<p>A vicar of 17 years is defying stereotypes - by moonlighting as a RACECAR DRIVER.</p><p>Simon Butler, 42, looks after 12 churches in rural Hampshire - which he juggles alongside motor racing.</p><p>The dad-of-three began go-kart racing in his early teens and his passion grew as he continued to work to become a vicar.</p><p>And next year, Simon, who lives in Upton Grey, will even be travelling to France to compete in the iconic Le Mans race.</p><p>He says his flock has embraced his passion - often going to support him him at races and even nicknaming him 'the racing Reverend'.</p><p>Now Simon wants to break the stereotype that suggests vicars are meek and mild mannered and "spend most of their time drinking tea and eating cake".</p><p>He said: "I've been racing from a young age - and as I grew up it became a chance to escape the pressures of parish life.</p><p>"While some vicars may use study and writing to refresh themselves, my refresh is in the cockpit of a race car.</p><p>"I'm a very competitive person and I love pushing myself beyond my limits - I love the thrill of driving very fast.</p><p>"My parishioners are actually very supportive of it and come to watch me at races.</p><p>"It's always surprised me that people see vicaring and racing as being incongruous.</p><p>"They think of the stereotyped playboy racing driver and the meek and mild rural vicar and the two seem worlds apart - but for me they go hand in hand.</p><p>"Racing doesn't detract from my parish work - in fact it and makes it better."</p><p>Simon began his racing journey with go-karting at the age of 13 before eventually moving to single-seat racing.</p><p>As he began training to become ordained, he kept racing alongside his work.</p><p>Up until now, Simon - @racing_reverand on Twitter - has always raced for fun, but he now plans to step it up to the next level.</p><p>In 2023 he will be due three months sabbatical, which is time away from parish responsibilities once every seven years to refresh and rest.</p><p>And he will spend it travelling to France to compete in the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.</p>
