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2010 News Archive |
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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
2010 News Items & Press Releases
Fusion End Of Year Sale (31/12)
Investment
in other areas has forced the sale of several of Fusion Motorsport's British
Championship winning cadet engines and chassis. The engines come with an
impressive pedigree, having been used by Charlie Robertson (Vice British
Champion 2008) and Nathan Aston (British Champion 2010) and, as with the
chassis, have been maintained to an excellent standard.
Prices for engines range from £2,000 to £3,000 and for chassis from £1,000 to
£1,500. Complete packages (chassis/engine/carb/exhaust) from £3,000. Chassis,
engines and carbs are also available for hire at club meetings (from £50 per
day).
For more information on this Championship winning equipment please contact Dan
Hazlewood on 07733 011221
dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk,
or Neil Doran on 07880 776993
neil@fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Ellough Park Raceway (29/12)
Ellough
Park Raceway will be hosting the following events over the coming weeks...
Thursday, 30th Dec - open testing available from 2pm till 6pm.
Saturday, 1st Jan - Lazer Combat Games Open Day from 2pm till 6pm (Please call
to book).
Sunday, 2nd Jan - open testing and Arrive & Drive session available from 10am
till 12pm and 2pm till 5pm.
Monday, 3rd Jan - open to Arrive & Drive and all Owner Drivers for testing from
10am till 4pm.
Tuesday, 4th Jan - Open Team Endurance Championship (Please call for details).
Please contact us on 01502 717718 for more dates for 2011 or check out our
calendar at
www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk/whats-on.
Plus, it's the Ellough Park Raceway Presentation Evening!
Tickets are selling fast so please contact us to book your place for the End Of
Year Presentation Evening on Saturday, 8th January 2011.
Black Tie - 3 course meal - guest speakers - raffle - championship presentations
- special awards - 'Scratch the Cat' live band - all are welcome to join in the
celebrations!
Adults tickets are £30.00 per person and Children £15.00 per person.
7pm arrival at the Holiday Inn - Norwich Airport.
Please contact us ASAP to book your seat or table.
Details of awards being presented can be found on the ellough park website -
www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk.
[ Top ]
S1 Partners With iZone (29/12)
The
Super One Series and iZone have linked up to offer all 2010 and 2011 seeded
drivers a free workshop including time on iZone's amazing state of the art
driving simulator. And that's not all! One lucky driver from 2010
and 2011 will win a full day with iZone's expert trainers at their Silverstone
facility.
Topics covered in both the three hour workshops and the full day first prize
include:
- Goal setting and strategy
- Optimising personal performance
- iZone 'Vision Method'
- Visualization skills
- Ongoing self analysis and skill development
- The accumulation of marginal gains
- Detailed planning and record keeping
- Productive and non productive thinking
- Fitness training for Karters
- Diet and nutrition
- Mental tenacity
- Track etiquette
- Overtaking safely
- The Judicial process
All seeded drivers will receive their prize voucher at the Super One awards, to
be held at the Autosport International Racing Car Show on Saturday 15th January.
The TKM and Honda Cadet classes will receive their awards at 12pm, the Rotax
classes at 1pm and the Super KF, KF2, KF3 and Comer Cadet at 3.30pm.
Drivers will then have a choice of two dates in the Spring to attend the free
workshop. Super One Marketing Director John Hoyle said: "We are excited to
offer our seeded drivers this great opportunity to hone their racing skills with
iZone's state of the art equipment and tap into the knowledge of the Porsche
Human Performance Centre coaches." John Pratt, from iZone, added: "We
are delighted to be joining forces with the Super One Series and to offer their
seeded drivers a boost in their racing careers. I can assure them it will
be time well spent."
More details about iZone is here
www.izoneperformance.com, and the Porsche Human
Performance Centre is here:
www.porsche.com/silverstone/en/human-performance-center.
For Super One registration forms for the 2011 season, come to Stand 6210 at the
Autosport Show, or visit
www.s1series.co.uk.
[ Top ]
New TKM 2-Stroke Fiche (29/12)
Tal-Ko
Racing has issued a totally new and fully revised engine fiche for the Formula
TKM 2-stroke class as part of its updated Regulations and Technical Guide for
2011.
The new fiche brings totally up to date the many small changes that have taken
place over the 20 or so years the class has been running. Its new format is much
easier to use and understand, and contains a wealth of additional information
aimed at assisting drivers.
Explaining the reason for an updated fiche, Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney says: "We
have faithfully listed all the updates and amendments over the years but after a
couple of decades we had reached the point where there were more updates than
original so we took the decision to make the change.
"I
should stress that we have not changed anything with the new fiche, simply
presented the same information in a new much clearer modern format."
The new fiche has been approved by the MSA and is available as a free download
from the
www.tal-ko.com website. It comes into effect
from January 1, 2011.
The full TKM Regulations and Technical Guide incorporate the new fiche as well
as full definitive regulations for both the TKM 2-stroke and 4-stroke classes.
It also includes extensive information to help in the setting up and running of
engines for those classes to provide the most comprehensive help available for
any karting class in the world.
The full guide in book form is available from Tal-Ko or from Karting Magazine at
a cost of £4.50 plus postage.
[ Top ]
2011 World Karting Champs (29/12)
The
CIK-FIA Karting World Championship is getting ready for a new take-off. In 2011
it will adopt new technical regulations and a new format.
Introduced in 2009, the Super KF category will only have lived for two years, a
victim of too liberal engine regulations. Switching back to a more accessible
type of engines showed the way in Spain in September 2010 at the last World
Championship: for lack of a sufficient Super KF field the CIK-FIA had to find an
alternative solution and opted for the well-tried definition of KF2 engines.
This choice proved so judicious that the event enjoyed an entry list with no
fewer than 125 Drivers.
Further to negotiations with a panel of major Manufacturers, upon their proposal
it has been decided to reserve the 2011 World Championship for a new version of
KF1, which will have free chassis & tyres and with KF2-type engines.
"This technical definition has several important advantages", explained Shaikh
Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the CIK-FIA. "The experience of the
2010 World Championship speaks for itself: uncertain in Super KF, the field
considerably got thicker when it was announced that the event would be held for
KF2s. The engines of the latter karts are more accessible, less costly and much
more widespread as they are also used in the ASNs' national Championships. The
solution retained with this redefinition of KF1 suits the largest number of
parties involved: chassis and tyre Manufacturers, who still have a good room for
manoeuvre to develop their products, engine Tuners, who are still in with a say
in the matter - which was not really the case any longer with the too specific
SKF engines -, and private Drivers, who still stand a good chance of winning
even against works Drivers."
With this new kick-off, the CIK-FIA will reintroduce a World Championship held
over several events and has resolved to regroup the former European Championship
and World Cup in Japan under the same World Championship label. In 47 years of
history, the Karting World Championship was organised over a series of events
only 6 times. It was from 1966 to 1969, as well as in 2001 and 2002. While the
formula of a World Championship held in a single event has indeed its own
virtues, the series format will enhance to a larger extent the Driver who ends
up winning it. The programme of the year 2011 comprises a total of 5 events,
with a very prestigious opening at Suzuka, in Japan (22 May), followed by stages
in Germany (Wackersdorf, 12 June), Spain (Zuera, 24 July), Belgium (Genk, 4
September) and Italy (Sarno, 18 September).
"The idea is to reinforce further the impact and value of the World Champion
title", Shaikh Abdulla continued. "Each event will be composed of 4 races with
points allocated, and the Driver who eventually wins it is bound to have had a
strong season. The Championship will also be reserved for a maximum of 34
Drivers. Only the Japanese event will benefit from ''wild cards'', aimed at
encouraging Asian participation."
Revealed by the World Council on 3rd November, the new technical & sporting
format of the World Championship has immediately aroused the interest of the
most ambitious Manufacturers, Teams and Drivers. The reigning World Champion,
Nyck de Vries, will be present. "I am very much interested by the dimension of
this Championship", comments the Dutch Driver, "and it will even further enhance
the Drivers' sporting achievements. I fully support it. Although I won in 2010,
the idea of landing another edition of the most official and renowned Karting
Championship is a huge motivation for me, especially in this new context! In
2011 I shall remain completely focussed on Karting and have every intention of
enriching my experience before switching to automobiles."
With the participation of the major Manufacturers, the interest shown by
semi-official or private Teams and the fact that the most competitive KF2, KF3
and U18 Drivers in 2010 confess that they have a fad for this Championship,
there should definitely not be a lack of applicants for the 34 available places!
The opening date of entries is scheduled for 20 January 2011.
[ Top ]
Chassis Alignment & Correction (24/12)
West
Yorkshire based Tony Kart agents, 4G Racing, are pleased to add to their
existing services full chassis alignment and correction work for all the Tony
Kart range.
We are also providing this service over the Christmas and New Year period to
support customers with limited time off work.
Whether you want your kart checking following a crash, lost some on track
performance or wanting to make sure its correctly aligned before starting winter
testing our service for just £70.00 + vat gives you the best starting point.
The service is by appointment only, please call Matt to arrange on 07976 350089
anytime.
[ Top ]
Walker Racing Success (24/12)
Walker
Racing the leading Arrow kart race team would like to congratulate team drivers
David Higgins Ellis Hanks and Luke Hughes on the team success's in 2010
racing on the highly rated Arrow X1 and the AX9 with the latest WR engines,
Higgins won the formula blue championship at GYG placing the kart on pole and
winning every race all year bar one.
Hughes won the Minimax championship at GYG with a round to spare then at the
last round raced in the Junior Max class dominating the whole meeting placing
the kart on pole in timed qualifying winning both heats and the final in fact he
never got over taken all day showing that the latest Arrow kart is a consistent
pace setter.
Hughes also wrapped up the Kimbolton Minimax championship with a round to spare
Hanks
moved to the Arrow AX9 cadet chassis mid season after struggling with his old
chassis, As soon as Hanks got settled with his new kart he started producing
stunning results winning 3 out of the last 4 rounds at Kimbolton.
The
Arrow X1 coupled with the WR race engines enabled Higgins and Hughes to lead
their respective championships all year. Whilst Hanks with his Arrow AX9 with
Pitts race motors secured 2nd in the cadet championship at Kimbolton.
Luke Hughes racing in Junior max at Kimboltons last round of 2010 soon got
into his stride with consistent race pace and a 5th and 9th in his heats placed
Luke on P6 for the final, coming out of turn 1 after a very brave drive around
the outside saw Luke emerge in 2nd place the front four karts soon pulled out a
large gap over the rest of the quality grid, Luke got bundled wide in the
bus stop losing around 100 yards with shear determination Luke set about closing
the gap setting fast times lap after lap the lead 3 were soon in his sights
reclaiming 3rd spot but running out of laps before he could do anything
about the front two. But Luke and the team were pleased with a podium finish.
The Walker Racing Arrow combination also dominated Juniors at Wombwell with
Mathew Booth and Lewis Bradley finishing one two, Also a podium finish for
Catherine Conner in senior max and Tom Clarkson in TKM all using the X1 chassis.
The Arrow karts have not only been claiming titles in 2 stroke racing but have
had a very successful 2010 in Super 1 TKM 4 stroke with the following results-
Luke
Graver Arrow X1 2nd super 1
Michael Rich Arrow X1 4th super 1
Joel Saunders Arrow AX9 6th super 1
Sam Lloyd Arrow X1 8th Super 1
Carla Wellings Arrow AX9 12th Super 1
Jason Gilbert Arrow AX9 15th Super 1
Adam Cross Arrow X1 1st Lydd MSA sprint race
Jason Gilbert Arrow X1 1st Bayford Meadows 11/2 hour endurance
The Arrow kart team will be competing in Super 1 and FKS in 2011 and have a
couple of place left anyone wishing to have a test on either the X1 or AX9 cadet
please contact Neil Walker on 01226 721356 or email Neil on
neil@walkerracing.co.uk
[ Top ]
An All RL Podium (24/12)
At
the final round of the Hunts kart racing club championship 2010, RL Racing dept
dominated the Mini Max class with a podium 'lock out'. UK number 13 Josh White
took the win, while Sam Oram Jones tried his best to take the win on the last
lap from his team mate but having to give best to White and their team mate
Matthew Arnold, taking his first Mini Max podium and with his great turn of pace
a few weeks ago, the Capel St Mary youngster is sure to turn heads in 2011.
Their other team mate Harry Campey took 5th position.
Matthew Arnold's brother Shaun took a strong 5th position in the Junior max
class, Shaun showing his progress in the class, this only his 4th race in
Junior.
The team have this past week been carrying out an intensive test schedule at the
fantastic Campillos circuit near Malaga in the south of Spain, the Department
choosing this venue to gain some all important data and time in seat for their
2011 driver line up, due to the bad turn of weather in the UK - stunting many
teams progress with the change in tyre for Rotax in 2011.
For information on the RL Racing Dept please contact Steve Armstrong on +44
(0)7843 586416 (mobile), +44 (0)1502 716200, or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
[ Top ]
4 Out Of 4 For Jack Mitchell (24/12)
Recently
signed driver, Jack Mitchell, has been right at the front of the field with
Global Karting in Minimax, with 4 wins at southeast clubs.
Having worked before with Mike Spencer in Honda Cadet, Jack took no time at all
to adjust to Minimax, and in his first outing with Global at Whilton Mill, came
away with the winning trophy in the October meeting. Then onto Rye House in
November, where he once again won in style. Not stopping there, he went onto
Buckmore Park and convincingly won by 3 seconds, and then returned to Whilton
Mill and against a very strong field won again by over 2 seconds.
"Since his signing with Global, Jack has shown that he can really drive at the
front and get top results, with four wins out of four. We are now looking
forward to winter testing with Jack and then competing in all major series in
the UK next year, with possibilities of Europe as well", commented Mike Spencer.
Jack is using Grice Racing Engines and OTK karts with Global Karting. For more
information on Global Karting visit their website,
www.globalkartingltd.com.
[ Top ]
Global Round-Up For 2010 (24/12)
2010
was the debut year for Global Karting, and its team managers Rob Hanscomb, Chris
Rogers and Mike Spencer have made some fantastic achievements with lots of
drivers seeded in the national championships, and winning at club level as well
as initial success in Europe.
Congratulations for the following successes...
Super 1:
Jake Dalton, 3rd in KF3
Callum Bowyer, 3rd in KF2
Michael Epps, 6th in Senior Rotax
Lewis Plato, 12th in Junior Rotax, 2nd in Rookie Cup
James Robinson, 14th in Senior Rotax
Reece Wade, 1st in Rookie Cup, Senior Rotax
Ollie Varney, after switching to Global drove at the front, finished unlucky
16th
Formula Kart Stars: Dylon Phibbs, 5th in KF3
London Cup: Michael Epps, Senior Rotax Champion
Euromax: Lewis Plato, 3rd in First Final, Round 3 in
Senior Rotax, unlucky to not get a podium in the Second Final.
Club championships:
James Robinson, Senior Rotax Champion at Whilton Mill
Lewis Plato, 3rd in Junior Rotax at PFI
Josh Price, 2nd in Comer Cadet at Rye House
Michael Houghton, 2nd in Minimax at Rye House
Matt Lambert 8th, Jack Powell 9th, Jordan Nallett 10th in Junior Rotax at Rye
House
Recently signed Global driver, Jack Mitchell has been winning in Minimax at club
meetings all over the southeast including Rye House, Whilton Mill and Buckmore
Park since joining the team.
Global Karting has been organising their 2011 team, which is nearly full. Global
compete in all levels from club, to nationals, to racing in Europe. If you would
like information about joining the Global team please contact Rob on 07957
463109, or via the website,
rob@globalkartingltd.com.
[ Top ]
2011 FKS Awning Space (23/12)
Kart-Tek
Racing have awning space available for the 2011 Formula Kart Stars series, and
will also be carrying spare karts, spare engines and carbs.
Not only is space available at FKS, but in 2011 we will be providing awning
space and advice at club meetings, including Whilton Mill, Shenington, Kimbolton
and Rissington.
Engine and carb hire are also available.
Plus, cadet karts for hire at club meetings which will include a mechanic, and
awning space available for Rotax Max karts.
Kart-Tek Racing also offer tuition, kart storage, race preparation and carb
re-builds.
British Champions in Comer Cadet.
British Champions in Easy Kart in 2010
Club Champions/Open Champions.
For more information call us on 01327 349615 or 07792 990592.
[ Top ]
Leading Arrive & Drive Series... (23/12)
Visitors
to next year's Autosport International Racing Car Show at the NEC in January
(13-16), will be able to get behind the wheel and experience just how much fun
kart racing is, courtesy of Kart Racing Promotions. The company behind the
renowned 100cc-based Club100 championship is running the indoor circuit, located
in Hall 4.
Club100's Managing Director John Vigor says: "This is the first time we've run
the arrive and drive track at Autosport International, so it's very exciting and
a big honour for us. We're hoping to bring something different to the show and
give people a first-hand taste of grassroots karting, whilst also showing them
other aspects of the sport."
Customers will be able to sample the same chassis used in Club100's enormously
popular series - the Birel N35 - which despite its enhanced safety features for
the corporate market, handles like a purebred racing kart.
A series of Easykart demonstrations throughout the weekend will also give
potential kart racers of all ages, an insight into Britain's fastest growing
'owner/driver' championship.
"You'll be able to see and talk to some of the best drivers in Britain, and the
World, right now. Reigning Easykart Cadet champion Ronan McKenzie, Junior star
James DeHavillande plus 2007 World and current British Heavy champion Barnaby
Pittingale will all be giving it large - so there'll be plenty of noise, sticky
rubber and two-stroke oil turning the air blue."
Club100 and Easykart will also have a comprehensive range of karts on display;
from the new-for-2011 C100 chassis through to the complete Easykart family
(Bambino, Cadet, Junior and Senior).
Club100 is also supplying David Brabham's annual Celebrity Kart Challenge with
the karts that some of the world of motorsport's most recognised faces will race
on 13 January, in the Live Action Arena.
For more information on Club100 visit
www.club100.co.uk.
[ Top ]
R&S Motorsport
(22/12)
R&S
Motorsport would like to congratulate all of their drivers for an outstanding
season this year, resulting in many wins and fastest laps.
Alana Taylor proved to the boys that they cannot have it all their own way in
the Junior Blue class. Having only sat in a kart for the first time in May this
year when she joined R&S Motorsport on the Tecno Mini 101 chassis, Alana has
showed outstanding progress and pure talent. In only her third race she managed
to rack up a fastest lap at Llandow and then once the race craft had come, heat
wins and final wins were soon to follow. In her first season she was seeded
number 14, even missing rounds and dropping crucial points through starting
late. Her first outing at Clay Pigeon resulted in her first win; she then made
it 2 out of 2 and won at Clay again by a massive 9 seconds - well done Alana!
Next season she will be making the jump to MSA Super 1 in the KF3 class, on the
Tecno SS30 kart. She is joined at Super 1 with KZ driver Jamie Rush in the new
exciting KGP class.
Also
Duncan Mcleod cleaned up in the Formula Blue Masters and Top Weight winning the
southern series and the grand finals in both classes, the O Plate in the Masters
and securing number 4 overall in the Formula Blue class.
R&S Motorsport would like to thank Jose, Graziano and all at the Tecno factory
for all of their support and hard work throughout this year.
We have just homologated the Tecnokart Scout 95 for use in the MSA Super Cadet
class, testing is available.
Drives are available for MSA Super 1, in Super Cadet, KF3, KF2 and the new KGP
class, ranging from awning space to a complete arrive and drive package. Please
contact Brian on 07824 324255 or email on
info@tecnokart.co.uk.
To check out the range of karts available, check out
http://tecnokart.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Discount On TKM Engines (22/12)
Competitors
taking part in the 2011 S1 Formula TKM National Championships are being offered
a special deal on engines to help ease the effect of the VAT increase and other
price rises which are taking effect in the New Year.
For all registered S1 competitors there will be a special price discount of 15%
on engine purchase up and till the end of January. That represents a saving of
£226 on a 2-stroke TAG engine and £319 on a 4-stroke engine with enduro
radiator.
Explains Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney: "We know this can be a hard time of year for
drivers so we are doing our best to provide a cushion against the cost of new
engines."
The offer is valid for just one engine per S1 competitor and the driver must
have completed an S1 TKM series registration and paid the registration fee for
the special engine discount price to apply. The discount is only available on
engines bought direct from Tal-Ko Racing.
Engines will be available off the shelf when Tal-Ko open after the Xmas break on
Monday January 10.
This engine discount offer is only valid for the month of January 2011 so hurry
and get your TKM S1 registration sorted!
For more information on Formula TKM visit
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Aim Motorsport Scholarship (21/12)
Aim
Motorsport is offering the chance of a lifetime for talented karters with a
winning attitude, to secure a fully paid for arrive and drive season at Super 1
in the Rotax classes!
Aim Motorsport are a prestigious race team with a strong team of talented
drivers, data engineers and mechanics. We pride ourselves on earning respect in
the paddocks through fair and honest driving.
"We have introduced the scholarship for 2011 to create an opportunity for a
driver who believes he / she has the potential and the desire to succeed in
karting, to step up to the plate and be recognised. This is a win win situation
for both driver and race team, and, both are required to win a championship.
This is a fantastic chance to enjoy a very successful 2011 season!" said Steve
Lake, Director Aim Motorsport
The winner of the Aim Motorsport 2011 Scholarship will be given a full Aim team
drive, including a new 2011 Tony Kart EVRR chassis, top level Ogden motor, tyres
and, all running costs to compete at the highest level of Rotax racing - The
Super One Rotax Max British Championship.
Please
note: The winning driver will be responsible for commuting to and from the
circuit and, subsistence i.e. accommodation and meals.
If you feel you have what it takes as a driver to qualify for a fully paid for
team drive, then you will have the opportunity to prove yourself at one of the
Aim Motorsport Scholarship Assessment Track Days.
Applicants will be assessed by the Aim Motorsport personnel, who won't just be
judging your performance by the stopwatch, but by your personal characteristics
and attitude required to win at the highest level.
Applicants are welcomed from all over the world who will be eligible to race in
the following categories: Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Max and Rotax 177.
To
enter you will need to call Aim Motorsport to first have your eligibility
assessed. You will then be invited to an Aim Scholarship track day where
your driving will be thoroughly assessed. The fee to enter one of the Aim
Scholarship Track days is £500, payable upon booking.
Places will be taken up very quickly so call now on 0844 800 2183 to reserve
your spot! Overseas drivers will need to call on +44 (0)1538 266195.
You can also book your Aim Scholarship Track Day online by
clicking here
[ Top ]
New Kart Supermarket (21/12)
Opening
in mid Summer, Britain's biggest kart supermarket!
