, David Piper, after serious engine damage occurred during a drive at Cadwell Park for a magazine feature.

Mark’s defence was that mechanical failure caused the Porsche to jump out of gear, which led to the engine over-revving. Piper claimed that Hales failed to engage the gear correctly, which led to the engine damage. The engine was rebuilt in Germany for the sum of 37,370 euros after the incident. A court case concluded Hales had over-revved the engine, and he’s been left with total payments of around £110,000 plus his own legal bill. He faces bankruptcy and potentially the loss of his home.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Hales is a long-time contributor to evo and a regular driver of Nick Mason’s multimillion-pound Ferrari 250 GTO in the Goodwood Revival. He is revered as one of the most talented and experienced drivers in motoring journalism circles and regularly drives priceless racing cars for both races and magazine features.

A fund to help pay for Hales’s costs has been started at www.savethehales.com. Click here if you’d like to help.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025