2008 News Archive

This page contains older news items.  For the latest news be sure to visit the home page of UK Karting.

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News Archive
2008 News Items

Half Price Race Entry Fees   (31/12)

Rissington will be offering half price race entry fees to any members of the club, whilst they are racing on novice plates. For some drivers this could cover the first 5 races out of the 9 championship rounds!

With its fast wide sweeping bends, billiard smooth surface and big run-off areas, makes the track one of the drivers favourites to race on and a great track to learn on. The club encourages novices and it is possible to take the important ARKS test at the track. The large open, grassed expanse, which is used for the pit and paddock area, allows ample space for overnight camping.

For membership details, race dates or any other info then see www.rissykartclub.com.

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Credit Crunch Beating Rebuilds   (30/12)

To help ease the credit crunch for their customers, Grice Racing Engines are offering a full rebuild, to include all labour, bearings, gaskets, seals, small end assembly and piston for...
 
Rotax: £290
KF2/3: £290
TKM: £155
Cadet: £95
 
The only extras are the starter motor, clutch and dyno.
 
We also offer a full range of race winning engines that are available for purchase or hire for one-off events or full championship calendars.
 
For full details contact us 01268 727847, or see our advert in Karting magazine.

Visit the Grice Racing Engines website at www.griceracingengines.com.

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KKRC Winter Series Offer   (30/12)

Pre-enter and pre-pay for the 3 winter events at Lydd for just £150.

Yes, just £150 for all 3!

This is an exclusive offer price, inclusive of the charge for Saturday practice and the Sunday race meeting for all 3 events.

It is only available when booked and paid before the first event and represents a saving of over 33%!

Only want to do the Sunday race? A similar deal is available - just £100 for all 3 winter series races.

Events are scheduled for 10th/11th January, 7th/8th February, and the 7th/8th March 2009.

More details and entry forms may be downloaded from the Kent Kart Racing Club website at www.kkrc.org.

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TKM Regs & Tech Guide   (30/12)

Tal-Ko Racing, organisers of the Formula TKM 2 & 4 stroke classes, have just released the 14th issue of their Regulations & Technical Guide for the TKM categories.

The 2009 book contains the latest regulations for all of the TKM classes together with a wealth of information on how to set up the engines and keep them running at their peak.

Contained within the guide is also the engine fiche for the 2-stroke engine and technical detail such as the new style Air Box approved for 2007 & new style Cylinder Liner.

The bound guide book costs just £4.50 and is available from Tal-Ko and from Lodgemark Press.

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Successful 2008 For Kartpartsuk   (23/12)
 
Kartpartsuk.com would like to congratulate all their drivers on achieving their best year's results to date. They took a clean sweep in Senior Rotax winning both championships at Fulbeck and Wombwell. Andrew Vizard winning the Fulbeck championship, winning 4 finals, setting 5 fastest laps and only finishing off the podium once all year. While Jamie Johnson won the Wombwell championship winning 2 finals and setting 3 fastest laps along the way.
 
Congratulations also go to Perry Jennet on winning the Wombwell championship and James Bowkett on winning the Fulbeck championship both in Junior Rotax. Whilst Sam Chester secured 4th at Fulbeck in Juniors taking it down to the last 4 laps in the last final of the year! The common factor to all these championship victories is that they were all using the Gillard 010 or 010B. A special mention also goes to Myles Collins who secured 2nd on his debut with the team and Adam Andrews who is already finishing on the podium and pushing for race victories after only just moving up from WTP.
 
Test drives are currently available on the new Gillard Daytona and orders on either the Daytona or 010B are being taken. Kartpartsuk.com offer a full range of spares and accessories for all Gillard karts whilst also stocking a full range of Rotax, WTP, Comer and universal spares. If you are interested in racing with a proven winning team at PFI, Fulbeck or Stars of Tomorrow in 2009 or just after some information about any of our products then please get in touch on 01775 712633 or email info@kartpartsuk.com.
 
Kartpartsuk would like to wish all their customers a very Happy Christmas and a happy and successful 2009!

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Kart Coach Star Triumphs   (23/12)
 
Jack Macaulay pulled off a sensational win at Whilton Mill, beating Cadet Aaryn Campbell, the subject of Channel 5 program Dangerous Adventures For Boys.
 
Why don't you make the next step with Kart Coach?

Visit the news page of our website for the full story.

Are you stuck for a last minute Christmas gift? Why not treat your loved ones to a weekend with Kart Coach in the New Year? Visit the news page of our website for details.

Kart Coach would like to thank all our customers for their support throughout the year, and wish them all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Visit www.kartcoach.com for a preview of our fabulous new 2009 website.

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New Xeramic Main UK Agent   (22/12)

Vital Motorsport are proud to announce their appointment in the UK as Main Agents for the Xeramic Product Line of Aerosol Consumables.

In line with this communication we are in a position to offer 25% discount against the recommended retail price across the range of Xeramic Products up to the 31st December 2008.

Xeramic are the Number 1 Aerosol manufacturer in the world of karting and 2008 saw teams throughout the UK, Europe and World winning prestigious titles using their products.

The range consists of the following - Oil, Chain Lubrications, Brake Cleaner, Carburettor Cleaner, Multi Spray, Helmet & Visor Cleaner, Helmet Interior Cleaner, Brake Fluid, Hand Cleaner, Gear Oil, and Gasket Sealant.

All interest in these product lines along with potential purchases should be directed to Gary Rolfe of Vital Motorsport on 07725 367043 / 01525 219852 or e-mail sales@vital-motorsport.co.uk.

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New Intrepid Agent Wins   (22/12)
 
JKH Intrepid would like to congratulate new Intrepid agent Dartford Karting's driver Lewis Brown on Winning his debut race on the Intrepid Cruiser at Buckmore Park in Senior Rotax Max. What a great end to the season, confirming his change of chassis was the correct decision.

Brown secured Pole position in time practice against all the top opposition drivers and then followed with fastest lap in all heats pre final and final. Brown was amazed with the performance of the chassis all weekend in both wet testing and the dry race on Sunday.

The full range of Intrepid products are available from Dartford Karting who can be contacted on 01322 292212. All enquiries for Race Support & Awning Space contact Chris Hawes 07946 585886.

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TVKC January Club Meeting   (22/12)

Just a quick reminder that TVKC has changed tact slightly for their January meeting and will be running it on the 4th January2009!

Please send your entry forms & payment to Debbie Sellers, The Pits, 4 Wydale Rise, Snainton, Scarborough, North Yorks, YO13 9AG or call T: 01723 859479  M: 07759758636 or E: tvkccompsec@aol.com  Closing date for entries is Saturday 27th December 2008.

Remember to renew your 2009 licence!

Apologises to anyone who has tried to access our website!  It is currently undergoing some maintenance work and will be up and running again shortly - sorry for any inconvenience.

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MSA National Court Decision   (22/12)

The National Court was convened at Motor Sports House on Thursday 11th December 2008 to consider one case related to karting.
 
Jordan Lennox-Lamb
The National Court heard an appeal by Mr Carey Lennox-Lamb on behalf of his son Jordan against the Decision of the 2008 Super One Series KF1 Championship Stewards dated 22nd October 2008.
 
Jordan Lennox-Lamb competes in the KF1 Class and was placed sixth in the Championship at the end of the year.  It was his contention that the competitor placed fourth in the Championship, namely Richard Bradley, had been attributed with a total Championship points score that is inaccurate and excessive.  This was not apparent until such time as year-end Championship total scores were published at which point Mr. Lennox-Lamb referred the matter to the Championship Stewards.
 
The Court heard that during a Championship round held at PFI International on the 17th and 18th of May 2008 the Scrutineering Card of Richard Bradley had not been completed, this fact having been established only after the second Final race.  The Technical Delegate filed a Non-Compliance Report containing specific reference to Kart Race Yearbook Regulation B.6.4.  Notwithstanding the provisions of that regulation the Championship Sporting Regulations were applied and the penalty referred to in Article 2.7.2 was imposed, i.e. the minimum penalty of "exclusion from that race" such that the competitor retained points awarded in the first Final.
 
It was accepted before the National Court that the absence of a completed Scrutineering Card is a technical infringement.
 
The Championship Sporting Regulations clearly state in Article 5.1.1 that "Arising from post race or post timed practice scrutineering or Judicial Action, minimum action, the provisions of MSA regulations [C(d)39 a & b]".
 
MSA General Regulation C(d)39 a & b provides that "unless the regulations for a Championship specify a different penalty" any competitor whose vehicle is excluded from the results in accordance with C(d)33 or C(d)34 will be subject to a penalty such that the event will be counted as one of the events contributing to their total Championship score and that the competitor will be excluded from the event.  The facts in this instance showed that the requirements of C(d)33 and C(d)34 were met.
 
Representations were made to the Court that the Championship Regulations do indeed specify a different penalty, namely that referred to above and set out at Sporting Regulation 2.7.2.  It was further contended that the absence of a Scrutineering Card is not a sufficiently serious breach of technical regulations such as to bring it within the provisions of Article 5.1.1.
 
The Court concluded that the provisions of Article 2.7.2 and the specific penalty contained within it are not sufficient to disapply the provisions of Article 5.1.1.
 
It follows therefore that when determining Championship scores - and regard being given to the provisions of Sporting Regulation 1.7, which is headed "Scoring for Championships", in particular 1.7.2 (which states that "the final Championship positions will be determined from the total of a maximum of ten best scores from 12 finals ...") and 1.7.4 (which states that "MSA General Regulation C(d) 39 a and b will apply") - it is inappropriate to allow the zero point score resulting from the penalty applied by the Clerk of the Course on the 18th of May to be one of the scores which are dropped when calculating the points accrued to Richard Bradley and, it would appear, to another competitor also.
 
In the circumstances the Appeal was allowed and the Championship Co-ordinator was directed to re-cast the Championship points in such a way that a zero point score resulting from a penalty applied for a technical infringement will count as one of the rounds contributing to the competitor's total Championship score and reissue the results.

The Appeal fee was refunded to Mr Lennox-Lamb.

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Magee Shines At Kimbolton   (19/12)
 
Philip Gough Racing's Alex Magee came within a few laps of winning first time out on his new Alonso chassis last weekend at Kimbolton. Having qualified on pole, he was shunted off the track at the start of the final, sustaining damage to the rear of his kart which prevented him from catching the leader and claiming a deserved victory
 
Alex proved to be the class of the field from the first session at Kimbolton last Saturday, consistently outpacing local drivers who were contesting their club championship. His new equipment was ideally suited to the wet and greasy conditions at the Huntingdonshire circuit and the team were able to develop a set up very well matched to the new track in time for race day
 
Throughout the heats Alex drove superbly through traffic, setting the day's fastest lap in winning the second heat by a distance and he looked set for a maiden win on the new equipment as he lined up for the final. His start was almost perfect and he led round the tight first corner but as he turned into the Willows for turns two and three received a firm shove from the rear, almost forcing him off the track. Sadly, although he recovered quickly Alex's rear axle had been damaged and he was unable to find the grip needed to challenge for the lead, instead spending most of the race fending off drivers from behind before finally claiming second place.
 
Nevertheless, Alex drove superbly all weekend and his performance so far bodes well for next season. He would like to thank Dan Holland for his help in providing the new chassis and equipment so efficiently and, once again, Steve Ogden for his excellent work on engines and Phil Gough who spannered for him for this meeting. Thanks also to Martin Hines and all at Zip for their help and support of Alex's career so far
 
Next year Alex will be contesting the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Championship as well as the Stars International series and the Rotax Winter Cup. To keep up to date with Alex's progress and latest news visit www.philipgoughracing.com.

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MSW Winter Warmer Deals   (19/12)

MSW Kart Shop, based at the popular Rye House circuit in Hertfordshire, are pleased to present the Winter Warmer Deals!
 
Rotax Max Service Deal: A comprehensive service to include new air filter, carb filter, denso plug and gear oil, and also we will fully ultra sonic the carburettor. The 'Smashing Super Service Saver' will also include engine clean and also reed block and piston check. The price had been slashed from £185 + vat to £125 including vat, parts and labour.
 
'Service with a Smile' Deal: All labour charges are subject to 25% discount on any work booked between now and January 2009.
 
Storage Saver: We have made extra storage space available for the drivers who prefer to just arrive and drive! As well as discounted servicing there is a huge discount on 3 months storage. All the karts are also are fully insured.
 
On behalf of Josh, Matt, Mike and Crossley, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a successful 2009.

For more information contact the shop on 01992 460 895, option 3.

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Buckmore Park Open Practice   (19/12)

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is organising two additional open practice sessions for owner/drivers (2 and 4 stroke) over the Christmas / New Year break.

On Saturday 27th December the session lasts from 10am to 4pm, and on Sunday 4th January the session lasts from 10am to 3pm.  All karts must comply to MSA regulations as must drivers safety wear.  Marshals and medical cover included.  Sessions may be run.

For more details contact Sheila Rose on 01634 661604.

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2009 Kosmic Due Imminently   (19/12)

To get your hands on one of the first 2009 Kosmic karts, Official South East agents HE Racing are taking pre orders for the new 2009 Kosmic Kart which is due in the next few days. Its simple - a £100 deposit secures your brand new Kosmic kart.

HE Racing are offering free delivery on your new Kosmic kart if ordered by 31st December 2008. All major cards are accepted.

And, if you think it couldn't get any better, with any new kart purchase HE Racing are offering awning space for a credit crunching price of £50 per day at the following January and February club meetings... Rye House, Kimbolton, Buckmore Park and Bayford Meadows/ Whilton Mill.

Test drives can be arranged on the new 2009 Kosmic kart, as well as a full range of OTK parts available for next day delivery.

To register your interest in testing or purchasing the 2009 Kosmic Kart please contact Edward Cockill by telephone 07921 528401 or email at HERacing@aol.com.

For more information on HE Racing visit www.heracing.co.uk.

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New Italian Kart Show   (19/12)

Italy will be home to a new kart manufacturers show taking place on 17th-18th January 2009.

The Kart and Race trade show will be a unique opportunity to preview the latest advances in racing products, race engineering and technology, and to make purchasing decisions for the start of next year's racing season - face to face with all major karting manufacturers.

Located in Montichiari, just 10 minutes from Garda Lake, it will be  a must for all karting distributors, professional race teams, race engine builders and karting fans in general.
 
Click here to download a free entry ticket, or visit the show's website at www.expokart.com or email info@centrofiera.it for more information.

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Look Who's Crossed Over...   (18/12)
 
Look who's crossed over to the dark side...

A new addition to the HRS Racing Team - Lee Jenner.
 
We are very excited to have Lee join the team for 2009. Lee has a great wealth of driving & feedback experience and with our fantastic new 09 CRG Dark Knight Rotax Chassis, only great things can come.
 
For more information on Lee, Kart CRG or the HRS Racing Team visit www.hrsmotorsport.com.

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Birel Academy Introduction Day   (18/12)
 
Over 100 drivers have applied so far for the Birel Academy - an amazing response!  You still have time to apply - visit www.acrbirel.com.

ACR are to organise an induction test day for all Academy members to shake down their new Birel chassis in February 2009 (date and venue TBA).

The 2009 Birel R Y 30 S1 is supplied with a comprehensive set up guide and the induction day will give the opportunity for academy drivers to ask further advice from ACR before they prepare to return to race their Birel at their nominated club.

ACR will then embark on their tour of the UK. Each month ACR will visit a participating Birel Academy club to offer support and advice for Academy drivers. All academy drivers will benefit from this support which is aimed at helping them towards the prize of a Birel factory tour and test with the Official Birel Motorsport team in Italy at the end of the season.

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Ultimate King At Rowrah   (18/12)
 
With just 3 months under his belt in Junior Rotax, Andy King has already racked up numerous wins and podium finishes so he travelled to Rowrah last weekend aiming to do the same.

Having recently joined the formidable Ultimate Motorsport Team, this was to be Andy's first race running out of the teams awning. Weather played a great part in set up with torrential downpours and poor track conditions for all competitors, conditions which Andy thrives in. Friday and Saturday's practice ended with the Ultimate Motorsport driver being the pacesetter and the benchmark for all other drivers. Sunday's weather stayed dry but with a damp track throughout the day which saw the new Ultimate Motorsport driver take a top four position in all 3 heats and setting 2 fastest laps along the way!

The final saw Andy gridded 4th but he quickly disposed of the 3rd placed driver and began hunting down the 2 frontrunner's who had gained a good lead from the start. With 3 laps to go Andy had reeled the pair in and by the penultimate lap he had taken 2nd place and set about taking the lead which he skilfully did going into St Johns before the start of the final lap. Andy pulled out a lead that his main rivals simply could not respond to and the Maranello mounted driver took his maiden win for the Ultimate Motorsport Team.

It wasn't until in parc ferme that it was found that his clutch had collapsed causing the kart to labour out of the corners according to the driver, yet he was still able to win and set a time within a 10th of the fastest lap!

Andy would like to thank Kela Walsh, Piers and Barry of Ultimate Motorsport along with continued thanks to Steve Ogden Motorsport for their excellent engines. Andy will be attacking Super 1, Stars, European and other major events in 2009 and looks forward to a competitive and rewarding year.

For more information on the Ultimate Motorsport team, visit www.ultimatemotorsport.co.uk.

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PFI Christmas Opening Times   (18/12)

The PFI circuit will be open during the following dates/times over the Christmas Holiday...
 
25th (Christmas Day): Closed
26th (Boxing Day): 2 Stroke Testing, 9am - 4pm
27th December: 2 Stroke Testing, 9am - 4pm
28th December: 4 Stroke Big Guns Event
30th December: 2 Stroke Testing, 9am - 4pm
31st December: Shop Open / Arrive and Drive Available
1st January: Closed
2nd January: 2 Stroke Testing, 9am - 4pm
3rd January: TVKC Test Day
4th January: Race Meeting
 
Alongside Open Testing, the UK's leading kart shop - John Mills Racing - will be having its annual 'Super Sale' starting on Boxing Day. Mega savings can be found with Sparce Suits from £50.00, Boots from £10.00, and Gloves from £5.00. Even brand new rolling chassis' from £995.00!  Always first come first served, and when its gone its gone, so make sure you don't miss out!

For further details contact John Mills Racing on 01636 626 424 or visit www.jmracing.co.uk.

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FIA & CIK Karting Decisions   (18/12)

The following are the latest decision of the FIA and CIK regarding karting...

Specific Internal Regulations of the CIK-FIA

New Specific Internal Regulations of the CIK-FIA have been ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. They include in particular the integration of an Entrants' representative and of a Manufacturers' representative within the CIK-FIA Commission.

The CIK-FIA Commission's preparatory work will be entrusted to two Working Groups (WG) - a "Sporting Regulations - Calendar - Championships" WG and a "Technical - Homologations - Manufacturers" WG.

The composition of the "Sporting Regulations - Calendar - Championships" WG will be as follows:
- 1 President,
- 4 members from ASNs (National Sporting Authorities),
- 1 representative of the tyre Manufacturers,
- Representatives of the 4 Entrants who have entered the largest number of Drivers in the CIK-FIA Championships.

The composition of the "Technical - Homologations - Manufacturers" WG will be as follows:
- 1 President,
- 4 members from ASNs,
- 3 representatives of the Manufacturers (1 for chassis, 1 for engines and 1 for tyres),
- Representatives of the 2 Entrants who have entered the largest number of Drivers in the CIK-FIA Championships.  

KF1 category in the CIK-FIA Championships

The current KF1 category competing in the World and European Championships as well as in the World Cup will be split into two classes, with on the one hand a simplified (and, therefore, less costly) "KF1", and on the other a "Super KF" mainly aimed at Manufacturer teams and teams closely related to these Manufacturers.

The choice of introducing a "Super KF" meets a request from most engine Manufacturers and from the main chassis Manufacturers, who wish to promote a more liberal category used as a showcase and offering a technological platform. Only the external aspect of the engine, the dimensions of the cylinder capacity, of the stroke, of the bore, of the maximum revs, of the con rod centreline and the homologations of the carburettor and of the ignition will have to comply with the existing KF1.

However, the CIK-FIA has considered as essential for Karting to remodel the KF1 category by making it more affordable technically (slowing of engine development, better reliability, recourse to additional homologated elements such as the exhaust and the reed box, or introduction of a regulated combustion chamber volume).

"Super KF" and "KF1 will compete together in the CIK-FIA Championships, but a "CIK-FIA Super Trophy" will be reserved for KF1.

Technical Regulations - Clutches

A single-type clutch for all KF engines has been defined by the CIK-FIA, for introduction in 2009. It will be a centrifugal clutch composed of a monolithic rotor with added friction material (except in Super KF) and a bell with standardised internal dimensions. All clutches shall be in direct drive (100% engagement) at 5,000 rpm maximum under all circumstances. A miniaturised data logging system allowing the control of clutch functioning is currently under development.

Homologation Forms

The Homologation Form of each KF engine will be split into versions specific to each of the three competition categories (KF3, KF2 and KF1). The Forms will be lightened and simplified, and only the metrologically controllable dimensions applicable to the category concerned will be retained. These clarifications and simplifications are aimed at facilitating the work of Scrutineers in the events and are the result of a unanimous request of KF engine Manufacturers.

Tenders

Within the framework of the invitation to tender issued by the FIA for the supply of tyres in some of the CIK-FIA Championships, the World Motor Sport Council has decided to designate Vega as exclusive supplier for the KF3 category ("Hard" type compound) and Dunlop as exclusive supplier for the KF2 ("Medium" type compound), KZ1 ("Soft" type compound) and KZ2 ("Medium" type compound) categories. Dunlop and Vega offer all tyres for free to each Driver in all the events, as well as money prizes and advantages to the best classified Drivers in each event and/or championship.

Within the framework of the invitation to tender issued by the FIA for the supply of carburettors in the CIK-FIA Championships, Cups and Trophies of the KF3 category, the World Motor Sport Council has decided to designate Tillotson as exclusive supplier. The carburettor supplied by Tillotson will be the following: Tillotson HW-10A (CIK-FIA homologation No. 6/C/15). The price proposed by Tillotson is 104 euros (inclusive of tax) per carburettor supplied at the venue of the events (96.80 euros inclusive of tax per carburettor collected at the factory).

2009 CIK-FIA Championships Calendar

The three events of the 2009 CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship have been designated: Magny Cours/F (17-19 April), Most/CZ (5-7 June) and Assen/NL (7-9 August).

The Organiser designated for the CIK-FIA European KZ1 and KZ2 Championship event originally scheduled for Mariembourg/B (14-17 May) has abandoned the idea of organising the meeting. Considering the economic context and the state of advancement of national Championship calendars, this event will be nether postponed nor replaced. The European KZ1 Championship will be held over the single event of Wackersdorf/D (25-28 June). Regarding the European KZ2 Championship, the cancellation of one out of the three initially scheduled stages will be compensated by the possibility for every Driver having participated in the two events to be eligible for the World Cup for KZ1 which will be organised at Sarno/I (3-6 September).

Specifications for kart high seats

On proposal of the FIA Safety Commission, the World Motor Sport Council has validated the specifications for kart high seats. These specifications are not constraining and independent from the CIK-FIA regulations, and they can freely be used by ASNs for their national categories and by service providers in the Leisure Karting field.

2009 International Karting Series

The World Motor Sport Council has approved the following International Karting Series: Rotax Max Euro Challenge, Rok Cup International Final, Middle East Karting Cup, Trofeo Andrea Margutti, Winning Series Karting and BRDC Stars International Karting Series.

Details of the regulatory changes and of the new regulations will soon be available on www.cikfia.com.

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Kart-Tech Are Kimbolton Champs   (17/12)
 
Kart-Tech are proud to announce that Aaron Charles has won the Mini Max Club Championship at Kimbolton, and finished 3rd at Rye House using the fantastic CRG chassis supplied by Kart-Tech - Essex CRG agents.

Aaron will now be moving up to Jnr Max next year, making it a great way to end his first race season.

To test the race-winning CRG chassis please visit www.kart-tech.co.uk for more information.

Aaron would like to  thank Kart-Tech's Gary and Becky, HRS Motorsport for their support, Grice Racing for the engines, and his Mum and Dad.

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TKM Stars Brake Away From Rivals   (17/12)

Sean Babington and Dan Rogers completed their successful 2008 campaigns with superb victories in the TKM Grand Prix at PFi on 7 December.
 
Sean has been almost unbeatable in the junior 4-stroke class and added the 'GP' plate to his already impressive tally of victories this season - the Super1 title, 'O' plate and TKM Festival. All were achieved using the Magura 908.1 brake system. 
 
Similarly, Daniel Rogers won the GP title in the senior 4-stroke class using a 908.1 system and said "We've been using the Magura 908.1 from the beginning of 2008 and I also won this year's Formula 6 Championship in Junior TKM 4 Stroke with it."
 
He added, "I've been really impressed with the performance of the Magura; just one a set of pads has lasted us a whole season, which is incredible given its harder, faster braking. This has given me so much more confidence".
 
Trevor Howell of Venhill - the UK importers of Magura products - said, "Sean has had an unprecedented year and I'm delighted that he attributes a key part of his success down to the 908.1. What makes it all the better, is that Daniel agrees. The Magura really does represent a significant performance advantage - not just in the TKM classes but in Rotax, Prokarts and a whole host of other classes."
 
Mindful that the economic downturn is already affecting many kart racers' budgets, Trevor announced, "We are offering a 20% discount on all products bought on our website - www.venhill.co.uk - until 1 January 2009. All you have to do is quote 692793 to enjoy some impressive savings."
 
For international enquiries, please contact Ian Williams Tuning (Australia), Apex Karting Ltd (New Zealand) and Comptech (South Africa).

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JKH Finishes Year On A High   (17/12)

Shaun Carter had finished his year on a high by winning the TKM Extreme GP plate at PFI last weekend.

Racing on a JKH chassis he put it on pole from the qualifying heats and drove it from the lights to the chequered flag to win the GP plate.
 
Not only did a JKH win the GP plate, but also all the positions down to fourth! John would like to congratulate 1st placed Shaun Carter, 2nd placed Ryan Cole, 3rd placed Scott Chaney, and 4th placed Dan Humphrey for their winning performances.
 
For any enquiries regarding the new 2009 chassis please call JKH on 01928 740090.

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Lewis Hamilton Xmas Presents   (17/12)

Stuck for something to give your star karter for Xmas? Then why not get them the latest Lewis Hamilton calendar or book from Karting magazine!

The A3 size full colour calendar is the official team calendar and features a large photo for each month of Formula 1's youngest ever World Champion.

'Lewis Hamilton - World Champion' is a 240-page hardback book packed with information and colour photos chronicling Lewis' meteoric rise from his first karting race through to that epic Brazilian GP where he lifted the F1 title.

There's still time to order for pre-Xmas delivery and both items are cheaper from Karting magazine than Amazon!

Visit www.kartingmagazine.com or phone 01689 897123 to order.

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Linscer: Wombwell MiniMax Champ   (16/12)
 
Craig Linscer and HUK Racing have won the 2008 Wombwell MiniMax Championship. To add to this, Mark Stephens, a HUK academy graduate, took the runner up spot in only his first year of Karting!
 
Mark, who first sat in a kart in February of this year, put all his academy training to good use and won from pole at December's meeting. Jack Ryan, knocked down to 7th on the first lap, also completed a storming drive climbing back to second by the end of the race to seal a 1-2 for HUK Racing, finishing the season in style. Finally, to round off our successful year, Luke Whitehead took third in the highly competitive PFi based "TVKC championship" in only his first year in MiniMax.

To find out how you can benefit from the HUK Race Academy training or for further information about racing with our team, please visit www.hukracing.com and checkout http://stores.ebay.co.uk/HUK-Racing-Bargains for some fantastic last minute savings on our Race Academy tuition.

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CIK-FIA Karting Awards 2008   (16/12)

The CIK-FIA has celebrated its 2008 season champions in a dignified manner on Saturday 13 December in Monaco, the day after the Gala reception of the FIA. On these two occasions the profile of Karting was enhanced thanks in particular to a World Premiere: the very first public appearance of the new "LH" chassis bearing the initials of the Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The recently homologated karts of the makes "RK" (for Robert Kubica) and "FA" (for Fernando Alonso) were also displayed in the entrance hall of the Sporting d'Eté of Monaco alongside the slogan "Never forget your roots". With the LH chassis, these karts formed a prestigious threesome which promoted Karting to the 600 guests of the FIA Gala and the 150 guests of the CIK Awards-giving ceremony.

World Champion, European Champion and Asia-Pacific Champion in KF1, the Italian Marco Ardigo, was invited to the stage three times during the CIK Awards-giving Ceremony! Not to mention that the day before, at the FIA Gala which saw the appearance of the other 2008 FIA World Champions (Lewis Hamilton in F1, Sébastien Loeb in Rallies and Yvan Muller in WTCC), Ardigo had already been in the limelight along with his World Championship runner-ups Libor Toman and Gary Catt, as well as the team-manager of Tony Kart Racing Team, Alberto Viglino.

All the drivers who are 2008 Champions were rewarded, and there was loud applause especially when drivers who had travelled a long way on the stage appeared, such as the Argentinean José Olmedo, winner of the Panamerican Junior Championship and the Russian, who lives in Siberia, Maxim Zimin, winner of the Viking Trophy for Juniors.

The Belgian Jonathan Thonon left Monaco with an armful of two trophies: one for win in the World Cup for KZ1 and the other for his European title in the same category.

Other competitors who received trophies in Monaco include Aaro Vainio (European KF3 Champion), Carlos Sainz Jr (Asia-Pacific KF3 Champion), Brandon Maisano (Monaco Kart Cup for KF3), Jack Harvey (Asia-Pacific KF2 Champion), Flavio Camponeschi (European KF2 Champion), Davide Fore (World Cup for KF1), Alberto Viglino (World Cup for Teams), Tony Lavanant (European KZ2 Champion), Pekka Seppänen (Viking Trophy for KZ2), Libor Toman and Gary Catt, second and third in the World Championship.

Finally, the Swede Thomas Nilsson was awarded a souvenir trophy as a reminder of his World Champion title won forty years ago in 1968.

Further to a vote of the prize-giving ceremony participants, the 2nd International Karting Photo Contest was won by Britain's Chris Walker.

A selection of photographs are available at www.cikfia.com.

Group photo (from left to right)... Top row: Pekka Seppänen, Tony Lavanant, Jonathan Thonon, Alberto Viglino, Davide Fore Middle row : Libor Toman, Nick Craw, Max Mosley, Marco Ardigo, Luigi Macaluso, Gary Catt, Michel Boeri, Thomas Nilsson. Bottom row: Brandon Maisano, Maxim Zimin, Carlos Sainz, Aaro Vainio, Flavio Camponeschi, Jack Harvey, Jose Olmedo.

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KH Motorsport Congratulations  (15/12)

KH Motorsport would like to congratulate their drivers for making 2008 their most successful year to date. Team principal Karl Haxton the '2008 Rotax Max Ace Of Clubs' finished an excellent 3rd in the S1 National Championships, whilst Jake Parsons the '2008 Rotax 177 Ace Of Clubs' won the Whilton Mill 177 club championship, was vice champion at Trent Valley, 3rd at Kartmasters and finished 8th at S1 despite contesting only 5/6 rounds.
 
KH would also like to thank all at Ogden Motorsport and Strawberry Racing for their help and support throughout 2008.
 
