The Julie Tonelli Childrens Fund is created at the same time as new high-endurance 125cc engines appear on the scene. Gérard Tonelli decided to step up his efforts to immortalise his daughter's name by setting up a foundation that reflects the great passions of Julie's lifetime - karting and children. The new foundation aims to support associations that help sick and distressed children. To publicise its efforts, the foundation counts upon the support of the many "Julie Tonelli" drivers who have already pledged their support. These drivers have agreed to sport Julie's colours in order to attract media attention to increase the fund's notoriety and credibility.

Julie's parents are totally committed to honouring their daughter's memory. The pain of loss will never leave them but they wish to channel their grief into something which is positive for others.
What better way to do it than through Julie's great passions?
First of all karting, which she did so much to promote during the five seasons of her short career. Julie Tonelli's spirit could not live on without the values she cherished so much - competition of course, but above all sporting behaviour and respect for others. More than 1500 drivers have registered on the website dedicated to her memory and bear her colours on T-shirts and stickers. They come not only from France but also Europe and elsewhere in the world. The Julie Tonelli site receives thousands of visits every day. A less well-known side of Julie's character was her devotion to children. Unfortunately, she didn't live long enough to give full expression to it but Julie loved kids and they loved her. These are the reasons behind the creation of the Julie Tonelli Childrens Fund.

From now on, whenever you sport Julie's emblematic pink butterfly you will be contributing generously to a charity that aims to help alleviate the suffering of young children in need. To this end, every effort will be made to promote the name "Julie Tonelli" and "Julie Tonelli" drivers will benefit from the increased media attention. In addition to the famous www.julietonelli.com website - which will soon be getting a full makeover - press releases packed with information and photos of participating drivers will draw widespread media attention to their results. Just like Julie and her fund, the fame and reputation of the drivers will grow. The Julie Tonelli Childrens Fund will attract the attention of the general media channels. Since they have a much wider circulation than the specialised media, the whole karting world will benefit from the increased exposure. So, all you kart drivers, teams and fans, why not join Julie's cause today? Please support the Julie Tonelli Childrens Fund by displaying her colours out on the track and by registering on the website.

Julie Tonelli at the FFSA Karting Grand Prix in Essay, 8 April 2007
Over a third of the 140-strong contingent of drivers competing in sunny Normandy was sporting Julie's famous pink butterfly. In the Junior KF3 class, Sébastien Bailly took the flag in the end but young Brandon Maïsano might have stolen victory if it hadn't been for mechanical problems. Out of luck too was Vincent Fraisse, unplaced in the final after a promising 5th spot in the prefinal race. Pierre Cécil Irissou finished in 8th position after driving a steady race. Over in the Espoir KF2 class, Lacaze drove brilliantly to victory ahead of Benedetti in a race in which many of the favourites proved not to being in good shape yet. Despite clocking an impressive 48?2 in the time trials, Stéphanie Lompech didn't make it through qualifying. Neither did Flavien Bouzana from Lorraine. In the Elite KF1 class, Armand Convers only managed to complete one lap in the heats after suffering a torrid time in the time trials. He still managed to climb to 5th position in the final though! The performance of day was without a doubt that of Arno Santamato who won with the best lap time of the race. Benjamin Bailly didn't manage to impose his class in a frantic final race, finishing only in 6th place. As always, Anthony Abasse did everything he could to get the best out of his machine but could only manage 9th place. Qualifying in last place after having to drop out of the prefinal, Aurélien Forgeron climbed 9 places to finish 12th in what was an eventful race.
Not much to report in the 125 KZ2 class. Thomas Mich was in good shape, but luck was against him for victory. Thomas Letailleur fought it out at the front of the race but just missed out on a podium place. Yannick Savard, a top 10 driver, finished in 12th place on this particular outing. Eric Ramon was in the thick of things and finished 16th.