Yorkshire Businesses Rev Up for Steel City Cup in Aid of Children’s Hospital Charity

Sheffield teenager and rising motorsport star Rowan Campbell‑Pilling brings businesses together as the 2026 Steel City Cup returns this June.

The competition will see businesses from across Yorkshire compete for the coveted ‘Steel City Cup’ title all in aid of raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity at Parkwood Karting in Neepsend, Sheffield.

The last event, in 2024, saw over 20 teams battle it out to raise vital funds for the charity with Gripple, Mattress Online, Cobra Sport Exhausts, Irwin Mitchell and H Harrold & Sons reaching the final.

As H Harrold & Sons – Sheffield’s longest serving locksmiths – took the trophy last time, the team will return to the track this year to defend their title.

Harry Harrold, Director of H Harrold & Sons, said: “We can’t wait to be back on track to defend our title at this year’s Steel City Cup.

“The competition is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something different while also raising money for an incredible cause and to connect with other local businesses.”

Several qualifying races will take place across June where teams of four will go head-to-head on the 400m track in a 20-minute qualifying session – to set the grid, followed by a further 1 hour 40-minute race – to compete in over 130 fast action laps.

The fastest teams will progress to the grand final in September. Racing star Rowan will be there every step of the way to cheer teams on and provide his racing knowledge and expertise.

Rowan said: “I’m beyond excited to see the Steel City Cup return to Sheffield and bring businesses together to raise money for a cause very close to my heart.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to introduce people to karting, the thing that started my motorsport career, while also boosting the charity’s funds. Plus, it’ll be great fun.”

Rowan has been an ambassador for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity since 2022 and, to date, has raised £30,000 for the charity. During the final of the last Steel City Cup, he raised a total of £4,000.

The money has helped fund specialist medical equipment and new facilities to ensure the charity can provide the best possible treatment for its patients and match the world-class care they receive.

Caitlin Hallatt, Philanthropy Manager from The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re so pleased that the Steel City cup is returning this summer. After the last one’s success, it’s brilliant that businesses get the chance to be involved in such a unique event while also helping to raise money for our charity.

“We’re so grateful for Rowan’s continued support and we can’t thank him enough for being part of our team. The funds he raised continues to make a huge difference to the lives of our patients, families and staff.”

After two successful seasons in F4, Rowan is currently competing in the 2026 UK GB3 Championship with his team Xcel Motorsport. The season kicked off last month at Silverstone and comprises of eight events in five different countries from April to November. So far Rowan has secured three top ten finishes and an impressive fifth place overall.

Rowan is proud of his roots and is eager to represent the Steel City, and the wider region, wherever he goes, proudly standing as Sheffield – and Yorkshire’s – only GB3 driver.

Think you’ve got what it takes to take the Steel City Cup title? RSVP by contacting [email protected] while there’s still spaces available.