In 2009 KH will again contest the Rotax S1 National Championships, so if you are racing in S1 next year, why not give us a call on 07900 871332 or email karl@khmotorsport.co.uk with your requirements and see how we can maximise your potential racing alongside Karl in 2009.
 
KH Motorsport also have in stock the latest Tony Kart Racer EVR for immediate delivery (Max & KF classes).
 
KH Motorsport - the little team with the big results.

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Chris Walker Wins Photo Contest   (15/12)

Britain's Chris Walker has won the highest accolade of his photographic career, the 2008 CIK-FIA International Karting Photo Contest.

On assignment for Karting Magazine, Walker presented a picture of the Canadian KZ2 driver Michael Vincec in a desperate overtaking manoeuvre at the European Championship meeting held at Varennes-sur-Allier in France.  The outcome was judged by those present at the awards ceremony of the International Karting Commission of the FIA, at Monaco on 13th December, where a short list of the top pictures of the year was presented.

"This award means an awful lot to me and Karting Magazine, especially to have been voted first and best by the whole of the international karting community gathered here at Monaco" said Walker.

"Almost every weekend of the year, photographers like myself are out on the circuit taking pictures for the later enjoyment of the drivers, teams and public, and the standard this year was so high, I am just absolutely delighted to have won, and I would like to thank Vincent Caro and his colleagues at the CIK for the organisation of the contest, Mark Burgess, the editor and publisher of Karting Magazine, and all the other publications that take my work, and also I need thank my good friends at the KSP Agency for their help and support" added Walker.

Chris Walker's picture portfolio can be viewed on www.kartpix.net.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net (action) and Philippe Kalmes/KSP.fr (trophy).

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CRG Team Karts Fleet Sale   (12/12)

HRS Motorsport are now offering for sale our entire fleet of 2008 CRG team karts, comprising of Black Star, KT1 and Road Rebel chassis.

Prices start from £850.

Please contact us on telephone 0191 4278440 (office) or 07715 538240 (mobile), or by email at info@hrsmotorsport.com to discuss your requirements.

For more information on HRS Motorsport and the CRG range of karts visit www.hrsmotorsport.com.

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Christmas ARKS Test Date   (12/12)

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is organising a special ARKS test day over the Christmas period on the morning of Monday 22nd December.

The ARKS test is an essential step to gaining your first MSA license and this date offers an opportunity for budding racers to take the test ahead of the 2009 season.

For further details contact the circuit on 0845 603 7964.

For more information on Buckmore Park visit www.buckmore.co.uk.

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Buckmore Park KC - Round 8   (12/12)

The final round of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series is scheduled for Sunday 21st December and includes double points for all classes.  Entries are available in all ABkC Classes.   
 
Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th December.  Overnight parking is free.

For entry forms and more details please contact Sheila Rose, Club Co-ordinator on 01634 661604.

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Buckmore Open Practice Days   (12/12)

Buckmore Park is organising two special open practice days for both 2 and 4 stroke on Saturday 27th December (10am to 4pm) and Sunday 4th January 2009 (10am to 3pm).

Contact the circuit on 01634 201562 ext 210 for further details.

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HUK Launches New Website   (12/12)

HUK Racing has just launched it's new look website as well as it's Race Academy and Race Experience initiatives and an eBay "Bargains" store! 
 
The HUK Race Academy is a program we started in 2008 to help more people get started in competitive club karting. Over the past six months our experts have developed this into a structured program with three separate sections to cater for everyone, from complete beginners to the more experienced driver. We'll help you to get started, to get your licence and to improve your race-craft. Check out our website to find out more about how the Race Academy works and to see how it can help you.
 
The Race Experience aims to bring the thrill of driving a full blown 125cc Race Kart to everyone. You may have driven indoor karts, you may even have driven twin engined Pro Karts but nothing can prepare you for the sheer speed of a Rotax Max race kart and you'll be driving it around one of the best circuits in Europe courtesy of HUK Racing! We've also got some incredible introductory bargains available in our eBay store. Why not take advantage of them and treat yourself or someone else to a fantastic Christmas present!! 
 
For further information visit www.hukracing.com and stores.ebay.co.uk/HUK-Racing-Bargains. Alternatively feel free to call Steve on 07855 330728 to discuss your requirements further. 

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Haynes Dominates In Jnr Rotax   (11/12)
 
Luke Haynes put in what has to be one of the most dominating drives at Shenington in 2008. Winning the December Junior Rotax Final from lights to flag was only part of the story; to claim fastest lap in both heats and final and to win one heat and 2nd in the other, Luke dominated the Junior Rotax class.
 
This was Luke's only third outing under the guidance of TORQ Motorsport and Race Engineer Andy Harraway, but already they are proving to be a formidable partnership, coming 2nd at Whilton Mill in their previous final having placed the kart pole.
 
Andy commented "What was so pleasing to see was Luke's response to being hit off at the start of the first heat, falling back to 15th. He met aggression with aggression when needed but was calculated enough through traffic, to claim 2nd place and the fastest lap. It also put Luke in the right frame of mind for heat 2 and he kept the momentum going, to win from 13th on the grid. The final didn't see any one mount a concerted challenge, so Luke only needed to keep his concentration to win the final".
 
Both Luke Haynes and TORQ Motorsport are looking forward to being competitive in next years S1 series and Stars.
 
TORQ Motorsport is offering awning space at a credit crunch price of £65 per day for all the S1 and Stars rounds. Please contact Graham on 01989 565216 if you wish to reserve a space.

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New Website For Birel UK   (11/12)
 
Sole UK Birel Importer ACR has a brand new website for their Birel Motorsport chassis and the new Birel N35 Rental kart.

The new website can be found at www.acrbirel.com.

The new site features the New Birel RY 30 S1 Motorsport chassis and details on how to join the innovative program of the Birel Academy. There are also special offers and the facilities to download chassis setup documents and become a registered Birel user with loyalty benefits.

The Birel N35 rental kart has its own section giving circuit operators the opportunity to select and book a test drive of the new Birel N35 at their own track. There also details on the ACR/Birel UK race team and a dealer location map.

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Oakley Supreme Transporter  (11/12)

Suitable for a karting team or family, Quaife Automotive Engineering are selling their non-HGV motor home.
 
2004 Oakley Supreme "Motor Home" Transporter suitable for Karting, Motocross, Quad-Racing etc or Recreational use with large Storage/Garage space (1900mm long x 1350mm high x 1500mm width). 8 berth luxury living accommodation, separate double berth bedroom and large separate shower/flush toilet area. Air conditioning. High gloss cherry wood furniture and panels. Amtico wood effect flooring. Two seating areas (Lounge and Eating) with removable tables. Cream leather upholstery with blue piping. Household size cooker, combination/microwave, pull out larder rack, and large fridge/freezer. Halogen lighting, LED lighting, diesel fuelled hot air heating and hot water. 20" LCD TV, drinks cabinet, 3.0 kW diesel generator. Mounted upon a Iveco 75 E18S, 180 bhp turbocharged, 6 cylinder turbocharged, 7,500 kgs G.V.W. chassis cab. Plus large 6 metre side awning complete with marquee style sides and front. Also large external o/s storage locker. Low transporter only mileage 11,500 km/7,000 miles. Non HGV 180bhp 7,500 GVW Iveco ML 75E18S 7,000 kgs miles.

The asking price is £74,000 or near offer, with no VAT payable.  For further information please contact Sharon Quaife-Hobbs on 01732 366255 or email sharon@quaifehobbs.com.

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2008 Rotax World Champions   (10/12)

HRS Motorsport driver Ben Cooper is the new Rotax 2008 World Champion.
 
HRS would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cooper on a stunning drive, winning all 3 heats, pre-final & final without challenge. Ben has had an amazing past 2 years Winning the Rotax European Championship in 2007 and now becoming the Rotax World number 1!

HRS Team principal Tristram Oman voiced "Ben Cooper is a great young talent with a very bright future ahead of him. Winning the World Rotax Challenge has already presented Ben with new opportunities".
 
There are those who talk and those who do... The HRS Racing Team has 4 British Champions, 3 European Champions and now 1 World Champion in its portfolio, all using HRS Racing Engines and Chassis from the Kart CRG group.
 
To find out how you can become part of our winning team, UK / Europe or to test a CRG Racing Kart contact Tristram on Tristram@hrsmotorsport.com or +44 (0)7715 538240.

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Rissington 250 Championship   (10/12)
 
Rissington decided that this year for the 250 gearbox championship, the tyres would not be 'controlled' but 'open' instead. Therefore drivers will be able choose to run with either the 5 or 6 inch wheels and tyres. The championship will be run over 9 rounds from March to November with racing on the first weekend of the month.
 
However 250's are not the only gearbox class running at Rissy as there are also the 125 and 210 Championships.
 
Apart from gearbox, the following classes will also be racing over 9 rounds at the Little Rissington circuit: Cadets, Junior TKM, TKM Extreme, Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Rotax and Rotax 177.
 
For more info about the track and facilities see www.rissykartclub.com.

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MSA Online License Applications   (10/12)

The Motor Sports Association's online licensing facility opened for business at the start of December at www.msauk.org, offering nearly three quarters of all competitors the chance to speed up their licence application.
 
The MSA has announced that 2009 licence applications made online will be despatched in less than ten days, reducing by a third the turnaround time in comparison to standard postal applications. As many as 70% of MSA competition licences will be available for online application.
 
The 2009 licensing period has already started promisingly. Thanks to a new format application form and clear guidance notes to aid competitors, telephone calls to the licensing department have fallen by half in comparison to last year.
 
The MSA's ongoing investment in technology and resources has also made the service more efficient. 99.8% of calls offered to the licensing department have been answered, with an average queue time of 15 seconds; this represents a huge improvement on 2008 which saw an average queue time of nearly four minutes.
 
"Early indications are that we will make another significant improvement this year," confirms Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, "People are increasingly comfortable with undertaking this type of transaction online and because it is a much more efficient method of working with the data, the licensing department is able to turn them around much quicker. It's better for all parties."
 
"The more applications we can get online, the more it frees up our staff to handle the calls and enquiries from other people," says Steve Redhead, MSA Licensing Manager. "However, although we are turning applications round more quickly, I would urge people not to leave their application until the last minute and to make sure that they fill in all the forms correctly. The vast majority of delays are caused by incorrectly filled in application forms."
 
For first-time applicants, those licence applications that are appropriate for online completion are: Non-race Clubman; Non-race National B; Kart Clubman; Rally National A Navigator.
 
For those renewing their 2008 licences, online applicants must be applying for exactly the same type of licence as was held in 2008, must not be under 18 years of age, nor require any of the following to accompany their application: Stress-related ECG; Medical report; Foreign Authorisation. They must also not be applying for an international licence that requires proof of competing in 2008.
 
The online application facility is now available and the online tracking system that was successfully introduced in 2007 will continue as normal for all applications. The MSA Licensing Department remains available to assist customers with any enquiry on 01753 765050.

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Ellough Open Test Day   (09/12)

Ellough Park Raceway will be holding a test day on Saturday, 20th December 2008.

The event, run from 10am until 4pm is an open 4/2 stroke test day.
 
For further information contact Ellough Park on 01502 717718.

General information on the circuit can be found at www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk.

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Foster-Jones On-Track For 2009   (09/12)
 
Robert Foster-Jones signed-off his KF2 career with another sparkling performance last weekend - appropriately at Vendrell, in the heart of Spain's Cava-producing region in the annual Copa Campeones (Champions Cup).

The RFM driver was competing in his final race in karting's equivalent of GP2 before moving up to the KF1 class - and once again demonstrated why he's regarded as one of the world's best up-and-coming talents.

6th fastest in timed qualifying, Robert duly claimed pole position for the first of the day's two finals with a win and second place in his two heats. Right from the start, he took control of the pre-final and romped to victory.

This ensured that he would again start from P1 on the grid for the main final. Rob again got a perfect start and led for the first eight laps. However, where he'd been in imperious form in the pre-final, he now appeared to struggle for outright pace.

"I'd been so in control of the first final that after I'd won, the team didn't change any of the settings on my kart. There didn't seem any need to. All we did was put a new set of tyres on the kart and I went three tenths slower!"

Robert found himself under pressure from two Frenchmen - and team-mates - Brandon Maisano and Norman Nato. The pair worked together to pass him and were able to open a small gap over him.

"Once they were past, Maisano and Nato worked together and drove well, but I'm delighted to finish my KF2 career with another podium (his 15th of the season)."

Robert will now embark on an intensive programme of fitness training and testing, in readiness for his graduation to the KF1 class. He said, "With each race, I'm improving. I've already competed in one KF1 race (the Asia-Pacific Championship at Macau last month) and whilst there's still a lot to learn, there's no-one I fear. I expect to be challenging for wins."

Visit Robert's new website to learn more about him and his racing career, click on www.robertfosterjones.com.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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MSA National Court   (09/12)

The National Court was convened at Motor Sports House on Monday 1st December 2008 to consider three appeals, one of which related to karting...

The National Court heard that Mr N Churchill had assaulted Mr D Wooder, another competitor, at Clay Pigeon on 12 October 2008.
 
The Court considered eight written statements regarding the assault and found that for a man of his years, Mr Churchill had acted in a most disgraceful manner in threatening to assault Mr Wooder in front of children.
 
The Court noted that Mr Churchill had showed no respect for the Officials of the Meeting and that he had left the Circuit contrary to Regulation C(a)62. The Court also regretted that Mr Churchill had chosen not to attend the hearing.
 Mr Churchill was suspended from holding any MSA Competition licence until 3rd December 2010 and was ordered to pay a £500 contribution towards costs.

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RL Cadet Team Victorious   (08/12)

Harry Webb took the spoils in the Comer Cadet class in the final race of 2008 at PFI, against the cream of the UK's drivers. After driving through the grid from a 7th place start on his Tonykart Rocky EXP Webb went on to take the win. Second place was also taken by a Tonykart mounted driver - Matthew Graham on his first race using the Tonykart, with a fantastic drive from last on the grid. Webb's team mate Matthew Arnold also put in a good showing on his Comer debut, running strong but failing to grab a place in the top 10 due to debris at the start of the race, but showing great promise for 2009.
 
Also showing very well running from the RL Race Team stable were Ashley England & Shaun Arnold in Mini max. Ashley finished 6th in only his 4th race out of Honda Cadet, whilst Shaun stormed through from 28th on the grid to 11th in one lap but fell foul of a slippery first corner on lap 3.
 
In the senior ranks, another RL Race Team debutant, Tom Fawcett claimed 3rd place and fastest lap in the senior Rotax Max main final, after spending weekend getting to grips with a new team environment and the differentials of the Tonykart from his previous chassis. A great first race with the team.
 
For information on the Rocky EXP for cadet, the EVR for 125 Rotax Max or the RL Race Team please contact Steve on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk. 

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Calling TKM Heavies & Vets   (08/12)

Forest Edge Kart Club are hoping to run a TKM Heavy & Vets grid for in 2009.  If any heavyweight or veteran drivers would like to compete then please get in touch, if support grows to more than 10 drivers it means exclusive heats rather than shared with other classes.

If you're new to TKM or just wanting to rekindle your racing spirit come and join a few other kindred souls at Forest Edge. Good clean fun and the only contact you'll need is...
 
Carole Parsons - Competition Secretary
1 Preston Farm Cottage
Tarrant Rushton
Blanford
Dorset
DT11 9JQ
Tel: 01258 451097
Email: compsec@fekc.co.uk

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DR Kart Arrives In The UK   (04/12)

DR kart - the brand launched by five-time World Kart Champion, Danilo Rossi - is now available in the UK.
 
Newly appointed British importers, Total Karting Limited gave British karters their first look at the chassis during last weekend's KartMania show (1st & 2nd December 2008).
 
Director Steve Green said "We had a huge amount of interest in the DR Kart on both days.  We're very proud to be working directly in association with Danilo and CRG. Danilo was the CRG Race Team Manager for many years, and looking at the DR chassis shows you just how he's used all that experience - its beautifully constructed, lightweight, and has some great design features.  It also benefits from having had well over a year's intensive testing and development."
 
There are two chassis currently available - the M92 (for harder tyre classes, such as Rotax) and the J90 (ideal for KF1, 2, and 3).  The model names reference the locations and dates of two of Rossi's greatest World title wins - Jesolo and Mariembourg.
 
Both models will feature best quality chassis tubing, all magnesium accessories (ie: bearing hangers and hubs), floating disc brakes and fully-adjustable steering geometry.  This overall lightweight package represents incredible quality and value, as the kart is priced very competitively.
 
Race Team Manager, Elliott Green says, "We're confident that the DR Kart range will very quickly make an impact on the British and European racing scene.  We are currently arranging a series of test days in December and January and would welcome enquiries from drivers interested in joining our 2009 Rotax and KF teams, testing one of the chassis for themselves or in becoming a DR kart distributor".
 
For more information about DR karts, test days and available race seats, call Steve Green at DR Racing Kart UK on 01252 851162 or 07980 776000
 
DR Racing Kart UK - Your passion is our passion.

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Rotax Winter Cup, Campillos 2009   (03/12)

Thinking of racing in the Rotax Winter Cup?  SMP Racing is a team already based and established in Spain running both regionally and nationally.  We have awning space available for the Winter Rotax Cup at Campillos, and can also offer everything required for complete arrive and drive packages for Junior, Senior & DD2.

Engines from the No 1 European Rotax builder - proven, not just words. Kart storage and shipment, hotels and car hire if needed, we really can do as much or as little as you require!

Its cheaper than you think. For more information contact Steve White on 0034 629030908, or email smpracing44@gmail.com.

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RL - Vice World Champions   (03/12)
 
After securing the British & European titles, the award winning RL Race Team have now added the runner up spot in the World Rotax Championship to the list of successes in 2008. Chris Lock, in his last Rotax race, clinched 2nd place after a difficult qualifying session and heats - eventually having to give best to fellow Brit Ben Cooper, who was in unbeatable form after losing his European title to Lock earlier this year in a 4th round showdown in Belgium.
 
The team would like to congratulate Chris on his successes both this year and in years past under the RL banner and wish him well for his foray into KF2, where he will be racing with Strawberry Racing in the UK and the Tonykart Junior Team for the European races.
 
RL Race Team will continue to focus on the Euromax challenge, Super One series in Rotax and now Stars Of Tomorrow in 2009 with their newly formed crack cadet squad.
 
Steve and Richard Lock (Proprietor, RL Race Team) would like to thank Tonykart UK importer Strawberry Racing's Paul Spencer and Warwick Ringham for all of their support over the last year, and look forward to another successful year working together in 2009.
 
For all enquiries regarding the race team and enquiries on how to join please contact Steve Armstrong (Team Principle) on 07843 586416 or 01502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk. 

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Strong Demand For TKM TAG   (03/12)

Tal-Ko Racing, manufacturer of the engines used in the Formula TKM  classes, has been flooded with requests for its new TAG (touch and go) specification 2-stroke engine launched at last weekend's Kartmania Show.
 
"We were taking orders before the doors of the show were even open" said Managing Director Alan Turney. "We have been thrilled at the positive response from the drivers and kart traders."
 
A prototype engine with the neatly installed starter and clutch system took pride of place on the Tal-Ko stand and was surrounded by interested customers all weekend.
 
Added Alan Turney: "Despite the economic gloom this was a very good show by any standards and we were pleasantly surprised at the sales achieved not just for the TAG option but for products right through our range including TKM karts, 4-stroke engines, spare parts and the CRG range of karts."
 
Tal-Ko will now be working flat out to complete development of the TAG engine ready for the start of deliveries in late February. Tal-Ko decided from the very beginning, sparing no expense, that it would use the very best of TAG components available and with these now on order the company is confident of being able to meet their schedules.
 
The TAG option engine will race alongside the existing Formula 2-stroke BT82 engines in both Junior and Senior classes. By utilising the latest technology the new specification engine recharges the battery when in use, has a new larger and stronger clutch with replaceable sprocket and a built in rev limiter to minimize damage in case of a broken drive chain.
 
But despite the exterior changes to the crankcase the new TAG style engine uses exactly the same barrel, cylinder head, piston & con-rod as before so maintaining equality of performance.
 
Price is expected to be around £100 more than the equivalent TKM specification clutch engine complete with outboard starter. Deliveries are being made in first come first served order with almost equal demand from Juniors and Seniors.

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Credit Crunch Beating Rebuilds   (02/12)

To help ease the credit crunch Grice Racing is fully rebuilding engines for the following prices...

Rotax £290
KF2/3 £290
Cadet £95

For full details contact us on 01268 727847, or see our advert in Karting magazine.

Visit the Grice Racing Engines website at www.griceracingengines.com.

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Stuck For A Christmas Gift?   (02/12)

Stuck for ideas for a gift for the karting-mad person in your life? Treat them to a fabulous weekend in the spacious Kart Coach awning.
 
We can maximise the potential of beginners and experienced drivers alike.
On Saturday, we take a detailed look at the track, pointing out the best racing lines.
Next, we fine tune their kart and help them hone their driving skills.
On Sunday, we concentrate on starts, overtaking and race craft.
 
Our experiences show that drivers make significant improvements in their performance after just one weekend with Kart Coach.
 
Tell Grandma/Auntie/Sister- give them a little hint!
 
The perfect gift idea for Christmas, birthdays or simply to say thank you.
 
Simply forward your remittance for £138.00 and the recipients details, including the date of your choice.
 
We'll send you a gift certificate for an unforgettable weekend at Shenington or Whilton Mill.
 
For more information on Kart Coach visit www.kartcoach.com.

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Team HTR Launch New Website   (28/11)

Intrepid UK / Team HTR have just launched their new website and online shop to coincide with the launch of the new 2009 Intrepid Chassis.

Make sure you visit the website for details of the new chassis, or if you're heading to KartMania this weekend be sure to stop by the Intrepid stand as Team HTR will also be exhibiting - a perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the 2009 model.
 
Visit Team HTR online at www.IntrepidUK.com or go directly to the online shop to order your chassis now.

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KartMania Is Here!   (28/11)

The time has finally come and KartMania '08, the UK's premier kart show, is on this weekend (29th & 30th November) at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Ideal for an absolute beginner to get advice and information, and seasoned racers to pick up some bargains, it's the kart show for karters.

In addition to a whole host of karting exhibitor, back again is the innovative "Kartboot" - a car boot sale for Karting equipment which proved so popular last year, along with the auction, fashions shows, award presentations and more.  New for 2008 are Karting Workshops held throughout both days and covering topics such as kart set-up for TKM, Tonykart, and Intrepid Karts, starting karting with Protrain, Rotax engines and all you need to know about tyres!

Remember, no cars or bikes, just 100% karts making KartMania the premier show for karting.  Can you afford to miss out?

For more information visit www.kartmania.co.uk and then get yourself over to KartMania on Saturday or Sunday.

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Take A Karting Holiday   (27/11)

Don't let the winter blues or the credit crunch get you down. Come have some fun racing in the sun!
 
Does racing in Europe intrigue you? Then ask the Dadson team. Just as Dadson help newcomers to karting they now offer this transition for anybody interested in maximizing their potential on the Continent.
 
If you're thinking of racing in Europe and want to take advantage of the services offered by Dadson Motorsport they can offer that reassurance you need while abroad. They can help you in preparation for the season opener at Campillos in southern Spain on February 8th 2009.
 
Dadson are at KartMania so come along and have a chat about your 2009 racing plans. You are likely to find it an excellent day out with plenty to occupy you. You can even have your medical there  
 
Dadson have always been direct talkers of impartial advice and have introduced many newcomers to karting.  Plus, because Dadson are agents for Dartford Karting you can now race safe in the knowledge that if you go to the circuit with Dadson it's like taking DK with you. No hiked prices for spares. Plus, Dadson's legendry friendly spacious awning from club meetings to series like:- The Dadson Masters, Stars of Tomorrow, Super 1 & Euromax.
 
Dadson Motorsport can even transport your equipment to Europe. They drive you Fly!
 
Visit www.dadsonmotorsport.co.uk or see us at Kartmania for details of where, when and how much. Individual prices are available on the website but complete packages offer massive discounts - call or email for a competitive price.

For great team hospitality & further information contact Dannie or Steve. Early booking avoids disappointment and ensures your place in a professional team where help is always at hand.

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KF1 & KF3 Asia-Pacific Champs   (27/11)

Only two weeks after hosting its traditional Formula 3 event and the final of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, Macau is preparing to welcome Karting aces for the CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific KF1 and KF3 Championships. For international racers it will be the last major event of a very busy season, but for participants the 2008 edition of the Asia-Pacific Championship will also be a dress rehearsal before the World Championship which the Automobile Association of Macau-China (AAMC) will be privileged to organise in 2009 (from 9 to 11 October). Plus, for the very first time in its history, the World Karting Championship will be held in Asia. Small though it is (only 28 sq. km), the Macau territory comprises a permanent circuit dedicated to Karting. Located on the Coloane isle, 12 km from the town centre, the Karting track is 1,200 m long and has had a CIK-FIA licence since 2004.

As the end of the year is near, not all teams will take part in the show on 28-30 November but the KF1 entry list is nonetheless of the highest quality as it includes in particular the top three classified Drivers in the 2008 World Championship - the Italian Marco Ardigo, the Czech Libor Toman and the Briton Gary Catt. Against this reference three-some, a few youngsters will take advantage of this opportunity to make their début in KF1 and prepare for 2009 after a fruitful season in KF2. Proclaimed winner of the World Cup for KF2, Britain's Oliver Rowland will participate, and so will his compatriots Robert Foster-Jones (2008 KF2 Vice-European Champion) and Jack Harvey (2007 European Junior Champion and 2008 KF2 Asia-Pacific Champion). The European contingent will also include some experienced drivers such as the Italians Alessandro Bressan and Sauro Cesetti, the Frenchmen Armand Convers and Manuel Renaudie and the Brit Richard Bradley. Representing the Asian continent, Japan's delegation will be led by Katsuda Takamoto (4th and first classified Japanese Driver in the 2008 KF2 Asia-Pacific Championship held at Suzuka/J last may). As for the Filipino Stefano Marcello, he will try to confirm the good performance he made at Macau in 2007.

In addition to races counting towards the Asia Zone Championship, the programme of the meeting also includes the single event of the CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific Junior Championship (KF3). The Italo-Russian Danil Kvyat, the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr, the Swede Mans Grenhagen, the Italian Vittorio Ghirelli and the Russian Sergei Sirotkin are among the favourites.

Qualifying practice and heats will be staged on Saturday 29 November, and pre-finals & finals on the Sunday. All the results will be available live on www.cikfia.com.

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BP Ultimate Celebrity Karting Challenge   (27/11)
 
The entry list of racing drivers joining forces to raise over £50,000 for the BP Ultimate Celebrity Karting Challenge at Autosport International on Friday 9 January reads like the who's who of world class motorsport. David Brabham's charity kart race at the NEC, Birmingham, will see some of the best drivers in the world battle it out and members of the public can take the racing seat alongside them for just £300.
 
The most successful driver in the history of the prestigious 24 Heures Du Mans, Tom Kristensen is the latest star to pledge his support to the event which will be raising funds for the Richard Burns Foundation, The Christie Cancer Hospital Manchester, and Emmaus Hampshire. The eight-time Le Mans winner for Audi commented: "I am looking forward to the charity kart race and helping to raise money for the Richard Burns Foundation and other charities. It's going to be great fun battling it out against such a fantastic line up of drivers. I just hope that David [Brabham] makes sure that our kart is set up perfectly, as I hate understeer!"
 
Kristensen's Audi Sport North America team mate and sports car legend Emanuele Pirro will also be flying in especially for the event. After 15 glorious years, earning five 24 Heures Du Mans wins and two American Le Mans Series titles, Pirro retired from Audi at the end of 2008. With multiple karting championship crowns also among Pirro's outstanding racing CV, the Italian is relishing the prospect of returning to the racing seat in January.
 
Completing the Audi trio for the Celebrity Karting Challenge will be former BTCC racer Frank Biela who partnered Pirro in the R10 with Audi up to and including the 2008 Le Mans race. After 18 years with Audi, Biela retired from the prototype squad at the end of 2008.
 
The Audi boys form just part of a fantastic line up of racing stars for the Celebrity Karting Challenge. Also confirmed are Andy Priaulx, Louise Goodman, Darren Turner, Johnny Mowlem, Guy Smith, Andrew Kirkaldy, Rob Bell, Katherine Legge, Adam Carroll, Niall Quinn, Robbie Kerr, Oliver Gavin,  Duncan Tappy, Sarah Playfair, Tom Onslow-Cole, Steven Kane, Rob Collard, Sam Hancock, Ollie Hancock, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, James Jakes, Gary Catt, Jack Harvey, Tiffany Chittenden, Jon Lancaster, Sam Bird and Bradley Ellis.
 
David Brabham commented: "I am delighted with the response from such high calibre drivers for this year's BP Ultimate Charity Karting Challenge. This event truly amazes me. We raised nearly £50,000 last year and January's race is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. Despite the current financial situation, it's fantastic to see that the sport and public alike are still committed to this event and to helping to raise money for some very worthy causes. It should be fantastic."
 
Just 32 members of the public will have the chance to join this televised event and rub shoulders with their racing heroes for just £300 and there are only a few public places remaining. The event package includes two Autosport International entrance tickets for Friday 9 January, usually an exclusive trade day, so not only will you be the first members of the public to get a sneak preview of Europe's biggest motorsport show, but you will also be making an invaluable contribution to charity.
 
Be the first on the starting grid and book your public place now by contacting Bill Williams at bill@racing4charity.com, visit www.celebritykarting.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7712 578263.
 
Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 January 2009. MSA kart licence holders under 16 will receive a complimentary ticket to the Karting Show, when accompanied by a paying adult, call 0844 579 3188 and quote 'KART 167', while BRDC Stars of Tomorrow and Super One competitors will receive a pair of free tickets to the show. To purchase tickets visit www.autosport-international.com or call +44 (0) 844 579 3188. Adult tickets start at £29 per day with children's tickets costing £19.

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ASR Launch Weekend Success   (26/11)

Andrew Scales would like to congratulate both of his team drivers on an excellent performance, on the official team launch last weekend at Three Sisters.

In Minimax, despite the hale stones bouncing down, ASR team driver James Tunnicliffe blew the field away winning both his heats and completing a lights to flag victory in the final and driving away with a six second lead.  James's success follows him winning his first Minimax race with ASR at last month's meeting.

Andrew Scales commented "We are so pleased with James's performance and cant wait to get him racing in the Super 1 championship next year in Minimax. He has so much potential and us as a team are looking forward to showing that next year".

In Junior Max Elliott Griffiths also showed real potential with another podium finish for the team. Elliott started from grid 7 for the final and drove up to 3rd place, catching the leading two, before a backmarker came into play causing Elliott to loose time. Elliott did however go on to set the fastest lap in the final and secured 3rd place on the track, also securing 3rd place in the Three Sisters championship.
 
Team drives are still available but are limited.  For further information or to register your interest email the team at andrewasr@rocketmail.com.

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Frank Williams Endorses Enable   (26/11)

One of Formula One's most successful team owners Sir Frank Williams CBE, has fully endorsed the free Karting for the Disabled seminar which will take place at the very first enABLE show at Coventry's Ricoh Arena on 28&29 November 2008.  "I fully support this initiative which is opening a new route for disabled participants to become involved in competitive motor sport," said Sir Frank. "With the oxygen of publicity provided by British success in Formula One, it is a great time to be encouraging everyone, regardless of ability or capability, to enjoy full engagement in motor sport."
 