The new outlet in Hertfordshire is within easy reach of the A10, M25 and Rye
House rail station, filling the gap left by Zip Kart moving out of the area. Our
aim is to supply the cheapest top quality parts for all makes of kart
manufacturers and engine manufacturers. Access to our offers and facilities will
be by membership card only. We will have free storage for 100 karts. Also we can
offer kart cleaning, preparation and repair, including a bespoke built laser
flat bed aligner. Axle straightening and realignment of most parts available.
Free advice in-store or by email.
We have engine rebuilding and sealing facilities by top engineers and can
rebuild on the same day, even while you wait at no extra cost. Our best pieces
of equipment are two dyno machines, one a static machine with specially written
software and the other a specially developed unit that allows the whole kart to
be dyno'd with the engine and driver in situ to give a true "at wheels" hp
output. This unit can be linked to the kart controls and driven by the computer
to simulate nearly every track in Britain to give the best sprocket, carburettor
and power valve settings, wet and dry. Paul Bailey will be managing the store.
Further details will be released soon, so watch this space for more!
[ Top ]
KartForce In Action (20/12)
Double
amputee soldier, Sapper Ash Hall, was injured by an IED in July 2010 and only 5
months later has enjoyed the thrill of karting with hand controls with the help
of KartForce.
Watch the video in the link below to see the pleasure this has brought to him
and his family - the smiles say it all...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7kpb8aOEuI
This was only his second time out in a kart, ever. He did a 44 sec lap
when ex-Formula 1 racing driver Johnny Herbert did a 42 sec lap with the hand
controls - the lap record is 40 sec. This more than demonstrates that our
hand controls give injured lads the rare opportunity to compete on a totally
level playing field with non-injured drivers.
For more information on KartForce and our aim to get more injured troops to
enjoy the adrenaline fueled thrill karting can offer, visit
www.kartforce.org.
[ Top ]
Taylor International Motorsports (17/12)
Taylor
International Motorsports would like to congratulate both Jack Mayle and Henry
Easthope on their fantastic results at Kimbolton at the weekend. Making its
first UK outing, the new for 2011 Sodi ST32 TTT chassis aided both drivers to
cruise to pole position for the finals with Jack taking a lights to flag victory
in the Junior Max Final whilst also setting the fastest lap and Henry taking a
fourth place in Senior Max despite a major power valve problem and both drivers
commenting on how easy the new chassis was to drive - a great result against
some tough competition.
Congratulations and thanks go to Jake and Greg Blackledge on their 3rd place
overall finish in Comer Cadet in the Kimbolton Club Championships. Both Greg and
Jake have been loyal supporters of the Sodi and together with us have worked
really hard to achieve this fantastic result and we look forward to building on
this for next year.
We
would also like to thank the President of Sodikart Gildas Merian, Race Team
Manager Nicola De Cola and all the mechanics and drivers. Sodikart have been
extremely supportive of us during 2010 and we look forward to welcoming them
back to race with us again in the UK next year.
The new Sodi ST32 TTT chassis, with its new Boro bodywork, new brake system and
three-position rear ride height will be available to test from the 3rd weekend
of January. There will be a £150.00 test fee that will be taken from the cost of
a new kart if ordered and paid for in full.
For further details contact either Tim Taylor on 07811 252949 or Josie Easthope
on 07973 911148 or email Josie at
josieeasthope@aol.com.
[ Top ]
Easykart Driver Program (17/12)
Easykart
UK is delighted to announce that James Dehavillande has been chosen from the
Easy Kart Driver Program and will drive in KF3 in 2011 for the Birel Motorsport
Junior team in the WSK and European Championships. After completing a
KF3 evaluation test in July in Casteletto with Birel James was selected by Birel
management for a KF3 seat in 2011.
"I am delighted that James now has this opportunity with Birel. Thanks to the
Easykart driver program James now has an opportunity to make an impact for
himself in European Junior karting. Easykart is an incredible formula, it can
get people starting in karting, deliver fabulous racing at a realistic
budget and for 9 to 14 year olds offer the chance to be selected for the
Easykart driver program. We will of course be following James's progress with
great interest" commented Easykart UK boss Andy Cox.
Easykart 2010 Cadet Champion Ronan Mckenzie moves
into Juniors in 2011 as does fellow EDP sparring partner Will Stowell. Both
drivers have had there EDP contracts renewed for 2011 and both could get a shot
at a KF3 test in 2011 with Birel depending on their progress in Easykart Junior.
" I'm really pleased that the boys have had their EDP contracts renewed,
they were the backbone to the success of Easykart Cadet when we launched
it, they have had some epic races in 2010. I'm sure like James they will get
there chance with Birel in 2011" said Easykart UK promoter John Vigor.
Three more drivers have been enrolled into the EasyKart driver program for 2011.
Tom Thickpenny, Zack Nickson and James Lay. The three were chosen by Andy Cox
and John Vigor for their perfomances in 2010. Thickpenny burst onto the Easy
Cadet scene in 2010 and narrowly missed out ending up runner up in the
Championship. Thickpenny moves up to Easy Junior in 2011.
Zack
Nickson only started karting in 2010 selecting Easykart Cadet. In an incredible
season Nickson ended the year in 4th place and even made it to the Easy World
Finals. Nickson will also drive in Easy Junior in 2011.
James Lay was also in his first season in Easy Kart Junior in 2010. Showing
signs of talent similar to his elder brother Patrick, James finished
in 10th place in the Championship before taking a fantastic win at the "E" plate
at Lydd. An impressive first year.
For more information on Easykart visit
www.easykart.co.uk.
[ Top ]
World Motor Sport Council (17/12)
At
its meeting on 10 December 2010 in Monaco. and on proposals of the International
Karting Commission Members, the FIA World Motor Sport Council took in particular
the following decisions concerning Karting...
CIK-FIA "U18" Karting World Championship and
CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy 2011 Final
At its meeting on 3 November, the World Council had ratified the programme of
the CIK-FIA "U18" Karting World Championship and CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy,
granting the organisation of their third and last event to Bahrain, where a
brand-new circuit is currently being built and has already been pre-inspected by
the CIA-FIA Officials. The date of this event has been validated: it will take
place on 3, 4 and 5 November 2011.
The complete 2011 calendar of these two competitions therefore appears as
follows:
08-10 July - Ortona (ITA)
26-28 August - Essay (FRA)
03-05 November - Bahrain (BHR)
The preliminary test days will be staged on 3 and 4 June 2011, on a track which
remains to be determined.
2011 Calendar of the CIK-FIA European
Superkart Championship
14-15 May - Magny-Cours (FRA)
10-12 June - Most (CZE)
05-07 August - Assen (NLD)
Tenders
Within the framework of the invitations to tender issued by the FIA as regards
Karting, the following bidders have been retained:
- Panta for the single-supply of fuel in the CIK-FIA Championships held in
Europe on short circuits in 2011. Second-generation "E10" type fuel (non-food
bio-ethanol) will be supplied to the competitors of the 2011 "U18" World Karting
Championship and CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy;
- Dunlop for the single-supply of tyres in the CIK-FIA Championships, Cups and
Trophies for KZ1 and KZ2 in 2011;
- Vega for the single-supply of tyres in the CIK-FIA Championships, Cups and
Trophies for KF2 and KF3 held in Europe in 2011;
- Le Cont for the single-supply of tyres in the 2011 "U18" Karting World
Championship and CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
For each of the six categories concerned by the invitations to tender issued by
the FIA for 2011, the tyre-Manufacturers will offer free racing tyres to all
participants! To this exceptional promotion the tyre-Manufacturers concerned
will still add rewards for the prize-winners, either in the form of money prizes
or as sets of new tyres.
Complete 2011 CIK-FIA Calendar
The 2011 calendar of the CIK-FIA Championships, Cups and Trophies has been voted
as follows:
CIK-FIA "U18" World Karting Championship (drivers under 18) & CIK-FIA Karting
Academy Trophy
08-10/7 - Ortona (ITA)
26-28/8 - Essay (FRA)
03-05/11 - Bahrain (BHR)
CIK-FIA World Karting Championship (KF1)
19-22/5 - Suzuka (JPN)
09-12/6 - Wackersdorf (DEU)
21-24/7 - Zuera (ESP)
01-04/9 - Genk (BEL)
15-18/9 - Sarno (ITA)
CIK-FIA World Cups FOR KF2 & KF3
15-18/9 - Sarno (ITA)
CIK-FIA World Cups FOR KZ1 & KZ2
01-04/9 - Genk (BEL)
CIK-FIA European KZ1 & KZ2 Championships
09-12/6 - Wackersdorf (DEU)
CIK-FIA European KF2 & KF3 Championships
North European Trophy...
28/4-01/5 - PF Int'l, Brandon (GBR)
South European Trophy...
28/4-01/5 - Varennes s/Allier (FRA)
Finals...
21-24/7 - Zuera (ESP)
CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific KF1 & KF3 Championships
01-04/12 - Macau-Coloane (MAC)
CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship
19-22/5 - Suzuka (JPN)
CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship
14-15/5 - Magny Cours (FRA)
10-12/6 - Most (CZE)
05-07/8 - Assen (NLD)
CIK-FIA KF2, KF3 & KZ2 Viking Trophy
17-19/6 - Rudskogen (NOR) *
CIK-FIA KF3 & KZ2 Monaco Kart Cup
14-16/10 - Monaco (MCO) *
* subject to the re-homologation of the circuit.
[ Top ]
Last Minute Xmas Gift (16/12)
Only
a few days left before Christmas and still looking for that unique present?
Look no further; 2010 British and Super One Cadet Champions, Fusion Motorsport
are offering Limited Edition Xmas gift vouchers, for a variety of experiences
ranging from a half day training session to an intensive 3 day coaching program
including data analysis and physical conditioning. Vouchers can also be
purchased for a full arrive and drive package where cadet drivers can have the
opportunity to test British Championship winning equipment.
Looking for a present for Dad? - Fusion also offer Equipment Preparation
vouchers (including chassis alignment and carb rebuilds).
Junior and Senior Rotax and KF drivers also catered for (equipment not
included). Voucher values start at £100 (full price range on request). There
are only a limited number available, so contact Fusion asap on 07733 011221 or
email
dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk for prices and full
terms and conditions.
Visit the Fusion website at
www.fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Playscape Academy Final (16/12)
The
final round of the popular Playscape Academy Cadet and Junior championships took
place at Streatham Kart Raceway recently.
In Cadets, Asha Brookes went in to the last round leading the championship, from
Rasaan Malcolm-Moore and Vincent Souillat in 3rd place having a mathematical
chance of taking the title, but in truth, it was Asha's title to loose. And
after qualifying, the normally unflappable Asha was looking
shaky with only 24 points gained against Rasaan's 33, and pole sitter Vincent
had smashed in 38 from a possible 40. Newcomer Musab Achi secured 2nd on the
grid with last months winner Bailey Campbell completing the top four.
With
double points available for the A Final, there was much more to go for. On
the last lap Bailey Campbell slunk around the inside of pits corner then raced
to the apex of Howler and took the long time leader Musab Achi by surprise, who
then dropped to 3rd place as Vincent Souillat also came past. The race
finished 1st Bailey Campbell, 2nd Vincent Souillat, 3rd Musab Achi with the
other championship contenders Rasaan Malcolm-Moore in 5th and Asha Brookes 6th.
Final Cadet Standings:
1 - Asha Brookes - 366 points
2 - Vincent Souillat - 351
3 - Rasaan Malcolm-Moore - 340
4 - Krishaan Sivagnanam - 307
5 - Roberto Ferreira - 296
6 - Jacob Lefevre - 290
No-one was going to put their name on the line in the junior section to predict
a winner from the championship contenders with just 28 points covering the top 5
contenders.
Lining up on the grid for the A final there were a few surprises, firstly
Michael Iacovou, and Rasaan Malcolm-Moore, starting from girds 7 and 8
respectively, the latter repercharging through from the B final. The other
surprise was, newcomer to the Junior class Musab Achi qualifying in 4th, and
looking good after taking 3rd earlier in the day in the Cadet class.
The
final lap sees Scott leading with a small margin, but the action is
Aguirre-Conde overtaking Shah into Parabolica. Almost at the same time,
championship leader Iacovou slammed into the tyres at the entrance of Howler
Hairpin after a failed manoeurve, and this would be the defining moment of a
title won and lost.
Final Junior Standings:
1 - Andre Aguirre-Conde - 342 points
2 - Michael Iacovou - 338
3 - Rasaan Malcolm-Moore - 336
4 - Prajesh Shah - 331
5 - Shane Scott - 329
6 - Sipho Manzi - 310
For more information on the Playscape Academy including full results and report form the final round, visit www.playscape.co.uk.
[ Top ]
HR Drivers Excel
In 2010
(15/12)
Henderson
Racing is delighted to announce that between 3 of our successful team drivers,
the team has won 6 club/single event championships throughout 2010. Ben Davies
in Minimax has dominated the Rissington Club championships, securing the title
with 2rounds to go. Ben has recently won the Celtic Cup held at Llandow, winning
the Final by over 15 seconds in tricky conditions. Truly an amazing season with
many other wins at Dunkeswell and other venues.
In Junior Rotax, Josh Collings dominantly won the Celtic Cup at Llandow and has
also secured the Llandow Junior Rotax Club title with the extensive help and
management of Peter Stephens. Josh has also won more A Finals in Junior Rotax at
Rissington Kart Club throughout 2010 than any other driver. He has secured
numerous wins at Dunkeswell and Clay Pigeon on very few visits and has performed
amazingly throughout 2010.
In
Senior Rotax, Liam Revell performed consistently well all season, with moments
of brilliance just when he needed too. Liam has secured the Rissington Club
championship in 2010 along with winning the prestigious Midland Champs.
HR Drivers have also secured national round wins at this year's KZ2 Super4
championship and secured another set of seeded finishes in the national
championship.
For more information about Henderson Racing and driver opportunities, please
visit
www.hendersonracing.co.uk or contact us via
e-mail to
sales@hendersonracing.co.uk,
or call 07884 067126.
[ Top ]
PFI Christmas Opening (15/12)
The
PF International Kart circuit will be open on the following days over the
festive break...
Dec. 16 - Prokart Open Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 17 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 18 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 19 - Prokart Christmas Meeting - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 21 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 23 - Prokart Open Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 24 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-4PM
Dec. 25 - Circuit Closed - Shop Closed
Dec. 26 - Circuit Arrive 'n' Drive Only 11-3PM - Shop Open 11-3PM
Dec. 27
- Circuit Arrive 'n' Drive Only - Shop
Closed
Dec. 28 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 30 - Prokart Open Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
Dec. 31 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-5PM
Jan. 1 - Circuit Closed - Shop Closed
Jan. 2 - Circuit Arrive 'n' Drive Only 11-3PM - Shop Open 11-3PM
Jan. 4 - 2/S General Testing - Shop Open 9-6PM
The JM store will have sale items on show from Boxing Day, with suits from £40,
boots from £25, gloves from £10.
For more details call 01636 626424 and select option 1 for the Shop or option 2
for the Circuit.
[ Top ]
KartDavid -
Congratulations
(14/12)
KartDavid
- Karting Graphics, would like to say a huge well done to Owen Griffiths for
winning the 2010 Whilton Mill Comer Cadet club championship and becoming Ace of
Clubs champion.
He has had a great season in 2010 winning many rounds across the country on his
Wright Kart and is now starting to test in preparation for 2011, where he will
be closely supported by SWRD to improve on his current success in both of the
national championships.
We would also like to say thank you and merry Christmas to all our our customers
who we have worked with this year and wish them every success in 2011.
If you are looking for the highest quality graphics for yourself or your team
then please contact us on
david@kartdavid.com, 07787
390313 or visit our website
www.kartdavid.com and we
will be more than happy to get you prepared for 2011.
[ Top ]
CRG Drivers For
2011
(14/12)
After
a very successful 2010 in Senior Rotax with Ross Wylie (O Plate winner) 11th in
Super One, Shaun Slavin 4th in Super One and Mat Mason 8th in Super One, and in
Junior Rotax Ash Hand the FKS winner and 9th in Super One, CRG UK are looking to
expand there driver portfolio in Mini Max and Junior TKM.
For further details please contact Mark Collings on 07967 159199, or email
mtc@mandp.com.
[ Top ]
JKH Kart Doctor (14/12)
How's
your chassis?
Ready for next season?
Probably not!
Just a little off the pace recently?
Is it true?
Maybe not!
Get your chassis trued up and checked over with a JKH Kart Doctor end of season
health check, only £25 to check alignment and £25 if it needs to be
straightened. Then in the sure knowledge of a perfectly aligned kart you
can face the new season with renewed confidence, aiming to win.
All sorts of additional checks can be made at the same time, brake services,
full steering alignment etc just ask for details. Make an appointment on
01928 740090 or 07774 646784, you can drop the kart off or wait and watch the
experts at work. Can you do better, book today - email
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com
All prices exclude VAT at current rate.
JKH, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire, WA6 0PF - just off the
M56.
[ Top ]
S1 Registrations Rolling In (14/12)
With
an exciting year of British and ABkC national championship racing ahead, and
four new classes to consider, the registrations are rolling in. Have you
entered yet? Don't delay, do it now, the form is on the
www.s1series.co.uk
website.
To help the newcomer to national level racing, or the impecunious, or just a
driver who wants a completely level playing field to show off their talents, S1
Marketing Director John Hoyle is offering budget rental classes in Junior Max
and Honda Cadet. How does £5995 for Junior Max, or £4495 for Honda Cadet
grab you? And that price (plus VAT) covers everything you will need - kart
to keep for the season and use elsewhere if you wish; pooled engine at every
round; registration and entry fees; control fuel; set of wets to get you
started; new slicks at alternate rounds. And the Junior Max includes the
clutch Unilogger package. What a bargain!
The ABkC national championships for the Rotax classes kicks off at Whilton Mill
on 11 - 13 March, the first of seven rounds. And now with Mojo tyres, the
Junior and Senior championships are fully integrated as the official Max
Challenge qualifiers, with the Grand Finals taking place in the United Arab
Emirates in the Autumn, with free entries for the winners and maybe more.
TKM ABkC national championships commence at Clay Pigeon on 18-20 March, the
first of six rounds. TKM classes have enjoyed something of a resurgence
over the last 12 months, with the new grippy and long-lasting tyre so these
budget-class championships are sure to be well supported and hard fought.
Seeded numbers from these championships are recognised at all clubs, these are
the only official national championships. A total prize fund of some
£60,000 to £70,000 is on offer, so there is something for all the top seeded
drivers. And in 2011 the senior MSA British Champion will trouser a
whopping £10,000, with second place getting £5,000 and third £2,000. Not
to be sniffed at for sure. The MSA series starts at PF International on 25
- 17th March, and includes two new championships, Super Cadet for 10 - 14 year
olds, and the exciting new senior Formula KGP class, both of which have already
had highly successful demonstration races.
Still not sure? Have you looked at the comparison prices on the
registration form and seen that Super One Series offers best value for money of
any equivalent kart series, or even against some of the similar car race
championships. And it's one of the most competitive kart series in the
world as proved by our alumni success. Our Junior British Champion Jake Dennis
has been crowned the CIK U18 World Champion, one of our KF drivers became the
World vice-champion this year and our Rotax drivers were amongst the fastest In
the Grand Finals. Enter now and reserve your favourite competition number,
first come first served.
You can download a registration form direct from
http://www.s1series.co.uk/competitor-info/forms/Forms%20Listing/RegistrationForm2011.pdf.
[ Top ]
Special Sticker Kits Offer (13/12)
Christmas
is almost upon us and kartstickers.com would like to offer a very special deal
to anyone searching for the ideal Christmas present.
This year due to the recent success we have experienced in supplying kart
stickers, not only in the UK but around the world, we are offering buy one get
one free on all full set sticker kits purchased between now and the Christmas
break.
This only applies to a duplicate of the full price kit and only on full kits not
parts.
To take advantage of this very special offer please email
abbeysigns@hotmail.com
and we will arrange a Paypal invoice to be sent and
commencement of your sticker kit design.
To see our full product range visit
www.kartstickers.com.
[ Top ]
KF Team Joins Cadet Arena (13/12)
AMT
Racing Team can now cater for Comer and Super Cadet drivers competing at both
club and national level.
The team has announced it is already working with the promising Sam Kirkpatrick,
but owner Ashley Todd says he has more berths available.
"After a successful 2010 with Tom Joyner (4th European KF Championship) and
Jonathan Walker (2010 Super 1 Super KF vice-Champion), I decided that we ought
to be creating a ladder structure within the team. The Cadet categories are a
fantastic way in for many youngsters and I think the way we approach our racing
will give newcomers into the sport the best possible grounding. From there we
can continue to develop a driver's abilities right the way through their karting
career."
AMT is also branching into Kart Grand Prix and Rotax Max.
"KGP looks an exciting class and I think it will be a popular addition to the
Super 1 calendar. It has attracted some big names and could possibly be bigger
than KF2. So far the costs are all looking very sensible and for drivers on a
budget - but wanting top-class competition - it has to be considered. Rotax
continues to be very strong and offers some of the very competition you could
wish to find. Just as we can with the MSA classes, drivers racing in each of the
Max categories can be accommodated."
A small, friendly awning offers the benefit of plenty of one-to-one attention
and the presence of the hugely respected and experienced Alan 'Big Al' Mackay.
As Ashley says, "We've proven that a small team's focus can produce big
results."
For more information about racing with AMT, please call Ashley Todd on +44 7711
740 077 (9am - 5pm, weekdays only) or e-mail
amtmotorsport@yahoo.com.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
FKS Champions Take Stage (13/12)
The
2010 Formula Kart Stars class champions took to the stage to collect their
championship trophies at the prestigious Autosport Awards ceremony at the
Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London on Sunday.
MSA British Cadet Champion Nathan Aston, Mini Max Champion George Russell,
Junior Rotax Champion Ash Hand and KF3 Champion Ben Barnicoat collected their
unique trophies from former FKS Champion Paul Di Resta on one of the most
prestigious events in the British Motorsport calendar.
On a night where reigning Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel topped the
bill as Autosport's International Racing Driver of the Year, the FKS quartet
were joined on stage by former FKS KF3 Champions Alex Albon and Jake Dennis, who
won the European KF3 and World Under 18 titles in 2010 respectively.
With the eyes of the global Motorsport fraternity on them, Aston, Hand, Russell
and Barnicoat were able to meet many of the biggest names in Motorsport such as
Vettel, Jenson Button, Indycar Champion Dario Franchitti, David Coulthard, Red
Bull boss Christian Horner, rally legend Ari Vatenen, BTCC Champion Jason Plato
and Sauber F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi.
"I was amazed at how many great drivers were there," said a beaming Hand. "It
was great to be presented my award in front of so many important people. It was
a night full of opportunity with so many team managers there and it was easy to
go and talk to different teams about your racing. Overall it was an amazing
night and one that I will never forget."
