Stars donate to driver coach Rob Wilson's $350,000 kidney transplant fund

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Rob Wilson, the renowned Kiwi-born driver coach battling kidney failure for two years. His doctor, Georges Kaye, has volunteered to donate a kidney, and funds are needed to keep Kaye's business running during his recovery. The target is £185,000 (nearly $350,000), with £80,000 already raised by a wave of support from motorsport's elite.

Why it matters:

Wilson is one of the most respected driver coaches globally, having shaped champions like Kimi Raikkonen, Juan-Pablo Montoya, and Valentino Rossi. His unique method—using a road-going Ford Puma instead of a race car—has influenced a generation of drivers. A successful transplant and recovery would allow him to continue his transformative coaching work.

The details:

• Big-name donors: F1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas contributed, alongside NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe.
• Supercars support: Cam Waters, Thomas Randle, Kai Allen, Jack Perkins, Greg Murphy, Adrian Burgess, and Carrera Cup team owner Andy McElrea have all donated.
• How the funds are used: While the NHS covers the surgery, the money pays for Kaye's business operations during his recovery—ensuring the doctor can donate without financial hardship.
• Wilson's legacy: He worked with top drivers across F1, WRC, and NASCAR, building a reputation as a coach who emphasizes feel and technique over sheer speed.

What's next:

The campaign still needs over £100,000 to reach its goal. With the support already shown by the racing community, organizers are confident the target will be met. A successful transplant would not only save Wilson's life but also allow him to return to coaching—a role that has made him a behind-the-scenes legend in motorsport.