In 1986 Sir Frank himself sustained devastating injuries as the result of a road accident when returning from a pre-season test session at the Paul Ricard circuit in France and is now confined to a wheelchair. Despite that, he has continued to head the WilliamsF1 team which has won nine constructor's World Championships and secured seven drivers titles.
 
Karting for the Disabled aims to help people with disabilities realise their racing dreams to participate in motorsport in a brand new scheme. The presentation to enABLE 08 visitors is part of the Health and Fitness seminar at the UK's only national consumer show for people with disabilities who seek an active and independent life.
 
Karting for the Disabled is a project between Karting Endeavour, a group of drivers who do not wish their disability to interfere with their love of motorsport, and BRDC Stars of Tomorrow - the karting championship from which Britain's recently crowed FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton learnt his craft.
 
The premier karting series has purchased 12 corporate kart chassis which will be fitted with Honda engines. The specially adapted karts will be transported to indoor kart circuits across the UK as part of BRDC Stars of Tomorrow's promotional tour of schools, colleges and Sainsbury's car parks in 2009, offering people with disabilities across the UK the chance to get in the racing seat.
 
The highest level of expertise has been dedicated to developing the Karting for the Disabled karts which will feature hand-controlled steering wheels designed by former Formula One and Champ Car star Alex Zanardi, who suffered a massive accident in 2001 in which he lost both of his legs.
 
The project will run initially for drivers with a disability who currently hold a DVLA driving licence, however, it is hoped that BRDC Stars of Tomorrow will eventually be able to introduce the project to the under 17s.
 
BRDC Stars of Tomorrow is primarily a junior karting championship that also incorporates the British Cadet Championship. Backed by the British Racing Drivers' Club, the MSA (Great Britain's sole governing body of motorsport) and the Motorsport Industry Association, the Championship is recognised as the kindergarten of formula racing. Drivers can progress through the classes and on to the higher echelons of the sport, following in the tyre tracks of Lewis Hamilton who continues to be a patron of the championship.
 
With around 10 million people in Britain now classified as having a disability, the engaging free seminar programme in conjunction with the UK's leading disability charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability, will cover a wealth of topical issues at enABLE 08. The show's content will be underpinned by one of the UK's largest pieces of research into the needs and aspirations of the disabled community, conducted by YouGov. The event is completely free to attend.
 
To register for free tickets and for the latest show news and seminar programme, log onto www.enableshow.co.uk or call 0870 4866 813.

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The Birel Academy   (25/11)

Birel Spa and their UK Importer Andy Cox are joining forces and are to launch "The Birel academy" for the UK - so what is it?

UK Birel boss Andy Cox explains all:

"It's almost perfect timing for the Birel academy with Lewis Hamilton just wrapping up the F1 World title! As a company we think that there are many drivers out there that could be great drivers and have real talent and potential. As a brand Birel is synonymous with many drivers that have gone on to F1 or successful racing car careers, Robert Kubica being Birel's most recent protégé.

Many people look at the KF classes for up and coming drivers but we think that the national club races are where such drivers could emerge. It is important for a driver to learn how to win a club championship first before going on to a national championship - too many people try a national championship too early and either get disappointed, run out of budget or end up giving up and this leaves the local kart clubs that are so important to karting struggling to get entries and substantial grids.

With The Birel academy we are going to offer some fantastic offers and opportunities solely for the club karter and reward them financially and technically for choosing Birel and choosing to support their local kart club."

Birel UK are looking for 9 drivers per kart club, 3 drivers from mini max, 3 drivers from Junior Max and 3 drivers from senior max competing at the following clubs:

Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows, Clay Pigeon, Dunkswell, Kimbolton, Llandow, Larkhall, Motorsport Ireland, Nutts Corner, PFI, Rowrah, Rissington, Rye House, Shenington, Three Sisters, Teeside karting, Whilton Mill, Wombwell.

Drivers interested in applying for "The Birel Academy" can complete the application form by clicking here. Successful applicants will be offered the Birel Academy package which will include a very special offer on the New 2009 Birel Chassis the RY30 S1 plus attractive savings on their spare parts for their season.

Each academy driver will have their own page on Birel UK's website where they can upload their results and use for self promotion.

At the end of the 2009 season the Junior and Senior driver with the most Final wins from their nominated club will travel to Italy courtesy of Birel UK to test with the Official Birel Motorsport team in a KF3 for the Junior and KF2 for the Senior - a real opportunity to for a driver to show off their talent to probably the most famous kart manufacturer in the world!

Sole UK Birel Importer: ACR Tel: 01527 889595 or visit www.acrbirel.com.

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Calling All KF2 & KF3 Drivers   (25/11)

Trent Valley Kart Club will be holding their Christmas meeting on Sunday 7th December and are wanting to attract a grid of KF2 & KF3 drivers.  Are you interested?

A minimum of 10 drivers per class are required so if you, or anyone else you know, are interested in racing please send your entry forms & payment to...

Debbie Sellers, The Pits, 4 Wydale Rise, Snainton, Scarborough, North Yorks, YO13 9AG, or telephone 01723 859479 / 07759 758636 or email tvkccompsec@aol.com.

Closing date for entries is Saturday 29th November 2008 so get your entry in asap!

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TKM 'GP' Plate 2008   (25/11)

The forthcoming TKM 'GP' Plate will take place at PF International Kart Circuit on 6th & 7th December 2008, and will be hosted by Trent Valley Kart Club.

Drivers from Junior TKM 2-stroke, Senior TKM EXTREME 2-stroke, Junior TKM 4-stroke & Senior TKM 4-stroke are all invited to enter and challenge for the prestigious 'GP' plate titles.

The entry fee is £160 which includes a 1 x set of Maxxis slick tyres and the practice fee for Saturday.  Entry forms can be downloaded from Trent Valley Kart Club's website at www.tvkc-pfi.co.uk.

Please note that drivers wishing to take part in the optional Friday practice will need to be members of TVKC.  Membership forms are available from the website and at the circuit. The current membership fee has been reduced to £22 and will be valid until 31 December 2008. Alternatively, 2009 memberships will be accepted from the 1st December 2008 and will remain at £42 and will be valid until 31 December 2009 - giving you one month free!

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Magee & PGR Are Champions   (25/11)
 
Philip Gough Racing would like to congratulate team driver Alex Magee on taking the Whilton Mill Club Championship in 2008. Alex played his part in a year long battle with fellow BRDC Stars of Tomorrow competitor Brad Smith for the Junior Rotax title. The two drivers led the table all year never more than a handful of points apart until September - mechanical failure in the final of  that meeting saw Smith black flagged and his title chances cruelly disappeared. Magee was left out in front with nobody able to overhaul his points tally. Alex would like to thank his sponsors Lexus Coventry and RAF 92 Squadron, as without their support his success would not be possible.
 
Philip Gough comments "We're very proud of Alex's achievements, we put him through his novice races, we took him to his first club race win, his first national race win, and now his first championship. In his 3 years of racing he has now taken 3 championship trophies, he is one of the most hard working drivers we have worked with and has shown great determination to become a top kart racer - not distracting himself with dreams of being a professional racing driver, that will come if it is meant to."
 
He continued "This was also the first year we took our drivers to national competitions, Alex finished 15th at the GP event and 20th in Stars - both good achievements, in Stars he was a regular front runner and took a couple of wins and fastest laps in the heats but too many incidents prevented him from challenging for a seeded number. Chris Setterfield in his very first year of racing took 9th place in the Whilton championship and performed well in Stars, we have high hopes for Chris who we believe to be a very gifted driver particularly in the wet. Aaron Head has become a regular front runner after working with PGR having taken 2 outright wins at the last two meetings at Kimbolton, now his older brother Dale Head is also making the same improvements after work with the team. Now we have Mike Varriale joining for 2009 just off his novice plates and determined to follow in the footsteps of his new team mates."
 
Philip Gough Racing would also like to congratulate former team driver Jake Parsons on becoming Whilton Mill Champion and seeded #8 in Rotax 177.
 
Philip Gough Racing would like to thank Ogden Engineering, Zipkart, Jonathan Stilp, Iztech Seats, Spellfame Karting and Alphasport Psychology for all their advice and hard work.

For more information on the team visit www.philipgoughracing.com.

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TeamSport Opens London Track   (25/11)

TeamSport, the number one indoor karting company in the UK, is opening North London's first indoor karting track in Edmonton on 1st December 2008, providing karters with an exhilarating and fun driving experience.
 
"With the popularity of karting increasing, especially since Lewis Hamilton winning the F1 World Championship, TeamSport's North London track will provide karters with a fast and exciting driving experience," said Dom Gaynor, Head of Sales and Operations at TeamSport.
 
The first karting centre in North London, TeamSport's Edmonton track will be longer and wider than other indoor venues around the country, providing drivers with lots more overtaking opportunities. As well as a superb track, karters at TeamSport's Edmonton centre will also be able to try out a brand new locally made fleet of 30 karts with 200cc engines.
 
"We are delighted that BIZ in Enfield - a local supplier, who we have been working with for the last 10 years, is supplying our 30 new karts. We are upgrading our engines from 160cc to 200cc to make this our fastest driving experience yet. Our new facilities, track size and speed of karts make this the best centre we have ever opened," added Dom Gaynor.
 
TeamSport's Edmonton centre will also provide karters with a snack bar, spectator area, full conference facilities (including wi-fi access and projector screens), and changing rooms.
 
To celebrate the opening of the Edmonton track, TeamSport is offering customers £5 off their first visit, until the end of January 2009.
 
The Edmonton Centre has taken on six full-time employees and will also be looking for 25 part-time employees.
 
To book your ultimate karting experience at TeamSport's new Edmonton track, contact TeamSport on 0870 6000 601.

For more details of the £5 offer, corporate packages, details of kids' parties or details of TeamSport's other tracks, visit www.team-sport.co.uk.

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British Formula Ford 'Sampler Day'   (24/11)

The British Formula Ford Championship is once again to throw open its doors to prospective competitors. For the third successive year the Silverstone National circuit will be the open-track venue for the Ford-backed championship's successful 'sampler day', providing a vital opportunity for would-be Wayne Boyds to meet the teams and to drive the cars.

More than 60 drivers attended the event last season and Sam Roach, of championship promoter RacingLine, hopes for a similar number at this year's event on 2 December: "We are laying on an open circuit for all the 2008 British Formula Ford teams - as well as prospective teams - and it's their opportunity to showcase themselves. We are also inviting competitors to register to attend so that they can meet the teams and sample a modern Formula Ford chassis on a world-class circuit."

The sampler day is open to all drivers aged 16 and over holding at least a kart licence. Prospective participants must register in advance with the championship co-ordinator, Penny Mattocks by emailing p.mattocks@racingline.com. Full details are on the British Formula Ford Website www.britishformulaford.co.uk, which include an application form.

"We aim to make it an informal yet extremely valuable exercise," added Roach. "In addition to the test drives, there will be a training seminar and body analysis tests, and of course we will be able to provide all the 2009 championship information which competitors, teams and sponsors require to enable them to make their plans."

The newly crowned British Formula Ford Champion for 2008, Wayne Boyd, will be at the event also to claim one of his valuable prizes - a Formula 3 test with the Fluid Motorsport team.

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Theodore Is Car & Kart Champ   (24/11)

Quality - like cream - will always rise to the top... and Magura-backed James Theodore has now topped two championships, in karts and cars.

During the weekend of 8th & 9th November the Shropshire teenager sealed the Formula Renault BARC Winter Series at Rockingham with emphatic victories in both races.

In the opening round at Croft the previous week, Theodore won the first race and finished 2nd in the following encounter to take the Championship lead. This was on the Saturday. At 6am on Sunday, he set off for the Glan Y Gors kart circuit in North Wales, where he completed a perfect weekend by winning both his heats, and the final, to lift the club's Senior Max Championship trophy.

"It was busy weekend" James said. "It was a small but very strong field (at GYG) and in the space of two weeks to win a kart and a car championship, that's not bad is it?"

Trevor Howell of Venhill, the importers of Magura brake systems, said, "James' success is further proof that the Magura 908.1 is an effective and essential tool with which to go and win, not just races, but championships. Now that he is moving into cars full time, we wish him all the best for what we believe will be, a very successful future".

Visitors to Venhill's stand at Kartmania (Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire on 29th/30th November) will be able to collect a voucher entitling them to a 20% discount on all products available in their new on-line store www.venhill.co.uk, where more information on the complete Magura range can also be seen.
 
For international enquiries, please contact Ian Williams Tuning (Australia), Apex Karting Ltd (New Zealand) and Comptech (South Africa).

[ Top ]

Fawcett And Eden Sign   (24/11)
 
Tom Fawcett and Ben Eden have both signed for British & European Rotax Max championship winning RL Race Team for the forthcoming 2009 season. The two drivers will be contesting the Super One Series and European Rotax Challenge where the season opener at Campillos, Spain will be their first major event running with the team.
 
Fawcett shook down the new 2009 Tonykart Racer EVR on Friday at PFI with the team and impressed on his RL debut test. Team manager Steve Armstrong was very impressed with Toms' speed and the speed with which he adapted to both the new chassis and the team environment. Meanwhile, Eden's first outing will be the race at PFI in early December.
 
For details on all Tonykart products or on the Race Team and how you can join, please contact Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200.

For more information on RL Racing visit www.rl-racing.co.uk. 

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Karting Featured At Enable Show   (24/11)

Karting for the Disabled will be joining the very first enABLE show at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, on 28&29 November, to help people with disabilities realise their racing dreams to participate in motorsport in a brand new scheme. The presentation to enABLE 08 visitors is part of the Health and Fitness seminar at the UK's only national consumer show for people with disabilities who seek an active and independent life.
 
Karting for the Disabled is a project between Karting Endeavour, a group of drivers who do not wish their disability to interfere with their love of motorsport, and BRDC Stars of Tomorrow - the karting championship from which Britain's recently crowed FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton learnt his craft.
 
The premier karting series has purchased 12 corporate kart chassis which will be fitted with Honda engines. The specially adapted karts will be transported to indoor kart circuits across the UK as part of BRDC Stars of Tomorrow's promotional tour of schools, colleges and Sainsbury's car parks in 2009, offering people with disabilities across the UK the chance to get in the racing seat.
 
Former Formula One star and motorsport legend Alex Zanardi suffered a massive accident during a Champ Car race in Germany in 2001 in which he lost both of his legs. Miraculously, Zanardi recovered and returned to racing in 2004 with BMW to the European Touring Car Championship in a hand-controlled car and currently competes in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The highest level of expertise has been dedicated to developing the Karting for the Disabled karts which will feature hand-controlled steering wheels designed by Zanardi.
 
Carolynn Hoy, the Championship Director of BRDC Stars of Tomorrow, will introduce Karting for the Disabled to enABLE visitors at 3.45pm on Friday 28 November and commented: "Karting for the Disabled is delighted to be invited to the first ever enABLE show. We hope that our seminar will help visitors by introducing a sport that many would just not have considered open to them. In reality, Karting for the Disabled offers them the opportunity to race on specially adapted karts against able bodied friends and colleagues. This project has really captured the imagination of the championship's drivers, many of whom are under 16, who have dedicated their support and encouragement to the scheme."
 
The project will run initially for drivers with a disability who currently hold a DVLA driving licence, however, it is hoped that BRDC Stars of Tomorrow will eventually be able to introduce the project to the under 17s.
 
BRDC Stars of Tomorrow is primarily a junior karting championship that also incorporates the British Cadet Championship. Backed by the British Racing Drivers' Club, the MSA (Great Britain's sole governing body of motorsport) and the Motorsport Industry Association, the Championship is recognised as the kindergarten of formula racing. Drivers can progress through the classes and on to the higher echelons of the sport, following in the tyre tracks of Lewis Hamilton who continues to be a patron of the championship.
 
With around 10 million people in Britain now classified as having a disability, the engaging free seminar programme in conjunction with the UK's leading disability charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability, will cover a wealth of topical issues at enABLE 08. The show's content will be underpinned by one of the UK's largest pieces of research into the needs and aspirations of the disabled community, conducted by YouGov. The event is completely free to attend.
 
To register for free tickets and for the latest show news and seminar programme, log onto www.enableshow.co.uk or call 0870 4866 813.

[ Top ]

New CRG Bad Boy   (21/11)

JJR Motorsport are pleased to announce that they are now taking reservations for the CRG Bad Boy - new for 2009.

Designed for medium to hard tyres, this chassis will suit the Vega Tyre and consists of 32mm main rails, 30mm front bar and 34mm rear bar.

The Bad Boy also boasts an all new brake system for 2009 - the Ven08, plus a NA2 plastic rear bumper.

What's more, that plastics are 300g lighter and the supports are 100g lighter!

Reserve now to avoid disappointment - call John and JJR Motorsport on 07810 436866 for further details.

[ Top ]

JJR Motorsport 2008 Successes   (21/11)

JJR Motorsport would like to thank all team members from the 2008 season, without them we would have not been as successful. Collectively, JJR team members have had a truly inspirational year, securing...
- Junior Rotax Welsh Open Championship at Llandow
- GYG Junior Rotax Club Championship
- Hooton Park Junior Rotax Club Championship
- Northern Karting Federation 2nd Place in the Junior Rotax class.

These results do not do justice to the achievements of all the team, in securing these championships there have been over 25 race wins, 53 heat wins and 19 runners up places. We would also like to thank HRS Motorsport for their support and especially Nigel for the consistent quality of engine services. Thank you!

Following this year's successes JJR motorsport are now inviting enquiries for the 2009 season for the following championships:  Stars of Tomorrow, Northern Karting Federation, Glan-Y-Gors Club Championship and Manchester and Buxton club Championship (Three Sisters). Vacancies are limited in all classes for the 2009.

For further information and expressions of interest please contact John via email to john@jjrmotorsport.com, or telephone 07810 436866.

[ Top ]

HE Racing Appointed Kosmic Agents   (21/11)

HE Racing are proud to announce that they have been appointed Kosmic agents for the South East with the new 2009 kart due for delivery soon.

The team are based in Uckfield, East Sussex and have a purpose built workshop, a race van kitted out to a high standard, and over 50 years combined experience. HE Racing are able to provide a full race support package in kart sales, testing and racing. HE Racing will also be stocking all OTK parts and also shortly be offering a mail order service.

In 2009 we will be attending South East club meetings including Buckmore Park and Rye House, offering trackside support for the Kosmic kart as well as awning space and full race packages to suit all budgets, with continued use of Paul Carr prepared engines.

To register your interest in testing the 2009 Kosmic Kart or any of the above services please contact Edward Cockill by email at HERacing@aol.com, or telephone 07921 528401.

For more information on HE Racing visit www.heracing.co.uk.

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JKH At KartMania   (20/11)

JKH will be exhibiting at KartMania 2008 providing your first opportunity to see the new range of 2009 homologated chassis from JKH Intrepid - the Cruiser and Sirius. Both karts have a host of new features and come in a new striking colour scheme.

Also on the stand will be a "take away on the day" show deal, plus a selection of 2008 chassis with large savings to be made!

So come and see us at the show, look at the new lines, discuss 2009 Race Team services, or just come and say hello.

[ Top ]

Exciting Offers On New Helmets   (19/11)
 
The helmet company would like to announce the launch of its new look website! To celebrate this the helmet company have introduced a number of very special offers perfect for all karters. With our Bronze, Silver and Gold packages you can chose a helmet and get the minimum of a LLC iridium visor absolutely free! Be sure to check these brand new offers out out on our homepage.
 
The helmet company is the number 1 shop and website for all motorsport racers helmets visors and accessories. The new look site provides simplicity and ease when browsing for helmets and visors with a safe and secure ordering system. There have been some exciting and exclusive new additions to the product range at the helmet company so be sure to check these out too at www.thehelmetcompany.co.uk.
 
The helmet company will be exhibiting at this year's Kartmania. The kart show designed for karters is being held on 29-30th November at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. the helmet company are very excited to be attending kartmania and have a large purpose built stand in order to display our large selection of helmets, visors and accessories. Special offers will be provided to all karters and our Bronze, Sikver and Gold packages will also be available! Be sure to come and visit our stand and meet the team.

[ Top ]

John Mills New Iame Importer   (19/11)

John Mills Engineering are proud to announce their new collaboration with Iame.

They have been awarded the contract of the official UK importer and distributor of all Iame products. This new alliance will provide a new distribution hub at the UK's premier kart circuit, PF International.

For more information, please contact John Mills Engineering on telephone 01636 626424, or email james@jmracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Formula TKM Goes TAG!   (19/11)

A new TAG style (touch and go) TKM BT82 engine will be unveiled by Tal-Ko in prototype at the Kartmania Show (Nov 29/30) as an option for the Formula TKM 2-stoke classes.
 
The newly developed engine is currently undergoing final development testing prior to its release on sale early next year. It will meet with Formula TKM regulations and be available as an option for both the Junior and Senior  classes running with the normal direct & clutched driven existing engines.
 
The new TAG engine will feature a modified crankcase, high quality starter motor, new ignition system and new type stronger clutch with starter gear. With the on board battery the TAG version will add around 5kg to the weight of a kart.
 
Announcing the new style engine Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney revealed that the company had looked at the principle of a TAG style engine some years ago but found the components available at that time were usually not fully developed, expensive and unreliable.
 
But he says: "Now that so many international classes use this technology the quality and availability of components is very good. We have been able to choose the very best to produce what we expect to be a very reliable and efficient system."
 
Aside from starting the engine the new ignition electronics in the system will also charge the on board battery whilst the engine is running which is a very desirable feature. 
 
No exact cost has been put on the TAG option but Tal-Ko expects it to only cost around £50 to £75 more than the cost of a current clutched engine with outboard starter. Because of the number of components changed it will not be possible to up-grade a non-TAG engine to the new specification.
 
First deliveries are expected to be around March next year. A strong demand is expected and orders will be taken now for delivery on a strictly first come first served basis.
 
Adds Alan Turney: "Our customers have been asking for this option and we are pleased to be able to meet their needs."

For more information on Formula TKM visit www.tal-ko.com.

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New TKM Brake Disc Protector   (19/11)

A brake disc protector designed specifically for the Formula TKM classes to meet the 2009 disc protection rules has been announced by Tal-Ko and will make its debut at the Kartmania show.
 
This new TKM branded product features a chromed steel bracket to which a replaceable nylon protector is fitted. It has been specially designed to give protection to the brake disc while at the same time allowing clear view of the mandatory Formula TKM chassis sequential plate and chassis number which are by regulation located on the brake side rear axle bearing hanger.
 
It will fit all karts with the normal triangular 3 bolt bearing fit as well as all CRG 4 bolt bearing fit.
 
The protector will be available exclusively from the Tal-Ko stand at Kartmania at a price of £25 + VAT.  It can also be ordered direct from Tal-Ko, for contact details visit www.tal-ko.com.
 
Such protectors are mandatory for virtually every karting class from January 1, 2009.

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Distributors & Teams Required   (18/11)

HRS Motorsport is the official European Rotax Team for the 22 times World Championship winning manufacturer KART C.R.G. We are currently looking for regional distributors & teams to work with in bringing together a winning package both on & off the race track.
 
It is essential to both you as a partner and to our on track customer that our service is second to none. Our partners need the ability to provide track-side support to circuits within their region, and a commitment to helping their customers fulfil their maximum potential is essential.

We are not looking to flood the market with dealers, as it is important to us that our dealers are strong within their market place.

To discuss how you can become part of the team, please call HRS Motorsport's Tristram Oman on 0191 427 8440 or 07715 538240, or e-mail tristram@hrsmotorsport.com.

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Autotekk Are EKC Winners   (18/11)

EKC would like to congratulate Autotekk for winning the 2008 Southern Endurance Championship. Autotekk Narrowly won the 2008 championship by just 1 point from Alpha Rpm with Dixi Wild in third position, at a great final round held at Thruxton and finishing under floodlight.

This curtain fall for the Championship was always going to be a close run thing, as mostly all of the winning positions in all three classes were still mathematically up for grabs.

EKC would like to thank its series sponsors - Kart Components, Prokart Engineering, Andover Fork Trucks and Game Racer for their help throughout the season.

Full results and Race report to follow at www.ekcendurance.co.uk.

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Another Tonykart Cadet Victory   (17/11)
 
The RL Race Team, promoters, main team and agents for the Tonykart cadet chassis, would like to congratulate Sam Vanderpump for winning at Shenington on Sunday on his Tonykart.

In a thrilling final, the Tonykart entourage was backed up by RL Cadet Race Team's George Russell coming in 6th place in the final, following his victory at Kimbolton one week before.

RL Cadet Race Team have the new chassis in stock and a demo chassis available at all times.
 
For information on the Rocky or the RL Race Team please contact Steve on +44 (0)7843 586416, +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

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Buckmore Kart Fleet Sale   (17/11)

Buckmore Park have for sale ex-fleet Corporate Pro Karts and ThunderKarts, available in one lot, small batches, or individually from February 2009.

43 Corporate Pro Karts:

Manufactured to our specification by Sodikart in February 2006, our RX7 model karts were built to a very high specification for improved longevity. Their original cost was over £3500 per unit. They have been maintained regardless of cost and are ideal for the larger indoor or outdoor operator or for individual use.

- GX390cc Honda engine with HD Supa dry clutch
- Sodi high tech RX7 chassis
- Girling automotive brakes with long life pads
- Heavy duty track rods and ends
- Anti double pedal device
- Heavy duty mono rims
- Full moulded wheel protection and absorption system,
- Fitted with Duro tyres
- Fully adjustable sear, pedals and steering column
- Tillet seat

£1050 + VAT each.

42 Corporate ThunderKarts:

These karts were manufactured by Biz in March 2007 to Bill Sisley's specification. The original cost per unit was over £3000 per kart. They have been maintained regardless of cost and are ideal for the larger indoor or outdoor operator or for individual leisure.

- Tuned 390cc Honda engine fitted with heavy duty Supa dry clutch
- Sisley designed heavy duty chassis
- Girling automotive brakes with long life pads
- 10mm track rods and heavy duty ends
- Half inch O ring heavy duty chain
- Anti double pedal device
- Heavy duty mono rims
- Fitted with Duro tyres
- Four wheel protection system
- Flip over adjustable pedals
- Tillet seat
- Fully adjustable seat

£1100 + VAT each.

For further information please contact Bill Sisley by email to bill@buckmore.co.uk or telephone 01634 869030.

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Tonykart Jnr Team Statement   (17/11)

Tonykart Junior Team have released a further statement following CIK ruling on positive anti-doping test (see "Rowland Awarded KF2 World Cup" story on 13th November 2008)...
 
We can confirm that a small trace of cannabis was found in Tonykart Junior driver Flavio Camponeschi's sample, which he provided to the stewards at the CIK-FIA KF2 World Cup at La Conca, Italy in September 2008.
 
When team manager, Paul Spencer was informed by the panel of stewards of their findings, he asked his driver what had happened and Flavio explained the situation to him.
 
Flavio said he had attended a party, where a small amount of the drug in a 'joint' had been passed around. With an uncharacteristic loss of judgment, he momentarily smoked it and immediately regretted doing so.
 
A small amount of cannabis can stay in the body for 80 days, explaining why Flavio was found to have a trace amount in his system.
 
Flavio deeply regrets his actions and wholly accepts the CIK's punishment - a 6 month ban and the loss of his World Cup victory. Paul Spencer said, "What he did was utterly stupid. Here at the Tonykart Junior Team we deplore the use of drugs but I think we need to apply some common sense to the situation. We cannot condone his behaviour and that will be dealt with internally. However, Flavio has shown great remorse and is undergoing further education on the dangers of drugs. He has also promised to use his experience to explain to young kart racers why drugs have no place in a champion's life. He has also offered to work closely with the CIK-FIA Anti-Doping Commission to publicise their doping awareness and prevention campaign."
 
Flavio says, "I wish to apologise to everyone - my fans, the team, my competitors, the officials, my family and especially, Mr. Robazzi (the owner of Tonykart). I was naive and selfish. That one moment has undone so much hard work and I am genuinely sorry for that. I will do everything I can to repair the damage I have done."

[ Top ]

Taking A Liberty!   (14/11)

The Liberty Racing Team would like to congratulate their 2 drivers, James Theodore and Sebastian Morris on an outstanding season.
 
James has made a stunning transition from Karting to single seater racing In the Formula Renault BARC Class by becoming the Formula Renault BARC Winters series champion, during the 4 round series held at the Croft and Rockingham circuits.
 
On Saturday 1st November he took a win in the first race followed by a second place in the next, and then the very next day drove to Glan-y-Gors Park in North Wales to drive the perfect race day to secure the Senior Rotax Championship.  The following Saturday, he went on to the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Formula Renault BARC Championship at Rockingham and took victories in both races and was crowned as the Winter Series Champion.
 
Meanwhile, the teams junior driver Sebastian Morris was busy cleaning up the Cadet scene in the Northwest by securing no less than 3 Club Championships at 3 Sisters (MBKC), Glan-y Gors Park (DKC) and Hooton Park (ChKRC).  All of this on top of securing the Ace of Clubs title earlier in the year at Whilton Mill.
 
"Sebs achievements have been simply stunning" said Tony Theodore, in what is basically only his second full year of racing.  "He has developed strongly as the year has progressed, and when he hasn't actually won the races, he still had very high averages which has secured the titles without having to use dropped rounds, amazing".
 
Both drivers can rightly be proud of their respective performances and as Seb moves into the Minimax Class and James continues to focus on the Formula Renault BARC Summer series, team principle Phillip Morris remarked " One season, 2 drivers, 5 championships, they have worked very hard and achieved the results they deserve.  Liberty Properties PLC is very proud of them.

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Ashly Mack & Don Kennedy   (14/11)

Kennedy Motors would like to congratulate both Ashly Mack on winning the 2008 Super 4 250 Championship, and to Don Kennedy on his 2nd place in the MSA 250 Superkart Championship.

Both drivers were racing on their Kennedy Motors tuned and maintained Honda CR250's.

If you would like to get out in front telephone 01926 817374 to find out about our services.

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EasyKart Cadet Open Day   (14/11)
 
Such has been the demand and interest in the EasyKart Cadet that importer ACR are organising a try before you buy test at the Whilton Mill circuit near Daventry.  The open day will be held on on Sunday 7th December 2008 and start at 10am.

Interested drivers aged between 8 and 12 years old wishing to test the Easy Cadet can purchase 15 laps for £20.00. Drives will be booked on a first come first served basis.

To book a drive, please email ACR on birel@btconnect.com, or call the office on 01527 889595.  For more information on EasyKart visit www.easykart.co.uk.

There is now a waiting list for the Easy Cadet with the first consignment due just before Christmas!

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CAT Racing Dominate At Hooton   (13/11)

The Clitheroe based race team CAT Racing Services had an extremely successful meeting at Hooton Park, Nr Ellsemere Port, Cheshire last weekend taking Two Club Championship Victories.

All drivers had to contend with the atrocious weather conditions as it was raining CATS and dogs for most of the day. Two drivers were in contention of the Senior Formula Blue title, however Jonny Buchanan pulled it off in by style by roaring to the lead in both the heats and the final as well as setting the fastest lap in all three races. Meanwhile the Senior Rotax Max title could have been won by any of the top three point scoring drivers, but Kirk Cattermole managed to take the club championship crown as well by dominating the heats and the final with a lights to flag victory in all races.