"It is such a great pleasure to give our drivers the opportunity to collect
their awards at this event," said Formula Kart Stars Series director Carolynn
Hoy. "I was very impressed at how confident they all were in introducing
themselves to some of the most influential figures in motorsport and they all
did themselves, the championship and British karting proud in the way they
conducted themselves."
The official Formula Kart Stars Championship Awards will take place in January's
Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
[ Top ]
KartForce Awareness Success (13/12)
Cameron's
weekend was a great success for Kartforce as he raced at Kimbolton on the
weekend and carried the KartForce branding on his kart with pride.
Cameron commented "It was just such an honour and privilege to do something for
KartForce to just make people aware, KartForce deserve it and would be happy to
help next year in any way I can. This is such a great cause and It's the least I
can do to carry their branding on my race kart which I feel very privileged to
do. This weekend was not about me but to get KartForce out there and explain to
people what they have achieved and have done to help our injured troops which I
hope I achieved. I just wanted to dedicate this weekend to all our troops and
KartForce."
If you would like to support KartForce for 2011 please visit their website at
www.kartforce.org.
[ Top ]
Drives Available For 2011 (09/12)
The
newly formed SJR Kartsport team, run by owner Sam Rich, have available drives
for 2011 in all Cadet and Rotax classes. Full race packages are available
whether competing at club, national or European competitions including kart
preparation, storage and transportation and most importantly driver coaching and
management.
Whether you are a novice or a national champion, SJR Kartsport have the passion
and drive to succeed.
For more details contact Sam on 07979 543757 or e-mail
info@sjrkartsport.com.
[ Top ]
The TVKC Champions (08/12)
Unfortunately
the 10th round of the TVKC Club Championship was cancelled due to dangerous
weather conditions and this meant that the option to drop a round was
unfortunately unavailable.
After a year of tough competition and some fantastic racing the 2010 Club
Championship was wrapped up. Huge congratulations to all the newly crowned 2010
Club Champions.
2010 TVKC Comer Club Champion: Ronan Quinn
2010 TVKC WTP Club Champion: Sean Gee
2010 TVKC Mini Max Club Champion: Harry Webb
2010 TVKC Junior Max Club Champion: Matthew Parry
2010 TVKC KF3 Club Champion: Luke Whitehead
2010
TVKC Junior TKM Club Champion: Brandon Hunt
2010 TVKC Senior Max Club Champion: Chris Lawrence
2010 TVKC 177 Max Club Champion: Ian Rumbold
2010 TVKC KF Clubman Club Champion: Ian Penn
The 2010 club Champions will be presented with their trophies at the TVKC Awards
Evening held at The De Vere Hotel, Belton Woods, Grantham on 8th January 2010.
For more information and ticket orders please Contact Hannah Edwards, TVKC
Deputy Competition Secretary by email to
hannah@tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Series Finale (08/12)
The
final round of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series takes place on Sunday
19th December. All ABkC non gearbox classes welcome including bambino and
special Christmas fayre and double points are on offer.
Practice is available on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th December between 10am -
4pm. For more information contact Sheila Rose 01634 661604.
For more information and to enter online visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Formula KGP Winter Races (08/12)
Trent
Valley Kart Club & PFi were delighted to be the place where Formula KGP had its
first airing to the UK Karting fraternity.
Now TVKC has announced that it will kick off a series of winter races for
Formula KGP starting on the 30th Jan, 6th Feb and the 6th March. After that
Formula KGP will run through the year during monthly club races at the
Lincolnshire track.
Chairman of TVKC Nigel Edwards is delighted to have KGP at TVKC in 2011,
commenting "The KGP event which supported the S1 Round in October was a
fantastic success and showed us what potential this new class has."
"A modern 'hi-tech unsealed engine provides a great base for professionals and
DIY engine tuners, its realistic cost and anticipated running costs are a real
bonus in our current economic climate. Performance on track has certainly made
those who took part in the race smile - and I'm sure there will be many more
happy faces in 2011.Vega have embraced the class and will be offering 'state of
the art' slick and wet tyres which will make great economic sense as well as
offering excellent performance and longevity."
Entries are being taken now along with Club Memberships at www.tvkc.co.uk,
and there will also be special prizes for Winter Series winners.
For more information on Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Celtic Championships Are On (08/12)
Llandow
Kart Club's Celtic Championships will be held this weekend Sunday 12th December,
at South Wales Karting Centre. There are classes for Cadets (Honda & Comer),
Junior & Senior Honda, Junior TKM, MiniMax, Junior & Senior Rotax and Max 177.
All classes will have Timed Qualification, heat, pre-final and final. All this
for only £45, and if you want to come and practice on Saturday 11th you can do
so for only £25 more providing you book before you arrive. There are prizes and
trophies in ALL classes, prize for the Best Fancy Dressed Mechanic" and sherry
and mince pies (if the Committee haven't scoffed them all before hand).
Come and enjoy the real fun before all that Christmas lark takes over. Call
Colin on 07817449617 or see
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk
for more details and entry forms.
[ Top ]
Jewelled Steering
Wheel
(07/12)
The team at 'Jewelled Trophies' would
like to congratulate the winners of the 'Formula Kart Stars' championships.
The classic wood rimmed steering wheels, encrusted with over 450 Swarovski
stones, which constituted the prizes, brought a real sparkle to the
presentations which were held at Grosvenor Hotel, London on the 5th December
2010. Paul di Resta presented these prestigious awards.
For further details of the trophies call (+44)7768 127596 or email
jewelledtrophies@anlh.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Ash Hand Lauds CRG (07/12)
To
be leading the British Championship and elect to switch chassis midway through
the campaign is a risky strategy, some might say, and undeniably a bold one -
but to do so and then make that chassis work even better than the one you were
on before is inspired, and Ash Hand is very quick to pay tribute to the pivotal
role played by CRG in his outstanding triumph in 2010.
Having begun the year on an Alonso mount - a derivative of the popular OTK brand
- Ash rapidly established an advantage over his adversaries in the Junior Max
class of the prestigious and fiercely-contested, Lewis Hamilton and Bernie
Ecclestone-backed Formula Kart Stars Championship (FKS), but when his rivals
began to eat away at that margin, the highly-rated young Nuneaton hotshot knew
he needed to do something about it.
Cue the switch to Italian manufacturer CRG, a significant departure from the OTK
in many aspects and a kart that - whilst it has achieved tremendous success on
the European and international stage - has struggled to gain much of a following
on British shores. Ash swiftly demonstrated that such reticence and scepticism
from his countrymen has been misguided in the extreme.
"At the time, the others were starting to catch me up after the start to the
year that we'd had," the 16-year-old recalled, "but when I moved onto the CRG, I
just feel it gave me a crucial extra edge over them. It was a massive risk; we
could quite easily have fallen off the face of the earth by making the decision
we did, and it wasn't an easy decision to make because some people were saying
the CRG wasn't as good as the OTK - but we soon found out they were wrong.
"People tend to follow each other's lead in karting, and if someone says a
certain product isn't good, other people will believe them even if they haven't
tried it out for themselves - rumours spread like wildfire. We proved that the
CRG is capable of winning races over here, which I don't think all that many
people were expecting, to be honest. The kart always performed, and we were fast
everywhere by the end."
And how, as he wasted little time in both defying and disproving the critics who
had chastised him and his P1 Racing team as mad to make such a wholesale change
with so much at stake. Conceding that 'it took me perhaps a month to feel fully
at home on the CRG', before long Ash was back in his customary position at the
front of the field - and even more dominant than he had been before.
Commanding
performances at Larkhall in Scotland, Genk in Belgium and an incredible four
victories one-after-the-other at Three Sisters near Wigan in FKS and fellow
British series Super 1 bore ample testament to the CRG's potential, and meant
that come season's end, the Maple Park speed demon was a force to be reckoned
with in both national championships as he fairly blitzed the opposition. It was,
truly, phenomenal.
"I really enjoyed the CRG," enthused the North Warwickshire College student in
conclusion. "It's quite simple to set up, and really easy to drive - and by the
end we could go to practically any circuit, put the kart down on the track and
be fast enough to fight for the win. Once you get it really working for you, I
think it's probably the fastest kart out there in the dry or in the wet.
"The brakes are amazing; there's nothing else like it for that - they stop the
kart so quickly. It took me a while to get used to them to begin with, because
most karts' brakes aren't as effective, but once I was, I think they gave me an
advantage as I was able to brake half a kart-length later than before, which can
earn you as much as a tenth of a second a lap.
"We proved that the CRG is good enough to win in Britain, and also good enough
to enable us to work our way back to the front of the grid quickly. I think the
whole experience really helped to progress me as a driver, and if you are
considering trying CRG, then you definitely should. It's a really good kart -
and one that you can go a long way with."
To keep up-to-date with Ash's latest career news and results, please visit
www.p1r.co.uk,
whilst for more information on championship-winning chassis CRG, please go to
www.kartcrg.co.uk
or contact UK sales and marketing director Mark Collings on 07967 159199.
[ Top ]
Turkey Trot Weekend (07/12)
Thanks
to everybody who made it to a fantastic Turkey Trot weekend at the circuit this
weekend. Lee Rennison and his team at the circuit did a brilliant job during the
week of clearing the snow and preparing the track, and we couldn't have hoped
for better weather over the weekend.
The Awards Presentation and Dinner was held very successfully on Friday evening
at the new venue, of the
George Albert Hotel,
alongside the circuit. If you haven't already witnessed it, this is a fabulous
new facility for accommodation and eating. Congratulations to all trophy
winners, and we hope everybody enjoyed the evening, especially the Stiggy Awards
and the tandem Space Hopper racing!
The AGM was held the following evening. Thanks to everyone that attended; a
number of topics were discussed and if anybody else has any comments about how
they would like to see the club being run, please get in touch. We'd like to
remind people that the AGM was the deadline for existing pit space holders to
guarantee their space for 2011, and for 2010 members to retain preferred race
numbers. All other pit-spaces and race numbers are now available on a first come
first served basis.
A number of fun events were run on the Sunday itself. The day began just before
Drivers' Briefing, with Ian Rennison and club Starter, Paul Skipp, taking to the
track on a pair of karts modified especially for the occasion by Club Chairman
Mike Wellington, and committee member Derek Hunt. See Tel T's website at
http://www.teltphotography.com/K-CPKC-051210-FUN.aspx
for the hilarious results.
Like last year, Wheelie Bin races were held during the lunch break, and after
the finals, and were enjoyed by all taking part (photos).
The rest of Tel T's photos from the day can be found
here, and photos from the
Awards Evening can be found
here. Please remember that
the thumbnails on Tel T's website are for viewing only and must not be copied to
Facebook etc. Orders can be placed at
http://www.teltphotography.com, including
emailed copies of images.
Results from the day are available at
http://kartrac.es/Round132.
[ Top ]
LT Motorsport Drivers Excel (06/12)
LT
Motorsport is delighted to announce that 3 of its team drivers became club
champions at Whilton Mill this weekend with Chris McCarthy winning the Junior
Rotax Championship, Matt Barnes winning the Rotax 177 Championship and its
newest driver James Webb becoming the Mini Max Champion.
Chris McCarthy needed to achieve a clean last round to secure the Junior Rotax
title which was within his grasp, but instead of just aiming for points he
decided to finish in typical McCarthy style, pushing throughout the weekend and
lining up on the front row for the final. Chris performed outstandingly
all weekend and is thoroughly deserved his championship win.
Matt Barnes was lying in 2nd place before the final round and needed to put in
an extra special performance if he was going to win the Championship. Matt
drove hard all weekend to achieve a win and two 2nd places in the heats and
started on pole for the Final. He still needed to win the Final to win the
Championship but he didn't let the pressure get to him and led from lights to
flag to secure his amazing Championship winning result.
James
Webb proved that he is a fantastic new addition to the team and joined us
leading his class but still needing to achieve a strong result for the weekend
in order to win the Championship. We are delighted that he managed to this
and look forward to working with him as he sets his sights on Championship win
number two next year.
Team owner Lee Torrie commented at the end of the weekend that despite
challenging weather conditions all the drivers in the awning excelled and
achieved personal bests. He congratulated all his drivers for their
efforts and achievements this season.
Good luck to those drivers whose championships are still to be decided at
Kimbolton in December.
For more information about LT Motorsport please visit
www.ltmotorsport.com
or contact Lee Torrie by email at
info@ltmotorsport.com, or
telephone 07921 079766.
[ Top ]
New Governance Structure (06/12)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) has restructured the governance of UK karting,
with the implementation of the new Kart Committee from January 2011.
The formation of the Kart Committee follows the recent Karting Review, which
highlighted a need for regional representation within the MSA structure.
The Kart Committee will be chaired by MSA General Secretary Rob Jones for its
inaugural year and will comprise the following regional delegates:
- Midlands: Terry Bateman and Graham Smith
- South West and South Wales: Ian Rennison and Ron Shone
- South East and East Anglia: Chris Pullman and Colin Wright
- Northern England and North Wales: Malcolm Fell and John Rogerson
- Scotland: Fraser Hallhouse and Clive Steyn
- Northern Ireland: Keith Wilkinson and Paul Fullerton
Russell Anderson will be the representative of the Association of British Kart
Clubs (ABkC) which will hold a seat on the Kart Committee for the first three
years.
The Kart Committee will be supported by Sub-Committees of Kart Sporting and Kart
Technical. The Sub-Committees will be chaired by Rod Taylor (Sporting) and MSA
Technical Executive John Ryan (Technical), who will also have a seat on the main
Kart Committee.
MSA General Secretary and incoming Kart Committee Chairman, Rob Jones, said:
"Karting is the bedrock of UK motor sport and it is essential that the MSA
ensures that the Kart Committee represents everyone in karting. We believe that
the revised structure will build further on the considerable success of karting
in the UK."
[ Top ]
Kart Licence Regulation (06/12)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) has issued a Regulation clarification regarding
licences for entrants of karting minors.
Elements of Regulations U14.1 and U14.1.5 were inadvertently published in the
2011 Competitors' and Officials' Yearbook and are not scheduled for
implementation until 2012 at the earliest.
Amended versions of the Regulations in question, as they should have appeared in
the 2011 Yearbook, can be accessed by clicking
here.
The Motor Sports Association would like to apologise for this oversight and any
inconvenience caused.
[ Top ]
Mojo Tyres Available (03/12)
Delta
Karting have Mojo tyres available now, ready for pre season testing and racing
in 2011.
Mojo D1 slicks @ £119.85 inc VAT & delivery (to
mainland UK only).
Mojo D2 slicks @ £119.85 inc VAT & delivery (to
mainland UK only).
Mojo W2 wets @ £139.82 inc VAT & delivery (to
mainland UK only).
The new Tony Kart EVRR is now in stock too.
We also have the complete range of Tony Kart spares available - call us for your
OTK Christmas discount!
For further information or to place an order, telephone 01792 792485 or 07970
524150 (mobile).
[ Top ]
Llandow Kart Club (02/12)
Due
to the weather conditions the 2010 Celtic Championships have been postponed from
Sunday 5th December until Sunday 12th December.
This event is open to all ABkC classes and will comprise of Timed Qualification,
Heat, Pre-Final and Final. There are trophies and prizes in all classes. Entry
fee is £45 for non members, £40 for members. If you enter and pay before you can
practice all day Saturday for only £25 (practice will be run in sessions).
For further details contact Colin on 07817 449617 or visit
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk.
Come to Llandow for a great weekends racing and let your partners have a great
weekend's shopping in Cardiff!
[ Top ]
Casey Stoner Chooses KGP (01/12)
The
new Honda factory rider in MotoGP, Casey Stoner, in recent days has picked up in
person at the headquarters of Birel, a 2011 Birel chassis equipped with the BMB
Kart Grand Prix engine.
The Australian is a big fan of karting and he has chosen Birel/BMB to train
during the winter, but mostly for fun, as he himself points out:
"Driving a kart racing gives the incredible satisfaction and is great fun. Karts
are driven by instinct, like a motorcycle, and for that I like it very much.
To enjoy this passion I have chosen a Birel kart because it was recommended by
some friends, but also because, after meeting Ronni Sala, he has been very kind
to me, giving me all the support necessary to which I am very grateful.
My first day of testing was in Lonato, it was fantastic. In the late afternoon,
they had to turn on the lights because I didn't want to get off my kart! I am
thrilled that I have used the Birel kart as it is very sophisticated but
also easy to take to the limit. The BMB is an excellent engine that has proved
very powerful and has fantastic torque."
On
the day of test in Lonato, Stoner learnt the track well, despite the low
temperatures, he quickly found the right feeling with the carburettor, adjusting
the settings to perfection.
Stoner completed about 80 laps, achieving some good times times when the track
dried, his best being a 45.8.
You can sure he will be back on the track soon!
For more information on Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Innovative New Racesuit (01/12)
To
coincide with the launch of the brilliant Racer EVRR, Tony Kart has designed
stylish new kit to complete the look.
Manufactured in partnership with Sparco - the world-renowned leader in
motorsport racewear - the OTK Kart Group's design team has again created a
product that offers unrivalled performance and comfort whilst meeting all the
CIK-FIA's safety criteria.
Key features include:
- X-Light fabric. Ultra lightweight, waterproof, breathable and abrasion
resistant.
- Flat seams on the waist and back to offer maximum driving comfort and
performance
- Special air intakes on the shoulders, elbows and legs for better transpiration
- Internal reinforced protective gussets for increased durability
The new racing suit (product code: 0168.H) is on sale now at Strawberry Racing,
and available in Kids (In sizes 0 and 00), Teenagers (Sizes 1, 2 and 3) and
Adults (From size 46 to 62).
It is also cheaper than the previous model, retailing for just £350 plus VAT.
For more information on the new Tony Kart racesuit and Racer EVRR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk or call 0114 269 6215
/ 0114 288 9933.
[ Top ]
Free UK Mainland Postage (30/11)
As
a huge thank you to all their customers new and old, Kartpartsuk is offering
free delivery on all their orders to UK mainland addresses. Kartpartsuk have one
of the widest stock choices available in the UK and offers a free next working
day delivery service. They stock everything from complete karts to Arai helmets
which are still being offered at a fantastic price including the new CMR helmet,
beat the price increase due 1st December, 2010. Kartpartsuk are also running
their superb offers on a range of products from kartmania through to the 31st
December 2010.
Kartpartsuk are also stockists of the championship
winning Gillard range of karts including the all new Cadet kart, the '110'. The
010 V2s kart had huge success here along with 010B winning numerous Super 1
rounds along with winning the European championships in seniors and runners up
in juniors. With these titles both being won on the Mojo tyre it all looks good
for the 2011 season. The all new Cadet 110 has been ballistic in all testing and
promises to be every bit as successful as the rest of the Gillard karts. If you
would like any information on any of the Gillard kart range mentioned or spares
then please contact us on 01775 712633, email
info@kartpartsuk.com
or visit the website which shows their entire product range -
www.kartpartsuk.com.
Finally everyone at Kartpartsuk would like to thank all their customers and
drivers for a fantastic season, and wish them all a Merry Christmas and a
successful 2011 season.
[ Top ]
FKS Drivers Visit McLaren (30/11)
Eyes
widened, jaws dropped and some of Formula Kart Stars most vocal drivers were
stunned into silence as Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren Formula One team opened
their doors for an exclusive look at their world famous Technology Centre.
All of the 2010 Lewis Hamilton 'True Grit' award winners were joined by the top
three finishers in each FKS class for a special guided tour of McLaren's truly
spectacular headquarters followed by a chance to quiz the 2008 World Champion
themselves.
It's not every day that you get a chance to take a peek around a working Formula
One facility but the lucky drivers were shown around the McLaren museum, the
usually top secret wind tunnel and development rooms, the state of the art
fitness centre and even had the chance to chat to Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren
boardroom.
"I really can't thank Lewis and the entire McLaren team enough for allowing our
drivers a truly unique opportunity," said FKS series director Carolynn Hoy. "It
was incredible to see a Formula One factory at work and it gave all the drivers
a real insight into the amount of effort it takes to put two F1 cars on the
grid."
Once the guided tour was complete all the drivers had the opportunity to sit
down with Lewis and ask him anything and everything from his favourite kart
circuit to how he copes with the pressure of life in the F1 fast-lane.
"Lewis
was just fantastic with the drivers," added Hoy. "He was full of helpful advice
and stories from his days in karting right up to the last race he did in Formula
One. I think all the drivers really learnt a lot of valuable lessons from what
he had to say."
During the day Hamilton presented MSA British Cadet Champion Nathan Aston with
his prize TAG Heuer watch, one that Aston had worn each time he won a race in
2010 but that he now gets to keep for good. Every driver was also given an
exclusive gift bag of McLaren goodies as part of their experience.
Formula Kart Stars would like to thank all the staff at the McLaren Technology
Centre as well as Lewis Hamilton for their time and generosity.
For more information on Formula Kart Stars visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
Photographs courtesy of McLaren.
[ Top ]
The Launch Of H-Kart (29/11)
H-Kart
are a new, young and dynamic race team based in the North East, built upon a
wealth of talent and experience. We are retailers of new and used karts and kart
parts, specializing in Gillard products.
We will be competing in the 2011 NKF series as well as local club championships
and are looking for drivers at the moment to compete in all Rotax Max classes.
If you are interested in driving for the team please contact us on
Info@H-Kart.com.
Prices start at just £120 for a full weekend of race support. For more
information please visit our website
www.H-Kart.com.
Contact us to become part of the team, and let H-Kart convert your talent into
impressive race results.
[ Top ]
Flash Racing Dominate (29/11)
The
team's most recent outing was to Kimbolton for the remembrance meeting. After a
2 year absence from the track, Nick Wones arrived on Saturday with confidence
and a high goal.
During testing on Saturday Nick was lapping at a great pace. In Heat 1 on
Sunday, Nick was gridded 24th for his first race of the day, where an
outstanding drive saw him come through the field to finish in 4th place. In Heat
2 he was on Pole which he turned into a 1st place finish with fastest lap and
secured pole position for the Final. Nick said "I knew this wouldn't be
easy with Micheal Epps on P2, and front runner seasonal regulars all behind me".
Nick performed outstandingly to come home with a win and a fastest lap of 41.73.
Be part of our winning team today, just call us on 01508 548808 and speak to
either Gordon Chenery or Nick Wones. As official agents for Gillard, we can
offer everything from karts and parts, engine hire, kart storage, and kart
preparation, awning space and full technical support.
[ Top ]
Congratulations Nick Arthur (29/11)
Mansell
Jensen Kart Team would like to congratulate Junior Max team driver Nick Arthur
on dominating Shenington's 2010 Club Championship.