Mini Max driver Chad Ryan secured the first place spot in both the heats and the final but had to be content with second spot in the championship, missing out on the title by just four points.  Mark Winter also stormed into the the lead in the 177 Rotax Max class taking a heat and final win as well and finishing a creditable third place in the championship.

Jonny Buchanan has had an excellent 2008 season, as he secured not only the Glan-Y-Gors club championship in Formula Blue but is also currently lying third in the MBKC champs, and Kirk Cattermole is also currently third in the Rotax championship.

Dan Edwards has had long circuit success by finishing third in the British 125cc Open Championship class, his achievement is all the more creditable as he was racing with short circuit bodywork. Dan also won both the races at the recent Stars of Darley meeting as well.

All drivers ware racing aboard a CAT kart and using Millers KR2T race oil. For more information about the CAT kart or Test drives please call Chris for details on 01200 423360 or 07968984659, or visit www.catracingservices.co.uk.

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Euro Pro-Kart Champs Update   (13/11)

Rules, regulations & booking forms for the European Pro-Kart Endurance Championship are now available on line at www.teessidekarting.co.uk.

We can also now confirm that Kelvin Nicholls has been appointed as Championship Scrutineer, and Paul Beatty as C of C. All the circuits have now been booked and so we look forward to seeing you all soon!

[ Top ]

Durham & Yorkshire Kart Club   (13/11)
 
DYKC can now confirm that the club will return on racing at the Teesside Autodrome (formerly Langbaurgh) on the 3rd Sunday of the month, commencing on 18th January 2009.

This circuit was always a favourite with the drivers - absolutely flat out, and with great facilities including a new clubhouse & reception.

Practice is available the week prior to the race dates. The club looks forwarding to welcoming you soon.

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Rowland Awarded KF2 World Cup   (13/11)

The CIK-FIA have announced Britain's Oliver Rowland as the new winner of the CIK-FIA World Cup for KF2.  A meeting was held at the headquarters of the FIA in Paris on the 11th November 2008 following a positive results from the anti-doping control carried out during the CIK-FIA World Cup for KF2 at La Conca (I) on 20 September 2008. The Stewards of the Meeting for that event heard that Italian driver Flavio Camponeschi, the winner of the race, had traces of a product  featuring on the Prohibited List - published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) - had been detected in the urine sample provided by the driver concerned. The Panel of Stewards decided to exclude him from the final classification and suspend his licence for the next 6 months.

As a reminder, the CIK-FIA (Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA), with the help of the FIA Institute and WADA, conducted a broad doping awareness and prevention campaign called "Race True" during the 2006 season. In 2007 and 2008, within the framework of the CIK-FIA Karting Championships, 30 drivers were tested, including six outside competition. Only one test yielded a positive result.

A new result for the event has therefore been drawn up, subject to appeal by the driver concerned. Oliver Rowland (Tony Kart-Vortex-Dunlop) has been declared the winner of the 2008 CIK-FIA World Cup for KF2, ahead of the Czech Zdenek Groman (Maranello-Parilla-Dunlop) and Frenchman Loïc Réguillon (Sodi-Parilla-Dunlop).

The new results can be viewed on the CIK-FIA website.

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Congratulations Russell Danzey   (12/11)

After a very successful 2008 season Thomas Brown Racing would like to congratulate Russell Danzey for a superb 08 season winning his first major race.

The team would also like to thank Maranello Kart and James of JM Green Power for all there efforts and looks forward to working with them again next season.

After two years developing the team Thomas Brown has now decided to open it's doors to new drivers. This decision was made after the team proved to be a consistent front runner and winning round 3 of the Super 1 series. The team has vacancies in KF3 and KF2 for both Super 1, Stars, and European events.

To discuss any enquires for Thomas Brown Racing please contact Tom on 07734139831 or email on thomassbrown@mac.com.

[ Top ]

Every Split Second Counts!   (12/11)

The autobiography of Martin Hines, from the publishers of Jordan's best-seller, is now available from Karting magazine and is the perfect Xmas present for any karter!

From Kartingmagazine.com...

"Hines is one of the world's most successful kart drivers with 17 major championships to his name, the last of which he won at the age of 56 after beating cancer. Along the way he discovered and nurtured F1 stars like David Coulthard, Anthony Davidson and Lewis Hamilton, and future stars Gary Paffett and Oliver Rowland. He built Zip Kart into the industry's most influential companies, at the forefront of sport-changing innovations like indoor karting. But his autobiography is far more than the story of a successful kart king. The action will leave you breathless; the anecdotes, especially about his colourful love life, will make you laugh. Great characters pop up on every page, from his influential dad Mark who owned a bike shop and bingo hall, to McLaren boss Ron Dennis and TV star Jonathan Ross. This is a must read book for motorsport lovers and also for everyone who appreciates a life lived as though every split second counts."

Order online now at www.kartingmagazine.com or phone 01689 897123.

[ Top ]

2009 Rotax Euro Challenge   (12/11)
 
There are free entries in the 2009 Rotax Euro Challenge to be won at the first ever Rotax Winter Cup in Spain this February.
 
The organisers and promoters of the Rotax Euro Challenge, RGMMC Establishment, have announced an exciting addition to the new season's racing schedule in Europe, by introducing the inaugural Rotax Winter Cup. The "ice-breaker" event will take place at Karting Campillos, near Malaga in the south of Spain 11 - 15 February, 2009 and will not only give many Rotax drivers the opportunity to prepare for the first round of the Euro Challenge, but RGMMC are offering some fantastic prizes as well valued at over 30,000 Euros.*
 
The winners in each of the four classes on the program: Senior Max, Junior Max, Max Masters (30+ years/173kg) and Rotax DD2 - will win their entry package* for the complete season in the increasingly popular Rotax Euro Challenge series. This also includes the track fees for the official practice days, plus the regulation oil and 4 sets of parc fermè tyres for the racing. 2nd place in all categories at the Rotax Winter Cup will take home the next best prize with two Euro Challenge rounds complimentary, while those who finish 3rd on the podium at Campillos will be awarded one free round in the 2009 championship.
 
Roland Geidel of RGMMC believes the Rotax Winter Cup will be a great start to the year for the many European drivers who are unable to do any practice at all throughout the colder months. "For two years we've been trying to find an ideal location that could host the opening event with almost certain decent weather and this part of Spain realistically offers this. It allows the Rotax drivers a chance to be better prepared for the opening round of the Euro Challenge in March, which is also going to be at another venue in Spain, while also giving them the possibility to win a place in the championship in 2009 for free."
 
Karting Campillos is located in the south of Spain and about a 40 minute drive from Malaga airport, nestled in the picturesque Andalusia region landscape around 44 miles north of the city of Malaga on the Mediterranean coast. The circuit first opened in the spring of 2005, is 1588m long with a width of 10m and this year played host to the Spanish Championship. Track manager Martin Reuvers claims the Winter Cup competitors will enjoy the racing experience without any doubt. "The track is fast but very, very technical and runs in a clockwise direction. The first section goes uphill and then after turn 9, it slopes back down, continuing to a combination of long straights and hairpins. It means a lot for Karting Campillos to welcome RGMMC and the Rotax Winter Cup as our first international event. The track has already proved popular for many international race teams to do testing during winter due to the favourable weather."
 
Entries open for the Rotax Winter Cup in less than a month on December 1st and will be limited depending on the class. The entry form can be completed at www.rgmmc.com where all the relevant 2009 Sporting and Technical Regulations will also be available.
 
*All prizes must be taken in accordance with the 2009 Sporting Regulations - subject to approval from the CIK & FIA World Motorsport Council. Prizes offered are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
 
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

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Blackbushe Beckons   (11/11)
 
Don't let Winter get you down!  Go and have some fun racing in a 4 round winter series at Camberley Kart Club commencing on Saturday 22nd November.

All normal CKC classes and it's the best 3 rounds to count towards the Championships, with points for heats and the final. There's a nominal Registration Fee of £10.
 
This technically challenging track will keep you race fit and ready for your racing next Summer so don't miss out, come on down. There's an aerial view of the track at www.camberleykartclub.com.
 
You know your family and friends wouldn't want you to get rusty over the next 4 months, so get yourself down to Blackbushe!  November 22nd is the first round so time is short, get your race entry in now!
 
Contact the club Chair & Competition Secretary, Mrs. Elaine Buxton, on 01276 512691 for all the details.

[ Top ]

Rob Stuns Rivals In Sarno   (11/11)
 
The normally modest Robert Foster-Jones allowed himself a rare moment of obvious pride when he described his latest victory as a "flawless and convincing performance."
 
He wasn't wrong. Fastest in timed qualifying, he went on to win the two heats, the pre-final and main final at the second round of the Silver Cup at Sarno near Naples (9 November).
 
His team boss, Ricky Flynn was equally satisfied, saying; "All weekend he was very strong and did all you can do."
 
However, his run to victory was not entirely without controversy or drama. In the final, he had opened a commanding lead but founds himself closed down by the experienced Italian, Anniello Smarrazzo. As the race entered its final lap, Smarrazzo was pressuring Foster-Jones' rear bumper looking for a way past but finding the door firmly shut.
 
"Going into the hairpin, I defended and he knocked me off," Rob explained. Smarrazzo crossed the line in 1st place but - in scenes reminiscent of Felipe Massa's premature celebrations at the end of the Brazilian GP - it soon became apparent that he was under investigation. Half an hour later, the stewards announced that Robert had been awarded his rightful victory.
 
"All he could do to overtake was give him a whack. That's a measure of how in-control Robert was" commented Flynn afterwards.
 
Robert added, "These things happen, it was one of those things. And I'm glad to have won. But had Lady Luck not deserted me in the first round (his motor seized whilst he was leading the main final at La Conca), I know I would've won the title."
 
The Silver Cup was Robert's penultimate race in the KF2 class. Before he signs off at the Copa Campeones at Vendrell in December, he will make his KF1 debut at the CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific Championships on Macau, at the end of the month (29/30 November).
 
"I've got a couple of weeks off to prepare but I can't wait. I've got to be on top of my game" he says.
 
Ricky Flynn agrees - "It'll be tough. KF1 is another step forward in your career. That's why he's doing it. We're not expecting a top three finish because Robert's got a lot to learn. He's never been to the Coloane circuit before, never raced against the KF1 pro's and never driven on a 'special' tyre but he's mentally very strong and will rise to the challenge, I'm sure."
 
To find out more about Robert and follow his fortunes, visit www.robertfosterjones.com.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Mackenzie Wins Silver Cup   (11/11)

After just a very few race meetings in the KF2 category, Mackenzie Taylor won the inaugural Silver Cup overall at Sarno on 10th November.
 
The Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver held the points advantage from the first round (held at La Conca the previous weekend) and his metronomic consistency at the Neapolitan track saw him take the title.
 
"I was after good results and was reasonably optimistic going into the meeting. That said, the last time I raced at Sarno was in (KF3) in the WSK and it was a weekend to forget. I tried to make up for that and knew that I needed decent points and to finish all the races if I was to win overall."
 
The 15-year old was pipped to pole position in timed qualifying by his team-mate, Robert Foster-Jones on the last lap of the session and would line up alongside him on the start-line for both the heats.
 
"I was happy with the first race" Mackenzie explained afterwards. "Rob and I pulled away from everyone else and opened a massive gap (over the chasing Anniello Smarrazzo). Rob took the win and I sat behind him to take 2nd."
 
Mackenzie repeated this in the following heat, as the pair again locked-out the front row of the grid for the first of the two points-scoring finals.
 
Things didn't quite go to plan as Smarrazzo squeezed his way past in the opening stages of the pre-final. Mackenzie took third, and knew that he'd dropped points in the title chase to the Italian - but calmly said, "It wasn't a big problem."
 
More concerning, was Smarrazzo's pace. He had been the fastest man in the pre-final and he again used his superior pace to good effect in the main final.
 
"I got a good start and followed Rob into the first corner. I spent the first few laps tucked in behind him and we pulled five or six kart lengths away from the field. But as the race progressed, Smarrazzo started to catch us and he passed me at a hairpin. I had to push hard to keep in touch but on the last lap, Rob was defending a corner and Smarrazzo hit him wide. He won with Rob in 2nd and me right on their bumpers in 3rd."
 
As the Catanian and his team celebrated in parc ferme, the stewards were investigating his move on Foster-Jones. Half an hour later, team boss Ricky Flynn informed his drivers of their decision - Smarrazzo had been disqualified for contact driving thus promoting Mackenzie into 2nd place.
 
Mackenzie said, "I'm very happy. To win my first KF2 Championship in just four races is fantastic and has set us up for a good year (in 2009). I would like to thank Ricky, my mechanic Neil (Doran) and Ole (Haugard of One Engines) for all their hard work and giving me the equipment to do the job."

Visit Mackenzie's website - www.mackenzietaylor.co.uk - to follow his fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

London Cup On Motors TV   (11/11)

The London Cup will be broadcast on Motors TV next month so be sure to mark it in your calendar.  From the programme guide...

"Aficionados of grassroots motorsport will no-doubt be rubbing their hands together with glee at the prospect of Motors TV dedicating a whole two hours to go-karting this week. Not just any karting either, oh no, the London Cup no less!  Britain's biggest event attracted 190 drivers this year across a multitude of classes and age-groups. One of the oldest circuits in the UK, Hoddesdon Kart Club's 960m tight and technical layout keeps the action frantic and the competitors on their toes. The likes of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button can be counted amongst the Cup's previous winners so tune in and claim the bragging rights to spotting the sport's next big thing."

The London Cup will be broadcast on Motors TV (available on Sky channel 413 and Virgin Media channel 545) on Wednesday 3rd December at 19:00.

Visit www.motorstv.co.uk for full programme listings and broadcast times.

[ Top ]

Michael Epps Moves To Seniors   (10/11)
 
Michael Epps has had a good 2008 in Junior Rotax finishing 8th in Stars of Tomorrow and 16th in Super 1, against some strong competition and with podium finishes in both series. Along the way he has had some excellent club wins too and ended the season on a high by winning the Rye House London Cup for the second time on the 2008 Octane chassis.
 
Michael is now moving into Senior Rotax and has already chalked up an impressive win in his first race meeting at Hoddesdon Kart Club. Although he has been in the seat for only 3 years, in 2008 he has really taken his driving to a new level.
 
These results have not been achieved without help and we would like to thank everyone involved - the Rob Hanscomb Motorsport Team, Ricky & Mark at Grice Engineering, Nick, Chris & Ben at NJR Octane Motorsport, Jonathan Stilp, Ed Cockill and Charlie Owen.
 
Special thanks to Rob Hanscomb for his unswerving ability to provide good advice and trackside support.
 
We look forward to continuing these partnerships in 2009 as Michael completes the transition into Seniors.
 
For more information on Michael visit www.michaelepps.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Daytona Max Winter Series R1   (10/11)
 
Despite Mother Nature dumping a whole lot of rain early on Saturday morning, scores of drivers braved the weather to race in the inaugural Daytona Max winter series race on November 8th 2008.
 
First up was the 2 hour endurance race that saw solo driver Marc Lee take the win from a team from Honda F1 and the Laid Back Runners belying their name to take the final podium spot.
 
In the afternoon, the Sprint series got underway with classes for lightweight and heavyweight drivers. The fiercely contested lightweight race was won by Matthew Edmondson-Jones with Pete Ellis and Antonio Carrozza rounding out the top 3 in a phenomenal finish. The heavyweight race was equally as hot with Brian Parias taking the chequered flag with Chris Carter and Jaime Osbourne completing the podium places after another last corner battle.
 
Full write-up and results with points table is at www.daytonamax.com.
 
Call 0845 644 5504 to book your place in the next round on December 6th now.

[ Top ]

RL Cadet Race Team 1-2   (10/11)

The Cadet team's inaugural first outing alongside the existing RL Race Team took all the spoils in the cadet class at Kimbolton against a bumper grid of between 30-40 of the country's finest cadet contenders, and a big handful of the seeded drivers from 2008.
 
With a heat win, a 6th and a 7th in the other two heats, Harry Webb took pole position for the A Final with George Russell starting just behind on grid 3, having taken a 3rd and two  6th places in his heats. With Ryan Morgan also going from grid 9 on his debut at Kimboltonm the Tonykart-mounted drivers looked set to dominate as they had in the dry heats.  With a massive downpour in the lunch break everything changed however, but the result stayed the same except for Russell and Webb trading for the lead way out in front, with Russell coming out on top, Webb in 2nd and Morgan - having had a difficult start - climbed his way back up to 9th.

Steve Armstrong (Race Team Manager) would like to congratulate Russell, Webb & Morgan on a great performance, showing their potential for 2009 and also showing the pace of the new Tonykart Rocky EXP in all conditions.
 
For information on the Rocky or the RL Race Team please contact Steve on +44 7843 586416 (mobile), +44 1502 716200 (office) or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Do You Want To Succeed?   (07/11)

Ambition Motorsport (UK) is one of the front running teams based in the South East of England.

With one-to-one exclusive private tuition, race equipment hire, kart servicing, race team management, and of course not forgetting a great customer service!

At Ambition we do our absolute best so you can enjoy your weekends away with a professionally managed and run team.

So if you're looking at breaking out of bambino karting or local kart schools, or you're currently racing and would like to find those missing couple of tenths within you, why not contact us to see what we can do for you.
 
Contact Paul Janes on 0795 183 1236 or email Paul on paul.janes@hotmail.co.uk.
 
Ambition Motorsport (UK) - determination to succeed!

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Alex Is London Cup Champ   (07/11)

Alex Sharper won the London Cup Senior Rotax final at Rye House on his new Tecno Kart, beating last year's winner Michael Spencer in a thrilling final.

Alex, who was second last year, dropped to 4th at the start but as his kart (which had been set up for the longer 22 lap final) came on he moved through to win convincingly and set the fastest lap along the way.

This was a great result for the JPM team who have just returned to karting previously running GP2 star Adam Carrol.

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MSA National Court Decision   (07/11)

The National Court was convened at Motor Sports House on 4th November 2008 to consider three appeals from R. Cuff, D. Vaughan and A. MacKay against their exclusion from the Stars of Tomorrow Race at Shenington on 14th September 2008.  It was agreed to deal with all three Appeals simultaneously.
 
The Court heard that the Chief Scrutineer, Mr Paul Klaassen, had inspected all competitors' engines after the race, including competitors' spare engines that had been presented for pre-event scrutineering. Mr Klaassen was of the opinion that the oil seals on the appellants' spare engines had been 'modified' and as a result the three drivers had been excluded from the results.
 
The Court noted with regret that the "reference oil seal" used in the course of the Scrutineer's examination which gave rise to the allegations of non-conformity, was not available for inspection and necessary comparison by the Court.
 
As a result, the Court decided that the appeals must be allowed.
 
The Court felt it appropriate to make the following additional recommendations and clarifications:
- The use of tampered mandrels (or similar) to merely ease the seal tension must be the subject of regulation if it is to be permitted.
- Any engine submitted to Scrutineering must at all times comply with the relevant regulations even if not raced.
- Competitors having a legitimate grievance and/or complaint should avail themselves of the right to lodge a formal protest.
 
The Court ordered that the Appeal fees be refunded and the results reissued with the Competitors concerned re-instated.  No order was made towards costs.

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Buckmore Park KC - Round 7   (07/11)

Round seven of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series on Sunday 16th November includes a round of the 125 Europa Challenge.  Entries are available in all ABkC Classes.

Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th November. Overnight parking is free and available on both nights.

For entry forms and more details please contact Sheila Rose, Club Co-ordinator on 01634 661604.

For more information on Buckmore Park visit www.buckmore.co.uk.

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Going To Shenington?   (07/11)
 
Want to reduce your lap times? Want better results? Make the next step with Kart Coach.
 
Kart Coach has all you need to succeed. Both absolute beginners, and experienced drivers will benefit from a weekend with Kart Coach
 
Track walks and one to one coaching on all aspects of race craft Spacious awning with secure overnight parking Setup advice and friendly working environment
 
And the best part... £120 for Saturday & Sunday
 
Kart Coach - Take the worry out of your weekend.
 
VAT not included.
 
Visit www.kartcoach.com for further details.

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Maranello UK On Track For Success   (06/11)
 
The Maranello UK team is showing promising signs after a successful first round of the Winter Series at PFi last Sunday (2 November). Team Manager Elliott Green is pleased with his drivers' performances, and believes that they are building a firm platform for success in 2009.
 
He said, "All the signs were very encouraging. In KF3, Josephine Ferrada Van Braeckel had one of her best meetings of the year. The conditions were very difficult and I'm pleased with the way she dealt with them, the change of chassis, different tyres, and of course working with a new team - she did a great job"
 
Also in KF3, Roy Johnson has signed for the team. "Roy was hugely successful in Cadets and obviously has star quality and I think he may surprise a few people next year"
 
Former Mini Max star Andy King has moved into the Junior Max category - and also impressed, with a strong performance in the final, finishing 4th overall.
 
"As ever, the Junior Rotax class is very competitive - especially at PFi - and Andy did well to come through the traffic. I think he's got the potential to do very well next season and beyond."
 
In KF1, new signing Jamie Croxford also gave hope for the future with a typical display of grit and determination, but was hampered by poor tyres.
 
"Jamie took a 4th and 5th in the heats and had a brilliant first three laps in the final - but then the performance of the tyres just dropped off and that was it. Still, we could see that there's more to come from the chassis and engine package and I think he'll be bang on the pace in no time at all."
 
A major talking point at the Lincolnshire circuit was former champion Bobby Game's return to top-flight racing and he'd chosen to do it on a Maranello.
 
"Bobby tested another chassis and one of ours and preferred the Maranello. He did well too and I must also congratulate Russell Danzey for his fine 3rd place in the KF3 final."
 
He added, "And what can I say about Mark Litchfield's performance? He was quite superb throughout the weekend and totally dominant with his Maranello."
 
The Maranello UK factory team also has drives available in Rotax Max and KF classes and Elliott adds, "We have several drivers committed for next year but would welcome approaches from people who are considering running with one of Britain's leading teams."
 
For more information about Maranello karts, test days and available race seats, call Elliott or Steve Green at Maranello UK on 01252 851 162 or e-mail info@maranellouk.com

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Super-1 Switches To SuperSport Timing   (06/11)

SuperSport are proud to announce that their "Owner-Driver" software "Tempus" and "Tempus CompSec" for Kart Clubs and travelling championships has now been chosen by The Super-1 Series for 2009 and beyond. This means that EVERY British Kart Championship is now timed using SuperSport Timing Software.
 
Super-1 competitors will now be able to enjoy the detailed ERS+ Results on the UK Karting website and will have Championship Tables emailed to them automatically in PDF form at the end of each round.
 
The Competition Secretary will also be keeping in regular touch with competitors sending automatic confirmation emails when entries are received.
 
The Super-1 Series joins an ever growing number of Kart Clubs and Associations around the UK and USA using Tempus for accurate timing and very comprehensive reporting for officials and competitors alike.
 
Camberley Kart Club (Surrey, UK) also recently installed the "Tempus" software suite and SuperSport are expecting to announce two more high-profile UK clubs switching to the system for the start of the 2009 season.
 
Sonja Game, Series Coordinator for the Super-1 and Competition Secretary for Shenington Kart Racing Club, also Tempus users, said: "We are really pleased to be switching to SuperSport next year. Not only is the system much easier for us to use before, during and after each race weekend, but it also provides much more detailed information for the drivers in the series. At Shenington, since our installation almost two years ago we have been really pleased with the level of Backup and Support provided by SuperSport, and I now look forward to working with them over the coming years with the S1 Series."
 
Further information about "Tempus" and "Tempus CompSec" can be obtained at www.supersporttiming.com/tempus or by calling SuperSport on 01432 860685 in the UK or (954) 369-4936 in the USA.

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Unipart Celebrate BEN Success   (06/11)
 
The Unipart Automotive Karting Team reached a podium position by taking third place in the Automotive Industry Charity (BEN) Karting Championship Finals. Raising more than £8,500 for BEN, the Karting Team was also awarded with the Top Fundraiser trophy.
 
The Unipart Automotive team included Unipart Automotive executive Malcolm England, Piers Farley, Andy Roberts and Unipart Automotive Associates Dick Ayre and Kevin Owen. The 5-strong team secured their place in the final after qualifying in one of the three regional heats. The Unipart Team were up against teams including Garage Equipment Services and the Lincs Imps in the final - a 100 lap endurance race that featured five driver changes and a fuel stop - which took place on Sunday 12th October at the Paul Fletcher International circuit near Grantham.  
 
The championship series started in September and consisted of three regional endurance karting heats at venues across the UK. The Unipart Automotive team members were presented with third place winner trophies in addition to their special team trophy for Top Fundraiser.
 
Unipart Automotive Garage Equipment Services General Manager, Malcolm England, said: "Each event is highly competitive as the series attracts many experienced kart racers. The racing was fast and enthusiastic and the Unipart Automotive team put in a really strong performance, which enabled us to secure a podium position for third place." 
 
"We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the team including Kwik-Fit, ATS Euromaster, Deb (Swarfega), Omitec, Crypton, Tecalemit, Hoffman, Bradbury, Maywood Equipment, Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Alliance & General Leasing Ltd, NGK, Valeo, TIMAX, Euro Friction and Garage Equipment Services (GES)."

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Get Ready For KartMania '08   (05/11)

Just as Lewis Hamilton's time had come to reign as the World Formula 1 Champion, it's nearly time for the KartMania show to put on a stunning performance too!  The organisers would like congratulate Lewis on his achievement, and if you would like to find out how to get started on a path to potential stardom - Lewis was discovered whilst racing karts - make sure you put the show date in your diary.  The last weekend in November (29th & 30th) will see the much awaited KartMania '08 burst into life at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry.
 
Billed as the UK's premier kart show and featuring only karts, equipment and related merchandise, - no cars, no bikes, just 100% karts!  Check the latest exhibitor list at www.kartmania.co.uk to see who will be there and who you might want to visit.
 
As an experienced kart racer or a complete beginner you are likely to find it an excellent day out with plenty to occupy your valuable time.  There's the "Kartboot" - a car boot sale for all sorts of Karting equipment, an auction, fashions shows, award presentations, Karting Workshops on both days covering topics such as kart set-up for TKM, Tonykart, and Intrepid Karts, starting karting with Protrain, Rotax engines and much more!
 
Don't forget to bring along any spare equipment you are no longer using for the 'Kartboot' sale and you could return home with more money than you went with, or maybe just grab yourself a bargain there or with one of the exhibitors special show offers.
 
Make a note of the date now - 29th & 30th November, - or better still visit the website to see the regularly updated website and to also buy tickets online.

With the finishing touches now being made, this is expected to be the best kart show ever - don't miss it!

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George's Bayford Success   (05/11)

Panther Motorsports would like to congratulate George Wright on a fantastic triple win at Bayford Meadows kart circuit, including winning both the Club Championship and the South East Championship.

Despite George only being with the team for 18 months and racing a One CRG kart chassis for just 9 months, he just keeps getting better and better.

George says the CRG kart is a superb chassis in both the wet and dry, and cannot wait for the new kart in 2009. George will contest the stars championship with new driver Brett ward and one other with Panther Motorsports in 2009.

For more information contact Panther Motorsports on 01474 707099 or visit the website at www.panthermotorsports.co.uk.

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Mackenzie Returns To The Podium   (05/11)
 
Whilst millions of fans were watching Lewis Hamilton seal the Formula 1 World Championship in Brazil, Mackenzie Taylor was also delivering a heart-in-mouth drive to snatch 2nd place at La Conca.
 
The inaugural Silver Cup is a new two-part meeting, split between two circuits in southern Italy - the first at Muro Leccese in Puglia and the second at Sarno in the suburbs of Naples. This was Mackenzie's third race in the senior KF2 category.
 
His preparations for the event were hit when he contracted food poisoning, causing the Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver to lose 4 kilos in just two days. On the Friday (31 October) he managed just 6 laps before having to return to the pits. Keen to race but still very unwell, Mackenzie got out of his bed at 3pm on Saturday (1 November) went to the circuit and promptly posted the 5th fastest lap - before quickly returning to his hotel room to conserve his energy. He still felt too ill to compete in the first heat - but the following day was able to put in a gritty performance to finish in 11th place in the 2nd race.
 
Starting from 14th on the grid for the pre-final, Mackenzie showed incredible spirit to finish in 3rd place. As his father Roddy commented, "He's still sick but fast!"
 
In the main final he went one place better, to finish 2nd as the chequered flag waved. However, by virtue of taking two podium finishes, Mackenzie's dogged consistency has put him top of the points tally.
 
Mackenzie's performance drew praise from his team boss, Ricky Flynn who said, "He wasn't well and probably still isn't, but it's that thing - how badly do you want it? He did a very good job in the circumstances and did well to come through (to take 2nd)."
 
Considering that this was Taylor's 3rd race in the KF2 class, Flynn added, "I'm delighted how it's gone so far. He must be too. Mackenzie's been competing against some very good people and getting results, so everything's looking good for next year."
 
The concluding event will take place next weekend and Mackenzie is adamant that he will be fully fit and able to become the first ever winner of the Silver Cup.

Visit Mackenzie's website - www.mackenzietaylor.co.uk - to follow his fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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KR-Sport Announce 2009 Plans   (04/11)
 
UK based KR-Sport would like to congratulate Super One team drivers on their success in 2008...

Oliver Hodgson - JNR TKM British O Plate Champion - Super One Runner up
David Eadon - TKM Festival Champion - Super One Seeded 10
Will Waterman - TKM Super One Runner Up
Randal Lynn - Super One Round Winner and GP Plate Holder
 
We would also like to congratulate our other drivers on their efforts and wins at club meetings thought the season.
 
In 2009 KR-Sport will look to build on the 2008 success with the TKM Championships, but will also be making an assault on the Super One & Stars Cadet championships and the S1, Stars and Euro Max Mini/Jnr and Snr Rotax championships. KR-Sport has already confirmed relationships with the most reputable kart and engine tuners in each category and will be working with them in 2009 to supply equipment to team drivers.
 
Drives will also be available at club level in 2009 for drivers wishing to take advantage of the team's experience to maximize both the driver and equipment's performance.
 
KR-Sport will soon be starting their winter testing schedule and so would like to hear from drivers interested in joining the team. Contact Team Manager Ashley Orchard at ash@kr-sport.com, or e-mail the team at info@kr-sport.com.

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MSport Success In Dubai Champs   (03/11)

British Zanardi importer MSport have made some flying visits to Dubai for the 2008/2009 Dubai Autodrome Motor Club championship and came away with two wins for Edward Jones on a Zanardi in Rotax Max Juniors.
 
Held under floodlights on the evening of Friday 26th September, the first meeting of the season at the state-of-the art circuit was attended by talent from across the UAE.
 
13-year-old Edward was the class of the junior field and as the reigning champion he was delighted to win all three of his races to take an early championship lead. In the Final, Edward finished seven seconds ahead of Grace Brownlee after the 13 laps and is well on the way to his third title in a row.
 
The next race was at the same venue, daytime this time, on 17th October and Edward again headed the field, winning ahead of Elliott Patrick and Brownlee.
 
This weekend Edward is making a move to the premier junior class, KF3, for the Silver Cup at La Conca in Italy and will be hoping to make an impression against the best young drivers in Europe.

For more information visit www.zanardikart.co.uk.

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Magura And Sean Babington   (03/11)
 
Junior TKM 4 Stroke star Sean Babington has had a stellar year, winning four major titles and he attributes part of his success to the superb, Magura 908.1 brake.
 
He said, "Without a doubt the Magura brake we fitted at the end of last year has made a big difference to our results".
 
The lightweight, four pad self-adjusting 908.1 system allows for harder, faster and later braking and is suitable for a wide range of classes, from TKM to Rotax.
 
In 2008, Magura users have taken countless wins - and Sean has clearly demonstrated that it provides major gains over rival systems.
 
Sean added, "Since fitting the brake, we have won the TKM GP, the 'O' Plate, the TKM Festival and the Super 1 National Championships - what more can I say?"
 
Trevor Howell of Venhill - the UK importers of Magura systems - said, "I would like to congratulate Sean for an incredible season, and I'm delighted that he believes that it is down to the Magura. We think it's a great bit of kit and to celebrate the launch of our new website, www.venhill.co.uk we're inviting visitors to our stand at Kartmania to collect a voucher entitling them to 20% off not just the 908.1 and other Magura brake systems but all products available in the on-line store."
 
For more information on the Magura range, visit the website or Venhill's stand at Kart Mania, Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire on 29/30 November.
 
For international enquiries, please contact Ian Williams Tuning (Australia), Apex Karting Ltd (New Zealand) and Comptech (South Africa).

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Ladies Race For Children In Need   (03/11)

On Saturday 1st November, the Mansell Raceway in Devon played host a charity event in aid of Children In Need.

Congratulations go to all participants, especially the team of 8 lady racing drivers who took the final podium spot finishing in 3rd place.  The ladies raised over £900 for the event which saw a total of more than £5000 donated to the charity.  The team presented their trophy to team member Anna Walewska's twin brother who suffers from cerebral palsy.

The team members, pictured with Nigel Mansell, were (standing left to right) Rachel Davies (Radical racer), Jenny Anderson (Formula Vee), Amy Barker (Stock Hatch), Karen Andrews (Golf GTi), Zoe Wenham (Saxmax), Liz Halliday (ALMS), (kneeling) Anna Walewska (Britcar) and Rachel Green (Caterham).

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MSA Congratulates Lewis Hamilton   (03/11)
 
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association - governing body of UK motor sport - pays tribute to Lewis Hamilton who today became FIA Formula 1 World Champion after finishing fifth in an extraordinary Brazilian Grand Prix:
 
"Lewis' performances since his arrival in Formula 1 last year have set the world alight. He has demonstrated his extraordinary talent, commitment and determination to become the youngest ever F1 world champion.
 
"For those of us who have watched his progress and witnessed his development over more than a decade in the UK's junior formulae, his success comes as no surprise. His path to the top has included all the major stepping stones from karting through to single-seaters, and his championship pedigree has been displayed throughout.
 
"Lewis' championship is fantastic news for the whole of British motor sport. Nearly half of the current F1 drivers learned their trade in the UK's domestic championships and Lewis' success brings further credibility to the UK as the world's best proving ground for young racing drivers.
 
"But even more importantly, Lewis is providing an incredible platform from which to develop motor sport in this country. The British public has been gripped by Lewis' exploits and the sport is enjoying more media coverage than ever before. More and more people, from all kinds of backgrounds, are becoming interested in the sport. The MSA is firmly committed to increasing participation and bringing more people to the exciting world of motor sport, either as competitor, volunteer or official. We are investing heavily in promoting the sport and making it more affordable and accessible to all.
 
"For today, however, let us delight in Lewis' marvellous achievements and celebrate with him the fact that he has become the UK's ninth Formula 1 world champion."
 
Lewis Hamilton's career...
2008 FIA Formula 1 World Champion: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
2007 FIA Formula 1 runner-up: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
2006 GP2 Series: Champion with ART Grand Prix; five wins
2005 F3 Euroseries: Champion with ASM F3 Dallara-Mercedes; 15 wins
2004 F3 Euroseries: fifth; one win
2003 British Formula Renault: Champion; 10 wins
2002 British Formula Renault: third; three wins
2001 British Formula Renault Winter Series; fifth
2000 Formula A: European Champion; winner of all four rounds; World Cup Champion;
1999 Intercontinental A (ICA): Italian "Industrials" Champion, Junior ICA (JICA): Vice European Champion
1998 Junior ICA (JICA): second in McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future series; signed by McLaren and Mercedes-Benz to Young Driver Support Programme
1997 Junior Yamaha: Super One British Champion; winner of McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future series
1996 Cadet Class: winner of McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future series
1995 Cadet Class: Super One British Champion

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Encouraging Debut For Parry   (31/10)

Rising star Matthew Parry made a promising Junior Max debut with a top six finish in the London Cup at Rye House, but the result belied a stronger showing from the Bury St Edmunds youngster.
 
Parry defied atrocious conditions on Friday to go fifth fastest in qualifying, and Saturday's three heats, held in better conditions, showed the 14-year old at his best, as he moved from 14th to second in his first race and held on to third in his second.
 
Further success was denied him in heat three, but Parry still started sixth in Sunday's Pre-Final and claimed second after a wet-weather duel with main rivals Joseph Reilly and Michael Epps.
 
On a still wet track, both Reilly and Parry made good starts in the final, but the Ultimate Motorsport driver was forced wide at Stadium and dropped to fourth. He remained in the hunt, however, and moved back into second, behind Epps, when Reilly fell foul of the conditions.
 
Any hope that the Ultimate driver may have had of catching the leader, however, disappeared at two-thirds distance when his kart ran into problems with its brake master cylinder, a spin at Pylon dropping him to an eventual sixth
 
"Sixth place is disappointing after we had shown the potential to do much better," Parry sighed at the end of the meeting, "I really think that we could have been on the podium this weekend - which would have been a great result in our first outing in Junior Max."

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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MSA Autosport Ticket Deal   (31/10)

The Motor Sports Association has concluded an arrangement with Haymarket Exhibitions to offer MSA members a £5 discount on weekend tickets for the Autosport International show at the NEC on 10-11 January 2009.
 
The offer is open to all MSA competition licence holders, registered marshals and licensed officials who will need to produce their 2008 or 2009 MSA licence when entering the show using their discounted ticket.
 
As well as entrance to the show, visitors will be able to book free seats for the Live Action Arena - the biggest indoor race track in the UK - to enjoy one of the six exciting performances taking place each day during the weekend. Visitors will also gain free entry into PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show, taking place alongside the Autosport show at the NEC.
 
In addition, MSA members attending the show during the weekend will be welcome to attend the MSA/Autosport lounge in Hall 8 to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. This invitation is extended to any MSA competition licence holder, MSA-registered marshal or MSA-licensed official. Visitors should produce their licence documentation to gain access to the lounge and it should be noted that due to space restrictions this invitation can only be offered subject to availability on the day.
 
The governing body will have a strong presence throughout the Autosport International show, including the normal MSA stand, which this year will be located at the entrance to Hall 19. There will also be a Go Motorsport stand in Hall 7 providing comprehensive information for anyone looking to get involved with the sport for the first time, whether as competitor, spectator or volunteer, and this will include a dedicated Volunteers in Motorsport area.

In order to book MSA-discounted tickets to Autosport International, please visit the Haymarket ticketing website at www.autosport-international.com/public/msa, then click on "book tickets". Enter the following promo code: MSAGM09 to receive your discount, or call 0844 579 3188 and quote the above code. Bookings must be made by 31 December 2008.

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Are Cars Your Next Step?   (30/10)

Advent Motorsport, having specialised in introducing young drivers to car racing over the past 7 years, can offer this transition for anybody interested.
 
As an ARDS approved instructor, Andrew Crighton can provide quality tuition utilising a race prepared car with techniques on gear changing, braking etc.

Tuition can commence for those of 14 years and above who are seeking to enter any of the new junior circuit racing categories. This can be taken forward to Mini Coopers, Renault Clios, SEATs and single-seater work as well.
 
For further information contact Andrew Crighton on 01842 824500 or 07736 070002, e-mail admin@adventmotorsport.co.uk, or visit our website at www.adventmotorsport.co.uk.

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Scott Wins Final Super 1 Round   (30/10)
 
Harrison Scott, age 12, won round 6 of the Super One championship at Wigan last weekend.  Harrison, who had never seen the Three Sisters track until Friday morning, was quick from the start and credits his Project One Team and race engineer Matt Charters for his first S1 victory in MiniMax.
 
After successful testing on Friday Harrison managed to qualify his Gillard kart on P3, which was also his best qualifying session of the year. The first race went according to plan as he retained 3rd place, and heat 2 saw Harrison fighting for the lead with Bowyer and Nathan.  This one ended in the stewards office however, after Bower slightly hit the rear of Harrison going into Lunar and pushed him wide, and despite Harrison explaining to the stewards that it was a fair move Bower was given a 2 place penalty which promoted Harrison to 2nd place. Starting the pre final from pole, Harrison and found himself back into 3rd place but continued to chase down the front two karts before running out of time, but nevertheless was pleased to be starting 3rd in the final.
 
A downpour before the final saw a frantic rush by all to change their karts to a wet setting. At the start Harrison dropped to 5th place with his kart looking a bit difficult to drive, but within 2 laps and with his wet tyres up to temperature, his personal lap times were dropping. Harrison was soon up to third place chasing the front 2 karts that were 3 seconds ahead, but with 3 laps to go Harrison caught and passed the leader Richardson and drove away to a much deserved win.
 
Harrison, the reigning S1 Honda Cadet Champion, was over the moon with his weekends achievement. He said "we had a plan at the beginning of the year to finish in the top ten and win a Super One round and we have, but the icing on the cake was to find out that we have finished 6th in the British Championship".
 
As ever a big thank you must go to Harrison's race engineer Matt Charters, his team manager Gerard Cox of Project One Racing, and Gillard Race Karts for the chassis which was so consistent this year, in all conditions.  A big thanks must also go to Paul and Rick at Paul Carr racing for their consistently quick and reliable engines.
 
Stay up to speed with Harrison Scott at www.harrisonscottracing.co.uk.

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Congratulations From Tillett   (29/10)

Tillett Racing Seats would like to congratulate the following drivers for their results during 2008...

2008 CIK Junior KF3 European Championship:
1st Aaro Vainio on a Maranello with a T10 Tillett seat
2008 CIK European KZ2 Championship:
1st Tony Lavanant with a T11 Tillett seat in his Energy kart
2008 European Rotax Max Championship:
1st Chris Lock on a Tonykart with a T11t Tillett seat
2008 CIK European Superkart Championship:
1st Peter Elkman on an MS kart with a T250KG Tillett seat
2008 KF1 WSK Championship:
1st Sauro Cesetti on a Birel with a T11 Tillett seat
2008 CIK Junior KF3 Monaco Kart Cup:
1st Aaro Vainio with a Maranello and a T10 Tillett Seat
2008 CIK FIA Asian Pacific Championships Japan:
1st KF1 Davide Fore on his Maranello kart with a T10 Tillett seat
1st KF2 Jack Harvey using a Birel fitted with a T11 Tillett seat
2008 CIK Viking Trophy:
1st KF2 Joel Johansson on an Energy with a T11 seat
1st KF3 Maxim Zimin on a Maranello with a T10 seat
1st KZ2 Pekka Seppänen on an Energy with a T11 seat
2008 KF1 British Championship:
1st Mark Litchfield using a T11 seat in his Maranello chassis.
This is the 17th year in succession that a Tillett seat has been used to win this championship.
2008 KF3 British Championship:
1st Carl Stirling using a T11VG Tillett seat on his Millennium Motorsport prepared Tonykart.

For more information Tillett Racing Seats visit www.tillett.co.uk.

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RL Cadet Race Team Launched   (29/10)
 
The RL Race Team, European and British Rotax Max champions this year are now launching an attack on the Comer cadet and WTP cadet classes for 2009.

With the fantastic new Tonykart Rocky EXP chassis the team are looking run drivers at the Stars Of Tomorrow championship and club meetings around the UK.
 
RL Race Team have taken delivery of 2 new chassis, for sale and also for test rental.

If you are currently in either of these classes and feel you need an advantage instead of being just the same as all the others then please contact...

Steve Armstrong (Race Team Manager) on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

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Daytona 24h At Wembley Stadium   (28/10)

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to race the thrilling 2 Stroke DMax karts for 24 hours on the R.O.C. Circuit inside Wembley Stadium. With just 20 teams on the grid, make sure you don't miss out. Call 0845 644 5504 to book now.

Up to 10 drivers per team - Refreshments throughout the race, 20 guest passes per team - two executive boxes per team (one for entertainment and one for drivers' rest area) - FREE parking - race entry costs £3500 plus VAT - exclusive test day on 19th Dec at just £170 per hour.

For more information go to www.daytona.co.uk.

Host your own race of champions endurance event at Wembley this Christmas. If you would rather compete in, or host your own 2 hour endurance race, we have limited availability on the Race Of Champions circuit for open and exclusive team endurance races on 16th/17th/18th Dec 2008 - at just £850 plus VAT per team.

Call us for more details on 0845 644 5504.

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Wright 2nd In Spanish Champs   (28/10)
 
Luke Wright's developing reputation received further plaudits after he took the fight to his Spanish Open Championship rivals and left Zuera with the title of Vice-Champion yesterday (26 October).
 
Fresh from finishing 3rd in the final round of the Industrial Trophy at Parma last week, Luke knew that he would need to deliver another gritty performance if he was to improve his points position in the Spanish series.
 
In qualifying, he guided his Maranello/Maxter to the 10th fastest time - but felt that he could've been quicker, "I had a few set-up problems and was unlucky on my quick laps, as I got caught up in traffic."
 
Starting from the 5th row of the grid for the first heat, the JRP driver had started well - but a tap from behind meant that it "all went a bit Paris-Dakar" and, once he'd rejoined the circuit, Luke found himself down in last place. A characteristic charge saw him finish in the mid-pack, showing that he'd got the necessary race pace to mount a challenge in the following races.
 
He finished 3rd in the following race to give him P7 on the grid for the first final.
 
"I worked my way up (the order) and after four or five laps, I was in 4th. Ahead of me, the three leaders were battling one another and this allowed me to catch them. Three corners from the end, the driver in 3rd lunged down the inside of the guys in 1st and 2nd. I followed him and got alongside (Luis Miguel) Villalba (in 2nd). We ran side-by-side into the next corner and he held me wide. I ran over the 'marbles' but as we entered the last bend, a stone lodged itself in my sprocket and threw the chain. I rolled across the line in 12th".
 
Despite his obvious disappointment, Luke was given hope when it emerged that Championship leader, Jose Cautela had seized and therefore dropped vital points. If he failed to finish the following race and Luke beat Dani Simon, then Wright had a mathematical chance of snatching the title in the second race.
 
"I got an average start, but it was good enough as a base from which to work my way through. Despite having old tyres on, I still had a lot of speed and so chased down and caught (Dani) Simon within four laps. By the time I was on his tail, we just had two laps to go. I made a good, clean pass down his inside at the hairpin and held him on the wider line. From there, I just brought the kart home safe and sound."
 
Behind them, Cautela finished in 12th, to deny Luke the title by just a handful of points.
 
"It was a bit of a blow" Luke said. "But I'm very pleased to finish the year as runner-up and the team is happy too. It's been an exciting Championship and the standards have been very high. I think I've also shown a more mature side to my racing and the results are there to see. Experience helps a lot. It's all pointing in the right direction for next season."
 
Visit www.lukewrightracing.com - to find out more about Luke's career.

Photographs courtesy of Gregory Heirman.

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Foster-Jones Wins Bridgestone Cup   (28/10)
 
Robert Foster-Jones started his international season in fine style, when he won the Winter Cup at Lonato in February and he delivered an even better drive on the same circuit to win the 5th Bridgestone Cup last Sunday (26 October).
 
In a near-perfect weekend at the Italian circuit - located on the southern tip of Lake Garda - the 18-year old's performance drew praise from his RFM team boss, Ricky Flynn, who said, "That was the best race Rob's ever done. It was stunning - his most mature, calculating and cleverest drive yet."
 
Having started from pole position, the Alonso/Vortex driver momentarily dropped to 4th place before moving up to 3rd. He took 2nd place and tracked the leader before, with two laps to go, making his decisive move.
 
Flynn added, "It was scary. His passing manoeuvre for the lead didn't even cost him a tenth of a second. He was just so consistent. Other drivers lost time when they overtook one another but Rob didn't - and that's what won him the race."
 
Foster-Jones is enjoying a stellar season that has already seen him win the Winter Cup (at Lonato in February), the British Open and Super 1 Championship and become the European Vice-Champion.
 
On top of the prize money (one of the biggest funds in European racing) and impressive trophy he received for his victory, Robert has also earned himself a test in a Formula BMW single-seater.
 
Before he can take up the opportunity, Rob returns to action this weekend in the new international competition, the Silver Cup. He says, "It's a double-header competition that visits the La Conca circuit in Puglia (31 October/1 November) and Sarno (8/9 November), near Naples. A lot of the top teams and drivers will be there, so it'll be tough. But my confidence is high and because they'll be my last races in KF2 before I step up to KF1, it'd be great if I could bow out with top three finishes in both."
 
Robert was further honoured when the organizers invited him to demonstrate the Terry Fullerton's Jesolo-winning kart. It was Robert's first experience of a classic 100cc kart and when asked to describe it he said, "Just one word - awesome!"
 
To find out more about Robert and follow his fortunes, visit www.robertfosterjones.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Rissington Gets Green Light For 2009   (27/10)
 
Rissington Kart Club has been given permission by it's landlords, Defence Estates, to run a full season of 9 championship rounds in 2009 at the Little Rissington circuit. This means that the season will start in March and run right through until November. Racing is always on the first Sunday of each month with practice on the Saturday.
 
Club Chairman, Mick Chalmers said "I am absolutely delighted for the club and the members by the news. The last two years have been very disappointing , but we finally won our battle with Oxfordshire County Council to achieve our Certificate of Lawful use and now with this news we can look forward to an exciting 2009. I believe we have one of the best tracks in the country and now we can look to make it an even more enjoyable experience for drivers and teams."
 
For more details see www.rissykartclub.com.

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Daytona Max Winter Series   (24/10)

The inaugural Daytona Max championship kicks off on Saturday 8th November.
 
The championship includes 2 separate events. A 2 hour endurance with 40 minutes of practice followed by 15 minutes of timed qualifying for teams of 2-4 drivers. Mandatory 3 stops with 1 re-fuelling stop.
 
The sprint event consists of practice, 3 heats and a grand final for individual drivers. It will run a similar format to MSA club events with your grid positions pre-determined and it's up to you to use your skill to come through the pack and claim pole position for the grand final.
 
Once again, Daytona leads the field with the 3 round winter series running entirely on unique all weather tyres developed especially for Daytona MAX.
 
Special winter series offers for all competitors are available so book your place on the grid by calling 0845 644 5504 now.
 
Visit www.daytonamax.com for more information.

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From Wigan Peers To World Finals   (24/10)
 
After securing 2nd place in the British Super 1 Championship last Sunday, Paul Carr Racing's Ed Brand has earned a place at the biggest meeting of his career so far - the Rotax World Finals.
 
The event will be held at what is widely regarded as the world's best kart track - La Conca in Puglia, Southern Italy. Located in the heel of the boot of the peninsular, La Conca is a far cry from the Three Sisters circuit where Ed put in a great performance to finish the domestic season as vice-champion.
 
In his first race, Ed came 2nd before taking 8th and 6th place finishes to secure 5th on the grid for the crucial final.
 
"At this point I was 4th in the Championship and it was very close between me and the other drivers. I was helped a little bit by the fact that Bill Cowley and Ross Dougan had both had pretty tough days and were down in the mid-field, but that still left me with five drivers around me who could've done well."
 
As the thirty-strong field arrowed into the first corner, Ed benefited from being on the inside line and moved into 4th place as the pack streamed into the 'Valley' section of the track. Two laps later, he was 3rd.
 
"It took me another four of five laps to get past Matthew Mason into 2nd and once I'd got there, Joseph Reilly was too far ahead."
 
Fending off the fired-up Mason, Ed held onto the chequered flag and was delighted to take 2nd on the road and in the Championship.
 
He said, "It wasn't overly exciting. Joseph (Reilly) got the gap and didn't make a mistake. Matt (Mason) put me under a bit of pressure and I was thinking, 'where's the chequered?'"
 
He added, "To finish 2nd in my first year in Junior Max is fantastic. I came into the season as one of - if not the - youngest driver(s) and we've had a terrific year. We've taken wins and podiums and had you asked at the beginning of the season if I'd be happy to finish the year in 2nd - I'd have taken your arm off!"
 
Ed is now preparing for the World Final event - to be held on 22/23 November - and says, "I've only raced at this level once before and did quite well (he finished 9th on his European debut at Genk, Belgium in September) but it will be hard at La Conca, as every driver will want to win so badly. Still, I've got the pace, so I'm really looking forward to it."
 
To learn more about Ed and his career, visit his website www.edbrandracing.net.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Luke Takes 3rd In Historic Race   (24/10)
 
Last weekend (18/19 October), the Kartdromo di San Pancrazio on the outskirts of Parma hosted the 38th - and last ever - running of the Industrial Trophy, and Luke Wright put his name in the record books with a superb drive in the final.
 
The demanding and evocative circuit has in the past hosted World and European Championships, and seen the likes of Ayrton Senna, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton (who won the event in 1999) compete there. The two-part Industrial Trophy (held over consecutive weekends) traditionally attracts a mix of Europe's best drivers and local aces, keen to try their hand against the international stars.
 
During qualifying, Luke was baulked by another driver who appeared to be intent on racing him, rather than going for the fastest possible time. This proved costly for the JRP driver as he could only record the 18th best time. However, a terrific drive in his first heat saw Luke climb from 9th on the grid to 3rd at the finish. In the following race, he finished 2nd to put his Maranello/Maxter 4th place on the grid for the main final.
 
As the pack crossed the line, Wright pushed Matteo Vigano forward and ahead of Nikolaj Moller-Madsen into the first corner. As the front-runners approached the chicane that feeds into the corner leading onto the start/finish straight, Andre Hauke pushed Luke off the track. Bringing the kart back on the circuit, he had only dropped one place and was still very much in the hunt. However, Moller-Madsen repeated Hauke's move at the same spot - forcing his way into 4th. At the front, Jordon Lennox-Lamb and Vigano tangled sending both onto the grass and the Italian out of the race handing Hauke the lead and Luke 3rd place.
 
As Luke looked for a way past Moller-Madsen, Marc Moretti joined their battle. In a daring manoeuvre, the Italian slid his kart up to 2nd place, with Luke intelligently following him. As the race ran to its conclusion, the lead quartet was now nose-to-tail. Hauke re-took the lead from Moretti under braking for the hairpin and held the advantage to the flag, whilst a resurgent Moller-Madsen launched a last-minute bid to wrest 3rd from Luke - only to find the door firmly shut, leaving the Englishman to take a hard-earned place on the rostrum.
 
"I'm pleased to have taken another top 3 finish. It was nice to finish the last ever Industrials race on a high note. The race was very physical and I had to keep cool and calm throughout. I had a few 'issues' (with other drivers) in the race but plugged away."
 
This weekend sees Luke aiming for another podium in the final round of the Spanish Open Championship, which he could win. He says, "I'm going to go out there and do what I can. I know it's going to be a high pressure weekend but that suits me fine. I know what I've got to do and will give it my best - we'll see from there."
 
Visit www.lukewrightracing.com - to find out more about Luke's career.

Photographs courtesy of Gregory Heirman/Foto Formula K.

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EasyKart Cadet Launched   (23/10)
 
The new Easy Cadet is now on sale. The category will race in the main EasyKart UK 2009 Championship which is exclusive to EasyKart and kicks off in March at Whilton Mill. The winner of the Cadet Championship in 2009 will win a drive for the EasyKart UK team at the World Finals in Italy next October.

The Easykart Cadet uses EasyKart tyres, EasyKart 60 engine which is an electronic push button start. The carburettor used is a Tillotson fixed jet carburettor as no adjustments are allowed by the driver.  The kart is very simplistic and only small adjustments to wheel track settings, tyre pressures are allowed. The seat, wheel rims and gearing are all specified by the Importers ACR and this creates an even playing field ensuring reduced costs. The category weight is expected to be 106 kgs with the dry weight of the kart being 60 kgs (subject to MSA approval).

All the engines will be serviced by Importer ACR with a fixed priced service cost. The cylinder, head, crankcases, crankshaft and the frame of the kart itself are all exchange purchase parts and will only be changed if damaged. This system already operates for the rest of the Easykart classes and ensures that no parts can be selected or kept by individuals in search of extra performance. Each kart purchased is registered with each child and cannot be raced or used by anyone else.

UK Easy Kart Importer Andy Cox of ACR is very excited about the new Cadet class "The interest we have is amazing, we will run an entry list with a maximum of 50 Cadet drivers for 2009, I believe what we have to offer with the new cadet will bridge the gap between Junior corporate racing and offer a simple, affordable way for a family to run their first kart for their son or daughter. The parameters in the regulations we have in place might sound a bit severe, but we feel we can see what is happening with karting. It used to be about racing and developing a driver's skill. In many classes now you have to spend thousands of pounds to actually see if your driver does have the skill. EasyKart is definitely about the driver and whilst it is aimed at newcomers we also have numerous drivers racing that had it not been for EasyKart would not have been able to race anymore due to rising costs. After just returning from Jesolo in Italy for the World finals I can honestly say that the system of EasyKart delivers what it says on the tin: competitive, cost effective racing."

For more information on the EasyKart Cadet and the rest of the EasyKart range visit www.easykart.co.uk  or call ACR on 01527 889595 

[ Top ]

Ashley England Join RL Race Team   (23/10)
 
Honda cadet British number 3 Ashley England has made the step up to Mini Max, and with the management of the British & European championship winning RL Race Team behind him he is set to contest the British championship & Stars of Tomorrow.
 
His maiden test was held under wraps at Ellough Park Raceway in Suffolk and Ashley was immediately within shooting distance of race winning pace, showing great promise at such an early stage.
 
The team would like to welcome Ashley to the fold and are looking forward to a great year ahead.
 
For more information visit www.rl-racing.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200.

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FEKC Half-Price Entry   (23/10)

Following the success of this very special offer at the October meeting, Forest Edge Kart Club are offering half price race entry for both Junior TKM and 125 Gearbox classes at their November meeting!

That's just £22.50 for Sunday's racing with free practice on the Saturday too. This is also the final round of the club's 2008 championship so don't miss your last opportunity to race with FEKC this season.

The November meeting will be held on the weekend of the 1st-2nd November at Barton Stacey near Andover, Hampshire.

Entries are due in very soon so visit www.fekc.co.uk for more information now.

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RL Race Team - Rotax Champions   (21/10)
 
The Suffolk based RL Race Team have just clinched victory in the Super One Series, adding to all their other successes throughout 2007/2008. Team driver Chris Lock took overall victory in the European Rotax Challenge series, the Super One Series and the prestigious Kart masters GP held at PF International in august - the team now look to the World Championship in southern Italy (Muro Leccese) in late November where they hope to add the world title to their list of accolades.
 
The team have amassed the following silverware over the last 18 months;
S1 round 5 2007 @ 3 Sisters Rotax Max 1st
S1 round 6 2007 @ Buckmore Park Rotax Max 1st
S1 round 1 2008 @ Clay Pigeon Rotax Max 1st & 2nd
S1 round 2 2008 @ Shenington Rotax Max 4th & 7th
S1 round 4 2008 @ PF International Rotax Max 1st & 4th 
S1 round 4 2008 @ PF International Junior Max 4th
S1 round 4 2008 @ PF International Rotax Max 1st
S1 round 4 2008 @ PF International Junior Max 6th
S1 round 6 2008 @ 3 Sisters Rotax Max 1st & 4th
S1 round 6 2008 @ 3 Sisters Rotax 177 4th
Kart Masters GP @ PF International Rotax Max 1st & 5th
Kart Masters GP @ PF International Junior Max 8th
Euromax round 1 2008 @ Salbris (F) Junior Max 2nd
Euromax round 1 2008 @ Salbris (F) Rotax Max 2nd & 4th
Euromax round 2 2008 @ Wackersdorf (D) Rotax Max 1st
Euromax round 3 2008 @ Sosnova (CZ) Rotax Max 1st & 9th
Euromax round 3 2008 @ Sosnova (CZ) Junior Max 8th
Plus club race wins @ PFI, Kimbolton, Ellough Park, Rowrah, 3 Sisters, Buckmore park, Clay Pigeon.
 
Overall  Victory was clinched for the team by Chris Lock in both Super One and the Euromax but the following drivers in the team also placed very well;
Daniel Cammish -Senior Max - 4th overall in S1 and 6th Overall in European Max Challenge
Josh Webster - Junior Max - 11th overall in S1 and 4th overall in European Max Challenge
Andrew Gosling- 177 Max _ 3rd Overall in S1
 
For  2009 the team will focus again on the Rotax S1 and European Rotax Challenge, with the additions of the Stars of tomorrow and Stars International championships also- thus covering the cadet class as well as the Max classes. Throughout November, December, January & February the team will continue their hectic test regime additional to racing at PFI, Kimbolton, Shenington and Ellough Park up to the start of the main championships with the season opener @ Campillos in southern Spain on February 8th 2009.
 
For information on the team and how to join please contact Steve Armstrong (Race Team Manager) on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

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CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup   (21/10)

What a final! Out of all the races held within the framework of the 12th CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup, the final of the Juniors' Grand-Prix - from flag to flag - held breathless the large number of spectators gathered around the circuit. In fact, the qualifying heats and prefinal had already been animated jousting dominated by a foursome composed of the Finn Aaro Vainio (Maranello-Maxter), the Swiss Jimmy Antunes (PCR-TM) and France's Pascal Belmaaziz and Brandon Maisano (both on Intrepid-TM). These four hopefuls literally overshadowed the other 39 drivers in contention.

Already author of the fastest qualifying practice time, 2008 European Champion Vainio emerged from the qualifying series in first position ahead of Antunes, Belmaaziz and Maisano. And while he was at it, the Finn carried off as well the prefinal ahead of Belmaaziz and Maisano, as the latter had taken third place from Antunes in the final corner.

Vainio started the final as leader, followed about like a shadow by Maisano, who took the lead in a braking manoeuvre at the hairpin on the second lap. Then there were approximately fifteen exciting laps, with our four drivers forming a compact line-up. Five laps from the finish, for lack of having been able to benefit from Maisano's least swerve, Vainio put on a successful spurt in the "S" bend of the swimming pool, thus working his way up to first place again. Meanwhile, Belmaaziz and Antunes lost one length and let the duo Vainio and Maisano fight it out for victory. The Finn held until the final hairpin and arrived at this last difficulty on the inside line. Maisano hit him twice from the rear and managed to inch his way to cross the finishing line first... before getting a half-second penalty (which in fact meant a one-place penalty) because his driving was deemed too aggressive. Victory therefore went to Vainio, but the classification is still provisional because of the appeal lodged by Maisano's entrant against the Stewards' decision.

Vainio was not the only Finn who shone at Monaco. Behind the aforementioned leading foursome, three other "Flying Finns" managed a fine grouped fire from 5th to 7th place, with Jesse Antilla (Haase-VKR), Henri Rajala (Maranello-Maxter) and Elmeri Ylitalo (Haase-VKR). Other less successful drivers nonetheless distinguished themselves by achieving good recoveries in the final, such as Russia's Maxim Zimin (Maranello-Maxter) who started 29th and finished 11th, or several drivers caught in a pile-up after the start, including the Dutchman Nick De Vries (10th, Zanardi-XTR), the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr (12th, FA Kart-Vortex) or the German Fabio Unverdruss (18th, Tecno-XTR).