The penultimate round of the championship got off to a bad start for Nick after
a poor showing in the qualifying heats, and having to qualify through the B
final. The 14 year old however showed great determination in the main final
against strong opposition, crossing the finish line in 12th place from the back
of the grid and securing the title with a round to spare.
Mansell Jensen Team Manager, Jacques Jensen, was
delighted with Nick's performance. "Nick has made great use of the Exprit
chassis and Revolution prepared engines this season. The championship win has
come as a result of very hard work from the team and Nick has been the man to
beat since winning 3 of the first 4 rounds!"
For more information on the Mansell Jensen Kart Team, please call Jacques on
07543 638542.
[ Top ]
Super Cadet Regulations (29/11)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) has issued final Regulations for the new Super
Cadet class, following a successful demonstration race at PF International in
October.
The MSA has approved applications for both Formula Kart Stars and the Super One
Series to run Super Cadet championships from 2011. Kart clubs may also apply to
the MSA to run the Super Cadet class as part of their club meetings.
To date, 17 Super Cadet chassis have been jointly homologated by the MSA and the
DMSB (the German ASN); click
here to view the list of
chassis. Currently, only steel rear bumpers are permitted for the class, but CIK
crash tested rear protection systems will be permitted when available.
Engines that are homologated by the CSAI (the Italian ASN) will be eligible for
the class, provided that they are registered with the MSA by the manufacturers
by 31 December 2010. The list of MSA-registered engines will be published and
updated on the MSA website.
Exceptionally, the MSA can confirm that any drivers currently competing in
Junior classes will be permitted to revert to the Super Cadet class in 2011 if
they fall within the eligible age range.
MSA General Secretary Rob Jones said: "The Super Cadet class is designed to
address concerns about young, lightweight drivers stepping into classes with
adult-sized equipment too soon. The demonstration race at PF International
showed that the class fulfils this objective, and so we are pleased to be able
to release the final Regulations package for 2011."
To view the final Super Cadet Regulations for 2011, please click
here.
As Super Cadet is a development class, the Regulations may be subject to
amendment during the course of 2011. Any such Regulation changes will be
published on the MSA website.
[ Top ]
2011 Alonso Kart
Arrives
(26/11)
The
wait is finally over for the much anticipated arrival of the 2011 Alonso
chassis! The new revised sticker kit will certainly stand out against the crowd
with its sleek, colourful, distinctive design.
New improvements include a chrome round steering wheel complete with fixing
bracket for a Mychron, Unipro or PI system, an improved frame design and new
shaped fuel tank.
Get yourself noticed on the 2011 Alonso chassis, now in stock at DHR.
Buy now before the VAT rise in January and save £££££. Part exchange of your
existing chassis is also available, contact DHR for details.
DHR are offering test drives on the new chassis immediately, to arrange a test
or for more info please call Dan on 07960047810 or email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk, web:
www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Jack Aitken Dominates (26/11)
The
World finals of the Rotax Max Challenge held at the prestigious La Conca circuit
in Southern Italy were dominated by Jack Aitken in the Junior category.
The Rotax World Finals are the biggest kart meeting of the year attracting over
250 drivers from 60 countries and six continents. Driving a kart provided
by Rotax Jack won every heat to claim pole position for the pre final. A
brilliant victory in that race gave him pole for the World Finals and total
dominance was only prevented by an incident half way through the final leading
him to crash out. Still after hitting the barriers Jack returned to the
track to set fastest lap by a comfortable margin.
Jack's Protrain Racing team had prepared for the meeting in the utmost of
detail, testing and training Jack at the track for a week on the same Sodi Karts
that were provided by Rotax. He and the team continued to use the kart at
club meetings in the UK despite its lower relative performance to his normal
Gillard kart.
From this testing and knowledge Jack and the Protrain Team were able to set the
pace in testing despite the new Mojo tyres that Rotax introduced for the meeting
meaning a different set up was required but could be arrived at using the latest
pi data logging and set up feed back.
Jack was quickly on the leader boards in timed practice and just after he had
set the pace he ended up being launched into the air after a driver had stopped
on the racing line but, despite missing the important final laps, it still gave
him third position and a front row start in every heat. These he duly
converted into victories despite being pushed back to seventh at the start of
his third heat.
The
Pre final saw Jack leading most of the time, his pace and race craft keeping him
in front after a long testing race. The final looked good, after leading
for nine laps, Jack dropped back to second for two laps but was obviously much
faster and whilst trying to retake the lead for hopeful victory there was a
collision and Jack disappeared off the track and into a wall.
It was such a shame, Jack and the Protrain Racing team had totally dominated the
meeting and deserved the victory but that is motor racing. After a
successful year in the UK and European Championships everyone is hopeful of
returning to the World Finals and working for victory in 2011.
For further information on Protrain Racing contact Gary Chapman on 01280 814774,
07802 966064, or email
protrain@karttraining.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Double Savings At THC (26/11)
The
Helmet Company is pleased to announce that it is still offering its fantastic
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages on the latest Arai helmets. Even the
CMR approved Arai CK6 is also included within these fantastic offers!
Buy now before the 1st of December and take advantage of the current low prices
as there's an Arai helmet price increase on all products from 1st December.
Double the saving as you're probably aware the VAT rate increases on the 1st of
January so there's not a moment to lose!
All your racing needs are now catered for with our great selection of big brand
names featuring boots, gloves and race suits. Buy next year's race wear at this
year's prices! See our website for details.
For more information visit
www.thehelmetcompany.co.uk
or alternatively call The Helmet Company direct on 01952 262024.
[ Top ]
TMR Development... (26/11)
With
another year of national competition at a close, the TMR Development "works"
setup looks to prepare for more success in 2011 and improve on top seeds in both
FKS and Super One. Drivers Zubair Hoque and Ryan Norris achieved podiums, set
fastest laps and lap records but now look to a new challenge in Junior Max.
Norris, in his first outing in the class took victory at Rowrah last weekend
with Hoque also showing promise. Rookie Andrew Finn, after a difficult first
year now looks to step it up a gear for another season in Minimax, utilising
valuable data obtained throughout 2010 and access to some of the best equipment
in the UK. Recent signing, Liam Murphy, looks to take advantage of working with
his new team mates through the winter, having already seen his performance
improve in a relatively short period.
Almost seven years since its inception, the TMR Development setup has grown from
its club racing roots to a national front running outfit and has remained a
family run business throughout. Based in the North West of the UK, only 15
minutes from Three Sisters in Wigan, the team has recently relocated to new
premises. Soon to boast its own dyno facility and chassis alignment service, the
workshop will offer competitively priced services to the general karting public
as well as team drivers. Different levels of service are available to drivers,
with the more popular "works" service designed specifically to suit those
wanting to race at the very front, offering a complete arrive and drive service
at an affordable monthly cost - no more paying for the team's hotel bill and
nights out!
By running the club and works teams independently each driver works to specific
goals in an environment best suited to their needs. Our goal is to provide
ongoing support whilst keeping numbers down as well as cost. Although running
near full capacity, there is the opportunity for new drivers wanting a top
service at club or national level. To discuss the options available simply
contact team manager, Chris Norris on 07850 015406 or by email on
tmrdevelopment@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Prima Racing Comer Team (26/11)
Prima
Racing is looking good in Comer on the Zip chassis for 2011 with team places
still available. The team have been having a great few months in both the Comer
and WTP classes recently and are looking challenge for titles.
The team has recently started using the Zip chassis in the Comer cadet class and
has not looked back since. In his first outing on the kart, Dan Zelos qualified
on the front row at the last round of the FKS championship at Ellough Park. He
has then gone onto challenge for wins at PFI in October and November and Ellough
Park in October as well as being the pace setter in tests at Whilton Mill.
Last weekend at Shenington, Dan Zelos was the class of the 52 strong field on
his first visit to the circuit - a 4th from grid 15 in heat1 with fastest lap
and a convincing win by 4.7seconds in heat2 (again with fastest lap) gave him
grid 2 for the final. Dan quickly came through to lead the race at the start of
lap 3, then set another fastest lap in his efforts to break the tow. He was
unfortunate to lose the lead with 2 laps to go and despite a valiant effort
around the outside across the line he finished the weekend with an excellent
second place just 0.02seconds shy of the win.
The WTP team has also been going strong and had a good outing at PFI in November
with Tom Day coming home in 2nd place, again being the quicker driver on the day
but unable to find a way past the eventual race winner Sean Gee (now also a
Prima Driver in the Super Cadet class). Gaby Weyer finished in 4th place and
Tommy Weyer overcame engine problems in the heats to finish a creditable 10th
place with the ever improving Bryony King just missing out on the Novice trophy
and starting to shake up the full plate racers.
To enquire about the remaining places in the comer team or for more information
on Prima Racing, contact Neil Berryman on: 07939 162368 or email:
prima.racing@hotmail.com.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Tony Kart Unveils Racer EVRR (26/11)
Strawberry
Racing is delighted to announce the arrival of the stunning Tony Kart Racer EVRR
chassis.
The new kart is an evolution of the enormously successful EVR and features
several notable developments; including a new petrol tank, bearing carriers and
steering wheel.
The petrol tank is now flatter and more compact, creating a lower centre of
gravity and better weight distribution.
The frame, composed of 30mm molybdenum chrome tubes, offers front and rear
height adjustability, along with a huge range of caster and camber change
options. The EVRR's new one-piece bearing carriers have stronger structural
stiffness and offer a number of fixing points for seat stays - allowing a
greater range of seat adjustments.
Such
have been Tony Kart's efforts to optimize every part of the kart, that even the
steering column supports have been redesigned. The steering wheel also boasts a
bold new appearance. The new model has a flatter bottom, improved material for
better grip and feel, plus four spokes that create a new data logger holder.
Three different versions have been designed for use with AIM, Unipro and PI
dashboards.
To complement the innovations introduced on the EVRR, Tony Kart has also
designed new, wind-tunnel inspired graphics which further gives it a bold,
exciting look - in the paddock and on the track.
The Tony Kart Racer EVRR is suitable for all Rotax and KF classes and is
available from £2,835 + VAT.
For more information, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk
[ Top ]
Super Cadet &
Formula KGP
(26/11)
Super
One Series are proud to have been selected by the MSA to hold a Super Cadet and
Formula KGP championship in 2011. The seven round series will kick off at
PF International on 25 - 27th March but you need to get in quick to reserve your
favourite competition number, it's first come, first served for 16 - 99.
Registration forms are available for download on the
www.s1series.co.uk
website at this link:
http://www.s1series.co.uk/competitor-info/forms/Forms%20Listing/RegistrationForm2011.pdf.
After a very successful demonstration race with 19 competitors at the Super One
Series meeting in October, the MSA has given a full go-ahead for the new Super
Cadet class, and awarded S1 one of the only two approved national championships.
Even more raced in the U.K. inaugural Formula KGP demonstration race at the same
meeting, and Super One Series has now been awarded the sole approved
championship series. Super One's Marketing Director John Hoyle said: "We
are honoured that Andy Cox and Paul Deavin, the instigators of Formula KGP in
the U.K., have chosen Super One to be their partners in this exciting new
venture and we are sure it will be a great success. Super Cadet is
completing the line up for our young drivers, providing a performance bridge
from Cadet to KF3 and the other Junior classes.
In years to come I am sure we'll find some future motor racing champions will
have progressed through the Super Cadet ranks in Super One, just as Jenson
Button and Lewis Hamilton did in Cadets."
The technical regulations for Super Cadet will shortly be available on the MSA
website,
www.msauk.org, and the 2011 technical
regulations for Formula KGP are available on the Super One Website by going to
'Competitor Information', then 'Forms for Competitors'. Further information on
approved karts and engines for Super Cadet will also shortly be available on the
MSA website. Drivers who have already moved up to Juniors will be able to
revert to Super Cadet during 2011, provided they are in the appropriate age
range.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Salutary Lesson For Parry (26/11)
British
number one Matthew Parry has vowed to learn from a frustrating end to his
karting career and use it to his advantage as he makes the move to Formula Ford
in 2011 with Fluid Motorsport Developments and Van Diemen running a driver
development programme on behalf of a team in a higher formula.
Having confirmed his reputation as one of Britain's leading kart racers by
claiming a second national title in two years, the 16-year old returned to the
international stage determined to go one better than his second place in the
2009 Rotax World Finals, but an intensive college and Advanced Apprenticeship in
Sporting Excellence timetable meant that he started the week-long event giving
ground to rivals who had been able to test the single-spec Sodikart and/or race
at La Conca prior to the finals.
Despite improving throughout the few pre-event practice sessions, the Briton
remained well adrift when the times were posted, resulting in a career-low 27th
position, and his tough weekend didn't get any easier when he was taken out at
the opening corner of heat one, finishing an unrepresentative 29th.
His luck refused to change later in the day, as he was again the victim of an
opening lap incident, but the Briton battled back and managed to post the
fastest lap of the race before crossing the line in 15th position. The crucial
third heat yielded a top ten result, but the damage was already done, and he
duly found himself in the last-chance race for the first time in his career.
A good start from fourth on the grid boded well for Parry's chances of making it
through to the main event, but he again found himself the victim of someone
else's accident, leaving his kart beyond repair, and the Briton a spectator for
the rest of the weekend.
Vowing to take the disappointment on the chin as he looks to Formula Ford in
2011, the teenager has already had fruitful test outings with Van Diemen works
team Fluid Motorsport Developments, and Lindsay Allen's squad has targeted him
to lead a prominent new young driver development programme forged with an
organisation further up the racing ladder.
Parry will continue his testing programme at both Oulton Park and Rockingham in
the coming weeks.
Photograph courtesy of Graham Smith/TSR Productions.
[ Top ]
George Switches To TKM (26/11)
After
George Thomson's successful short 2 years Racing in Honda Cadet, George has
chosen to move up to TKM junior 2 Stroke with a TAG version engine to compete in
this fast, exciting and highly competitive class. Yet another young driver
making the right choice and moving up into the TKM class that will give him
close racing at an affordable cost and with a level playing field! Watch out for
young George over the next few years as a possible rising star!
On another note Forest Edge are now fully behind TKM, both for Juniors and
Extreme Seniors, and are forming new grids for next year! With a dozen Dads
already committed and another half dozen now considering TKM from other classes,
it looks like Forest Edge will be busy for TKM. Tal-Ko Racing have already
committed to supporting their club champs with prize vouchers, etc.
For more information on Forest Edge Kart Club visit
www.fekc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
RL's 2011 Line
Up...
(25/11)
With a large proportion of the RL
Racing Dept's 2009/2010 drivers re-signing for the upcoming 2011 season, the
Eastern Tonykart team have only 1 drive left! The drive is open to Mini, Junior,
Senior or 177 Rotax for the S1 & FKS championships, with all relevant testing
and club races included.
With strong pace and results over the past few weeks since ending the year
Vice-British Champions in Mini & Senior Max, the squad look set to continue
their success into the new year.
To be a part of this success story, contact us on the following...
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
December DKRC @ Lydd (25/11)
Time
is fast rolling towards the final meeting of the 2010 year for the Daytona Kart
Race Club at Lydd. Having witnessed a fantastic year's racing so far at the Kent
circuit, the club are keen to see a great turnout for the next meeting to finish
the year off in style.
Since the inception of the club back in July, when the circuit made the bold
move from non-MSA sprint meetings to fully supported MSA meetings, the racing
has gone from strength to strength - particularly the ProKarters who, this year
so far, have provided packed grids and some great battles out on the track.
The club would like to thank its existing members and local drivers, who have
embraced the switchover to MSA racing and really made the year one to remember.
The club would also urge anyone wanting to race a fantastic track with friendly
staff, a great atmosphere in the paddock and fees that won't break the bank, to
come down on the 12th December and give it a go!
Racing is great value with Saturday practice £30, Entry Fee £30 for members -
and membership is only £10. Entries are due in no later than the Wednesday
before the meeting, and should be sent to the Entries Co-ordinator, Daytona Lydd
International, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent, TN29 9JH.
Honda
Cadet, Comer Cadet, WTP, Mini-Max, Junior Max, Junior TKM (2 and 4 Stroke) and
Junior Formula Blue, Senior Max, Formula Blue, KF1, KF2, TKM Extreme, Biland,
Prokarts and modified Prokarts are all welcome at the track.
Live timing, a cafe serving hot food all day, race commentary, indoor toilet
facilities, spectating opportunities from the Clubhouse, pit wall and an outdoor
decking area overlooking the track all make for an enjoyable day for the whole
family at Daytona Lydd International.
If you are new to racing, the club and circuit can help to organise ARKS testing
at the circuit itself with friendly and professional staff on hand to guide you
in the right direction.
The circuit is more easily accessible than you may think, only 25 minutes from
M20 Junction 10 at Ashford, and with major roads marking the route up until Lydd
itself.
A new dedicated website for the DKRC at
www.dkrc.org.uk
is now up, but is very much work in progress. Competitors can download club
application forms and race entry forms from the site and shortly will be able to
view all the information that you could need - including weather updates, race
reports, leader boards, technical info etc. Call us on 01797 321895 for more
information or drop by to pick up an information pack at the circuit.
Full results are available courtesy of MyLaps at
www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=594977.
Photographs courtesy of
Martin Webb.
[ Top ]
MT Motorsport
Helmet
(24/11)
Rogue Racing Ltd now have the new MT
Motorsport Helmet in stock - approved for Karting and Car Racing/Snell 2005.
Included in this very special package is a helmet bag and an Iridium visor. The
cost is just £165 + VAT with a special introductory offer of £10 off!
We're also offering £20 off our range of Arai helmets including the CK-6 (Junior
Helmet) and SK-6. Also available are visors and accessories at competitive
prices.
For more information or to order contact us on 01296 330567, email
enquiries@rogueracing.co.uk, or pop in to see us
at Unit 11, Pembroke Road, Stocklake Industrial Area, Aylesbury, HP20 1DB.
[ Top ]
Karting Green Paper (24/11)
The
Kart Sporting Committee has issued a discussion document outlining a number of
proposals and considerations that it believes will help to shape the future of
UK karting.
The Karting Green Paper was originally conceived in 2008 but did not proceed
past the draft stage, as the MSA then announced its own review of karting.
Following the conclusion of the MSA review and the subsequent restructure of the
governance of the sport, the Motor Sports Council requested that the Kart
Sporting Committee revisit and update its original document for wider
publication.
"There was a great deal of work put into this document originally," says Rod
Taylor, Chairman of the Kart Sporting Committee. "It was designed to be radical,
to raise the issues that everyone in the sport was aware of, but that no-one
seemed prepared even to discuss, let alone address. Unfortunately, instead of
taking it as a discussion document, it was rejected out of hand which led the
MSA to instigate its own full-scale review of karting.
"Now the restructure is under way, the Motor Sports Council has asked Kart
Sporting Committee to reconsider the original paper, to update it where
necessary and to circulate it for wider consideration. The Committee is
delighted to do so and we hope that these thoughts may stimulate the debate that
will lead to a fundamental re-evaluation of karting and secure its future growth
and development."
In order to ensure the fullest possible debate, the MSA will attend a series of
regional meetings during the first quarter of 2011 to discuss the Karting Green
Paper and other issues with kart clubs and other organisations involved in the
sport. Please
click here to view the
Karting Green Paper. Comments must be submitted to
kart@msauk.org by
Monday 17 January 2011.
[ Top ]
Tony Kart Racer EVRR (24/11)
The
Kart Shop at Buckmore now have the new 2011 offering from Tony Kart on show, and
orders are now being taken.
With the winter firmly here, The Kart Shop is offering some special deals on a
Winter service from a strip clean and check over to a chassis strip and
powdercoat.
Visit The Kart Shop at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, or contact us direct on 01634
672256 for details.
More information on the range of products is available at
www.thekartshop.co.uk.
[ Top ]
KartMania Honda Challenge (23/11)
The
2011 KartMania Honda Challenge, launched at the KartMania show in Coventry
earlier this month, has received a fantastic response and now has enough
confirmed drivers to ensure the championship goes ahead next season!
There's more good news too - the organisers are looking to include a Heavy class
(within the same grid as the main championship) if enough drivers express their
interest. The weight is set at 175kg, but 180kg or even 185kg could be
run. You asked for it, so get your registration forms off now so
organisers can plan for the new season and make the only national Honda Sprint
series a success!
Dates for 2011 are as follows, and you can keep up to date and get registration
forms from the website at
www.kartmania.co.uk/KartMania_honda_sprint_challenge.html.
April 10th - Kimbolton
May 8th - Clay Pigeon
June 19th - Llandow (double Header)
July 24th - Fulbeck
August - 14th - Rowrah
September - 25th Whilton Mill
[ Top ]
Bambino & Honda Cadet (22/11)
Mectech
Motorsport has Bambino karts available for Christmas delivery. The British
manufactured kart, designed for 5-8 year olds, features a Honda 4-stroke engine
with adjustable steering column and pedal positioning for the shorter driver.
The karts come complete with seat, tyres, chain guard and bodywork, factory
assembled, for just £1095 + VAT.
The new 2011 "Pro Garda 7" chassis - engineered for the Honda Cadet class - are
also available. The chassis has shown great pace obtaining various fastest laps
and podiums over the last couple of months. The team will be attending
the Bayford Meadows club meeting with a test kart.
For Enquires and more information, or to arrange a test day on the "Pro Garda 7"
chassis, contact Bradley on 01277 372848 or email
Mectechmotorsport@live.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Formula KGP (19/11)
Date:
Saturday 4th December 2010
Venue: Whilton Mill Circuit Northants
Time: 10.00am 'til 3.00pm
Formula
KGP is offering a test day to anyone who is interested in this new exciting
Formula for the 2011 season. Each test slot will consist of a 15 lap sessions
and each slot must be pre-booked by calling the KGP Office on 01527 882981
before the 1st of December 2010.
Each slot will be charged at £20 and if, after the test day, you order a KGP
engine then your £20 will be refunded. Alternatively if you are a club member of
either Buckmore Park, Clay Pigeon, Kart Racing Promotions Club, Hooton Park,
Manchester and Buxton (Wigan), PFI (TVKC), Larkhall (WSKC), Shenington KC and
produce your club membership card on the day the session slot will be free of
charge. Drivers must be 16 years old in 2011 to be eligible to test.
Formula KGP has been granted National Championship status by the MSA with the
Super 1 series for 2011 - see
www.s1series.co.uk. Plus,
the class will also run at monthly club races at Buckmore Park, Clay Pigeon,
Hooton park, Three Sisters, PFI, Larkhall and guest races at Shenington.
So you have heard all the hype and all the old wives tales, now come and see the
facts for yourself and try Formula KGP - you won't be disappointed and you will
probably have the drive of your karting life!
For more info on Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk, follow us on Facebook,
or call the office 01527 882981.
[ Top ]
New Birel Super
Cadet
(17/11)
The
2nd batch of new Birel Super Cadet C28 chassis are arriving soon after the
initial stock sold out in just 3 days! Leading cadet drivers like Rory Cuff have
already chosen the Birel C28.
The Birel C28 is highly successful in the Super Cadet category in Italy and
comes with all the usual Freeline HQ components as used on its bigger brother
Birel Motorsport R30 chassis.
The chassis comes complete with Freeline Rims, standard seat, Birel Motorsport
Steering wheel and Birel Motorsport graphics pack, Freeline rear pod protection
system, castor adjustor, adjustable steering column support and CX brake system
for £1695 + VAT.
To
reserve yours and beat the VAT increase call the ACR office on 01527 889595 now!
For more information visit our website at
www.acrbirel.com.
[ Top ]
Rotax Max World Final (17/11)
Over
the past decade, the Rotax Max Challenge, organised in 40 countries across the
world, has become one of the most important international karting series. This
year, the 11th edition of Rotax World Final will take place at the Circuit
International La Conca in Italy.
The 252 drivers, from five continents across the world, are split into four
categories:
Junior Max: 72 drivers (aged between 13 and 17)
Senior Max: 72 drivers (aged 15 years and above)
DD2: 72 drivers (aged between 15 and 32)
DD2Master: 36 drivers (aged 32 and above)
The contestants have one randomly allocated chassis per category, with technical
modifications prohibited by the regulations. A level playing field is therefore
guaranteed and, considering what's at stake, the racing promises to be very
competitive and spectacular!
Motors TV will screen a not-to-be-missed 52-minute highlights programme bringing
the best action from the World Final on Saturday 27 November at 1pm.
For more information on the channel and full schedule visit
www.motorstv.co.uk.
[ Top ]
HTR
Awning Packages
(16/11)
HTR
has awning packages available for the 2011 season for all classes and all
chassis to take part in Super 1, Formula Kart Stars, NKF, Rowrah, Fulbeck, PFI
and Wigan club meetings.
HTR have a large fully equipped awning with excellent facilities and provide a
second to none service. We have may different packages available from basic
awning space to full arrive and drive. All of which are at very competitive
prices.
If you require any further information then please don't hesitate to contact
Derrick Hardy - Team Principle on tel 0191 528 9005 or 07836 248459 (mobile), or
email
derrick@kart-kart.com.
You can also visit our website at
www.intrepiduk.com.
[ Top ]
More Success For Grice (15/11)
Grice
Racing has been enjoying tremendous success since the end of the Super1 and FKS
championships.
In Mini Max, Ben Hingeley, Jack Bartholomew, Mikey Houghton, Connor Mills and
Jack Mitchell have all been setting fastest laps and winning finals throughout
the UK. All current drivers have been using our motors set to the new
specification and all have enjoyed our latest carb set-up giving more bottom end
power and finding it easier to hit the pedal sweet spot.
The Junior Max class has been dominated by Grice power throughout 2010, and
latest hotshots Harry Crawley, Cody Tree, Ryan Norris, James Singleton, Levi
Combes, Bob Thompson, Zubair Hogue, Josh Collings, Jack Taylor and Kieron
Gifford are a few amongst many who have chosen Grice power to give them the
edge.
During the latter part of this season, we have been concentrating on our Senior
Max motors with great success. Those present at Genk Euromax would have seen
Lewis Plato's domination and pure speed until bending his kart in main final.
Wigan Super 1 was also dominated by Mike Epps with pole in qualifying and 2 heat
wins, but after getting spun around in pre-final was forced to entertain the
spectators with a tremendous fight back through the pack showing amazing power.
Other impressive drives at Wigan were Ollie Varney and James Robinson who both
finished inside top 10 in the main final, emphasising that our power is
available to all of our customers. Since this amazing showing of form, James
Darch, Gordon Chenery, Aaron Charles and Adam Shepherd have all been winning
races with our new 2010 spec set up.
All this development and success doesn't come at a great price as our
recession-busting special is still running at the following prices...
Full rebuild inc all bearings, gaskets, labour piston, everything excluding
conrod and balance shaft:
Rotax - £340
TKM - £180
Cadet - £160
Dyno run in and power test is £75, carb strip,
ultrasonic clean and prepare is £50.
Our latest special offer is a brand new unused jag supplied barrel for just £75!
Lastly, if you're considering your setup for a 2011 championship, our latest
engine/carb hire package will be sure blow you and your opposition away, so
please contact us to discuss.
If your current engine supplier cannot boast this level of success and prices to
match, you can contact us on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253, or email
ricky.grice@virgin.net.
Our new website - griceracingengines.com
- is online now with plenty of new information available.
[ Top ]
The Driver In Front... (12/11)
Everyone
hits a brick wall sooner or later and you can't always put your finger on
exactly where the problem lies; Kart Coach will help you make the break through
you need to get your ambitions back on track. Our structured programme
increases confidence, maximises your potential and delivers the performance
advantage you need for a successful weekend. Here are a few typical comments
from our converts...
"Never seen him so relaxed during a race weekend, we didn't argue, we had fun
and we got a result!"
"It's impressive the way you guys made him feel at home."
"He really communicates with the team; he never listens to me!"
"He just gets quicker every session; the proof is on the stopwatch."
"I was amazed how quickly he settled in, he's usually a bit awkward meeting new
people but he was listening, taking it all in, confident and doing the times."
"Can't
argue with the results, never seen this track before and he gets a trophy,
we're still smiling."
"Last month we were no-where; this month, a podium. He's got his
confidence back."
Professional support you can afford!
The Dad - We'll advise you when to spend your money and what to spend it on;
this alone will save you a small fortune. Don't go rushing off to buy new
kart/engine/tyres if you don't need them, we'll let you know when it's time to
open your wallet. We'll show you how to maintain your kart correctly and set it
up for all track conditions. Seat position, chassis alignment (is it bent?).
Tracking, toe in toe out camber and castor settings, for wet and dry condition's
chain and sprocket alignment, carb settings.
The
Driver - We know how to overcome the barrier that often exists when youngsters
meet new people. The shy little lad with the limp handshake who won't look you
in the eye on first meeting soon becomes happy, confident, high fiver with
a spring in his step by the end of the day. We'll prepare him or her for their
ARKS test if necessary, and ensure they are up to speed for their first race.
We'll show them the correct racing line, how to overtake, how to make the best
starts and how to win that first trophy. We'll show them how to move seamlessly
from novice to full plates, ensuring they are up there battling in the mid-grid
straight away and not languishing at the back of the field.
One to one driver coaching by experts. Relaxed atmosphere, spacious fully
equipped awning. Whether you are looking for a big or little step up the racing
ladder, Kart Coach can help. All ages, classes and skill levels catered for.
Start on the right track: A cost effective £169 per weekend! Shenington and
Whilton Mill on the 3rd and 4th weekend of each month. However, for December
only, Shenington is the 1st weekend of the month.
Visit our website at
www.kartcoach.com or call
07881 908291 for a chat.
[ Top ]
2-In-A-Row For Team TraXXion (12/11)
As
the Autumn sun rose above the Oxfordshire track, it didn't seem as though it was
going to warm the circuit at Rissington by very much. Ice cold wind blew across
the circuit making the track stay very 'green' for most of the day!
Team TraXXion Junior Rotax drivers Sam Morgan and Scott Rose showed their pace
early. Sam setting some blistering laps in The LH1 kart with it's well known
livery take from the helmet design of the 2009 Formula One World Champion, Lewis
Hamilton. Scott was also quick but had niggling problems with his electrics that
were set to haunt him for the whole weekend! By close of play on Saturday
afternoon, it was apparent that Sam was up for the challenge to confirm himself
as The 2010 Rissington Kart Club Champion in Junior Rotax. A Championship he had
topped from the first meeting, leading on from his dominant form in Minimax
during 2009.
Opting for 4 meeting old tyres given the track conditions, Sam started heat one
on a difficult damp drying track on slicks. Started 10th and making 6 places in
the first corner alone he set about chasing the lead drivers and took
respectable 2nd. Winning heat 2 confirmed Sam as 2010 Champion. An offer of £5
per place gained towards his holiday fund from Dad saw Sam storming from 21st to
6th in heat 3 securing pole position for the final and £75 in the process.
Taking a gamble on tyre pressures made the kart difficult, "It just never really
came on" said Sam afterwards. Coupled with making sure there was going to be no
contact causing him to be excluded and possibly losing the Championship on the
way. Sam put up no resistance to 2 drivers passing him, but wanted to make sure
a podium position sealed his weekend.
Sam commented, "Other than the final, the kart has been fantastic all weekend.
Perhaps a 5th meeting was too much to ask from those tyres as there are
virtually no holes left in the rear tyres! I'm over the moon with this season
and can only contribute the recent success with the LH. It doesn't seem to
matter what the weather throws at us - it works!"
If you would like to find out more information about the Lewis Hamilton range of
Karts including the exciting new range of LH Bambino, Cadet and Super Cadet
karts, book a test drive or find out what Team TraXXion could do for you please
contact them on 07835 042083 or
teamtraxxion@aol.com.
Offering services from awning space to driver training, kart preparation to kart
hire, Team TraXXion may be just what you're looking for!
[ Top ]
KF Winter Series/ABkC O Plate (11/11)
Following
a majority vote by drivers and teams, front brakes in the KF2 class will not be
permitted in either the KF Winter Series (incorporating the ABkC O Plate) or the
2011 Super One Series. The promoters are aware that many competitors are
waiting for this decision before committing to the series. The decision,
which has been approved by the MSA, will greatly reduce the cost, especially to
new competitors in the class, and more than likely lead to better racing.
All the forms and the amended regulations are available on both the
www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk and the
www.s1series.co.uk
websites. So don't delay, enter today.
The championship is for the international KF2 and KF3 classes and the best
driver in each will win the use of the prestigious ABkC O Plate number for the
2011 season. Four rounds will be held, 21st November at Shenington, 7th December
at PF International, 23rd January at Shenington and finally 6th February at PFI
with the best three rounds to count.
Used by the top drivers to keep sharp and prepare for the 2011 British
Championships, now in KF2 for the seniors, the series is a great chance to
compete against the best and show off your skills. Jake Dennis, now crowned the
CIK/FIA U18 World Kart Champion, was the Junior KF3 winner this year, and Jake
Lloyd the senior.
Remember if a junior is not old enough to compete in the class this year, then
registration is still required and entries can be made for the rounds in 2011.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Vodafone DMAX Championship (11/11)
Daytona
Motorsport would like to congratulate the winners of the 2010 Vodafone DMAX
Championships decided at a sunny Daytona Milton Keynes circuit on Sunday. The
Endurance Lightweight title was won by Chris Hackworth and the Heavyweight
Champion is Chris Carter. The Sprint Lightweight title also went to Chris
Hackworth and the Heavyweight Champion is James Brunton. 2nd place in the Sprint
Lightweights went to a count back as both Callum Souter and James Pratt ended
the season with exactly the same amount of points, but it was Callum who
finished as vice-champion due to his superior amount of 2nd places.
Congratulation to all the drivers, here's the top 3 from each class...
Endurance Lightweight:
1st - Chris Hackworth - 400 pts
2nd - Anson Williams - 316 pts
3rd - Hugo Bush - 300 pts
Endurance Heavyweight:
1st - Chris Carter - 390 pts
2nd - David Payne - 311 pts
3rd - Michael Ballinger - 310 pts
Sprint Lightweight:
1st - Chris Hackworth - 1040 pts
2nd - Callum Souter - 979 pts
3rd - James Pratt - 979 pts
Sprint Heavyweight:
1st - James Brunton - 1034 pts
2nd - Chris Carter - 1028 pts
3rd - Neil Fisher - 990 pts
Daytona would like to thank all the drivers who took part in some fantastic
racing this season, we look forward to making 2011 even bigger and better.
We'd also like to thank our partners Vodafone, Demon Tweeks, Amorco Transport,
Birel and Rotax for their invaluable assistance in 2010.
For more information on the championship visit
www.daytonamax.co.uk.
[ Top ]
DHR FA Team Kart Sale (10/11)
The
official DHR FA Racing kart team is pleased to announce its end of year kart
sale. The 2010 Alonso ex team karts have been maintained to the highest of
standards! Karts available for Rotax Max, KF and TKM!
DHR have a selection of 10 team karts ranging from 2-20 meetings old. Amongst
these include the team kart raced by Sean Babington to Junior Kartmasters Victoy
as well as Senior Euro Max Victory at Genk! Also 2 Alonso TKM 2010 karts as used
by Randal Lynn to great success with many podium finishes.
All the team karts come as complete rolling chassis with OTK Seat (size to
suit), OTK MXP Wheels, Full FA sticker set, Footrest, Magnesium Engine Mount and
exhaust brackets as well as all the usual high spec OTK components.
Prices start from just £1100 and all karts are available immediately, so call
now to avoid disappointment!
For more info call Dan on 07960 047810, email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk, or visit our website
at
www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Champs (10/11)
Round
7 of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series takes place on Sunday 21st
November. All ABkC non gearbox classes are welcome including bambino.
Practice is available on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th November between 10am -
4pm. For more information contact Sheila Rose 01634 661604.
For more information on Buckmore Park Kart Club visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
New TKM Wet Cover (10/11)
Tal-Ko
Racing now sells a very smart carbon fibre look wet cover for the 2 stroke TKM
Classes.
It is easily fixed to the carb induction box by means of a clever crossed over
elastic cable as well as with a cable tie on the lower central lug of the
induction box making it very secure and fast to fit!
It has been designed to give ample room for gloved hand choking of the induction
trumpets as well as good protection from water!
It has the TKM moulded at the top to identify the manufacture and quality of
this new product!
The TKM rules from Jan 1st 2011 have clarified the legality of such a wet cover
although most scrutineers will allow it to be used already.
It is realistically priced at £22.50p + vat and will be available within the
next few days either direct from Tal-Ko (see our website at
www.tal-ko.com
for contact information) or your local kart dealer!
[ Top ]
New Head Of World Karting (10/11)
Bahrain's
Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, an existing member of Motorsport's governing
body the FIA World Motor Sport Council, has been confirmed as the new President
of the FIA's Karting body, the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK). The
announcement comes following the meeting of the FIA's General Assembly in Paris
on Friday (November 5th). Sheikh Abdulla takes over from outgoing CIK-FIA
President Nicolas Deschaux.
Incoming President Sheikh Abdulla today said: "I am delighted and honoured to be
taking up the Presidency of the CIK-FIA. It is true recognition of the
importance placed upon the regions of the world by the FIA's World Motor Sport
Council, especially with such a vital discipline which sits at the very heart of
grass roots Motorsport and is a testament to the diversity of the World Council.
"Karting has a unique role to play in Motorsport, not only as a mature
discipline in its own right, but as the very backbone of Motorsport. Many of the
world's leading racing Drivers today kick-started their careers through Karting,
which still remains the critical route to the pinnacle of motor racing. We have
a proud history behind us and, I believe, an exciting future ahead.
"My thanks go to outgoing CIK-FIA President Nicolas Deschaux who has worked
tirelessly to develop and promote Karting during his tenure and, in particular,
opened a new path for the sport which has delivered robust changes.
"As the International Karting Commission's new President, my aim will be to help
further shape and define Karting, not just in its traditional geographies, but
further afield too. We have a vibrant and hugely important sport, which not only
provides a highly accessible entry point for Motorsport enthusiasts, it provides
a spring board for racing Drivers of the future, as evidenced by countless
former F1 world champions.
"Karting's continued growth, on a global
basis, is essential to increasing awareness, enjoyment and participation in
Motorsport and is a fundamental pillar of its future development. FIA President
Jean Todt is pursuing a clear vision of the sustainable development of
Motorsport, which includes increasing its geographic reach, as well as the
continued enhancement of the structures of the FIA, along with a firm commitment
to reflecting the role that individual regions have to play in the FIA's
development. Karting should be an exemplar in this regard and I welcome the
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Karting globally."
The photograph shows (from left to right) CIK President Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa
Al Khalifa, CIK outgoing President Nicolas Deschaux and FIA President Jean Todt.
[ Top ]
Huge Clearance
Sale
(09/11)
Dartford Karting are having a huge
clearance sale at their old premises in Watling Street, Dartford, DA2 6EP. From
10am - 4pm this Sunday (14th November) we will be offering karts, engines,
spares, components, wheels, tyres, 100cc bits, machinery, clothing and more from
1980's Dart karts to 2009 Tony karts - new and used.
There's too much to list fully but you can get more details on our website at
http://www.kartstore.co.uk/news.cfm?story=7.
[ Top ]
Edgar And
Cobb Switch
(09/11)
Justin
Edgar and Steve Cobb have made the switch to Formula KGP for the S1 series in
2011. After enjoying the first ever Formula KGP race at PFI in October the
sparring partners who battled royal through the 2010 177 Max S1 season will be
reunited once more.
Having the duo in KGP Masters (172kgs division) will surely make for some
classic racing in 2011 with Edgar being multiple O Plate and British Champion,
Cobb S1 Champion in 2006 and multiple S1 final winner in 2010, KGP Masters has
quality written all over it already!
To register for the Super One series in Formula KGP Pro or Masters visit
www.s1series.co.uk.
For more information on FKGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or follow us on
Facebook!
[ Top ]
RL Racing Dept On Top (08/11)
In
a stunning return to the European Rotax scene the current Vice-British
Champions, RL Racing Dept, stormed to victory with Jake Ball in Zuera, Northern
Spain last week.
With the current Euro Max Challenge top 3 competing at this event, the Suffolk
based outfit had their work cut out it would seem at the offset, with no prior
testing on the Mojo tyres, front brake system and engine regulations that differ
to the UK but drawing upon the experience and expertise that took them to the
Euro Max title in 2008 and victories in 2009, they pressed on and with Ball's
outstanding talent and determination they took a well deserved win at the flag -
his pace showing stronger and stronger as the week progressed.
His team mate, Colombian, Tatiana Calderon also made a return to European Rotax
competition with the team after a year racing cars in the US. She had torrid
heats but climbed from P33 to 12th only to collide on the last lap with 2 others
and fall to 19th at the flag. A good warm up race for the young lady ready for
the World Finals in Italy next week.
In the Junior category, again with no prior testing and even less experienced -
the Mini Max duo of Sam Marsh and Josh White stepped up into the faster class
and the pace in testing was evident straight away, White posting fastest laps in
the last 2 official practice sessions and TQ brought a P4 start, going against
the top Euro Max contenders. Marsh was to save his attack for the main final...
White took 2nd position in heat 1 but struggled to get to grips after that with
the hard wet compound tyre, resulting in a P7 start for the final from where he
was pushed of in turn 2, although driving back through to 8th at the flag
lapping much faster than the leaders.
Marsh made it from P12 right up to 3rd and was taking over 5 tenths a lap from
the leaders when he was harshly black flagged. A sour end to what was looking
like a definite podium at least.
Nevertheless, a good strong showing from the UK outfit so be sure to watch this
space!
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Oram-Jones Signs For RL (08/11)
UK
Mini Max contender, Sam Oram-Jones, this past week signed for the Vice-British
Champions RL Racing Dept.
His move is intended to bolster his attack on the FKS & S1 series in 2011 and
has strengthened the squad's already formidable line-up.
This weekend past at PFI was Sam's first outing with the team and was used as an
acclimatisation exercise, allowing the two to bond ready for the upcoming
season.
The team welcome Sam, and Team Principle Steve Armstrong is sure that with the
team's guidance they can take Sam to many podiums in 2011.
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Three Sisters Joins KGP Party (05/11)
The
latest club to sign up to run Formula KGP is the Manchester and Buxton kart club
which runs at the Three Sisters racing circuit near Wigan.
The club will run Formula KGP from January 2011, membership and entry forms
are available from
kath@mbkc.fsnet.co.uk.
"The Three Sisters circuit is one of the historical greats in UK Karting. It
will be fantastic to see the Formula KGP going down the famous conrod straight"
commented a delighted KGP boss Paul Deavin.
For more information visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or
follow us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kart-Grand-Prix-UK/118241168220144.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Reigns In Spain (05/11)
Strawberry
Racing dominated the Zuera podium after its drivers occupied four of the six
steps available in the Junior and Senior categories at last weekend's (30/31
October) Rotax International Open.
Reigning junior Euro Max champion Joel Affolter underlined his quality by
topping the rankings after the heats, but had to bow to his team-mate Jack
Barlow in the pre-final. The Englishman won in fine style, with the Dutch star
claiming 3rd.
Their positions were to be reversed in the Grand Final, as Joel made history as
the first ever holder of the International Open title. Despite lacking bottom
end revs, Jack drove a mature race to make sure he was again among the trophies.
Mats van den Brand, Barrie Pullinger, Ed Brand, new signing Berry Torenvliet and
junior graduate Jack Marshall contested the senior class for the Tony Kart
squad.
With the preliminaries completed, Ed had qualified on pole position for the
pre-final, with Mats alongside. A controversial decision to declare tyre choice
open handed the advantage to drivers at the rear of the field with seemingly
nothing to lose. Consequently they gambled on slick tyres, whilst the
front-runners erred on the side of caution and chose wet tyres. The track was
certainly wet at the start, but quickly began to dry and the slick-shod runners
carved their way up the order.
As the drivers lifted their karts off the trolleys for the main final, the track
was now completely dry, creating a level playing field in terms of tyre choice.
From 22nd on the grid, Jack Marshall showed the quality that made him Super 1
vice-Champion as he stormed through to an eventual 4th place. Barrie Pullinger
scrapped his way from 21st to 8th, whilst Mats and Ed pushed each other up to
2nd and 3rd. Berry's debut with the team proved to be something of a baptism of
fire as the young Dutchman fought hard in the midfield.
"It was a quality field, everyone was there" observed Strawberry Team Manger,
Warwick Ringham. "Ed and Mats were on top of their game. Jack set the fastest
lap, and considering this was his first ever senior race, he did remarkably
well. Barrie did very well, taking another top ten finish and Berry learned a
great deal - but unfortunately luck was not quite with him."
Turning his attention to his junior star, Warwick said: "Joel is a fantastic
little pilot. Given the level of success he's achieving, it's easy to forget
that he is still very young. He just keeps on getting better. Jack really
impressed me with his performance in the wet pre-final. He demonstrated great
kart-control, used his head by picking his moment to take the lead and bring it
home at the head of the field.
All in all, this was a very good warm-up for the World Finals (at La Conca) and
next year's British and European championships."
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Latest Karting Decisions (05/11)
On
occasion of the meetings of 3 and 5 November 2010 in Paris, the World Motor
Sport Council of the FIA and/or the General Assembly of the FIA took in
particular the following decisions for Karting:
International Karting Commission-FIA:
On proposal of the World Motor Sport Council, the General Assembly of the FIA
has designated the President and the Members of the CIK for the year to come.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa (BHR) has been
appointed President of the CIK and the following countries will be represented
within the Commission: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain,
Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey, the United States of America and Venezuela.