[ Top ]

Andy King Flies With Kart Coach   (20/10)
 
A win, a sixth and a seventh qualified Andy King for third on the Junior Max A Final grid. A great start moved him straight into second place, from where a leading trio broke away from the pack into a race of their own, lapping to whithin a hundreth of second of each other. Andy shadowed the leader throughout the race in second, until with three laps to go, he took the lead with a superb move into Wilkins. Unfortunately, with two laps to go, he had to relinquish the lead to eventual winner James Hassall in the closing moments.
 
Although the top three crossed the line within half a second, Andy came home a fighting third.
 
Andy would like to thank Steve at Ogden Engineering for his extremely strong engines, and Maranello Karts for their continuous support and sponsorship.
 
Thanks also goes to Alex at Kart Coach for his driver coaching and advice throughout the weekend.
 
Visit www.kartcoach.com for further details.
 
Kart Coach - Pushing Your Potential.

[ Top ]

Going To Whilton Mill Or Shenington?   (17/10)
 
Want to reduce your lap times?
Want better results?

Make the next step with Kart Coach.
 
Kart Coach has all you need to succeed.
 
Absolute beginners to experienced karters alike would benefit from a weekend with Kart Coach: Track walks and one to one coaching on all aspects of race craft. Spacious awning with secure overnight parking. Setup advice and friendly working environment.
 
And the best part...
 
£120 for Saturday and Sunday!
 
Kart Coach - Take the worry out of your weekend.
 
VAT not included.
 
Visit www.kartcoach.com for further details.

[ Top ]

Formula TKM Chris Hart Trophy   (17/10)
 
October's club meeting at Clay Pigeon also included the cheque presentation to Cancer Research UK of the monies raised at the Chris Hart and Robert Bailey Memorial Trophies Meeting held in September.
 
The event was a terrific success, with a very healthy high-calibre grid of both TKM Senior Extreme and TKM Junior drivers.  The racing, held in fine weather, was very competitive and close whilst still being good natured, with the eventual victors being Daniel Graham in Extreme and Ash Crossey in Juniors, who took away the Chris Hart and Robert Bailey Trophies respectively.
 
The £3400 raised for Cancer Research UK was a fantastic achievement, easily exceeding the pre-event target.  A massive thanks go to all the very generous sponsors and entrants alike.
 
The trophies were presented by Martin Hart (Chris' brother) and Sue Bailey (Robert's mum) and we thank them for their assistance for what must have been a difficult task.
 
Ideas are already being put forward for how to improve the event still further for 2009 and with the continuing success of improving TKM grids at Clay, it is sure to grow in stature yet again.  This year's donation to Cancer Research has now set a challenging new target figure to exceed!

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CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup   (17/10)
 
The privilege of sweeping through the "S" of the Swimming Pool and the Rascasse corner is not reserved just for Formula One Drivers. International Karting Juniors will have a tremendous time this weekend (18 and 19 October 2008) in the streets of Monaco on a circuit drawn between Boulevard Albert 1st and the Harbour, and they will indeed use one section of the lower part of the track cherished by Formula One stars. It will be the 12th running of the event and, as in the early 2000's, there will unfortunately be a break of at least one or two years from next season because of major works planned for the Harbour.
 
For several seasons, the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) has concentrated on youngsters for its CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup, and the ACM has been amply rewarded by participation which is getting higher and stronger year after year. There will be 49 Juniors at the start of this year's event, representing 15 nations, and they all dream of winning in order to add their names to the list of results of this prestigious event alongside that of a certain Robert Kubica, who won the Monte-Carlo race exactly ten years ago!
 
Crowned European Junior Champion in early September, the Finn Aaro Vainio will bear the number 1 in the streets of Monaco and will be among the main favourites. Winner of the Viking Trophy in June in Finland, the Russian Maxim Zimin will be another candidate for victory, just like the Dane Nicolaj Moller Madsen, Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr, Dutchman Nyck de Vries, Italy's Vittorio Ghirelli and Matteo Beretta, and France's Pascal Belmaaziz and Brandon Maisano. That said, the specific character of any temporary circuit makes it difficult to forecast results, and the outcome of the Sunday afternoon Final might very well reveal a surprise winner.
 
The young Drivers of the Junior Monaco Grand Prix will be invited to enter the arena for non-qualifying and qualifying practice, plus two qualifying heats, on Saturday 18 October. Four additional heats will be held on Sunday morning in order to find the 34 drivers to take part in the Pre-Final and Final in the afternoon.
 
The programme of the Monaco Kart Cup will also include a 6-hour endurance race (organised over three sessions of 2 hours each), a race reserved for karts powered by 4-stroke engines and demonstrations with a "Bio Kart".
 
All the classifications of the Monaco Kart Cup can be viewed live on www.cikfia.com.

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Iztech Congratulates Conner Jupp   (14/10)

Iztech kart seats would like to congratulate Connor Jupp on his fantastic win at Buckmore Park this weekend.

The victory secures Connor first place in the prestigious Super 1 Honda Cadet series - having won 3 out of the 5 rounds - using an Iztech bespoke kart seat.
 
Iztech would also like to congratulate Ashley England on securing 3rd place in the same championship, and Max Vaughan for his 7th place in the Super 1 Comer Cadet class - in his first year racing Comers!  Both were also using a lightweight Iztech kart seat.
 
All three drivers have benefitted from the superior feedback their Iztech seats have provided, enabling them to maximise the set-up of the kart to improve both speed and handling.
 
If you would like to experience for yourself the benefits of a kart seat that is both architecturally advanced and also uses the most up-to-date composites available then contact Kevin at Iztech Kart Seats on 01908 511000 or email kevin@iztechkartseats.com.

For more information on Iztech's range of kart seats visit www.iztechkartseats.com.

[ Top ]

Two Lap Records For Kartal   (14/10)
 
Kartal Motorsport's continued Dyno development programme for the Comer W60 and Tryton carburettors has paid dividends over the last few weeks.

At the last MBKC meeting at Wigan, Ben Hingeley broke the official lap record in Comer Cadet with a time of 51.31 seconds which was previously held by Sam Jenkins.
 
Whilst over at Wombwell this weekend James Kellett took the lap record at the SYKC meeting with a time of 38.34 seconds. The Wombwell final was a close fought race - the front row saw Brandon Hunt on Pole with James Kellett alongside, both drivers using Kartal W60 engines - Brandon took the win but James broke the lap record.
 
Kartal have engines available to rent for testing and racing and offer a dyno service.

For more information call 01772 617811 or 07801 379880, or email alancranky@hotmail.com.

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Mackenzie Stuns On Senior Debut   (13/10)
 
Mackenzie Taylor set tongues wagging after finishing 2nd on his maiden senior race last weekend (12th October).
 
Fresh from finishing his junior career as the British Super 1 Vice-Champion, 15-year old Mackenzie travelled to Parma in Italy - for the annual, two-part Industrial Trophy - with no experience of the faster, KF2 class machinery.
 
In timed qualifying, he astonished seasoned onlookers - posting the 2nd fastest time, just behind Ricky Flynn Motorsport team-mate, Robert Foster-Jones.
 
Amongst a quality field of 94 other drivers from across Europe, he then showed his potential by finishing in 3rd in his first heat, before winning the 2nd.
 
This put him alongside Foster-Jones on the front row of the grid for the final.
 
A slip-up at the start saw Mackenzie lose places as the 34-kart pack plunged into the first corner. However, he kept his cool and soon began chipping his way back up the order.
 
By lap 10, he was in 2nd and could see Foster-Jones ahead - and set about reeling him in. A series of fast laps saw Mackenzie close the gap from over three seconds, down to just four tenths of a second.
 
The pair set-up a grandstand finish as they entered the last lap. Foster-Jones coolly took the win, with Taylor opting not to make a rash challenge for the lead.
 
"I bet you weren't expecting that!" Mackenzie said afterwards. "That was a good result with what little time I've had (in KF2). I can only get faster from here. 2nd place is an excellent start to my KF2 career and is a great incentive for me to keep pushing."
 
Team boss, Ricky Flynn was also delighted, saying - "That was more than okay. They both did very well. Everyone worked very hard all weekend and you get out what you put in. Let's just hope we can do it again this Sunday."
 
Mackenzie and the team return to Parma for this weekend's (18/19 October) concluding part of the annual event. With three points separating them, the return encounter is sure to be even more thrilling.Visit Mackenzie's website - www.mackenzietaylor.co.uk - to follow his fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season.

Photograph courtesy of Martin Capenhurst.

[ Top ]

Going To Shenington Or Whilton Mill?   (13/10)
 
Want to reduce your lap times?
Want better results?
 
Make the next step with Kart Coach.
 
Kart Coach has all you need to succeed... Track walks and one to one coaching on all aspects of race craft, spacious awning with secure overnight parking, Setup advice and friendly working environment.
 
And the best part...
 
£120 for Saturday and Sunday!
 
Kart Coach - Take the worry out of your weekend.
 
VAT not included.

[ Top ]

Foster-Jones' Industrial-Sized Win   (13/10)
 
Fresh from his British Super 1 Championship victory, KF2 star Robert Foster-Jones won the first round of the prestigious Industrial Trophy at Parma in Italy last weekend (12th October).
 
The Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver is enjoying a phenomenally successful season that has seen him win the International Winter Cup, the British Open and Super 1 Championships, and become European Vice-Champion.
 
This year's event also has historic significance, as it will be the famous circuit's last before the developers move in and convert the facility into - what is believed to be - a hypermarket.
 
Robert's triumph sealed what had been a textbook weekend for the 18-year old. Fastest in timed qualifying, he won both his heats to secure pole for the final - from where he was barely troubled as he took a lights-to-flag victory.
 
He said, "The weekend was perfect from start to finish. You can't ask for more. If only every meeting was like that! I just hope we can do it again (in the second-leg)."
 
Foster-Jones returns to Italy this weekend (18/19 October), for the concluding race - and is keen to add the Industrial title to an already full trophy cabinet.
 
 To find out more about Robert and follow his fortunes, visit www.robertfosterjones.com.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Join The Maranello UK Team   (10/10)
 
Maranello UK is the sister division of the hugely successful, Maranello Racing Kart. We are currently looking for regional dealers to make a winning contribution to our goals for the future.
 
Be a Maranello Dealer - Experience running a successful race-team
 
The ability to provide track-side support to circuits within your region and a commitment to helping your customers fulfil their maximum potential is essential. In return for your passion and hard work, Maranello UK can offer you quality products (chassis, parts and clothing).
 
You will also be supported by a continuing legacy of success - in 2008 alone, Maranello drivers have won the KF3 European Championship, the Viking Trophy (KF3), the World Cup (KF1), the Italian Open Masters (KF3), the Margutti Trophy (KF2) and the British Super 1 title (KF1) along with numerous other wins and podiums at the highest level - and importantly, an attractive opportunity to generate profit.

To discuss how you can become part of the team, please call Steve Green at Maranello Kart UK Ltd on 01252 851162 / 07980 776000 or e-mail steve@maranellouk.com.

For more information about us, visit www.maranellokartuk.com or write to Maranello Kart UK Ltd, Unit 12, Finns Business Park, Mill Lane, Crondall, Surrey, GU10 5HP.

Maranello - Forever Competitive

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MSA National Court Decision   (10/10)

The National Court was convened at Motor Sports House on 7th October 2008 to consider four cases, one of which related to karting:

The National Court heard that during a kart meeting at Larkhall on 24 August 2008 organised by the West of Scotland Kart Club, Steven Pollock had been excluded from the Comer Cadet final race because his kart was adjudged to have been ineligible.
 
Mr Pollock appealed to the Stewards of the Meeting who upheld the decision of the Clerk of the Course. The components which were said to have been illegal were not retained.
 
The Court found that the Stewards of the Meeting should not have conducted a hearing, as an eligibility appeal should have been referred directly to the National Court.
 
As a result, the appeal is allowed and the appeal fee returned.

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Young Journalist/Photographer Of The Year   (10/10)

The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of UK motor sport, is inviting submissions for the seventh Renault / MSA Young Motor Sport Journalist and Photographer of the Year awards.
 
Established in 2002 with support from Renault UK Limited, these two awards are designed to recognise and encourage the new generation of motor sport reporters and photographers working within UK motor sport. A panel of recognised experts from the sport and the media will consider the applications and the eventual winners will receive their awards at the MSA's star-studded 'Night of Champions' ceremony in January.
 
The winners not only receive recognition as notable talents of the future, but also cheques for £1,000. The winning photographer will also have their pictures displayed on the walls within Motor Sports House.
 
Tim Jackson, Press & PR Director, Renault UK, comments: "Renault is delighted to continue to support these awards. Renault has one of the finest track records in the UK for encouraging and nurturing the very best young talent including engineers and competitors, so it fits very comfortably that we should be involved in this important award for the media."
 
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA, says: "This is a very prestigious prize for any young journalist or photographer aiming to further their career in motor sport. We hope to see as wide a range as possible in the submissions to reflect the huge breadth of UK motor sport and would encourage everyone to apply, whether professional or enthusiastic amateur."
 
Candidates must have been aged 25 or under on the 1 January 2008 and be able to demonstrate published work involving domestic UK motor sport. They can come from local, regional, specialist or electronic media and are required to submit a minimum of three published articles or photographs from the UK media this year.
 
Application forms are available by email from msa@bentaylor.uk.com and entries must be submitted by 1 December, 2008.

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Stars of Tomorrow Drives Available   (09/10)

Team Dynomite, in association with Sportdevices Dynamometers, has drives available for the 2009 Season.

Team Dynomite invite you to join this 4 kart cadet team competing in the 2009 BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Cadet Championship. Along with the usual hospitality and awning space, dyno time & detailed data acquisition complete the standard package.  Race engineers are available as required.

Our vision is personal success through team work and technology working hand-in-hand. If you want to be part of this technically innovative approach to winning, reach your full potential and realise your dreams and aspirations - Team Dynomite welcomes you into our awning!

For further information email info@sportdevices.co.uk or phone Alistair on 01924 242793 or 07836 217193.

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Euro Pro-Kart Endurance Champs   (09/10)

The European Pro-kart Endurance Championship brochure has now gone to print and will be available on the Teesside Karting website - www.teessidekarting.co.uk - from 23rd Novemeber; and then at the KartMania show on 29th/30th November.

Those who have already expressed their interest will receive a brochure and booking form in due course, and any team that registers with the Championship at the KartMania show will receive a free special gift!

The EPEC team look forward to seeing you soon.

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Bayford Owner Driver Calendar   (08/10)

Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit owner driver programme for the Winter season 2008/2009 has been confirmed. The 5 round winter sprint championship gets underway on 26th October followed by rounds on 23rd November, 28th December, 25th January and 22nd February. In addition to the normal classes, races for Senior and Junior TKM 4-stroke competitors have been included for the winter championship.

The popular Enduro meetings continue throughout the winter months for Prokart and Rotax drivers and teams, the dates of the meetings are 30th November, 11th January, 8th February and 8th March.

For further details please call the circuit office on 01795 410707.

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Buckmore Park KC Summer Champs   (08/10)

Round six of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series on Sunday 19th October marks the 46th anniversary of the circuit and the meeting includes a special feature Rotax race for the Phil Whorlow memorial shield.

Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October.  Overnight parking is free and available on both nights.

For entry forms and more details please contact Sheila Rose, Club Co-ordinator on 01634 661604.

For more information on Buckmore Park visit www.buckmore.co.uk.

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Foster-Jones S1 Champion   (08/10)
 
Ricky Flynn Motorsport's, Robert Foster-Jones won the British Super 1 Championship at the very last round, held in terrible conditions. Driving rain and bitterly cold winds lashed Shenington in Oxfordshire but failed to dampen Robert's charge to his third major title victory of the year.
 
Prior to the event, Rob was 3rd in the title-chase, (26 points behind the leader, Jordan Chamberlain) and acknowledged that he needed to go on the attack - "We've just got to win the races. We've got to try and do a better job than the others."
 
In timed qualifying, Rob posted the 3rd fastest time to give himself a better grid position than both Chamberlain (6th) and his other title-rival, Michael Simpson in 13th.
 
Solid performances in his heats earned the 18-year old P4 on the grid for the first of the day's two point-scoring finals. However, Simpson would start immediately behind him - with Chamberlain further back, on row 7.
 
Some feisty exchanges between the 23 competitors saw Simpson lose two places in the opening lap, whilst Rob held onto his 4th place. Moments later, Simpson was down to 16th whilst Rob was moving forward. With 3rd-placed driver Charles Bonsey pushing his rear bumper, Rob took 2nd and began to pressure Shaun Carter, for the lead.
 
Braking Bonsey's tow, Rob made the fight for the lead a two-way affair with Carter. A daring, late-braking manoeuvre at the top of the circuit saw him slice down Carter's inside and assume the advantage. With clear air in front of him, Foster-Jones powered his way to the chequered flag and 50 vital championship points. Behind him, Chamberlain and Simpson finished in 7th and 11th scoring just enough points to make sure that the following race would be the title decider.
 
Rob almost settled dad, Gary's and his team's nerves with a perfect start from pole position, whilst the fast-starting Chamberlain clipped Bonsey and ran wide at the circuit's second hairpin to lose ground.
 
Rob began to ease away from the chasing pack - with Chamberlain and Simpson embroiled in battles behind - sealing the championship with a commanding victory. He said, "It's fantastic, I'm ecstatic! I said beforehand, that my sole intention was win the races and it fell my way."
 
Having already come to the attention of several leading motorsport teams and managers, Rob gave the merest hint of his future plans and ambitions, he added, "Hopefully, this will influence the people we've been talking to."
 
Robert's team boss, Ricky Flynn was justifiably proud of his young charge - "He was stunning. He's done a very professional and mature job. When he went back at the start of the first final, he didn't panic. He just got his head down, hit the front and went away."
 
Robert's win also made history, as it is the third year running that RFM has won the British title. Flynn joked, "I wonder if they'll let us keep the trophy for winning it three times, they do in football."
 
"My thanks to everyone at RFM, especially Ricky and Moose (Mickey Higham, his mechanic). I'd also like to thank Ole (Haugard of One Engines), Martin and Dan at Pro Performance and my family - mum, my little brother Harry and of course, my dad."
 
To find out more about Robert and follow his fortunes, visit www.robertfosterjones.com.

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Time To Upgrade Your Awning   (07/10)

The season may be winding down but with winter series', late season testing and the great British weekend weather there really is no better time to upgrade your existing awning to an LP Tent.

Your awning is quite possibly the most overlooked part of your kit - let's face it it won't make you go faster - but anyone who has suffered the ravages of the British weather will know that you won't race your best if you are spending your time in the pits chasing your awning about or getting wet. Most karters awnings cost about the same as a set of tyres and in reality are likely to last about as long. For the price of a decent rebuild on a Max you can be sheltering from the elements in a 3x3 LP Tent which won't need rebuilt again in 12 hours! (Sorry to Max drivers).

An amazing 2008 season has seen LP Tents featured heavily with Ginetta, Scuderia Ecosse, Ben Reid, Moto GP, British SuperBikes, Astromega Racing, Willams, Red Bull, NKRA, Super 1, Stars, SRC, SRDC, Lexus Hockenheim, Nissan GTR academy to name a few.

Custom Canopies are having an end of season clearance of our ex-demo units all of which have been used and maintained by us  and will represent a saving of 15-25% from retail depending on condition. All models will be available after 23rd October when we we will be attending the Showmans Show in Newbury Berks so if you are available come along and do a deal! Entry is free. Please call for details or to reserve your LP Tent.

For those who can't wait or would like a new model from stock, we are offering free flooring & free delivery with any 3x3, 3x4.5 or 3.6mtr purchased with sidewalls until 15th December. The flooring is 600grm PVC and is available in blue or gray.

Contact us on 01786 449519 or email sales@customcanopies.co.uk and let us know what you would like and see yourselves in an LP Tent soon!

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Congratulations Lee Jenner   (07/10)

The Kart Shop at Buckmore Race Team would like to congratulate Lee Jenner on winning the 2008 PF International Senior Rotax Championship, with one round still to come.

Lee has been a consistent top six finisher all season, and clinched the championship with a battling fifth place and fastest lap on Sunday.

The Kart Shop are looking forward to the arrival of the 2009 TonyKart range in mid November, and a demonstrator kart will be available to test.

The Kart Shop at Buckmore's website can be found at www.thekartshop.co.uk.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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King Carl Crowned At Shenington   (07/10)

Millennium Motorsport's Carl Stirling clinched the British Super 1 KF3 title with a double podium in the season finale, last weekend (4/5 October). The 15-year old had gone into the final round leading the points table, but expected to be hard-pressed by his season-long rival Mackenzie Taylor.
 
Carl got things underway with a solid 3rd fastest lap in timed qualifying, whilst Taylor found himself down in 28th place after rain fell during his session. "This relaxed me more, knowing that he would not be breathing down my neck in the heats," Carl explained.
 
Starting from pole position in his first race, Carl opted for 'safety-first' and took 3rd place. However, a post-race penalty saw initial winner, Ashley Sutton demoted to 4th - moving Carl into 2nd place. In the following heat, Carl brought his Tonykart home in 3rd place, knowing that it would secure him a good position on the grid for the first of the day's two points scoring finals.
 
"I started from 3rd on the grid and in the first corner, moved into 2nd place. I sat behind (the leader) Patryk Szczerbinski for another lap, and then passed him on the start/finish line. From there, I drove as hard as I could, but with five laps to go had to defend from Patryk and Ashley (Sutton). I held them to the flag and was delighted to win. It was a major confidence booster and actually secured the Championship for me - although I wasn't sure that I'd done it at this point."
 
With Taylor in 5th, Carl had indeed put the Championship beyond his rival's reach - but was keen to end his final race of the 2008 season on a high. "I was leading the 2nd final, but made a mistake on the 4th lap, allowing Sutton and Szczerbinski through. On the same lap, at the hairpin at the top of the circuit I was hit from behind and my engine cut out. This caused a pile-up behind me, but I was able to re-start my engine and continue in 4th place. I re-took 3rd and I was able to hold off Sam Snell to the flag".
 
With Taylor watching from the sidelines after being caught up in the earlier collision, Carl now knew he'd wrapped up the Championship and was obviously delighted.
 
"I went into the last corner smiling so hard it hurt my face! All the hard work every single person in the team has put into me this year, paid off. I'm over the moon. I want to thank my mechanic, Spike who gave 110% commitment all year, (Millennium Motorsport owner) Dean Panrucker who has improved my racecraft and racing brain, Gordy (Gordon Finlayson) at GFR Engines who's given me fast engines all season, Lee Johnston who helped me in the early days, and last - but definitely not least - Shane McFadden who's always been there and wanted the best for me."
 
He added, "I'd also like to thank my mum and dad - who have supported me all year and deserve this as much as me - and my two brothers, Adam and Craig."
 
Carl - who adds the Super 1 to the British Open title he won earlier in the year - says "I think this (victory) lays down a marker that I didn't have at the beginning of the year. When I won the Open title, people were asking 'Who's Carl Stirling?' - now they know."

Photographs courtesy of Graham Smith/TSR Productions.

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Two Karts Stolen - Reward Offered   (07/10)

Around 25th September 2008, whilst the owner was away, two karts were stolen from a locked garage in the Romford, Essex area.
 
One kart was a 2002 Birel chassis with Rotax Max Senior engine. Serial numbers are available for identification. The Second Kart was Top Kart with 100cc Maxster clutched engine. All spares for both karts were stolen including wheels, tyres etc.
 
If you are offered these types of karts please contact Phil on 07958 515184.

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MSA British Kart Championships   (07/10)

Rounds 11 & 12 of the MSA British Kart Championships were held at Shenington on 5th October 2008...

MSA British Kart Championship:
British Champion-elect Mark Litchfield showed he was tackling the last two rounds just as any others, all out to win.  He fought back past Chris Rogers after trading the lead a couple of times, thereafter leaving no opportunities for the closely following Rogers to retaliate once more.  They crossed the line 0.05 seconds apart, having dropped the third place battle in which Lee Bell had been reeled in by Jordon Lennox-Lamb, towing along Richard Bradley whilst fifth placed Sam Tordoff was forced to pull out.  A late race lunge on Bell took Lennox-Lamb into third, with Bradley soon following on. 
 
All the heats had been wet in heavy morning rain but the track dried remarkably quickly to allow the use of slicks in the two finals, the sun even shining.  Bell was in good form for the second final, needing to consolidate his second place in the series, as he swept by Litchfield at Park Corner for the lead.  After one unsuccessful stab in the chicane, Lennox-Lamb made his move at the hairpin for second on Litchfield and then repeated the feat on Bell a lap later. Rogers was falling away, unable to keep the pace, but the canny Litchfield regrouped to regain the lead until a desperately late move by Lennox-Lamb on the last lap tapped Litchfield wide and down to third.  For this, Lennox-Lamb was given a four place penalty, promoting Bell to the top spot.
 
Results Round 11:
1 Mark Litchfield Maranello/TM
2 Chris Rogers Octane/TM
3 Jordon Lennox-Lamb Topkart/Parilla
4 Richard Bradley Wright/Parilla
5 Lee Bell Wright/Parilla
6 Elliott Burton Tonykart/Vortex
 
Results Round 12:
1 Bell
2 Litchfield
3 Rogers
4 Sam Tordoff Alonso/Vortex
5 Lennox-Lamb
6 Bradley
 
MSA British Junior Kart Championship:
Polish driver Patryk Szczerbinski lined up pole with his MBR team-mate Alexander Albon alongside, but Ulster-man Carl Stirling moved swiftly into the lead.  "I just defended from lap four, because I knew I wasn't that fast and Patryk was quick at the start, so if I'd got passed then two or three would go by," said Stirling.  There was in fact one brief role reversal but Stirling was quick to regain the lead and hold it despite a train of seven karts ganging up on him.  In the last re-shuffle Ashley Sutton took advantage of Szczerbinski's discomfort to snatch third, Albon and Mackenzie Taylor next. 
 
Only Taylor could prevent Stirling from being crowned junior British champion and when Taylor was pushed off on the first lap of the second final with the loss of his chain, the stage was set for Stirling to become the first Northern Ireland driver to claim the title. This time Stirling could not keep Szczerbinski at bay, Sutton following through with the pair putting a second on the rest.  Stirling had fallen behind Sam Snell, but regained a podium place at the Wilkins hairpin, with Albon a lonely fourth and John Norris storming up to sixth.
 
Results Round 11:
1 Carl Stirling Tonykart/TML
2 Ashley Sutton Octane/XTR
3 Patryk Szczerbinski Tonykart/TM
4 Alexander Albon Tonykart/TM
5 Mackenzie Taylor Alonso/TM
6 Sam Snell Intrepid/TM
 
Results Round 12:
1 Szczerbinski
2 Sutton
3 Stirling
4 Snell
5 Albon
6 John Norris Zanardi/Maxter

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HKC Joins Forces With Saxmax   (06/10)

Hoddesdon Kart Club have announced that the top 5 finishers in the Junior Rotax class of their prestigious London Cup event (24th-26th October) will be given a hot lap as a passenger in a current Saxmax race car at the London Motorsport Show at Brands Hatch in November.

The overall winner of the class will also be invited to attend a Saxmax test day and get behind the wheel of one of the 130mph machines, under instruction from this year's championship runner-up, and former Minimax racer at the Rye House circuit Joe Ferguson.

Saxmax completed its third season last weekend at Snetterton in Norfolk. The top 6 championship finishers have all come from a karting background, headed in 2008 by Champion James Colburn. Organised by the 750 Motor Club, the Saxmax championship provides affordable circuit racing for 14 to 17 year olds in Citroen Saxo VTR cars.

Entries are still being accepted for the 3 day London Cup event, more details at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk.

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Cumbria KRC Refurbishment Projects   (06/10)

Cumbria Kart Racing Club have now issued contracts for full resurfacing of the whole of the track, with work scheduled to be completed for the end of October. The project will require over a thousand tonnes of asphalt and the planings from the circuit will be used in the pit area for better standing. Weather permitting the newly laid circuit should be available for our November meeting.

Additionally, work has already started on the new parc ferme area adjacent to the scrutineering bay and a new tyre storage building should be completed before Christmas.

As work progresses further updates will be published at www.cumbriakrc.co.uk.

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RL Race Team Represent Tonykart   (02/10)
 
RL Race Team principle Steve Armstrong was asked by Helmut of Rotax to represent Tonykart and collect the Constructors Title trophy after a whitewash by the RL Race Team in the senior class in this year's Euromax challenge.
 
Steve said "This is a great honour for myself and us as a team to represent the greatest manufacturer of karting to date and hope that the success is continued into the coming year".
 
Steve and Richard Lock (Proprietor of RL Race Team) would like to thank Strawberry Racing (Tonykart's UK importer), Paul Spencer and Warwick Ringham for all of their support over the last year, and look forward to another successful year working together in 2009.
 
For all enquiries regarding the race team and how to join please contact Steve Armstrong (Team Principle) on 07843 586416 or 01502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

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Rain In Spain Fails To Foil Hale   (01/10)
 
Spanish Open Championship front-runner Mitchell Hale claimed a vital 2nd place at Campillos last weekend (27/28 September) to keep up the pressure on his two main title-rivals Carlos Sainz and Gerard Barrabeig.
 
Following a strong performance in qualifying - where he was 7th overall - before taking 6th and 2nd place finishes in his two heats, the Bristol youngster found himself setting his kart down on the 3rd row of the grid for the first final.
 
The drama and tension was heightened when, after the '1 minute to go' board had been shown, the '30 second' board was delayed by rain suddenly falling. Despite mechanics sprinting into the paddock to collect rain tyres, the field was released onto the circuit for a formation lap.
 
In the difficult conditions and ensuing melee at the first corner, Hale dropped down to 12th position before climbing back to his original 5th place.
 
"People were spinning off as the rain fell heavily. I had to adopt completely different lines and that helped me. It was really good fun actually. I was reasonably pleased (with 5th) because it gave me good points for the championship and a half-decent grid position for the second final."
 
At the start, the JRP driver made the error of trying to drive round the outside of the first corner at the start and could only watch as several drivers came past him on the inside. "Mark (Berryman, boss of JRP) had something to say about that!"
 
Mitchell added, "I got my head together after a couple of laps and started to move forward. By mid-race I had passed four drivers and was now 3rd. I caught the then 2nd-placed driver, Mark Megens but by the time I'd got past him, (Gerard) Barrabeig had got away. I was closing him down but ran out of laps before I could catch him."
 
Reflecting on the race, Mitch had mixed emotions, saying; "If I hadn't made that mistake at the start, I think I would've caught him (Barrabeig). I'm disappointed because I think I could've won. Still, I'm happy for the points and just have to learn to cut out the mistakes in the future."
 
This weekend (4/5 October), Mitchell will race in the final round of the Winning Series Karting championship at the superb Zuera track, in Spain. Looking ahead to the race, he said, "I think we can go there and be fast. I'm hoping for a good weekend. It's a huge track and should be fun. If I can get a top ten, that'll give me confidence. We've struggled in recent races but hopefully after Campillos, we've turned a corner."

Photographs courtesy of Gregory Heirman/Foto Formula K.