The Manufacturers' representative and the Teams' representative will be
designated in December 2010 further to the Monaco meeting of the World Motor
Sport Council.
CIK-FIA Technical Working Group:
With the aim of reinforcing the involvement of Manufacturers in the process of
the drafting of technical proposals to be submitted to the CIK Commission and
then to the World Motor Sport Council, the composition of the Technical Working
Group has been altered by introducing a distinction between Manufacturers,
either "A type" (Manufacturers having homologated chassis and engines who in
addition can demonstrate that they actively participate in CIK-FIA
Championships), or "B type" (Manufacturers having homologated either chassis or
engines). The Technical Working Group will comprise 9 members: 2 members from
ASNs, 2 representatives of the "A" Manufacturers, 1 representative of the "B"
Manufacturers, 1 representative of the tyre Manufacturers, 2 representatives of
the Teams and 1 President.
Sporting Regulations:
The format of the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship, traditionally held in one
single event, will be extended to five events in 2011. The main Karting
Manufacturers have committed themselves to participating therein and, with their
agreement, the Super KF category will be replaced by a new KF1 category using
homologated KF2 engines and with free chassis, brakes and tyres.
Because of its ever more international extension - no longer just confined to
certain European countries, a World Cup will be dedicated to the KZ2 category as
from 2011. Both 125 cc gearbox categories will benefit by a European
Championship henceforth concentrated in one single event and a World Cup.
The eligibility criteria for the different CIK-FIA World Cups (in KF2, KF3, KZ1
and KZ2) have been changed with the aim of extending participation to new
countries and of strengthening the Organisers. In order to enter, the Drivers
shall prove that they have participated in the 12 preceding months either in a
CIK-FIA Championship event, or in a minimum of 3 national events in their
original country, or in 3 Zone events in the CIK-FIA category corresponding to
that of the World Cup concerned. The latter measure is aimed at reinforcing the
development of the CIK-FIA categories via national or Zone competitions.
The European KF2 and KF3 Championships will continue to be held in two stages
since their grand final will be preceded by regional selections. The 3 regional
qualifying events (Northern, Western and Central) are replaced by two Trophies
(Northern and Southern). Participation will no longer be open only to European
Drivers but also to Drivers from all continents.
The maximum number of participants in the CIK-FIA Karting Trophy Academy has
been increased from 34 to 51 from 2011, while maintaining the principle of
granting one kart per nation for Drivers selected by their respective ASNs. Out
of the 51 available karts placed on a free basis at the disposal of the
participants one kart will be reserved for a lady Driver selected by the "Women
& Motorsport" Commission of the FIA.
Technical Regulations:
To avoid finding especially manufactured spark plugs or the sometimes very
costly transformation of standard spark plugs aimed at increasing performance or
at twisting the regulation concerning the minimum volume of the combustion
chamber, a specific article and appendix describing the characteristics of
ignition spark plugs has been added to the Technical Regulations.
Technical and Homologation Recommendations for the bodywork of
"Minikarts":
To meet the demand of several ASNs and with a view to reinforcing safety and to
harmonising national regulations, the CIK-FIA and the Karting Research Group of
the FIA Institute for Safety have drawn up Technical Recommendations regarding
bodywork for the non-constraining use of ASNs in their national categories for
children and youths. The whole required methodology (technical description,
mounting, crash-tests, etc.) is inspired by the Technical and Homologation
Regulations already existing for bodywork homologated by the CIK-FIA for
categories with an international vocation.
2011 CIK-FIA Calendar:
The 2011 calendar of the CIK-FIA Championships, Cups and Trophies has been voted
as follows:
CIK-FIA "U18" WORLD KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP (DRIVERS UNDER 18) & CIK-FIA KARTING
ACADEMY TROPHY
08-10/7 - Ortona (ITA)
26-28/8 - Essay (FRA)
TBA (Oct./Nov.) - Bahrain (BHR)
CIK-FIA WORLD KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP (KF1)
19-22/5 - Suzuka (JPN)
09-12/6 - Wackersdorf (DEU)
21-24/7 - Zuera (ESP)
01-04/9 - Genk (BEL)
15-18/9 - Sarno (ITA)
CIK-FIA WORLD CUPS FOR KF2 & KF3
15-18/9 - Sarno (ITA)
CIK-FIA WORLD CUPS FOR KZ1 & KZ2
01-04/9 - Genk (BEL)
CIK-FIA EUROPEAN KZ1 & KZ2 CHAMPIONSHIPS
09-12/6 - Wackersdorf (DEU)
CIK-FIA EUROPEAN KF2 & KF3 CHAMPIONSHIPS
North European Trophy
28/4-01/5 - PF Int'l, Brandon (GBR)
South European Trophy
28/4-01/5 - Varennes s/Allier (FRA)
Finals
21-24/7 - Zuera (ESP)
CIK-FIA ASIA-PACIFIC KF1 & KF3 CHAMPIONSHIPS
01-04/12 - Macau-Coloane (MAC)
CIK-FIA ASIA-PACIFIC KF2 CHAMPIONSHIP
19-22/5 - Suzuka (JPN)
CIK-FIA EUROPEAN SUPERKART CHAMPIONSHIP
TBA (3 events) **
CIK-FIA KF2, KF3 & KZ2 VIKING TROPHY
17-19/6 - Lidköping (SWE)
CIK-FIA KF3 & KZ2 MONACO KART CUP
14-16/10 - Monaco (MCO) *
* subject to the re-homologation of the circuit
** decision on the circuits and organisers will be made by the World Council on
10th December 2010.
All the details of the World Council decisions concerning Karting will soon be
available on
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
Subaru Budget Class (04/11)
After
being revealed at the 2010 Kartmania Show, Subaru Junior is generating more and
more interest, inviting new drivers into the world of MSA Karting from kart
schools across the UK. It's also proving to be popular with drivers who
are karting on a limited budget and cannot meet the costs of entering TKM or
Minimax when moving on from a cadet formula.
The engine is 9hp and is a sealed unit (by Prokart Engineering) to keep a level
playing field across the grid, with the exception of changing the main jet in
the carburettor. The class also comprises a weight limit of 135kg and is able to
run of Vega SL8's/Mojo Minimax/Junior Max Tyres as they are widely available to
the UK, plus any Jun/Snr chassis either second hand or new can be put forward to
be used in the class.
A special open day as been arranged to try out the engine and talk to the 3 main
promoters of the series on Sunday 14th November 2010 at Bayford Meadows Kart
Circuit, in Kent. The cost will be just £15.00!
Ambition Motorsport (UK), Project One Racing, and Prokart Engineering will all
be on hand to answer any questions and provide information to make sure that you
make the right choice in 2011.
Please contact either Ambition Motorsport (UK) on 07951 831 236, Project One
Racing on 01795 474 720 or Prokart Engineering on 01329 289 783 to book your
place.
Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows and Formula 6 have already indicated their
willingness to include the class into their club championships if numbers
are acceptable.
[ Top ]
KF Winter Series (04/11)
With
the first round of the KF Winter Series to be held at Shenington on 21st
November, there is still time to complete a registration form and enter. All the
details are on the
www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk
website.
The championship is for the international KF2 and KF3 classes and the best
driver in each will win the use of the prestigious ABkC O Plate number for the
2011 season. Four rounds will be held, 21st November at Shenington, 7th December
at PF International, 23rd January at Shenington and finally 6th February at PFI
with the best three rounds to count.
Used by the top drivers to keep sharp and prepare for the 2011 British
Championships, now in KF2 for the seniors, the series is a great chance to
compete against the best and show off your skills. Jake Dennis, now crowned the
CIK/FIA U18 World Kart Champion, was the Junior KF3 winner this year, and Jake
Lloyd the senior.
Remember if a junior is not old enough to compete in the class this year, then
registration is still required and entries can be made for the rounds in 2011.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Ambition Organised For 2011 (04/11)
Ambition
Motorsport have been working hard over the 2010 season. Becoming Super 1
Champions in Honda Cadet, helping new drivers from Bambino/Junior Club to get
into the sport, and exhibiting at this year's KartMania Show in Coventry where
they were on hand to answer questions, offer tuition days and sign up drivers
for various championships.
The team has gone from strength to strength and now released their 2011 season
calendar to meet popular demand. The Ambition Motorsport team will be competing
at most Clay Pigeon, Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows and PF International club
meetings as well as supporting the TKM Super 1 Championship (inc. warm up
rounds), NKRA Southern Championship and the Rowrah ABkC 'O' Plate.
Classes
catered for are Bambinos/Honda Cadet/Subaru Junior/Minimax/Junior Max/Senior Max
classes.
Ambition Motorsport are also stockists for all OTK Products and Project One
cadet karts and parts - a championship winning combination all under one
successful race team.
To arrange a test or to join the team for your 2011 assault at a
circuit/championship nearest to you, please contact Paul Janes on 0795 183 1236
or email
info@ambitionmotorsport.com.
You can also visit us at
www.ambitionmotorsport.com
to check out results/drivers/latest news/calendar/products.
[ Top ]
New Kart Hand
Controls
(04/11)
KartForce hand controls can be
quickly fitted and removed from any kart. Our aim is to have these hand controls
placed at kart tracks all over the country so injured troops in these areas can
just go to their local track and enjoy some karting with their friends and
family.
If you're interested in purchasing these new design of hand controls contact
Dave on
dave@kartforce.org or check our website for more
info at
www.KartForce.org.
These hand controls will also allow the track to provide karting to other
disabled people, and so have the potential to benefit many.
[ Top ]
Gearbox At RaceCar Live (04/11)
The Long Circuit Racing Kart Club
and the British Superkart Racing Club combine to invite all gearbox drivers to
join them to help promote the sport and enjoy a run around the world famous
Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on November 20/21st as part of RaceCar Live weekend.
There will be two sessions (AM & PM) on both Saturday and Sunday when a small
charge (£30) will levied to help contribute to the cost of putting on the event.
It is not compulsory to do both days, one day is fine. There will also be a
static display of Karts in the centre paddock. All classes of gearbox karts are
invited and you don't have to have L/C bodywork either.
Just come and enjoy yourself and help promote the sport to potentially new
people. There are only a few requirements - that drivers should have a gearbox
kart complying to MSA regulations, wear a leather suit (we can supply these if
required) and be in possession of a current MSA licence.
Contact Ian Rushforth for more details on 01603 746563 or
ian.rushforth@superkart.org.uk.
[ Top ]
SSR Motorsport (03/11)
SSR
Motorsport are pleased to announce that further to their continued success and
participation in the Rotax classes, next year they will also be competing in
Comer, Honda and Super Cadet at a club and national level.
SSR have chosen to use the successful range of Wright chassis, and will offer
full spares and backup to all customers. The Honda Cadet chassis will be on
display at the Forest Edge meeting this coming weekend (6th/7th November).
The team has over 25 years experience of racing in all classes from club to
European level, and can provide a wide range of support packages to suit all
budgets.
For further information please contact Pat Smith on 07774 626076, or email
ssrmotorsport@btinternet.com.
[ Top ]
LP Tent At KartMania
(03/11)
We
would like to say a big thank you to Martin and everyone at Kartmania this year
- this was our first time showing there and we all had a really enjoyable time.
At last we had the chance to show the ZP660 6x6 mtr tent and it drew a great
deal of interest from teams and companies who are looking for a stand-alone tent
which offers more versatility than their current models. For those who didn't
make it we have attached a picture - just wait and see what we are planning for
next year! Also very popular was news of our new S50 model due to launch next
year - don't buy a 50mm aluminium model until you have seen this one which will
also be available in PVC at last!
Next
year we will also be launching a new website which will feature all our tents on
one site and will make it very easy to buy - this site will also feature an area
which will allow you to take advantage of the 15% discount we offer to all
fellow Karters without having to call - in the meantime please feel free to keep
calling!
We can also announce that LP Tent is intending to take part in Kart Grand Prix
next year so expect to see more tents than ever before in S1 - we would like to
thank Andy Cox for his enthusiasm and wish him well for the new class.
Finally - to answer everyone who has been asking - the 120 marquees being used
by the FIA U18 championship are LP Tents - XP345's in white.
For more information on the range visit
www.lptent.co.uk, email us at
sales@lptent.co.uk or call us on 01786 449519.
[ Top ]
2011 Karting
Calendar
(03/11)
The
2011 version of this popular item (and an ideal Christmas gift!) is now
available from Karting magazine.
An A3 size Calendar with a page of colour karting pictures for each month and
room to write in your race dates and notes. Featuring 2010 karting action
and sights from Portimao, South Garda, La Conca, PF International, Alcaniz,
Genk, Sarno, Braga, Zuera, Val D'Argenton, Wackersdorf and Varennes.
Stocks are limited so buy yours today to avoid disappointment!
You can order securely online at
www.kartingmagazine.com, or by telephone on 01689 897123.
[ Top ]
Formula Ford Sampler Day (02/11)
The
MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain will be throwing open its doors
to prospective competitors later this month, on the 16th November. The
Ford-backed championship's successful annual 'sampler day' will be held at the
Rockingham circuit, providing a vital opportunity for karters looking to move
into car racing to meet the teams and to drive the cars.
More than 50 drivers attended the exclusive event last season and Sam Roach, of
championship promoter RacingLine, hopes for a similar number at this year's
event, to be held on 18th November: "We are laying on an open circuit for all
the 2010 British Formula Ford teams and it's their opportunity to showcase
themselves. We are also inviting aspiring karters to register to attend so that
they can meet the teams and sample a modern Formula Ford Duratec car."
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, on email
p.mattocks@racingline.com. Any karters who are
not yet old enough are also very welcome to attend on the day to look around and
chat to the teams - indeed, as every year, a group of Kadets will be attending
with their parents.
"We aim to make it an informal yet extremely valuable exercise," added Roach.
"In addition to the test drives, we will be able to provide all the championship
information which competitors, teams and sponsors require to enable them to make
their plans."
The newly crowned Formula Ford Champion of Great Britain champions and runner-up
will be at the event also to claim their valuable prizes - Formula 3 tests with
Team WestTec, the team which this year propelled former Formula Ford champion
Callum McLeod to race victories in the F3 Open championship.
More information on the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain can be
found via the website
www.britishformulaford.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Lewis Hamilton Kart... (02/11)
As
the 2010 season draws to a close, the Lewis Hamilton Kart is showing it's metal
and starting to confirm it's championship status. Team TraXXion driver Sam
Morgan has taken his first club championship of the 2010 season. After
dominating the final meeting of the year held by Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club at
Mansell Raceway in Devon, Sam confirmed himself as club champion after leading
from the first meeting of the year. In mixed conditions throughout the day, Sam
proved that the LH kart was fantastic in any weather. Storming from the back of
the grid to 3rd place in the first heat on a very 'tricky' drying track on
slicks and setting the fastest lap in the process. 2 Heat wins followed, the 3rd
being made even more difficult by an early crash halting Sam whilst karts were
recovered from the track in front of him. Precision overtaking saw him cross the
line first and record yet another fastest lap and securing pole for the A final.
A lights to flag drive with Sam only being troubled by second place driver,
Harrison Wignall on one lap. Harrison slipped past only to be deposed to second
place again at the next corner with one of Sam's trade mark late braking
manoeuvres with the LH brakes stopping him when needed. This truly was a
championship drive from Sam confirming the honours in the 2010 DKRC Season. Sam
commented "The kart was fully planted to the track all weekend. It didn't seem
to matter what the weather did, the LH was fantastic in all conditions. I would
like to thank Nicky Taylor for the opportunity to represent the LH kart, Steve
Ogden for my engines, Team TraXXion for their help and, of course, Mum, Dad and
the rest of my family for their continued support. 2010 has been a really good
year!"
Sam hopes to confirm himself as the 2010 Champion at Rissington, Oxfordshire,
this weekend after also leading from the first meeting of the season. "I'm sure
the kart will do well at Rissy and produce some more silverware for the team",
comments Sam.
If you would like to find out more information about the Lewis Hamilton Kart or
see what Team TraXXion could do for you please contact them on 07835 042083 or
teamtraxxion@aol.com. Offering services from
awning space to driver training, kart preparation to kart hire, Team TraXXion
may be just what you're looking for!
[ Top ]
PFI's Series Of Winter KGP Races (02/11)
Chairman
of TVKC, Nigel Edwards, has confirmed to KGP UK that the club will run a series
of winter races in January, February and March 2011.
The club was one of the first to sign up with Formula KGP and of course was the
venue for the historic first ever Formula KGP race in the UK.
A delighted KGP boss Andy Cox explained "This is just the start to the new year
KGP needs, I think everyone was impressed with the first race and we have been
flat out on the phones to people ringing in wanting to know where the next race
will be! To have the backing of TVKC is an honour, lets hope the snow stays away
in the New Year!"
For more information on TVKC or to download a membership and or entry form visit
www.tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
TKM Star Puts On Show (02/11)
Karting
TKM young gun Cameron Leason did something a little different to his usual
racing duties when he put on a demonstration run at lunchtime on the Rockingham
race circuit last Friday. Cameron was asked to have his Formula TKM TAG kart on
display on the day and then was told he could put on a bit of a show on the
track at lunchtime which went down well with the spectators and photographers on
the day.
The day was a trackday put on by Mazda on Track and partly by Rockingham cars
who helped and supported Cameron for his TKM Championship weekend round in
October.
Cameron added "it was a great opportunity to say thank you to all my Partners
for their support just by having the kart on display and showing it off to
people on the day. So to also get the kart out onto the start finish straight to
put on a show was a bonus for all and something very unique for a kart racer to
do. Rockingham is such a great venue and also my local race circuit which
I am very proud of."
Cameron aged just 14 has demonstrated the skills and determination to succeed in
motorsport. In just his first year in a full TKM championship is set to
finish in the top ten and now has a great opportunity to compete in the 2011
Super One TKM British kart Championship which F1 star Jenson Button successfully
competed in their step towards Formula One. If you would like to Support Cameron
for the final or sponsor him for 2011 and would be interested in
branding/advertising opportunities please email
nick.njlracing@btinternet.com or telephone 07774
891435.
[ Top ]
Congratulations
From THR
(29/10)
THR
graphics would like to congratulate many of their customers for the successful
2010 season. Some of the success stories include:
Zip Kart RSF - Jake Dennis (Under-18s World Karting Champion, Super 1 Champion -
KF3)
Lloyd de Boltz-Miller (World record 24-Hour Karting)
Fusion Motorsport - Tom Harvey (Super 1 Champion, 3rd overall FKS - Comer Cadet)
P1 Racing - Ash Hand (FKS Champion - SNR Rotax)
Jade Kart - James Peace (Super 1 Champion - Junior TKM)
Over the 2010 season THR graphics have proven products throughout the Karting
paddocks across the UK, and anyone that has used the products and services will
understand why. THR's commitment to service and quality along with the keen
pricing for both individuals, team and kart manufactures, is why they have
become the number 1 choice across the UK. THR are now looking forward to the
2011 season and are gearing up for the influx of new teams and redesigns for the
existing customer for the upcoming season.
If you are looking for custom graphics that will stand out, then give THR a call
on 01656 860006, or email us at
studio@thrgraphics.com.
[ Top ]
Super One Registration 2011 (29/10)
The
2011 Super One Series registration forms are now available on the S1Series.co.uk
website
here (as a PDF file) and
the good news is that there is no price increase!
Competitors will find the Super One Series offers the best value for money of
any of the championships. Television coverage continues on Motors TV with free
DVD's to the drivers and is coming to Sky.
Two new fixed price classes for Honda Cadet and Junior Max at unbelievable
prices come in for 2011. There's another two new classes on offer too, Super
Cadet and Formula KGP, so plenty choice in Britain's best and biggest
karting series.
Download a form now, or pick one up at KartMania or Autosport where Super One
officials will be on hand to answer any queries.
For more information on the series visit
www.s1series.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Vital Motorsport Results (29/10)
Vital
Motorsport ended their 2010 campaign with strong results in both the Junior &
Mini Max categories at Ellough Park during the final round of the FKS
Championship.
In
MiniMax it was team mates Bobby Thompson and Ethan Patterson who showed raw
speed throughout the weekend, unfortunately their result on Saturday did not
show their full potential around the tight technical circuit of Ellough Park.
Sunday however was another story and would see yet another podium finish for the
team and the first of the year for Ethan Patterson, who has only been onboard
since the Wigan FKS Round. In his 4 final races Ethan achieved two 4th place
final finishes and a 3rd - His best of the season and finished 10th in the
championship. Bobby Thompson finished his difficult season in fine fashion
knowing he had to finish well in the final race. Fortunately Bobby crossed the
finish line in 4th place giving him a well earned 3rd Place in the FKS
championship.
In Junior Max Josh Parker, Archie White & Brandon Grinter all had strong
finishes. Brandon finished Saturday with his best final position of the season.
Archie had a torrid time on the Saturday and struggled with poor performing
tyres. On Sunday showed that the pace shown on Friday proved why he should be at
the front. In the final he had another strong top ten finishing position to
round his year off in 11th place at his first attempt in the championship. Josh
Parker in his final junior race weekend of the year showed speed during Friday
though Saturday also had a difficult time and unfortunately did not finish the
final. On Sunday however knowing that strong finishes were again required if he
too was going to finish well in the championship, resulted in strong heat
finishes and 2nd place in the final giving Josh a well earned 3rd place in the
FKS Championship.
Again the Vital Motorsport Team had drivers in both Mini and Junior Max on the
podium during the same weekend...
Vital Motorsport would like to take this opportunity in congratulating all of
their drivers for a truly memorable season full of highs & lows and look forward
to even greater results with them during the 2011 season. Opportunities to race
with the Vital Motorsport Team are still available though very limited, for
further information please contact Gary Rolfe on 07725 367043 or 01525 219852
and you can always stay up to date on
www.vital-motorsport.co.uk.
Vital Motorsport would also like to show recognition and appreciation to Warwick
of Strawberry Racing, Tim, Richard & Steve at Ogden Engineering and Ricky & Mark
at Grice Racing Engines and not forgetting Chris Walker of
Kartpix.net
for his fantastic pictures!
[ Top ]
Strawberry Reveals Squad (29/10)
Strawberry
Racing has unveiled the drivers who will contest the British Super 1
Championship and selected, key events in the coming season. Once again, it is an
exciting blend of promising talents and established, championship and
race-winning stars.
Highly-rated Harry Webb will lead Strawberry's assault on the Mini Max title,
whilst former competitor in the class, Jay Goodwin, graduates to the Junior Max
ranks; joining fellow newcomer Nathan Harrison and Jack Barlow - who enters his
second term with the Tony Kart team.
Also staying on is Super 1 vice-Champion Jack Marshall, who steps up to the
senior category for 2011. Strawberry is delighted that Barrie Pullinger has also
chosen to remain with the team after a superb campaign that has seen the Essex
driver come on in leaps and bounds. John Stewart, the strongest finisher in this
year's S1 series - with three wins and a second place in the last four races -
comes into the awning for the first time. Along with Barrie and John, Ed Brand
will be expected to be a title protagonist. Like Barrie, Ed has taken a win
during his maiden senior season and is working hard with the team to launch his
bid to lift the title in twelve months time.
Team Manager Warwick Ringham says, "I think we definitely have one of the
strongest line-ups for next year's championship. It's always important to build
on what's gone on before, and of course we had terrific success in 2009 and this
year has been even more successful. With this group of drivers, I'm very excited
about our prospects."
He
added: "Ironically, Harry missed out on the Mini Max title to George Russell.
George is moving to KF3 and it is fantastic to have his nearest rival choose
Strawberry to go one better with in 2011."
Turning his attentions to his Junior drivers, he said: "Since he's come to us,
Jack Barlow has really flourished. He is a big, big talent but acknowledges that
you have to work at being a top driver. Over the winter, we will be working to
make sure that he is again challenging at the front and if we all get it right,
go for the number one plate. Nathan and Jay had frustrating seasons but showed
great speed and an ability to compete at the front. We will be pushing to
improve them in all areas and I believe they have what it takes to consistently
deliver the results they are more than capable of achieving.
"I can't wait to see them in action," Warwick said of his senior quartet. "All
four of them are quality. There's an interesting spread of ages and experience
but each one of them is a racer and a winner. Jack Marshall will be eager to
prove that he can mix it with the big boys, which Barrie certainly proved this
year. He, along with Ed and John will expect to be fighting for the title, so
the pressure is on us to deliver. However, the Tony Kart EVR and the engines
from Ogden give us a very potent package."
Having wrapped up the Super 1 and Formula Karts Stars titles recently, George
Russell is switching to KF3 with Strawberry's sister outfit, the Tony Kart
Junior Racing team.
For more information about Tony Kart and OTK products, go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Maxxis Formula TKM Festival (29/10)
The
Maxxis Formula TKM Festival will return home to Kimbolton next year after an
enforced three year 'holiday' at Whilton Mill.
The Kimbolton club has managed to reach a solution to its planning problems
which brought a halt to Friday testing for the event and created the need for
the move away.
Alan Turney, Managing Director of Tal-Ko Racing, the parent company of TKM,
said: "We are delighted with the news. It was with Kimbolton that we first
created this special event and after all the effort that the club and its hard
working team have put in over the years it is only right that we return."
And he added: "We are very grateful to the hard work that Steve & Rita Chapman
and all those involved at Whilton Mill Kart club put into housing the Festival
for our holiday over the past three years and we would always like to leave the
door open for more events in the future. They made us very welcome."
News of the move back to Kimbolton for the 14th running of the Festival comes at
a time when the club has just set in motion a major financial commitment to
upgrade facilities at the circuit which will include new shower/toilet block,
catering and spectating areas, as well as major alterations to the dummy grid,
parc ferme and scrutineering area.
Work on all of that will be completed in good time before the Festival, which
takes place on August 12-14. It will of course feature racing for all TKM
classes and be open to every driver from novices through to the most
experienced.
Full TV coverage of the event is again planned with Maxxis Tyres, supplier of
tyres to all TKM classes, once again providing major support to the event.
Martin Chesterman, Chairman of the Hunts Kart Racing club said: "We were
extremely disappointed when our planning problems forced us to turn away the
Festival and we are now absolutely thrilled that it is returning. It has been
one of the club's major calendar events for so many years and with its return we
want to make the 14th running of the TKM Festival the best ever."
[ Top ]
Jet-Wheels Range Grows (28/10)
Kart
Components have added a new 100mm hub fixing wheel to their already
comprehensive range of JET-WHEELS.
This new wheel can be used on the front or rear has a 50mm offset and as all
JET-WHEELS is available in silver or black.
The whole range of JET-WHEELS can be seen this weekend at the KartMania show in
Coventry.
Alternatively visit our website at
www.kartcomponents.com for more details.
[ Top ]
Great Scott, It Was Brilliant! (28/10)
Well
that's what the Doc from Back To The Future would have said if he had been there
at PFI to see the first Formula KGP race on Sunday. We were delighted with the
race it was brilliant. The future definitely looks good for Formula KGP.
An elated Andy Cox said "Lots of people got behind Formula KGP on the run up to
its launch and I would like to take the time to mention a few - actually a
lot! Firstly Carlo Boscolo and Ronni Sala, Paul Deavin , Peter Fowler, Michael
Simpson Jnr and Snr, Steve and Swirve Cobb, John Vigor, Tim Mayneord, John Ryan,
Cheryl Lynch, Graham Smith, John Hoyle, Sonja Game, Paul Fletcher, Nigel
Edwards, Mark Rose, Lenny Messenger, Louis Diresta, Gordon Finlayson, Steve
Ogden, Paul Carr, Kartune, Chris Walker, Daniela Pezzario, Mary-Ann Horley, Mark
Burgess and anyone else I have forgotton! Last but not least my wife Wendy and
my family who have not really seen me for 3 months - thank you."
"The biggest thank you should go to all the drivers that took part in the first
race - you all put on a great show!"
For
more information on BMB and Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Congratulations Ross Gunn (28/10)
Family
and friends would like to congratulate Ross Gunn in his last season of Comer
Cadets. Since Ross started to race, he has been Camberley Champion, Shenington
Champion and Rissington Midland Champion. He currently holds Comer Cadet lap
records at Shenington and Glan Y Gors, as well as the 2010 Easykart lap record
at Whilton Mill (this was a one-off race as a guest driver). Ross also achieved
the 2009 Comer Cadet lap record at Whilton Mill. In his final season in Cadets,
he finished 9th in the MSA British Cadet Championship and 5th in the Super One
Championship.
In the Super One Championship, Ross scored the most points before drop scores.
During 2010, he has been on the podium fourteen times and set fastest time in
time qualifying on six occasions.
At the final round of Super One at PFi, he was on pole for the first final - not
bad for a Father and Son team running a six and half year old chassis!
Well done Ross and Ian for all your success that came from working within a
minimum budget!
Good luck next year driving a Mini Max with 'Tooley Motorsport'.
[ Top ]
November Entries Closing! (28/10)
As
TVKC prepare for Round 9 of their 2010 Club Championship, they would like to
remind all drivers who wish to compete that entries close on Saturday 30th
October!
Please note that both Lesley & Clare will be on the TVKC stand at KartMania this
weekend so entries can be handed in there too.
In addition to the regular classes, TVKC are also looking forward to welcoming
back Honda Cadet and Rookie Cup drivers.
After a successful 'trial' at the September meeting, Honda Cadet have now become
a permanent fixture in the TVKC race programme and this is set to continue into
2011!
Rookie Cup made its debut last meeting and was received very well. This
too is now a permanent fixture at TVKC! Rookie Cup is open to all Novice and
National B licence holders competing in either Mini Max, Junior Max or Senior
Max. As the grids for these classes can sometimes seem a little daunting
to drivers who are just starting out, TVKC decided to introduce a new concept...
Rookie Cup. It has been designed to give those drivers an opportunity to
hone their driving and race skills, giving them experience and confidence to
progress through the ranks. Dependent upon the number of entries received,
drivers in Rookie Cup will either be in the same regular grid (based on 1-9
entries) or if 10 or more drivers enter for this category, a separate grid will
be catered for. Either way, Rookie Cup drivers will be competing against one
another and will be awarded their own Rookie Cup trophy!
More information on the above can be found on the website
www.tvkc.co.uk
or by contacting either Lesley (compsec@tvkc.co.uk
/ M: 07545131099) or Clare (clare@tvkc.co.uk
/ T: 01636 626424)
[ Top ]
Easykart UK At KartMania (28/10)
After
an incredible year for Easykart UK the company will be rounding off its 2010
season by exhibiting at the KartMania show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry this
weekend.
Easykart UK bucked the economic trend and increased
driver numbers this season with 142 drivers competing in this years
Championship. "Its been fantastic year for us! I think its a combination of a
Championship that has a big family feel combined with great technical support
and realistic running costs that has seen the series grow" says Easykart
UK series promoter John Vigor.
Easykart UK will show the new Easy 50 which will run
at most EK venues in 2011. The highly successful Easy 60cc Cadet, Easykart 100cc
Junior and of course the flagship Easykart 125cc for either Lights or Heavy will
also be available to view. The new 2011 Easykart brochure will be hot off the
press and available this weekend as well as the full 2011 Easykart calendar.
The company will also combine the weekend of the Kartmania show and the Ricoh
Arena's facilities by holding its annual Easykart dinner awards on the Saturday
night from 7:00pm, all Easykart class awards will be presented along with some
special awards too!
For more information on Easykart visit
www.easykart.co.uk
or the KartMania show visit
www.kartmania.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Tooley End The Year Well (27/10)
The
last few championship meetings ended well for the team, with new members joining
and good results pouring in at each race. The team ventured to the last 3 major
championship rounds, Ellough Park for the last Formula Kart Stars round, Wigan
for the closing round of Rotax Super 1 and PF for the last MSA round.
It was a very good turn out for the team at Wigan having 5 drivers, all of them
racing in the Mini Max category. Oliver Skingley made his team debut along with
Leon Hilleard. Keiron Bowness, Adam Mackay and Daniel Fazzone were also
contending. Daniel Fazzone and Adam Mackay showed well in testing and were both
very quick, but throughout racing the team struggled due to technical issues,
Adam achieved 7th in the championship even though he had a very bad round for
his standards. The team were very proud of Adam throughout the year winning
numerous super 1 finals and being in close contention for other races such as
Kartmasters. Dan ended up finishing 26th in the championship which again the
team were pleased with as he did not compete in the first round. Oliver also
showed good pace throughout testing but had a few problems which caused him to
be in the B final, he showed good progress throughout the weekend and the team
hope he carries this on.
Keiron and Leon performed outstandingly, Keiron
again having yet another good super 1 round. Leon put in a brilliant performance
finishing 5th in his first heat and 2nd in his 2nd heat, this put him on grid 6
for the final. Keiron set off 10th in the final which was his second best
qualification this year, he managed to convert this into finishing 8th whilst
Leon finished 6th. In the second final Keiron and Leon battled throughout and
ended up finishing 7th and 6th, Leon was very pleased with this as it was his
first national meeting with the team and the future looks promising with him.
Ellough
Park was a new track to both the drivers racing that weekend, Ross martin and
Ross Gunn hadn't had much chance to test there. Ross martin struggled throughout
racing but gained a lot of experience during the weekend, recording a 19th
position and an 11th position. Both of these results required a very good drive
from the youngster. Ross Gunn wasn't able to test on the Friday so he turned up
on the Saturday morning, knowing it was going to be difficult. He struggled on
the Saturday only finishing 13th, but on the Sunday he showed major signs of
improvement and was running at the front all day, he briefly lead the final but
ended up with 2nd which helped him to finish in 9th in the championship.
The team then ended the season at PF, the team consisted of Ross Gunn, Chad
Little and Zak Fulk. This was Chad and Ross's last cadet meeting so they were
hoping to end on a high, Ross started the weekend going well, Chad struggled on
the Friday as did Zak. Saturday was a different day and they all knew this. The
weather had changed and it was wet for qualifying, all 3 of them were confident
going into it, Ross managed to get 2nd, Chad got 9th and Zak recorded his second
best qualifying this year getting 18th. Again the weather had changed for
Sunday, the drivers still kept their heads throughout this inconsistent weather
and managed to start off 1st, 18th and 24th. Ross finished 3rd after leading
for most of the race, Chad and Zak both finished nearer the back due to
problems. The second final was different again, the team tried something with
Ross and it wasn't quite as good, he still managed to bring it home in 6th which
gave him 5th in the championship. Chad again had a few problems which resulted
in him finishing 21st, Zak performed brilliantly finishing 17th after battling
throughout the race for 15th.
For any information on the team please visit our website at
www.tooleymotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
The Helmet Company (27/10)
The
Helmet Company are pleased to announce they will again be exhibiting at
Kartmania '10 this weekend coming! The Helmet Company has been overwhelmed with
the success previous shows and can't wait for this weekend's show. As a thank
you and incentive to all its customers new and existing The Helmet Company will
have some very very special show offers on all its products.
The Helmet Company has quickly grown into the largest specialist helmet company
concentrating on the karting market. Offering all the big name brands amongst
the lesser known we can cater for all types of budget! As The Helmet Company is
run by karters it's designed for karters and therefore you can be sure to be
advised by the very best in the business. The Helmet Company offer style,
quality and safety advice on all its helmets and accessories and with over 15
year's previous experience in the helmet industry you'll be in safe hands when
it comes to fitting your new helmet!
As well as being able to grab a bargain on new helmets, you can join our
competition to win a Arai Helmet. Plus come to see what Jake Designs has been up
to with some fabulous painted helmets on display.
So come and see us at Kartmania 10 this weekend...
For More information please see
www.thehelmetcompany.co.uk or call 01952 262024.
[ Top ]
Stolen Kart And Trailer (27/10)
A
Tony Kart EVR and Ifor Williams box trailer were stolen from the car park of the
Premier Inn in Wigan in the early hours of Saturday morning 23rd October.
The kart chassis number is BY21983 and is fitted with Iame Formula Blue engine
no: 344. The pods are stickered number 77. The trailer is a BV85, 4 wheel
trailer, 8'x5', serial no: 446072. The kart and trailer carried "Charles Wagner"
lettering.
Also taken were Le Cont slick on mustard Tony Kart rims and Le Cont wets on
alloy rims.
Please call Chris Wagner on 07831 317371 if you have any information. A good
reward is offered.
The image is a still from a CCTV camera recording at the time.
[ Top ]
SAXMAX Live (26/10)
SAXMAX
is a race Championship run by 750 Motor Club exclusively for 14 - 17 year olds
it uses identical Citroen Saxo race-prepared cars.
Saturday 6th November has been set up at Bedford Autodrome for potential new
drivers for 2011 onwards to come and drive the cars and talk to the teams and
the Club officials.
There will be briefings, seat and belt fittings and a minimum of three 20 minute
test drive sessions on one (or both) of the two tracks. Drivers will be
accompanied by a licensed ARDS instructor whilst on track and will be able to
receive some tuition whilst doing so. The cost is £250 and anyone attending will
receive a discount of £100 on the 2011 Registration fee.
Drivers from the SAXMAX Championship have gone on to race in BTCC, Renault Clio,
National Formula Ford, Formula Palmer Audi and other high profile championships.
For more information or a booking form contact Robin Knight, 750MC Competitions
Secretary, on telephone 01379 741641 or fax 01379 741941.
Or visit
www.750mc.co.uk or
www.saxmax.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Third Title For Bennett (26/10)
Already
crowned in 2007 and 2009, Britain's Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA) has added a
third European Superkart title to his list of accomplishments. And the show was
thrilling throughout.
During the whole event held on 23 and 24 October on the Bugatti circuit at Le
Mans, Bennett was at the front of the stage: first after practice, he initially
won Race 1 and then landed Race 2 whereas he could have been content with
cruising along. Although he was not in a position to retire (because it would
automatically have meant giving the title to his main rival, Damien Payart),
Bennett made it a point to conclude the season with panache, adding the fastest
lap time to his victory in Race 2.
Damien Payart (PVP-FPE) seldom left any respite to Bennett. Leader of the
championship before the Le Mans conclusion, the Frenchman knew that it was a
tricky situation. A small strategic mistake in practice probably handicapped
him: he had prematurely put an end to his second practice session whereas the
state of the track, slightly wet on some spots, was improving. Otherwise he
could possibly have taken the start of both races closer to Bennett. Instead of
what, starting from the 7th place, he had to fight hard during the first laps,
in particular with Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC), John Riley (Anderson-FPE) and
Adam Kout (MS Kart-VM), while Bennett went it alone in the lead with
disconcerting calm and self-assurance.
At the end of the day, Bennett prevails with 4 wins out of 6, ahead of Payart
and Roberts, with a win each at Silverstone. The same Roberts concludes the
season in third place, ahead of Peter Elkmann (MS Kart-VM). Analysts will record
that this winning quartet includes 3 makes of chassis (Anderson, PVP and MS
Kart) and 4 engines of different makes (DEA, FPE, BRC and VM).
The recruits from KZ2 (125 cc karts with gearboxes) made a strong impression at
Le Mans: after a splendid fight with Roberts, the Dutchman Arjan Kievitsbosch
(MS Kart-VM) made it to his first European podium in Superkart. As for the young
Dane Andreas Fasberg (PVP-PVP), who was participating in his maiden European
Championship event, he distinguished himself with the 2nd fastest lap time,
which earned him many compliments. His two races were less glorious as a broken
chain and a seized engine forced him to retire in the last lap of each race.
Another "rookie", the Czech Adam Kout (MS Kart-VM), was classified 5th and 6th
at Le Mans and, added to his previous performances, these two good results have
given him a very honourable 6th place in the final classification of the
Championship, between the experienced John Riley and Robert Chilcott
(Anderson-FPE).
[ Top ]
Podium For
Myles At 'O' Plate
(25/10)
Mectech
Motorsport and Wright Karts would like to congratulate Myles Apps on a well
deserved podium at the recent Honda Cadet "0" plate meeting. Myles was competing
in the Clubman class using the new Wright Kart Honda chassis along
with a Cosworth data logging system and will be joining Mectech as a factory
supported driver for Super 1 next year.
Mectech Motorsport has team spaces available in Honda Cadet for the remainder of
2010 and in 2011 will compete in the Super 1 Series and selected club meetings.
The team has years of experience competing from Honda cadet through all Rotax
classes at a club, National and European level. Support available ranges from
awning space to full race management.
For More information on the Wright Chassis or joining Mectech contact Bradley
Smith on 01277 372848 or 07852 353001.
[ Top ]
Maxter Powered Success (25/10)
Kartune
Motorsport and P F International Karting Ltd, the new UK importer for Maxter
engines, had great results again in KF2 class at the last round of the Super One
Series. Dennis Gorman won the 1st final from the back of the grid with his
Maxter-powered Maranello and Mark Litchfield repeated his Whilton Mill success
by winning the 2nd final on his Maxter-powered Alonso, also from the rear of the
grid.
We offer a full race engine preparation service and we are an official engine
service centre for Rotax and Comer engines and are also equipped with a state of
the art Rotronics Dyno.
For more information contact us on 01636 626005. or see us at the KartMania show
this weekend to talk about your race engine requirements for 2011.
[ Top ]
TDR Motorsport Results (25/10)
TDR
Motorsport secured another two top 10 finishes at the October club meeting at
Kimbolton.
Saturday testing started with very low cloud cover and a maximum temperature of
around 17c all day. Both of our drivers spent most of the day setting
their karts up for race day, and there was some good racing performed by our
drivers on Sunday Race day, which was much warmer than Saturday.
Race Results:
Dean Stimson Novice Snr Rotax... Heat 1: Started 26th, Finished 17th. Heat 2:
Started 26th, Finished 14th. Heat 3: Started 26th, Finished 19th. Final: Started
17th, Finished 10th
Ryan Gray Jnr TKM... Heat 1: Started 16th, Finished 14th. Heat 2: Started 20th,
Finished 8th. Heat 3: Started 3rd, Finished 5th. Final: Started 8th Finished 7th
Well done to Dean and Ryan for both ending the day in the top 10.
We would also like to say thank you to everyone that popped in and welcomed us.
Also to everyone that turned up on race day. Don't forget our current special
offer for awning space of just £25.00 per day (incl. drinks, machine and 32"
television to watch). If you just require driver support please come and see us,
we provided two drivers with driver support over the weekend.
News Flash! At the November meeting at Kimbolton we will be holding a PS3 F1
challenge on the Saturday to see who is the top driver of the all new 2010 F1
game. Entry fee is just £2.00 per driver, so make sure you come join in with the
fun - Mums and Dads are also welcome over to just sit down and chat.
For more information on any of the above please contact us via email at
rich@tdrmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
TKM To Launch New Kart (25/10)
The
latest superfast TKM karts manufactured by Tal-Ko will be exhibited on the
Tal-Ko Racing stand at KartMania with the new Veloce for 2-stroke and
championship winning S9-4 for 4-stroke.
The Veloce kart has been developed over the course of this year to work in
perfect harmony with the 'new age' Maxxis tyres now being used in the 2- stroke
classes. While under development it has already taken the Welsh Senior
Championship and won the last TKM S1 round of the year, both with Extreme driver
Joe Forsdyke.
TKM boss Alan Turney explains: "We recognised the need for some subtle changes
to make best use of the new tyres across all conditions from cold club meetings
through to hot and sticky championship rounds.
"We are delighted with the result and have already notched up many successes in
both Junior and Senior with the Veloce."
This latest kart uses revised geometry and Italian-made hi spec tubing. Integral
to the design of the Veloce is the use of a specially developed unique front
cross member to give maximum turn-in control and stability.
The S9-4 for the TKM 4-stroke classes has once again taken this year's TKM
Senior 4-stroke championship proving its outright pace and quality. The kart's
design remains excellent for the switch to the same green label Maxxis tyres as
the 2-stroke for next year.
Both karts come with a high specification which includes sleeved areas for
maximum strength, adjustable front and rear ride height, 50mm hollow axle with
black CNC machined components throughout and black high gloss powder coating.
They also include a non surge fuel tank, variable pedal positions to suit
drivers of every size, CRG fully floating and self adjusting brake system with
multi-rod positions, and the latest NA2 bodywork with unique graphics.
The steering makes use of accurate spherical location for extra strong M10 king
pin bolts. The S9-4 kart includes easy to use variable position castor & camber
adjustment, front and rear torsion bars and a third rear axle bearing.
Further Information and photos will be available shortly at
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
British Junior Kart Champs (25/10)
Ben
Barnicoat monopolised the StingrayRV MSA British Junior Kart Championship spoils
in the final round of the year at PFi.
Barnicoat was aided by the absence of recently
crowned Champion Jake Dennis, who competed instead in the senior KF2 class.
Barnicoat started the first final from third on the grid and soon leapfrogged
pole-sitter Sam MacLeod, before streaking away to victory. There was a fierce
battle for second place, from which Jake Dalton emerged on top.
Barnicoat enjoyed a lights-to-flag victory in a
slightly less frenetic second final. Dalton was reeled in and deposed by
Daniel Vaughan and Johnson for the podium places, while Dalton had Alex Hamilton
snapping at his rear bumper over the finish. MacLeod clashed with Matthew
Graham and was excluded.