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D-MAX 500 Race A Success!   (01/10)
 
On Sunday 28th September, Daytona Motorsports new D-MAX karts took to the Milton Keynes International circuit for their inaugural race. The event was over 6 hours with an additional hour of practice and qualifying. A heavy autumn mist descended on the circuit delaying the start by around 30 minutes. Once practice got underway, it was the crack Karting Magazine team along with Force India leading the way.
 
The race started with Karting Magazine and Force India heading out in front and after an hour of constant racing, the gap was just 1.4 seconds. 3 other F1 teams had entered the race, two from Honda F1 and one from McLaren, and it was Honda who took advantage of the pit stops to jump up to 2nd place after 3 hours.
 
There was some fantastic racing throughout the 6 hours all the way down the field. The Daytona team also laid on a complimentary sports massage team to ease drivers' aches and pains.
 
After 6 hours of high speed, high action racing, it was the Karting Magazine team of Jack Harvey, Mackenzie Taylor, Jonathan Walker and Martin Capenhust who took the victory ahead of the team from Force India and Honda F1.
 
The karts performed perfectly with not a single mechanical breakdown during the whole day.
 
Daytona would like to congratulate the winners and also thank Mercedes-Benz for supporting the event.

For more information on forthcoming D-MAX events visit www.daytonamax.com.

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Ed Excels In Euro Debut   (01/10)

It's often said that the true measure of just how good a driver is, is how well they can race in Europe - and on his international debut, Junior Rotax star Ed Brand caused quite a stir.
 
Ed had travelled to Genk in Belgium for the final round of the European Rotax Max Championship (24/28 September) to pit his skills against over fifty of Europe's top junior drivers, as preparation for entry into next year's series.
 
After timed qualifying, he was the top British driver in 8th place - just over a tenth of a second off the pole position time.
 
In his three heats, Ed took a 4th, 2nd and 3rd - putting himself 2nd overall in the rankings prior to the first final.
 
Racing for the first time with the leading RL Racing team, Ed had clearly impressed with his performances throughout, but now came the all-important finals.
 
Starting from the front row of the pre-final soon proved little advantage as he was collected by the South African, Axcil Jefferies. Despite the clash cracking his radiator and damaging other parts of his kart, Brand soldiered on to finish in a respectable 9th place. However, after post-race checks three drivers were given ten second penalties for 'unsporting behaviour' - including Jefferies and the Italian, Simone Favarone - promoting Ed one place up the grid for the main final.
 
A blistering start propelled Ed from the 4th row of the grid up the order. By the 4th lap, he was up to 2nd and then, "the tyres decided not to play." Ed explains, "I think we made the wrong tyre choice - they worked very well from the start, but the performance dropped off in the middle of the race. I was dropping back down the order but fought hard to make places back."
 
He finished 9th as the chequered flag fell and despite his initial disappointment, both Ed and his team were delighted with the promise he'd shown.
 
"I'm a bit miffed to be honest because I felt that I could've won. Overall though, I'm pleased. To get a top ten on my European debut is great. I qualified well, raced well and learned a lot about the different racing style in Europe. The whole experience was a pleasure."
 
He added, "My thanks to Steve Armstrong and Richard Lock (of RL Racing) who provided me with the opportunity to race at Genk. I'm really very grateful to them both."
 
RL team boss, Steve Armstrong said, "Ed's a naturally fast driver. He handled the whole experience well. It's a shame he didn't get the result in the main final - he should've won it - but there's no reason why he couldn't win it (the Euro Max series) outright next year."
 
Ed returns to domestic competition this weekend (4/5 October) when he aims to return to winning ways at PFi in Lincolnshire. He heads to Three Sisters near Wigan a fortnight later, where he's hoping to win the final round of the British Super 1 Championship.
 
To follow Ed's fortunes, visit his website www.edbrandracing.net for all the latest news.

Photograph courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

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Covkartsport "Welsh Open" Event   (30/09)

The Covkartsport "Welsh Open" Championship event will be held at Glan-y-Gors Park (using the full circuit)  on Sunday 19th October 2008.  It's open to all karters with some previous experience of racing karts on outdoor circuits.

All will compete for our "Welsh Dragon Challenge Cup" with sprint races on one of the best fleets of 4-stroke 400cc hire karts in the UK - helmets, suits and gloves can be provided.

Racing split into age and weight classes, plus there will be racing car and kart track displays and catering on-site.

Covkartsport have a proven 13-year history of superbly organized competitive racing, so make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic event!

See www.covkartsport.com for further details and entry form.

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Wright Looks To Snatch Spanish Title   (30/09)

The Spanish Open Championship title-fight is now down to a two-way affair, following last weekend's race at Campillos (28/29 September) - with Luke Wright now believing that he has a good chance of snatching the trophy from Jose Cautela's grasp.
 
In testing conditions - that ranged from dry to torrential rain - Luke took the fight to the talented Portuguese.
 
In the close Qualifying session, the JRP driver posted the 3rd fastest time - (just two one thousandths of a second behind the 2nd-placed driver, Kevin Ceccon also on a Maranello kart). Luke then took a 3rd and 4th in the following two heats, promptly earning himself P2 on the grid for the first final.
 
"The start was a bit hectic. Ceccon (on pole position) slowed down and everyone bunched up as we went into the first corner. I cut across and several bends later took the lead," Luke explained. "Ceccon, Dani Simon and I got away from the rest of the pack. I was pulling away from the others, but as the race progressed Cautela had come through into 2nd and was catching me. He was very, very fast and took the lead. Towards the end of the race I was catching him, and had we had a few more laps, I probably would've caught him."
 
Luke and the team were still pleased and encouraged by his strong performance and return to the podium.
 
"Mark (Berryman, the JRP team boss) complimented me on my good start and for taking the lead. We weren't quite fast enough to hang on to it, but we did what we could - which is fair enough."
 
Luke revealed his straightforward plan for the second points-scoring final. "Go for the lead and drive away." This mirrored Cautela's - who did exactly that. "I was chasing Jose, but my tyres went off. Ceccon came through and we had a bit of a battle. This allowed Mario Farnbacher to close whilst Kevin and I fought for 2nd."
 
With Luke fighting both a forward and rearguard action, something had to give. "Kevin put in a great move and this gave him the room he needed to edge away. Farnbacher tried overtaking me - I'd found a good line on the outside of a corner - and Mario went for the inside. I had better drive out of the bend and held onto the position.  He then put a move on me at the chicane, but he overshot the apex and from there I held it to the line. It was a good last lap effort that didn't come off - thankfully."
 
He added, "It was a really good weekend. The two podiums have moved me into second place in the Championship now, with one round remaining. Cautela hasn't put it beyond reach, despite his two wins. We'll have to see what we can do at the last round at Zuera - but we've closed the gap and with a little bit of luck, it could come off quite nicely."
 
Visit www.lukewrightracing.com - to follow Luke's fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season.

Photographs courtesy of Gregory Heirman/Foto Formula K.

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RL Race Team & Chris Lock   (30/09)

After a fantastic debut season in the highly subscribed Euromax Challenge organised by rgmmc.com, Chris Lock took the senior max title with a race in hand, showing his and the team's complete domination of the 2008 championship. Lock took over the lead of the championship race in round 2 at the fantastic Wackersdorf venue in Germany and never looked back with 2 wins there, and a 2nd and 1st at Sosnova in the Czech Republic. Lock only needed a 6th place in 1st final at the final round in Genk (Belgium) to secure the title.  He duly rounded out the year with a sensible 4th place, keeping himself clear of the scrap at the front for the race lead and away from any danger of a possible DNF. This was enough for the 21 year old from Lowestoft to take the title and therefore took no further part in the 2nd final, on advice from the team principal, Steve Armstrong. This also gave Lock an invitation to the World Finals in southern Italy at the end of November.
 
Lock's team mate Daniel Cammish narrowly missed out on a championship podium with a very strong and consistent debut year, finishing 4th overall and narrowly missing out on the 3rd invite to Italy, but still with the possibility of qualification through the British series.
 
Cammish & Lock's junior team mates, Josh Webster and Ed Brand, featured very strongly in the finals with a grid 3 and grid 2 start for the 1st final respectively. With Webster being in the title chase the decision was made to use new tyres in the 1st final to equal the other title contenders' chances of a good first race which resulted in Webster ending up 7th.  As Brand was coming into the series for the first time the team took a gamble and used the old tyres from qualifying and the heats thus saving the new tyres for the 2nd final with Ed finishing 8th. The 2nd final was chaotic with Webster getting baulked back on lap 2 to around 20th place and driving back through to a creditable 14th, giving Josh 4th overall in the championship and an invitation to the world finals. Brand climbed up to 2nd place by lap 5 and began to close on the race leader and current world and European champion Kevin Korjus, but then put a wheel off line and in a flash was caught and swallowed up by the pack, eventually finishing 9th and posting a time 2 100ths off of the fastest lap.
 
The team now look to the final round of the British Championships in 2 weeks time where Lock leads the points and Cammish sits fourth, with Webster closing in on a top ten overall finish. Team mate Luke Haynes is looking for a top 15 finish after a torrid start to the year. In the 177 class Darren Clarke is also set in place to gain a top 15 finish and new signing Andrew Gosling leads the points in the 177 class.
 
For all enquiries regarding the race team and enquiries on how to join please contact Steve Armstrong (Team Principle) on 07843 586416 or 01502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

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Stolen 250cc Superkart   (30/09)

On Monday 29th September between the hours of 1pm and 3pm, Ciaran Peden's Rotax 256cc twin cylinder, Anderson chassis Superkart was stolen from Linda Kings Garage in Doagh, Co. Antrim.

This is a very specialist Superkart and, somewhat coincidentally, was stolen within a couple of days of it's only race in the past year.  Serial numbers are available for identification.

If anyone is approached regarding the sale of a Superkart or parts etc., please contact any member of the North of Ireland Karting Association or Bishopscourt Kart Club.

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Strong UK Squad For Easykart   (29/09)

The 2008 Easykart Championship concluded at Whilton Mill last Sunday (21 September), with the champions; Oliver George (Heavy), Elliot Rice (Junior) and Terry Langley (Light) automatically earning entry to the World Finals - held this year at the superb Jesolo circuit, near Venice on 17/19 October.
 
Twelve 'wild card' entries were also made available for selected drivers, as Series promoter John Vigor explains, "Due to the success of this year's series, Birel granted us some extra places for the World Finals and I'm delighted to say that we're fielding a quality, 15-strong team."
 
Joining Oli George in the Heavy class will be Will Smith, Firas Bilbeisi, (Easykart Winter Series Champion) Mark Lawrence, Richard Friend and defending World title-holder Barnaby Pittingale.
 
Jack Sales, Brad Fairhurst, Connor Hambleton and Tiernay Oliver will - with Elliot Rice - spearhead the Junior assault.
 
Sam Smithson, Owen Jenman and Adrian Crockett will be eager to turn the tables on Terry Langley and drivers from 18 other different countries in the Light category.
 
Birel UK supremo, Andy Cox said, "To field fifteen drivers at the World Finals illustrates how popular Easykart is becoming. This year's event is expected to see nearly 300 drivers taking part. Last year Barnaby Pittingale came home with a World title, can he or any of our boys do it again this year? We think so!"
 
For more information about Easykart, visit www.easykart.co.uk

[ Top ]

New Team Endurance Series   (26/09)

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit cater for what is probably the largest number of hire kart enthusiasts anywhere in the country and promote hundreds of events for the 2,000 plus members of their hire kart club. As drivers progress from novice to experienced they constantly seek new challenges and the circuit has just announced a new series for experienced and competitive drivers. In association with Club100 the club is launching the Buckmore Elite Team Endurance Series in 2009 using the highly successful competition Club100 Birel/BT82 TKM 100cc 2 stroke karts.
 
Designed as a team event the series consists of practice (40 mins), qualifying (10 mins) followed by a 150 minute endurance. Compulsory fuel stops and a minimum driver weight ensure that this will be a highly competitive series. The events are being run by the Buckmore Park Kart Drivers Club and club coordinator Alan Wood has been delighted by the response so far which he describes as 'overwhelming'.   The Series is ideal for not only the Buckmore elite but also for existing Club100 drivers and also other experienced drivers who are eligible.
 
A one off trial non championship event has been organised on the 9th of November this year though this race will not be weighted. It will however let prospective 2009 challengers settle into these exciting two stroke machines and help will be on hand for those needing to source suitable ballast for the full season which starts in March 2009.
 
Buckmore boss Bill Sisley says "the combination of the best circuit and the best prepared karts should be a real winner.  Club100 and ourselves have worked together for over 16 years and I know that this partnership will bring the best of both worlds for experienced hire kart drivers.  I am sure that every race will be sold out.
 
2009 Round Dates (all at Buckmore Park):
Round 1: 8th March (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 2: 5th April (Sunday) from 9.30am to 2pm
Round 3: 3rd May (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 4: 12th July (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 5: 26th July (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 6: 9th August (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 7: 13th September (Sunday) from 1pm to 5.30pm
Round 8: 11th October (Sunday) from 9.30am to 2pm
 
Cost: £399 per kart (2-4 drivers recommended). For more details contact the circuit (full details at www.buckmore.co.uk) or email Club coordinator Alan Wood via alan@buckmore.co.uk.

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Kart Regional Committee & MSA Statement   (26/09)

The Kart Regional Committee and MSA have issued a joint statement regarding Junior Kart Class entry age clarified as 11th birthday:
 
The Kart Regional Committee has reviewed the regulations for the starting age in the Junior classes, particularly MiniMax, Junior TKM and Junior Blue. 
 
It had been generally understood that after a revision of the Competitors Yearbook K.115 and K.116 in 2005/6 and a decision by the Kart Regional Committee in late 2007 the age limit had been lowered to the year of 11th birthday for experienced drivers.  However the class regulations only referred to K.116 which stipulates the age limit as the 11th birthday and no application for change was formally noted to the MSA.
 
The Kart Regional Committee decided by a majority vote, with none against, to clarify that the minimum age is the 11th birthday.   The 2009 MSA Kart Race Yearbook regulations will show this.   The committee took into account the size of the karts being used, and that drivers are now able to remain in the Cadet classes until the end of the year of their 13th birthday.
 
The committee was also confirmed that drivers holding International C licences could not race in Junior Max prior to their 13th birthday.  The committee noted that the MiniMax class was available to such drivers and that any change in age could adversely affect that class.                                                                                                   

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Pudsey Power At TeamSport   (26/09)
 
This November TeamSport Cardiff, Eastleigh & Gosport are hosting a Le Mans style, 24 hour karting event in the aid of Children in Need! 
 
Following the success of last year's event, which was launched by Pudsey's great friends the Cardiff Blues, TeamSport now aim to raise over £5,000! 
 
Starting on the grid at 23:00pm on Wednesday 12th November 2008, three teams of TeamSport staff consisting of 2 drivers, 1 mechanic and 1 marshal will drive continuously for 24 hours!
 
The following evening, Thursday 13th November at 7.00pm TeamSport are challenging teams of local businesses and keen karters to start their engines in a grand prix style event at all three tracks! 
 
Dropping in late in the 20th hour of the race the teams will have the opportunity to take advantage of those weary racers still trying to keep their eyes open!
 
TeamSport's main aim is to raise as much money for Pudsey as possible, selling teams of 4-8 drivers to keen karters for just £299. Plus for every kart that manages to beat the Le Mans Kart, TeamSport we will donate even more money to Children in Need!
 
Last year the tracks raised almost £4,500! Help us to raise more!
 
To guarantee your team's place on the starting grid, call TeamSport on 0870 6000 601 or visit www.team-sport.co.uk

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Let's Go Karting Milestone   (26/09)

The Motor Sports Association is delighted to announce that in just three months since its launch, the Let's Go Karting scheme has attracted more than 1000 children to have a go at karting for just £5.
 
Let's Go Karting is an MSA funded initiative to attract young people to gain their first experience of karting without having to make an up-front commitment to acquire a race kart and associated safety equipment. 16 venues around the UK have signed up to operate the programme and they have received financial support to purchase this equipment, train instructors and run the events.
 
Rod Taylor, who is managing the programme on behalf of the MSA, said:
"We are delighted that the scheme has taken off so quickly. Not all the venues have come on line yet, but those that are up and running have reported universally popular feedback. Of the first thousand we know of at least 50 children that have made a decision to get properly involved with the sport and purchase their own equipment. And even if the others don't go any further, they have all had a really good, positive experience of motor sport."
 
Bill Sisley, managing director of Buckmore Park, confirmed the popularity of the events:
"Our first three sessions have been fully booked and the reaction from the kids and the parents has been fantastic. It's a very powerful message to give people the chance to have a go for just five pounds and it enables us to attract people from all backgrounds and genuinely offer something for everyone."
 
Colin Wright from Forrest Edge Kart Club, agrees:
"From the club's perspective it has been very hard work but extremely worthwhile, as we are seeing some good little drivers coming in that will definitely be racing next year. It's been a great start to the scheme and hats off to the MSA for setting it up."
 
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, said:"We knew that the £5 message would be strong and that it would get people through the door, but we weren't sure how many would go on into MSA karting. The initial take up looks encouraging and we very much hope that this will continue as the remaining clubs get up to speed. Our thanks to everyone that is working so hard to attract these vital new recruits to our sport."

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Venhill & Anderson Karts   (25/09)

Motorsport is littered with the names of men who created famous and iconic marques - Ferrari, McLaren, Brabham, Williams, Bugatti... just a handful of many.
 
And in the world of Superkarts, the name Anderson is equally synonymous with a history of glory. An essential part of Russell Anderson's success is his firm's attention to detail, where every component is selected for its quality and reliability. Which is precisely why Venhill has a relationship with the company going back over twenty years. Here, Russell himself explains why he chooses Venhill's cable and hose products...
 
What Venhill parts do you fit to the Maverick and Mirage models - and why? 
"We use their clutch and throttle cabling and Venhill also produce our brake hoses. I like the quality and reliability of these products. The Featherlight cable range is second to none."
 
What performance advantages do Venhill's products give to your customers? 
"The driver gets better 'feel' through the Featherlight cable than any other product. Having absolutely smooth gear changes and smooth application of power through the accelerator can be the difference between winning and losing - so we have to give our customers the best material with which to win. Regarding the brake hoses, it's all down to the reliability factor."
 
What are the key benefits of Venhill's cables and hoses?
"Again - quality and reliability. People rely on our judgement for that. Using Venhill components reflects our reputation for excellence. In our field, our products are deemed to be of the highest quality and Venhill are an important aspect of that. Remember, a 250 Superkart is capable of over 160mph, that's comparable to a Formula 3 car or World Superbike. And we corner faster than the bikes - at that speed everything has to work. That's why we choose Venhill."
 
Venhill's Featherlight range can be supplied in various lengths with a variety of end fittings. Venhill's Trevor Howell says: "The Teflon coating & stainless steel inner cable facilitates ultra-smooth control. The Featherlight is perfect for drivers in all karting classes, not just Superkarts."
 
Featherlight cables and TUV/Dot-approved Powerhose brake lines are available direct from Venhill and at www.andersonkarts.com.

For more information on Venhill's range of cables and hoses, visit www.venhill.co.uk or call Trevor Howell on 01306 885 111. For international enquiries, please contact Ian Williams Tuning (Australia), Apex Karting Ltd (New Zealand) and Comptech (South Africa).

[ Top ]

Parry Ends Stars On Positive Note   (25/09)

Matthew Parry ended the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow season on an encouraging note, after returning to the Minimax podium at Shenington.
 
Bouncing back from recent ill-luck, the youngster overcame a disappointing start to the weekend, with eighth in Saturday's final costing him valuable ground in the battle for third overall with Danny Harwood.
 
Sunday, however, was a different story, with overnight work on the Ultimate Motorsport kart enough to let Parry take a brace of heat wins, as well as third from 20th on the grid in his other race.
 
The 14-year old led from pole in the final, working with Harwood to pull away from the pack, but ultimately had to settle for second as his rival snatched the lead with four laps to go.
 
Despite again trailing Harwood, however, Parry emerged with third overall - despite two exclusions earlier in the season - and was just six points shy over second-placed Jake Dalton.
 
"Of course, there are always 'what ifs', but that's racing, and I am looking positively at third in the championship," Parry noted, "The team has regrouped well, and this is a good way to end the season."
 
The teenager will now concentrate on his options for 2009, with both Junior Max and KF3 runs planned for the coming weeks.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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13mm Brake Disc Back In Stock   (25/09)

Due to public demand Kart Components Manufacturing Ltd now have back in stock their 13mm Cast Iron Fully Ventilated Disc. This has a 76mm location and has a outside diameter of 200mm to reduce kerbing.

Designed to be used with our MX Race System this disc will give superb braking performance especially in endurance events.

Visit www.kartcomponents.com or contact us at sales@kartcomponents.com.

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Jessica Celebrates 'O' Plate Win   (24/09)

Impressive karting sensation Jessica Hawkins is celebrating this week after adding another prestigious title to her ever-expanding trophy cabinet, the Zip Young Guns Allstar emerging victorious in Sunday's ABkC Cadet 'O' Plate event at Buckmore Park.
 
Hampshire based Jessica, who beat over 40 competitors in the televised race at the Kent venue, made good progress in the three Heats which led up to the Final and then, from seventh on the grid, she secured the victory on the last lap when passing Connor Jupp and Robert Holland in one move around the outside at the final corner!
 
The 13-year-old racer, who is currently fourth overall in the ABkC Dunlop Honda Cadet National Championship, has enjoyed a lot of success at Buckmore Park during her short karting career. Having won the Buckmore Park Honda Cadet title last year, she's now ecstatic to have become 2008 British Cadet Open Champion.
 
"It's absolutely fantastic to have won the 'O' Plate" said Jessica after the event, "It's a really big race and to beat more than 40 drivers is great. On the last lap I wasn't sure if we'd be able to do it as I was in third place with just two corners left. But I never give up and when the two karts ahead banged wheels, I went around the outside and won!"
 
Powered by a Panther engine, Jessica is using a works Zip Kart chassis this year having been officially confirmed as part of Martin Hines' renowned Zip Young Guns Allstar line-up back in March.
 
The Zip Young Guns brand is, of course, synonymous with karting success with current Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and David Coulthard just two of the big names to have run under Hines' guidance in the past.
 
Eyeing a graduation to the B4/Renault MSA Formula KF3 British Kart Championship in 2009, Jessica has already experienced KF3 grip and power during a test run a few weeks ago in which she was seriously fast and impressive.
 
Next on the racing calendar for Jessica is the penultimate round of the ABkC Dunlop Honda Cadet National Championship at Clay Pigeon, near Dorchester, in Dorset this coming weekend, 27th/28th September.
 
Currently fourth in the standings, Jessica will be aiming for success once more as she strives to go one better than her 2007 Honda Cadet Vice-Champion's position. The 2008 championship finale, meanwhile, will take place on 11th/12th October at Buckmore Park.
 
Jessica's last major event of the year will be the Motors TV London Cup event which will be filmed for digital satellite and cable television on 25th/26th October at the Rye House kart track in Hertfordshire.
 
In the meantime, both Zip Young Guns and Panther kart engines would like to express their congratulations to Jessica for her fantastic 'O' Plate victory.

Visit www.jessicahawkins.co.uk for more information on Jessica and her karting career.

Photographs courtesy of Treble Blue.

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F1 Teams Enter DMAX 500   (22/09)

As we run up to Daytona's DMAX 500, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have signed up, as have Honda F1. Jonnie Walker KF1, Mackenzie Taylor KF3 and Jack Harvey KF3 have been called up for the crack Karting Magazine team.

Teams will race for 500kms or 6 hours, whichever comes sooner.

On Friday the 19th September a new lap record was set of 1:04:496 by Scott Taggert.

There are just a few places left on the grid for this inaugural Daytona Max race, so book now to avoid disappointment. £695.00 per team. Complimentary sports massage therapists will be on site to keep drivers 100% fit.

Call us now on 0845 644 5504 or visit www.daytonamax.co.uk for more information.

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Ardigo World Champion Again   (22/09)

Already world champion after his 2007 triumph, Marco Ardigo retained his title this weekend on the international La Conca circuit at Muro Leccese. The Tony Kart factory driver finished ahead of the young Czech hope Libor Toman (Birel-Parilla), just 17 years old, and team mate Gary Catt (Tony Kart-Vortex).

Those who were anticipating a fine spectacle and lots of suspense during the 45th World Karting Championship were proved right. As expected, the competition was wide open with lots of twists and turns to the plot. At the end of the day however, it was the reigning champion Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex) who once again climbed on to the top step of the podium.

After having won his 4th consecutive European Championship, the 25 year old Italian now joins the elite group of drivers to have won at least two world titles. 'However it was not an easy weekend', explained Marco. 'After my pole position secured on Friday, I encountered problems during my qualifying heats and I was only 5th on the grid for the pre-final. I climbed to 2nd place, but then preferred to be 3rd to clinch an inside start for the Final. I got a good start and found myself in a battle with Kozlinski, then with Gary (Catt) my team mate. But when he began to have problems with his tyres, I took command and I went clear of the pack. And here I am, the World Champion for the second time!'

The opponents of the speedy Italian are therefore left to harbour hopes of the crown next year. Winner of the pre-final, Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG-Maxter) went out on the second lap (engine failure) just when he had taken control. Never really in contention since the beginning of the weekend, Sauro Cesetti (Birel-TM) and Jonathan Thonon (CRG-Maxter) lost out in turn as did the young Dutchman Jack Te Braak (Zanardi-Maxter) who nevertheless has had a very good season.

Asserting himself at the beginning of the race as the principal rival of Marco Ardigo, his British team mate Gary Catt (Tony Kart-Vortex) took the early initiative before suffering increasingly from excessive tyre wear. So much so that he was punished not only by his team leader, but also by young Libor Toman (Birel Parilla). At 17 years of age, the Czech driver turned in an incredible performance. Classified only 26th after timed practice, he pulled out all the stops to qualify 9th for the Final. Then passing one by one, all those in front of him, Libor grabbed 2nd place and set off in pursuit of Ardigo. Eventually finishing less than one second behind the winner, the young Czech was as happy as if he had taken the top prize. 'To finish in second place in my first world championship in KF1 I would not have dared hope for' he suggested, a broad smile on his face. 'This race was incredible! I felt that I drove well and that I could get up to second place. I had Marco in front of me but I could not quite close the gap. But so what! It was a fantastic weekend! Now I hope to return next year and really impose myself'

Finally finishing third, one place lower than last year, Gary Catt (Tony Kart Vortex) once again finished in front of the Dane Nicolaj Bollingtoft (Kosmic Vortex). Leader at the end of the qualifying races, Nikolaj was made to pay dearly for a bad start in the pre-final and only finished in 8th place. In the Final, the Dane occupied only 10th place at the end of the first lap. So his drive up to 4th place was therefore a good performance.

Behind them, once young British driver, Jason Parrott (Birel Parilla) had lost sight of his goal, there was a particularly hot scrap between David Fore (Maranello-Maxter) and Manuel Renaudie (Gillard-Parilla) for 5th place. Renaudie's team mate Matt Truelove (Gillard-Parilla) took a fine 7th place in front of his compatriot Will Stevens (Tony Kart-Vortex) who was probably having his last kart race before embarking on a car racing career. Frenchman Anthony Abasse (Sodi-Parilla) and Dutchman Bas Lammers (Top Kart-TM) completed the top ten.
       
The World Cup for the Teams was, as in 2007, awarded to the Tony Kart Team thanks to the victory of Marco Ardigo and the 3rd place of Gary Catt.

KF2 World Cup: Camponeschi from start to finish.

Supporting the KF1 World Championship was the KF2 World Cup, the class for aspiring young hopefuls. All the signs pointed to the favourite Flavio Camponeschi (Tony Kart-Vortex). Third in the World Cup last year and European Champion this year, this young 16 year old Italian had all the odds in his favour. Far from being intimidated by all this pressure, Flavio Camponeschi lived up to his Favourite's billing. On Friday he missed out on top spot in the timed practice by just 55 one thousandths of a second. But thereafter, he was wheel perfect. Five wins in his five qualifying races, victory in the pre-final and then absolute domination in the Final. Camponeschi didn't offer his opponents even a chance of beating him.

'I can hardly believe it' said the shy young Italian with stars in his eyes. 'To win the world cup after having already won the European Championship...this has been a perfect year for me. I thank the team and everybody who has helped me win so many trophies this year. Now I am ready to move up to the top class, the KF1'.

After having secured the world championship with Ardigo, the Tony Kart team won the world cup and even made it a double courtesy of British driver Oliver Rowland (Tony Kart-Vortex). Already integrated into the McLaren young drivers development programme, just like Lewis Hamilton was, Oliver was to regret a penalty imposed in the pre-final for a jump start. Starting in 9th place, at the start of the second lap Oliver had had a fantastic first lap to move up to 3rd place. But Camponeschi had already established a gap... 'I don't think I could have beaten Flavio anyway, the British driver sportingly acknowledged. 'I could match him for speed on a particular lap, but not consistently throughout the race. I am already satisfied by winning my battle with Zdenek Groman over the closing laps'.

In the absence of a close race for first place, the spectators enjoyed the battle between Rowland and the Czech Zdenek Groman (Maranello-Parilla). With Toman and Groman on the podium, the Czechs had certainly enjoyed a fruitful karting festival at Muro Leccese.

Just missing the podium, other honourable placings were taken by Frenchman Loïc Reguillon (Sodi-Parilla), the Italian Felice Tiene (CRG-Maxter), the Belgian Sami Luka (CRG-Maxter), the Brit Elliot Burton (Tony Kart-Vortex), the Finn Leopold Ringbom (Gillard-Parilla), the Swede Timmy Hansen (Tony Kart-Vortex) and the Brit Robert Foster-Jones (FA Kart-Vortex).

Full results are available at http://www.cikfia.com/News2008/Laconca.htm.

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European Pro-Kart Endurance Champs   (19/09)

The European Pro-Kart Endurance Championship will be launched at Kart Mania Show 29-30th November, where Race Management, Sporting And Technical regulations will be available along with booking forms and details of discounted pricing structures.
 
We are pleased to announce the signing of Kelvin Nicholls as Chief Scrutineer along with Paul Beatty as Clerk of the Course.
 
Despite the championship having been announced only recently, 15 teams have already registered their interest so be sure to join them soon!  We look forward to the launch and seeing you at the show.

For more information visit www.teessidekarting.co.uk.

[ Top ]

KartMania '08 - New Exhibitors   (19/09)

As KartMania '08 - THE kart show for karters - draws closer so the exhibitor list is looking more and more impressive, with some of the biggest names in karting due to attend.  Make sure you check the exhibitor list at www.kartmania.co.uk to see just why this is one show you can't afford to miss!

KartMania is the UK's premier karting show whether you're an absolute beginner looking for advice and information, or a seasoned racer wanting to pick up some bargains!  Following the success of the first show in 2007 KartMania returns to Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, on the 5th weekend in November - the 29th & 30th.  Specially selected as the dates do not clash with major race meetings, so there's no excuse for not attending.

All of the best bits from the previous show return including "Kartboot" - a car boot sale for Karting equipment, an auction, fashions shows, award presentations and more.  Plus, new for the 2008 show are Karting Workshops held throughout both days and covering topics such as kart set-up for TKM, Tonykart, and Intrepid Karts, starting karting with Protrain, Rotax engines and all you need to know about tyres!

Tickets can be booked online, and there's free parking for all visitors too!  Visit the website for more information and to secure you tickets now.

[ Top ]

Maiden Stars Victory For Mason   (18/09)

Southwell kart driver Matt Mason was ecstatic this weekend after taking his maiden national wins in the prestigious BRDC Stars of Tomorrow championship. The 16-year-old, who races in the Junior Rotax Max class, was competing in a double-header championship finale meeting at Shenington in Oxfordshire so there was a full programme on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday didn't have the best of starts as Matt started 24th in the first heat, and after losing time following a crash he only managed to come through to 12th. But in the second qualifying heat, Matt started 10th but managed to win by a sizeable distance. Clearly on a roll now, he won the final heat after starting sixth, posting the fastest lap along the way.

So when the Final came around, Matt lined up on pole for the first time in his career.

I made a really good start, he said. I pulled away from second straight away, and I led all the way from there. Joe McKeand caught up with me halfway through but I stayed ahead of him, finishing a second ahead.

On Sunday, Matt again had a difficult time in the morning. In the first heat he was among the fastest but got caught up in a big crash at the start so finished 13th. Next time out he was taken out, and was facing the wrong way at one point, but recovered to ninth. He was back on form in heat three though, taking second at the first corner then the lead on the third lap.

But this meant Matt was to start tenth on the grid for the final with some work to do. The first lap was fraught but after that he was able to get his head down and start overtaking people. By lap seven he was behind the leading pack.

They were faster than me on the straights because they could slipstream each other, said the Southwell Minster sixth-former. I took second on the last lap, and then took McKeand at the Caf bend for the lead. People don't usually overtake there, so he didn't think he needed to defend, but I had been making moves there all weekend.

This gave Matt two podiums in one double-header weekend - the only driver to achieve that this season, but the championship positions are not yet finalised. Matt believes he will be classified somewhere from second to fourth.

At the previous championship round at Genk, Belgium, Matt also visited the podium on Saturday, and would have done so again on Sunday if he hadn't been taken out.

Matt would like to thank Tim Parrott Motorsport for managing the team so successfully, and in particular his mechanic Lewis Turner. Neil Berryman on the data acquisition system and JSR preparing the carburettors also had vital roles in the weekend's success.

Preparations are under way for the 2009 season already, with Matt hoping to combine a move into senior karting with some testing in single-seater racing cars, but the search for sponsorship will, as usual, be a high priority.

The next race is the final round of the other national championship, the Super One Series at Three Sisters near Wigan in mid-October.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Chamberlain Gets BMW Chance   (18/09)
 
KF2 racer Jordan Chamberlain's career received a major boost this summer when Vroom and BMW Motorsport selected him to take part in a shootout to select the drivers they will support in their junior formula in 2008. And that's not all - he also got an invite to the Italian Grand Prix as a VIP guest of the BMW-Sauber F1.
 
Jordan races in KF2 in the UK and abroad and is currently leading the Super One, but back in July he was awarded a free place on the licensing course to enable him to race in Formula BMW, the logical next move after karting.
 
Although Jordan had never driven a racing car before, he was selected as one of the ten best youngsters on the course who will return to the new F1 circuit of Valencia at the end of September to attempt to earn a place as one of the three official Formula BMW Juniors for 2009.
 
To qualify for the award, the young drivers must not only demonstrate their driving ability but must also pass various tests of their mental and motoring skills away from the car. These are elements that drivers often find it difficult to focus on but can be the decisive factors.
 
BMW's innovative driver development scheme pays for a proportion of a season's racing costs, which are estimated to top £250,000, and also puts the drivers through an intensive off-track programme of education about sponsorship, media awareness, and mental coaching.
 
This weekend's trip to Monza was a resounding success, where Jordan had the chance to meet all the F1 drivers, and also went to a barbecue with the BMW team. He attracted the attention of several talent scouts and potential sponsors, and looking for funding is his top priority for the next few months. By all accounts he made a good impression and even found time to collect autographs, meeting Lewis Hamilton, Ron Dennis and Formula BMW graduate Sebastian Vettel.
 
Monza was also the venue for final two rounds of the Formula BMW Europe Championship, so Jordan had a close-up view of his aim for the next year as well as his first chance to watch F1 live, where his ultimate ambitions lie.
 
But it's back down to earth with a bump as Jordan's next time on track is for the last round of the Super One national championship on the first weekend of October, where he is neck-and-neck with Yorkshire driver Michael Simpson in one of the toughest fought championships for years.

Visit www.jordanchamberlain.net to keep up to date on Jordan's racing.

Photograph courtesy of Andrew Chamberlain.

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Racing At Whilton This Weekend?   (18/09)

Going to Whilton this weekend?

Looking to reduce your lap times? Determined to make better starts? Hoping for better results?
 
Kart Coach has all you need to succeed...
 
Track walks and one to one coaching on all aspects of race craft, a spacious awning with secure overnight parking, plus setup advice and friendly working environment.
 
And the best part...
 
£120 for Saturday and Sunday.
 
Kart Coach - Taking the worry out of your weekend.
 
Call 07881 908291 for a friendly chat, or alternatively, visit www.kartcoach.com for further details. Offer available at both Whilton and Shenington.

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Great News For London Cup   (18/09)

The London Cup WILL now be televised on Motors TV due to the phenomenal generosity of two major sponsors.

That's even more reason to secure your entry and avoid disappointment. There are absolutely fantastic prizes available in all classes and we expect it to be even better than last year. That's a tall order but HKC can do it as long as you're there to help.  After all, it's YOU who make the day what it is.

The London Cup is being held on the 24th - 26th October at Rye House in Hoddesdon.  Visit the Hoddesdon Kart Club website at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk for more information.

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NKRA Success For Philip   (18/09)

This season, Stephen Philip has become both the Scottish Jnr Blue NKRA and the Graham & Sibbald champion for the 3rd consecutive year, quite possibly a record achievement!  In addition, the 13 year old from Edinburgh also took the Jnr Blue no 1 plate to make him the British NKRA Jnr Blue champion.
 
During the final at Clay Pigeon this year a carb problem caused Stephen to fall back from his grid position to last (16th) on the rolling lap, but as testament to his determination be managed to make his way through the pack to the front and went on to win the final.
 
Stephen would like to thank his team, sponsors - Custom Canopies, LP Tent, AJK - and of course Duncan White from Saltire for chassis & engines.

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MyChron 4 Power Cable   (17/09)

Now available at Dataspares is a power lead enabling MyChron 4 users to power their systems from a 12v supply instead of using the standard PP3 12v battery. This is ideal for Rotax owners to view battery voltage on the Mychron 4. Available in 3 lengths: 1m (part # XDS32), 1.5m (XDS33), 2m (XDS34).

The retail price is £19.95 plus VAT & delivery.

Contact Dataspares on 0208 463 9222 or visit www.dataspares.com.

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Kartal Motorsport 1 - 2   (16/09)
 
Kartal Motorsport gave it "the old 1-2" at SYKC.

Congratulations go to Brandon Hunt and James Kellett on securing a 1st and 2nd in Comer Cadet at Wombwell over the weekend. The annual Cock O' the North meeting attracted a strong entry but Brandon and James were able to enjoy a good competitive race and upheld local honours as both are regulars at SYKC meetings. James had secured pole for the final whilst Brandon had the number 2 grid position. Congratulations also go to Brandon Hunt on winning the driver of the day award.

Both Brandon Hunt and James Kellett use Kartal Motorsport dyno prepared W60 Comer engines and Tryton carburettors.

Kartal can be contacted on 01772 617811.   

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MSA British Cadet Kart Champs   (16/09)
 
Shenington hosted the British Cadet Championship season finale over two rounds, augmented by the exchange visit of three American drivers from the Stars of Karting series.  Gresham Wagner, Luis Tyrrell and Logan Bearden acquitted themselves well on the unfamiliar karts.  But all eyes were on the chief title protagonists, Fusion Team's Roy Johnson and Charlie Robertson, and Kartec's Brett Wykes. 
 
At Saturday's round Wykes was quickly into his stride, leapfrogging the fast starting Sam Vanderpump and polesitter Johnson for the race lead whilst Robertson had endured a poor start, boxed in and dropping to eighth. Then Ben Barnicoat hit the sweet spot with his carburettor settings, slotting in behind Wykes and helping him to escape from the pack.  "I pushed Brett all the way because I want him to win the championship, and anyway I don't have as much track knowledge here," said Barnicoat.  Once Robertson had recovered to fourth, he helped to push Johnson onto the back of the lead duo, but it was just too late as the now foursome flashed over the line blanketed by 0.16 seconds.  Then the fun started as the scrutineers took the chance to pull apart all the engines used by the A Final competitors, and their spare motors.  Three were deemed to be non-compliant with the regulations, and so Max Vaughan, Rory Cuff and Adam MacKay were duly excluded from the meeting but have appealed to the MSC so the results and points are all provisional.  Only Vaughan was just inside the top ten. 
 
Come Sunday and Johnson was again on pole, with Wykes just behind whilst Robertson languished in twelfth.  Johnson was relegated to fourth by Barnicoat and Alex Gill but quickly re-passed Wykes for third and hauled himself back into contention.  Wykes was really struggling to hang on, and fell away only to find a helper in the shape of Robertson.  Together they towed back up to Johnson - who had retaken the lead - and Gill, then on the last lap Wykes stuffed his kart inside Robertson's for a last gasp third.  As the British title points were feverishly checked it transpired that Johnson had just done it from Robertson and Wykes, all hinging on the fact that Ross Gunn had taken fastest lap.  If Robertson or Wykes had been quickest, the title would have fallen to them.  "We've had some bad times and some good times, and I want to thank Tommy who is the best engine builder on the planet, my team Fusion and my Dad," said Johnson who plans to move up to KF3 soon.  But the next adventure for the top three is their trip to race in the USA in October.
 
Results Round 8:
1 Brett Wykes
2 Ben Barnicoat
3 Roy Johnson
4 Charlie Robertson
5 Alex Skriczka
6 Macaulay Austin
 
Results Round 9:
1 Roy Johnson
2 Alex Gill
3 Brett Wykes
4 Charlie Robertson
5 Toby Sowery
6 James Armitage

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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More Offers From FEKC   (15/09)

Barton Stacey, home of Forest Edge Kart Club, is certainly the place to race in October.  Following the news that 250 gearbox racers could compete for the whole weekend (Saturday practice and racing on Sunday) for just £10, gearbox drivers were given yet another reason to enter when the club announced RG Racing had donated a Castrol Product Bag to the top three finishers in both the 125 and 250 gearbox classes in October.

Now the club are also offering half price race entry of just £22.50 for both 125 gearbox and Junior TKM drivers, with free practice on the Saturday.

In addition, following the sad news that Rissington have had to cancel their remaining two meetings this year, FEKC would like to extend member-rates to all Rissy Kart Club members for the remainder of the season.

The October race meeting will be held on 4th & 5th October - visit www.fekc.co.uk for more information.

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Formula Renault Drives Available   (12/09)

Front running BARC Formula Renault team Antel Motorsport are looking to take top some top British kart drivers into single-seater racing next season.

An intensive testing campaign will begin in the coming weeks, with race seats also available for the 2008 Winter Series in November.

Antel are an ultra professional outfit, run from an F1 standard workshop at Silverstone Circuit. Competitive rates.

Any interested drivers please contact team manager Brett Parris on telephone 07976 636116 or email brett@antelmotorsport.com.

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Buckmore Park Summer Champs   (11/09)

Round five of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series on Sunday 21st September features the ABKC O Plate for Honda Cadet as well as a round of the Little Green Men WTP Championship and round five of the South East Challenge.  The meeting will be the last chance for Super One TKM Series competitors to practice and race at Buckmore before the series visits in early October.
 
Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September.  Overnight parking is free.

For entry forms and more details please contact Sheila Rose, Club Co-ordinator on 01634 661604.

For further information on Buckmore Park visit www.buckmore.co.uk.

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Stolen Rotax Kart   (10/09)

On Sunday 7th September between the hours of midnight and 6am, equipment was stolen from a garage in Basingstoke.

A kart was stolen along with a pit bike and red jerry can still containing fuel.  The Kart is a GP Racing '06 chassis fitted with a Rotax engine, Alfano Pro, blue 1/4 covered Tillet seat and bearing the number "87".

The chassis number is "47/CH/11 AY73677" and the engine number "8223674".

If you have any information relating to the theft or whereabouts of the kart, please contact Phil Cawley on 01256 475993 or 07894 578571 in confidence.

The kart had been purchased just 5 days prior to the theft and it is exempt from insurance cover making recovery even more important.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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ABkC TKM 'O' Plate   (09/09)
 
The forthcoming ABkC TKM 'O' Plate will take place at PF International Kart Circuit on 4th & 5th October 2008 and will be hosted by Trent Valley Kart Club.
 
Drivers from Junior TKM 2-stroke, Senior TKM EXTREME 2-stroke, Junior TKM 4-stroke & Senior TKM 4-stroke are all invited to enter and challenge for the prestigious 'O' plate titles.
 
Entrants will be competing for a total prize fund of £900 which brakes down as: 1st £100 / 2nd £75 / 3rd £50 for each class.
 
The entry fee is £160 which includes a 1 x set of Maxxis slick tyres.  Entry forms and fuel order forms can be downloaded from Trent Valley Kart Club's website at www.tvkc-pfi.co.uk.
 
Trent Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that drivers wishing to enter both the 'O' plate and the TKM 'GP' in December, at the same time, will be eligible for a £20 discount off the 'GP' entry fee!
 
Please note: Drivers wishing to take part in the optional Friday practice will need to be members of TVKC.  Membership forms are available from the website and at the circuit.  As from 1st September 2008, the membership fee will be reduced to £22.

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Gearbox Prizes At FEKC!   (08/09)

RG Racing have donated a Castrol Product Bag to the top three finishers in both the 125 and 250 Gearbox classes at Forest Edge Kart Club's October meeting!

Those earning a podium place will also bag themselves... 2 Stroke racing oil, Gearbox oil, Chain Wax, DWF, Break Cleaner/Metal's Parts Cleaner.  That's around £50 of racing essentials!

If that wasn't enough, remember that FEKC have already announced an extra special offer for 250 gearbox racers at the October meeting - race for the whole weekend for just £10!

For more information on FEKC visit the website at www.fekc.co.uk.

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MSA National Court   (08/09)

The National Court was convened at Motor Sports House on 2nd September to consider the following three cases:
 
Oliver Bourton:
The Court heard that at the Super One TKM meeting at Fulbeck on 1st June 2008, it was found that the seal on Oliver Bourton's TKM engine showed evidence of tampering. The engine was duly seized and sent to the manufacturer (Tal-ko) for further examination, whereupon it was discovered that significant illegal modifications had been made to the engine. Oliver Bourton denied all knowledge of any engine modifications or seal tampering.
 
The Court heard that in March 2007 a new seal had been fitted by Tal-ko. Since then, the engine had been in the continual possession of Oliver Bourton and his father.
 
The court confirmed that the onus was on Mr Bourton and his son to provide suitable explanations for the engine modifications and the damaged seal. As they were unable to do so, the Court found Oliver Bourton guilty under Regulation C(d)1(c). His licence was suspended until 31st December 2009 and he was ordered to pay costs of £500.
 
Jonathan Maybin:
The Court heard that Jonathan Maybin had been excluded from the results of the Formula Blue kart race at Clay Pigeon Kart Club on 13 July 2008. The stewards had found him guilty, under regulation C(d)1(e), of 'driving in a manner incompatible with general safety, or departing from the standard of a reasonably competent driver' after an incident involving another kart on lap six.
 
Having heard from the Deputy Clerk of Course, who witnessed the incident, and from Jonathan Maybin, and having considered all the available evidence, the Court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to uphold the charge against Jonathan Maybin. The court regretted that the driver of the other kart involved in the incident had decided not to attend the proceedings.
 
The appeal was therefore allowed, the appeal fee returned and the Court ordered that Jonathan Maybin be reinstated and the results reissued.
 
Harry (Hazz) Truelove:
The Court heard that during the Stars of Tomorrow round at Genk, Belgium on 10th August 2008, Harry Truelove had exploded in a fit of temper in the Clerk of Course's office after being advised of the Clerk's decision regarding a technical issue. He had used foul and abusive language towards the Clerk of the Course, then kicked and slammed the door before continuing to utter verbal abuse as he went down the stairs. This outburst was heard by the stewards who then imposed a 30-day suspension and referred the matter to the National Court.
 
The Court heard from Mr Paul Truelove, Harry's father, who had been present during the incident. Mr Truelove confirmed that his son had behaved poorly but he insisted that he did not consider it to be a big issue.
 
The Court however did not agree with Mr Truelove and concluded that further penalties should be applied. Accordingly the Competition licence of Harry Truelove has been suspended until 31st December 2009, with the period of suspension from 2nd September 2009 to 31st December 2009 being itself suspended. Harry Truelove was also ordered to pay a fine of £500 and to pay £250 as a contribution towards costs.
 
Addressing Mr Paul Truelove, Mr Tony Scott Andrews, the Chairman of the Court, said: "Harry's actions showed a complete lack of respect for authority and the way in which motor sport is governed. The Court understands that this incident of swearing and physical violence came just days after receiving a £500 fine imposed for abusive language or behaviour at a previous round. If he loses his temper like this in the Stewards' room, the Court concludes that it is likely that he will do so on the track. His actions are totally and wholly unacceptable in a sport designed for youngsters to take part in."

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KZ1 World Cup & KZ2/KF3 Finals   (08/09)

This weekend the French circuit of Varennes-sur-Allier hosted the Karting World Cup for KZ1 (the top category of gearbox karts) and the European KZ2 (second division of gearbox karts) and KF3 (Juniors) Championship finals. In an unexpected sunshine and before several thousand spectators, the Belgian Jonathan Thonon (CRG-Maxter) renewed his world KZ1 title while the Frenchman Tony Lavanant (Energy-TM) in KZ2 and the young Finn Aaro Vainio (Maranello-Maxter) in KF3 won their first European crown.

The many spectators around the Circuit International Jean Brun expected to see a duel of giants in the World Cup for KZ1 (the upper crust of gearbox karts). They were not disappointed! Slipping through all the pitfalls from the beginning of the weekend, the Italian Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex) started from pole position the pre-final (the race which determines the starting grid of the final) and quickly cleared off… before Jonathan Thonon (CRG-Maxter), only 13th on the starting grid because of various problems in the qualifying heats, zeroed in on him. Thonon even overtook Ardigo, thus treating himself to pole position for the final.

So the pair who had dominated the 2007 edition of this World Cup found themselves once again face to face before the final. However, after having taken again the best start in this decisive race, Marco Ardigo rapidly had to give in to Jonathan Thonon's onslaught. Although he constantly remained in his immediate wake, with a gap that was constantly less than a second, the Italian could not do anything to prevent the Belgian from adding a second consecutive World Cup to his list of results.

Behind the two leaders, the public also kept an eye on the fight for the 3rd step of the podium, which brought together Italy's Davide Foré (Maranello-Maxter) and France's Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG-Maxter); they finished in this order, ahead of the Frenchman Thomas Mich (Monza-TM), the Italian Sauro Cesetti (Birel-TM), the Belgian Rick Dreezen (CRG-Maxter), the Finn Matias Laine (Tony Kart-Vortex) and the Frenchmen Yannick Savard (CRG-Maxter) and Armand Convers (PCR-TM). Among the unfortunate drivers of the day, a special mention for the young Italian Nicola Nolé (CRG-TM) who started the pre-final from the first row but was betrayed twice by his equipment.

KZ2: Tony Lavanant Champion at last...

Besides the World Cup for KZ1, Varennes-sur-Allier also hosted the third and last round of the European KZ2 Championship. In this second division of gearbox karts, a big surprise was in store from the qualifying heats. Championship leader, the Frenchman Joffrey Demanse (PCR-TM) paid dearly for his 25th practice time. Bogged down in the field during the qualifying heats, he got involved in several collisions and did not manage to qualify for the final phase.

His compatriot and rival, Tony Lavanant (Energy-TM), was therefore offered a pathway to his first European crown. Often failing by a hair's breadth, Lavanant perfectly managed the championship by securing second place in Race 1 behind his Dutch team-mate Kevin Jansen (Energy-TM). A fine revenge against fate after having been away from the circuits in 2007 further to an injury… By prevailing again in Race 2, Jansen came up to second place in the championship final classification, thus offering a one-two to the Energy team, at the expense of the unfortunate Demanse. From this French final, it is also worth noting the podium in Race 1 achieved by the Briton Jack Hawksworth (Gillard-TM) and in Race 2 by the German Simon Solgat (runner-up at the wheel of his Birel-TM) and by the Italian Massimo Aceto, third in his Tony Kart-Vortex.

KF3: Aaro Vainio in Senior style...

Finally, this meeting, one of the busiest of the season for the CIK-FIA, the international Karting federation, also included the European KF3 Championship final. In this category reserved for Juniors (13-15 years old), the best 70 European drivers got together again after having obtained their ticket at the Regional Qualifications.

Demonstrating uncommon skills, the young Finn Aaaro Vainio (Maranello-Maxter) did not steal his new European crown. Now dreaming of following in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel, the 2001 European Junior Champion, he initially won all his qualifying heats and the pre-final. But it was mainly in the final that Vainio proved impressive. Behind his fellow countryman and team-mate Joni Wiman (Maranello-Maxter), Aaro kept his head and launched a decisive attack within two laps of the finish. While Joni Wiman and Danil Kvyat (FA Kart-TM), a Russian racing with an Italian licence, stayed close behind they could not do anything to take the title from Aaro Vainio.

Relegated to a few lengths of the leaders because of a collision in front of him, Belgium's Clemente Alessio Picariello (CRG-Maxter) was catching up with the first three little by little… But he just missed the podium. Sweden's Mans Grenhagen (Energy-TM) finished 5th, ahead of Tanguy Carel (Sodi-XTR), first Frenchman. However, he will remember that he took the chequered flag before a Carlos Sainz Junior (FA Kart-Vortex), son of the former Spanish twice World Rally Champion. The Swiss Michael Heche (Intrepid-VKR), the Dane Nikolaj Moller Madsen (Tony Kart-Vortex), who had achieved the fastest lap time of the Friday practice, and the Norwegian Marius Johann Nakken (Tony Kart-TM) completed the top 10.

Varennes-sur-Allier was the opportunity for the CIK-FIA to introduce a new control method for the engines clutches of these KF karts without gearboxes, in order to put an end to the twisted use that some competitors made thereof so as to increase the performance of their equipment. Thanks to an on-board data logging system, the international federation will henceforth be able to detect - and punish - any excessive clutch spins. 218 controls were carried out throughout the meeting. This weekend, the sporting aspects well and truly got the upper hand again! A good omen for the World KF1 Championship (scheduled for 19-21 September, at Muro Leccese in Italy) which promises to be more exciting than ever!

Full results available at http://www.cikfia.com/News2008/Varennes.htm

[ Top ]

Naomi House Drive For Cash   (05/09)

Professional Racing Driver and 5th Gear presenter Tiff Needell put in his best lap times at The Race Centre on Thursday to start The Naomi House Drive for Cash. Tiff qualified the classic Ford GT40 around the famous Goodwood circuit setting his best time for the general public to come and try their best to beat. As to be expected Tiff went fastest in the Ford GT40 and has laid the gauntlet firmly at the door of the other professionals.
 
Following his drive Tiff said "Of course with a bit more time I could have gone quicker - but that's what every racing driver says! But I couldn't believe how realistic the experience was with the classic Goodwood track having to be approached exactly as I have done in beasts like the AC Cobra, Chevrolet Corvette and Lister Jaguar that I have actually raced there."
 
"We are very fortunate and grateful to have some of the greatest drivers pledging their support for The Naomi House Drive for Cash throughout September. Attending will be, Tiff Needell, F1 Pundit Tony Jardine, 1970 Le Mans winner Richard Attwood, BTCC driver Anthony Reid, 5 Times Le Man Winner Derek Bell, Justin Bell and multiple Historic Champion Peter Hardman. Each will be setting their best lap times at over the next four weeks.
 
The Race Centre invites you to come along during September and enter The Naomi House Drive for Cash by putting in your best time to beat the professional racing drivers.
 
"This can be one of the only opportunities that you will have to compete directly against such a great line up of truly great racing drivers" said David Goode of The Race Centre. "We are delighted to be raising money for Naomi House, Children's Hospice. They do so much for families in need of support and at desperate times in their lives, they are such an important charity".
 
The Race Centre is the first race car simulation centre in the UK. With 10 professional simulators drivers compete in an adrenaline filled, competitive and safe race environment.
 
A 1hr session costs just £21 per driver. To book your individual or group race session call The Race Centre on 023 8026 9927 or visit the website www.theracecentre.co.uk.

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Parry Denied 'O' Plate Glory   (04/09)

Audacious strategy looked set to give Matthew Parry a shot at MiniMax 'O' Plate victory before he was sidelined by an ambitious move by one of his rivals.
 
The Ultimate Motorsport driver looked good in practice, but suffered from electrical problems which again reared their head in the first heat, and caused team manager Piers Sexton to adopt the strategy of keeping Parry out of the remaining four races in order to preserve his tyres.
 
The game plan was questioned, but appeared to work almost immediately as an excellent getaway in the Pre-Final saw Parry slot into tenth by turn one and, despite a 'moment' that cost places, secure a fifth row start for the Final.
 
With six laps of the main event gone, the youngster's tyres reached optimum performance and he quickly closed the gap on the leading quartet. Lapping faster than the group, Parry was surprised by an ambitious move from Steven Handford and the two made heavy contact, breaking the Ultimate kart's steering and ending Parry's 'O' Plate dreams.

"It's particularly disappointing for things to work out this way," Parry sighed, "I wasn't sure about the team's plan initially, as I really wanted to race in the heats, but I have to give credit to Piers."

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Formula TKM & The Navy   (04/09)

At the recent International Motor Show at London's ExCel, TKM Extreme driver Kevin Westbrook displayed one of Tal-Ko's TKM karts on the stand of the Royal Navy. The kart drew large numbers to the stand, many of whom were unaware that a career in the Royal Navy still allows time to compete in Motorsports.
 
Kevin swaps his Royal Navy uniform for a set of race overalls at weekends and races at Clay Pigeon.

Kevin said "Thanks to Tal-Ko for letting me borrow the kart for the duration of the show, allowing me to do some mid-week testing and preparation with my own TKM kart.

"Thanks also to the Royal Navy who contribute to the costs of my racing through the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Motorsports Association."

For more information on Formula TKM visit www.tal-ko.com.

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Stirling Turns Up The Heat   (03/09)

Carl Stirling is on the brink of adding the British Super 1 to his current Open Championship title - after taking 1st and 4th at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire on Sunday (31 August).
 
The Millennium Motorsport driver saw off a strong challenge from his closest title-rival, Mackenzie Taylor, to win the first of the day's two points-scoring finals.
 
The sodden conditions caused accidents and drama aplenty. As rain bucketed down, the slightest mistake would send karts sliding off the circuit or into one another. Despite a spirited drive from second-placed Taylor, Carl was able to complete the 16 laps distance and take the chequered flag for the fourth time this season.
 
But not before Taylor had attempted a last, desperate throw of the dice. On the last lap Carl led by 4 to 5 kart lengths, and as the pair ran into the uphill Christmas Corner, Taylor left his braking very late and arrowed down Carl's inside. They touched, and the crowd roared in apprehension as both karts fought for traction. Able to keep his Tonykart on the circuit, with all four wheels pointing forward, Carl squeezed the accelerator and pulled away to seal the win.
 
"Mackenzie and I broke away and were able to open a gap over the chasing pack by a clear 8 seconds. We were much quicker than everyone else, but I couldn't allow myself any mistakes. It was a highly pressurised race but I enjoyed it - especially the result!"
 
With the Championship still very much in the balance, the pair lined up on the front-row of the grid together for the second final. As the karts began to accelerate across the line, Carl's head snapped back as he received a whack from 3rd-placed driver, John Norris. This pushed the poleman forward and he held the advantage into the first corner, with Norris tucked in behind him and displacing Taylor.
 
A mistake by Norris allowed Taylor through and he began to harry Carl's rear bumper. A lap later and Taylor was through with Carl now fighting a rear-guard action to fend off Norris - "I was battling with John and this allowed Mackenzie to escape" Carl explained afterwards. "A mistake on my part allowed another kart through and once that happened, I decided to play it cool and go for the finish. At this stage, its all about points not wins. Points are what I need and points are what I got. Its all about the Championship now, not race wins or podiums."
 
Carl will take a 20-point lead to the final round (at Shenington in Oxfordshire, on 4/5 October) of British karting's most prestigious Championship and knows that he still has the upper hand - "I just need a good result in the first final and that should wrap it up."
 
This weekend (6/7 September) however, sees Carl make his European Championship bow at Varennes in France. In July, Carl had to qualify for the main event at Alcaniz in Spain and incredibly finished in 8th place - having never raced abroad or at this level before. His team boss, Dean Panrucker said, "Carl's inexperience won't hinder him. I genuinely think he'll be a contender. He's got the potential to be European champion. I've got no doubt in my mind."
 
Carl echoes this, saying; "In testing (at Varennes), I was one of the quickest and believe that I'm good and fast enough to give myself a chance of winning."

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

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Two Podiums For Norris   (03/09)

John Norris overcame mechanical glitches this weekend to take two podium positions in the weekend's penultimate Super One meeting at Whilton Mill. Racing with UK Zanardi importer M Sport, John has now moved up into fourth place in the championship.
 
John's weekend started badly when he ground to a halt seconds after the start of timed qualifying. Undeterred, John powered through to fifth and second in the heats.
 
Starting eighth in the first final, he drove a solid race to third in the wet, which would be where he would start in the next race. He took the lead at the start, but Mackenzie Taylor got through and John was left to fend off championship leader Carl Stirling. They fought hard with John coming out on top, but by the time he got clear Taylor was off up the road. He pulled back a lot of time on Taylor but was still several seconds behind at the flag.
 
Many rivals put John and M Sport's breakthrough success down to being based at Whilton, but as team owner Keiran Crawley said, "We've only just moved in here and we've been so busy setting up we've only used the track once!"

Visit www.zanardikart.co.uk for more information on M Sport and Zanardi Karts.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

KF3 Goes To The Wire   (03/09)

After a disappointing performance in Timed Qualifying, Mackenzie Taylor knew that he'd need to produce something special if he was to maintain his hope of winning the Super 1 KF3 Championship.
 
In the dry, he had been some six tenths off the pace and found himself down in 28th place. His title-rival, Carl Stirling was all smiles however, after he had posted the second-fastest time - just one hundredth of a second off pole position. But then the rain came - increasingly making the circuit resemble the nearby canal. And Mackenzie is a master in the wet.
 
In the first final, he scythed his way through the traffic and chaos (as drivers slithered off the circuit or crashed into one another) to finish second behind Stirling - "The start was a bit crazy because there was less grip than many people thought and this caused havoc in the mid-pack", he explained. "However, I jumped up to 8th (from 11th place on the grid) and had got up to 4th when the race was brought into a caution period and we all had to drive in single-file. I made sure that I kept my tyres and engine warm and at the re-start, and I carried my momentum through to quickly take 3rd, then 2nd position. Carl (Stirling) had a big gap and I worked as hard as I could to catch him."
 
On the last lap, Mackenzie lunged from some 5 kart-lengths back and went for the lead. He and Stirling clashed, rubbing their kart's sidepods but emerging safely from the corner, with the Millennium Motorsport driver holding the advantage to the flag