Results - Final 1:
1 Ben Barnicoat (Tonykart)
2 Jake Dalton (Alonso)
3 Roy Johnson (RK)
Results - Final 2:
1 Barnicoat
3 Daniel Vaughan (Tonykart)
3 Johnson
Final Championship Positions (provisional):
1 Jake Dennis - 576 points (CHAMPION)
2 Ben Barnicoat - 572
3 Jake Dalton - 555
4 Roy Johnson - 517
5 Charlie Eastwood - 509
6 Matthew Graham - 477
[ Top ]
Pavesi At
KartMania
(25/10)
On
behalf of Motori Pavesi, Eurokart Ltd would like to advise that recent rumours
regarding Motori Pavesi going out of business are totally misleading.
Come and see these fantastic engines for yourself at KartMania '10 by visiting
the Eurokart and Henderson Racing stand.
For those not attending the show or for any further information on these winning
engines, call Ian at Eurokart on 01502 567174 or 07769 715442.
[ Top ]
Are You Busy Next Weekend? (22/10)
Don't
forget, next weekend sees the UK's premier kart show open its doors in Coventry.
KartMania has something to offer everyone, from someone looking to take their
first steps on the road to Formula 1, to the dedicated club racer.
Over 40 exhibitors will be attending and KartBoot is back too, so here is your
chance to browse a wide range of products, get some advice, or pick up a
bargain!
You can also attend the MSA Academy Performance Master Classes being held on
both the Saturday and Sunday, aimed specifically at young drivers and parents
and intended to equip you with some essential information to progress your
racing career. These workshops are free of charge to all KartMania
visitors.
So make sure that next Saturday and Sunday, the 30th and 31st of October, you
head off to KartMania at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. There is free parking on
both days too.
For all the information you need visit
www.kartmania.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Why Not Race At Rissy? (22/10)
With
next year in mind and if you haven't decided where you're racing yet, then why
not take the opportunity to come and have a look at the circuit the first
weekend in November (6th & 7th). Use the practice on Saturday and get a feel for
the track and sample the atmosphere. With 6 to 7 sessions in a day, it will give
you a great chance to see why so many drivers enjoy racing here. Race on Sunday!
Visit our stand at Kartmania.
Rissington is situated in Gloucestershire and is
easily accessible. It's under an hour from Oxford, Swindon and Warwick, an hour
and a half from Birmingham, Bristol, Reading and Hereford and less than two from
Cardiff, Luton, Watford or Leicester. Loads of space to stay overnight!
The club runs 9 Championship rounds, racing always on the first weekend of each
month, from March through to November
You don't have to be a member or competing in the club championship to practice
or race at one of the best club racing circuits in the country. Rissy has fast
wide sweeping bends, billiard smooth racing surface and large run off areas
which makes it a real buzz to drive on, for both experienced drivers and
novices. Coupled with competitive grids, and a true club atmosphere, it makes
for a great experience. Check the classes and grids in the results section here.
For more info about the track and facilities see
www.rissykartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Aim On Target! (21/10)
In
barely a season in the paddock, AIM Motorsport is quickly establishing itself as
a front runner in the national race series under the careful guidance of Team
Principal, Steve Lake.
AIM wishes to congratulate its drivers on their excellent achievements and
performances throughout the year.
Callum Pointon secured Number 6 in Formula Kart
Stars Junior Max in only his first full year racing, narrowly missing a second
podium in the final race of the season.
In Euromax, Nathan Harrison was on the podium in his first season in the junior
class taking a well deserved second place in Genk and, 4th overall in Euromax.
Nathan also ended the season with a creditable Number 8 seed in Super 1.
He will no doubt be one to watch in 2011.
Chad Ryan finished the Junior Max season very strongly, with a fine second place
at Ellough Park Formula Kart Stars and, Number 5 overall.
Jamie Dzyra comfortably took a Number 13 seeding in Juniormax Super 1, with
strong and consistent performances.
In Minimax, Oliver Myers took his first national title at Rowrah, winning the
British 'O' Plate and finishing his season with Number 4 in Super 1. Again, no
doubt be one to watch in 2011 in Junior max.
Sam Oram-Jones became one of only five drivers in Minimax to stand on the top
step of the Podium in Formula Kart Stars by winning at three Sisters. A well
deserved result for this talented 12 year old.
Outside the National Series, Aim Motorsport Race Team, have secured numerous
club wins, podiums and fastest laps during 2010.
AIM looks forward to continuing with the development of its drivers in 2011 and
to build on the success of 2010.
For more detailed information or a test with the team, please visit
www.aim-motorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Signs Off FKS Season (21/10)
Strawberry
Racing bowed out from this year's Formula Kart Stars championship on a high
after George Russell and Jack Barlow dominated the penultimate round at Ellough
last weekend (16/17 October).
Russell completed his mastery of the Mini Max class with a faultless display at
the East Anglian venue, having already won the Super 1 and Kart Masters titles.
The team's sole representative in the category sought to complete the historic
treble at the Suffolk track.
He signalled his intentions with the fastest lap in timed qualifying and duly
converted his pole position in the first heat into a comfortable victory. He won
the return encounter to claim p1 on the grid for the final.
A matchless performance saw the outgoing Cadet Champion underline his enormous
potential with a clear win to seal the championship.
"George was sheer quality," said Strawberry's clearly delighted Team Manager,
Warwick Ringham. "I think he was very relaxed after winning the Super 1 title
just two weeks before and was just really on it at Ellough. He just cleared off
in the heats and the final. He was definitely at his best."
In
Junior Max, his team-mate, and last year's FKS Mini Max winner, Jack Barlow was
equally impressive. Despite never having seen the circuit before, Barlow hustled
his Tony Kart EVR to set the second-fastest time and then won the first heat. In
the second, he completed a dominant lights-to-flag victory.
From the start of Saturday's main final, Barlow got a perfect getaway and wasted
little time building a comfortable advantage. With lively scraps for position
behind him, he was able to concentrate on maintaining his place, setting the
fastest lap, and ultimately crossing the line well clear of the next driver. The
points haul he took from the day secured vice-Champion status.
"Jack did exactly the job he needed to do," said Warwick. "He never gave up and
kept pushing to the last. He looked relaxed throughout and firmly in charge. He
was the class of the field."
With the points for their respective championship positions settled both drivers
elected not to race in the series' concluding round the following day, with Jack
particularly keen to preserve his equipment for the forthcoming International
Open at Zuera in Spain (27/31 October). This will be followed by his debut
appearance in the Rotax World Finals, at the superb La Conca circuit near Muro
Leccese in southern Italy (17/21 November).
Opportunities to race with Strawberry and the Tony Kart Junior Racing Team in
2011 are still available - although now limited. For more information, please
call Warwick Ringham or Paul Spencer on 0114 269 6215/0114 288 9933 or e-mail
info@strawberryracing.co.uk
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net
and Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Back To The Future At PFI (21/10)
What
do you get if you take the design of the good old water cooled ICA engine with a
two jet carb - no powervalve! and enhance it to 125cc, make it push button
TAG start and design a clever balance shaft and driver friendly RPM limiter -
Formula KGP by BMB.
It really is like going back to get to the future of karting!
This weekend see's the launch and very first race for the new Formula KGP the
TAG series by BMB engines at PF International. The race will make history having
been given special permission by the MSA to showcase the Formula before Jan
2011.
A
grid of 23 Formula KGP will line up this weekend. The grid consists of drivers
that have already purchased BMB engines and some who want to rent with the
option to buy. The race will in essence consist of two races KGP Pro
(yellow plates) which is at a weight limit of 162kgs and KGP Masters
(green plates) with a weight limit of 172kgs. Any make of chassis with rear
brake only can be used in Formula KGP , the grid will use chassis from
Maranello, Tonykart, Octane, Birel, Tonykart, Kosmic, Gillard and Alonso.
All eyes are sure to be on the battle that is sure to develop between guest
drivers Mark Litchfield, Jack Hawksworth, Michael Simpson and John Stewart - it
has all the ingredients of a classic. The KGP Master race will consist of the
three drivers that have dominated 177 max in 2010 making the switch to KGP.
Newly crowned champion Lucas Orrock will take own usual rivals Steve Cobb and
Justin Edgar which will demonstrate the Masters class at the highest level.
Owners of BMB Srl Mr Ronni Sala and Mr Carlo Boscolo will make the journey from
BMB HQ in Pavia Italy to launch the class and be on hand for technical advice.
Formula KGP UK owners Andy Cox and Paul Deavin will also be in attendance and
will be happy to answer any questions to visitors interested in Formula KGP.
For the timetable of the Formula KGP event visit
www.s1series.co.uk
or for more information of Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Euro Superkart Championship (21/10)
After
its opening last April on the Silverstone circuit and its second round on the
TT-Circuit d'Assen, the CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship will end on 23
and 24 October on another prestigious track, the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans.
Some 49 Drivers representing 12 nationalities have entered this final, which
will be decisive for the awarding of the 2010 European Champion title.
Although there are still six Drivers who can mathematically claim the title, the
German Peter Elkmann (MS Kart-VM), currently 5th, and the Briton Carl Hulme
(Anderson-FPE), 6th, already know that landing the final victory would almost be
a miracle as they would have to take advantage of a complete failure of the
other favourites. Even though they are classified relatively far from the two
leaders, Britain's Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC) and Robert Chilcott
(Anderson-FPE) still have a few hopes. At this time of the year, the weather
conditions can prove uncertain and upset the hierarchy. Winner at Silverstone,
Roberts has already demonstrated that he can be as fast as the two main
protagonists. If he managed to win both races at Le Mans and if in addition none
of the two leaders reached the podium, he could emerge as the Champion. But at
the end of the day the two real dominators of the season are France's Damien
Payart (PVP-FPE) and the Briton Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA). In the provisional
classification of the championship the Frenchman has a 6 points lead, but unlike
his rival he has scored 4 times out of 4 and knows that the championship
regulations stipulate that only 5 of the 6 possible results are retained to draw
up the final classification. If this discount was carried out now, his score
would place him 5 points behind Gavin Bennett. The latter, reigning Champion,
can therefore appear to have an advantage but on the other hand he is also aware
that he no longer has his joker to play since it was discarded at Silverstone
further to an unfortunate tyre choice.
As Le Mans is the last race in the season, a few other Drivers will try to
finish the year on the best possible note, either to compensate for some past
disillusions or to prepare the next campaign as well as they can. Excellent
recruit from the KZ2 category (he landed the 2009 CIK-FIA Viking Trophy and
distinguished himself with the third fastest lap time in practice for the very
competitive World Cup for KZ2), the young Dane Andreas Fasberg (PVP-PVP) will
make at Le Mans his maiden apparition in the European Superkart Championship,
and it could be followed by a more intensive programme in the discipline in
2011. He will be one of the ambitious young Drivers to watch closely, as will be
the Frenchman Emmanuel Vinualès (Anderson-DEA), the Czech Adam Kout (MS Kart-VM)
and Holland's Arjan Kievitsbosch (MS Kart-VM).
The Le Mans event will be focused on two days, with practice on Saturday 23
October and the two races scheduled for Sunday 24 October (at 10h05 and 14h05).
The Drivers' evolutions and results can be followed in real time on
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/Le_Mans.htm.
[ Top ]
ST Racing On Top
Form
(20/10)
At
the last round of the Rotax Super One national championships John Stewart, our
Senior Rotax driver, did the double winning both main finals. This excellent
result gives him a 3rd place finish in the overall championship. The whole team
had a good weekend with James Hogg, deciding to move to 177 on the Saturday,
managing a 6th place finish in the main final, matching the times of the
leaders. This is looking very promising for next year's racing. Also our other
177 driver Tony Dickinson finished 9th in the main final giving him 15th overall
in the championship. Our Junior Rotax driver Ross Hodgson just missed out on
getting a seeded number after injuring his ribs at Shenington.
We would like to thank Steve Ogden Engineering for their support throughout the
year with the engines. and also the Tonykart EVR chassis which has been
outstanding all year.
The team still has room for more drivers for next year. If you are interested in
joining the team for next season's racing please contact John on 07711 314454.
[ Top ]
FKS Champions Crowned (20/10)
Formula
Kart Stars ended its 2010 season with a bang at Ellough Park as the MSA British
Cadet Championship went right down to the wire between Nathan Aston, Connor Jupp
and Tom Harvey.
The conclusion of the 15th season of competition for the Formula One Management
backed series was arguably its most exciting as Aston and Jupp finished the 12
round season tied on points after nearly 40 hard fought races.
Jupp won both finals at the highly technical 1080-metre Ellough Park circuit,
which was hosting its first Formula Kart Stars event, but third place in
Sunday's final was enough to give Aston the 2010 MSA Cadet crown.
Although Aston and Jupp finished on identical points after dropped scores,
Aston's higher overall total gave him the championship on a tiebreaker and meant
that it was the Dalston based youngster who received the coveted number one
plate from the MSA's General Secretary Rob Jones.
Harvey led the points going into the weekend and still had an outside chance of
taking the title in the final race but could only finish fifth as he claimed
third place in the final standings.
On a weekend filled with off-track highlights courtesy of the hosting Beccles &
District Kart Club there were plenty of highlights on-track as well as George
Russell (Mini Max), Ash Hand (Junior Rotax) and Ben Barnicoat (KF3) celebrated
their championship winning years.
Barnicoat had already sealed the KF3 title after the
previous round at Three Sisters but chose to race and was rewarded with a
victory on Saturday. Barnicoat was just two corners away from the weekend double
until a clash with Charlie Robertson allowed Sam Macleod to snatch his maiden
series triumph in the final metres.
Outgoing MSA Cadet Champ Russell dominated Saturday's Mini Max final to seal the
title from Adam Glear and then sat out Sunday's event, which saw Sam Marsh claim
his first FKS win for the Ellough Park based RL Race Team.
Hand finally sealed the Junior Rotax crown on Saturday even though his last
remaining title rival Jack Barlow won both heats and the final. Fourth was
enough to clinch the championship for Hand who has led the standings from the
very first round.
Like Barnicoat, Hand chose to race on Sunday but he couldn't prevent Declan
Jones from scoring his first series win from Josh Parker, who sealed third place
in the standings behind Barlow.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Monaco Kart Cup (20/10)
Although
it is unusual, a local Driver, Charles Leclerc, has landed the CIK-FIA Monaco
Kart Cup for KF3. And to complete the success of regional competitors, the
Frenchman Norman Nato, who lives in Antibes (i.e. just about forty kilometres
from Monte Carlo), has imposed his master touch on the gearbox kart category,
KZ2!
After qualifying practice and heats held in the sunshine and therefore on a dry
track, Drivers had to come to terms with the rain in the final phase of the 14th
edition of the Monaco Kart Cup. Showers were even so intense that race direction
had to take the decision to interrupt the KZ2 prefinal and to give the start of
the KF3 and KZ2 finals in "Slow" mode, somewhat equivalent to the Safety Car
procedure in Motor Sport, the SC being replaced by a large number of yellow
flags.
In
KF3, the preliminary phases of the event had seen the armada of Sodi Drivers,
composed of Pierre Gasly, Charles Leclerc and Léo Roussel, emerge in the lead
further to qualifying practice. However, during the qualifying heats, none of
the three Drivers of the French team managed to avoid the traps inherent to any
race held on a temporary track. Roussel, Gasly and Leclerc indeed qualified for
the final phase but they were only respectively 8th, 13th and 28th after these
heats. Already remarked throughout the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy, which he finished
in 2nd position, the Frenchman Anthoine Hubert proved the most convincing
contender, winning each of his two qualifying heats and then the prefinal while
he was at it.
After an initially unsuccessful attempt at giving the start under the rain and
as a pile-up left many karts out of the track or obstructing it, the FK3 final
had to be postponed by one hour. France's Hubert took the lead at the start but
Norway's Dennis Olsen (Energy-TM) launched an attack on the 3rd lap and took the
lead. Having already recovered from the back of beyond in the prefinal (starting
28th, he was classified 7th), Charles Leclerc (Sodi-Parilla) continued his
recovery in a spectacular manner: he caught up with Olsen and, on the 7th lap,
he took first place and kept it until the finish, while constantly increasing
his lead. And while Olsen maintained himself in second place, the Frenchman
Gasly, the Briton Alexander Albon (Intrepid-TM) and the Swede Gustav Koch Malja
(Tony Kart-Vortex) all managed to pass Hubert in the last two laps.
In KZ2, despite his lack of Karting competition in 2010 (because he was entered
in single-seater within the framework of the Eurocup F4), France's Norman Nato
(CRG-Maxter) made a strong impression, so much so that in the heats and in the
final, both on a dry track and on a wet one, he dominated all the seasoned
specialists of the category. At the end of the 28 laps of the final, he was
ahead of the 2010 European Champion Paolo De Conto (Energy-TM), of the winner of
the 2009 Monaco Kart Cup Anthony Abbasse (Sodi-Maxter), the Czech Patrik Hajek
(Tony Kart-Vortex), the "F1 McLaren Young Driver backed" British Driver Oliver
Rowland (CRG-Maxter) and the strongman of the year 2010, Bas Lammers
(Intrepid-TM).
[ Top ]
22 Podiums For Tom Harvey! (19/10)
Soixante
Racing would like to congratulate Tom Harvey for a fantastic 2010 Comer Cadet
season. Powered by his Soixante W60 engines Tom has secured no less than 22
National podiums with 8 of these being wins! This amazing consistency has earned
him the British Super 1 title and, 3rd overall in the British FKS
Championship.
Tom powered with his Soixante race engines will be competing in the much
anticipated Super Cadet race at the final round of the MSA Super 1 event this
weekend at PFI International kart circuit.
If you would like to emulate Tom's success, Soixante have race engines available
for sale or hire, please call Soixante racing on 01600 890073 for more
information.
[ Top ]
JRP Online (19/10)
JRP
are pleased to announce the launch of their new website.
From kart preparation to driver nutrition, JRP provides full race team
management to the highest levels of driver and equipment development.
For more information on the Italian based team please visit
www.teamjrp.com.
[ Top ]
Marsh Takes Final Round Win (19/10)
The
all conquering RL Racing Dept took the spoils in the final round of the FKS Mini
Max championship against the cream of the UK's finest at the stunning Ellough
Park Raceway in Suffolk.
Marsh, having not seen the track before Friday mornings first test session
steadily grew in stature throughout the weekend and duly took fastest lap in
both heats on Sunday and converted his pace in the final from a P6 start to a
victory by a decent margin at the flag.
This is Marsh's first ever podium at this level and his first victory since
joining the RL squad in August. The team would like to say a big well done to
Sam.
His team mate Josh White, after having such a strong end to his S1 campaign at 3
Sisters, just couldn't get his head around the difference in driving style at
the tricky Ellough Park circuit and after a great start rising to third at the
start of the final had to give best to the ensuing pack and then had a collision
ending his race.
Their team mate - in Comer cadet, Shanaka Clay had a storming drive on the
Saturday final coming from a p18 start to 8th at the flag but struggled in the
final on Sunday with an absence of engine power.
The team travel to PFI for the final round of the MSA Super One this weekend and
from there straight out to Northern Spain for the Rotax Max International Open
where Marsh & White will compete in the Junior Class and Jake Ball & Tatiana
Calderon will take on Europe's finest in Senior Max, check the results on
www.rgmmc.com
.
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Double Vice-British Champions (19/10)
In
a thrilling finale to this year's Rotax Super One Series held at 3 Sisters, the
Suffolk based RL Racing Department put on a strong showing in all 3 classes
tackled to take victories, podiums and runner up spots in the final standings
rounding out a stunning first year for the newly founded Tonykart team taking
over from it's predecessor, RL Race Team.
In the 177 class, RL driver and UK legend Justin Edgar took a win and a 2nd to
round out his first year in the class and first year back from a long break from
the sport.
In Senior Max, sole representative Jake Ball, took a 2nd and 4th place in the
two finals giving him runner up spot in the championship, narrowly missing out
by a few points to associate team, Strawberry Racing's ,Tom Fawcett. A valiant
effort after a lowly start at round 1 barely making the finals at all - then
making the switch to RL / Tonykart.
In
the ever popular Mini Max category, the RL Squad is strong and has depth -
allowing for some top results throughout 2010... 3 Sisters was to be another
suitable showing.
Team
mates Matthew Arnold, Shaun Arnold, Harry Campey, Sam Marsh, Josh White & Harry
Webb all featured well in the heats with Webb taking p1 in timed qualifying, 2
heat wins , White followed up closely to his fellow team mate with a 2nd and a
4th in the heats , Shaun Arnold & Marsh also placed well.
However, Matthew Arnold and Campey had 1 bad heat each and had to start in the
'B' Final and after a race long scrap neither managed to progress - although
both steadily improving through the year, not having a chance to shine on this
occasion, look out for these two youngsters in 2011!
In the main finals Webb took the initiative from P1 and cruised to victory by
some margin in Final 1, and then took victory by a smaller margin in Final 2 -
testament to his progress with RL throughout 2010 and a well deserved victory
all round. White was equally as fast as Webb but by the time he had risen to 3rd
position the lead duo had all but disappeared, the Leeds youngster taking 4th
place in final 1 and a dramatic scrap in Final 2 saw him again rise to p3 and
held this for the majority of the race only to fall to 9th at the flag. Shaun
Arnold claimed 2 top 13 finishes after a lot of promise in the heats with an
outstanding drive to 5th place in heat 2 but struggling to get onto the lead
pack in the finals. Sam Marsh had dire finals with a large misfire keeping him
well down the order, although the following week would hold a better day for
this young man...
At
the death the Squad have walked away from 2010 with seeds #2 , #12 & #13 in Mini
Max & #2 seed in Senior Max and the British Open Championship in 177 Max - a
host of victories and podiums to boot.
The 2011 RL Racing Dept line up is near completion and will be announced in the
next few weeks with 4 of the 6 allocations already confirmed and signed, watch
this space.
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Paul Carr Racing... (18/10)
The
Paul Carr Racing outfit rounded off another successful season by cruising to
victory taking both the Junior Rotax and 177 titles at the recent S1 round at
Wigan.
Matthew Parry produced a mature and accomplished performance to safely secure
the Junior Rotax Super 1 Championship last weekend at the Three Sisters Circuit
in Wigan after a dominant season at the top of the championship.
After becoming vice champion last year Matt was relieved to secure the
championship title and had this to say afterwards.
"This is a great way to end the season, and I am relieved to have finally
secured the British title, especially having come so close last year. I have to
say a big thank-you to Paul Carr Racing for their support throughout the year."
Lucas
Orrock tied up the Rotax 177 Super 1 championship after a great season with the
Paul Carr Racing squad. With many victories already to his credit, the final
round was a matter of bringing home the Paul Carr prepared Kosmic without
dramas. This is the 4th consecutive year that Paul Carr Racing has lifted this
title
Lucas
was already carrying the number 2 plate from the previous season's success and
was determined to go one better in 2010. He had already won the prestigious Kart
Masters title in 2010, and the Super 1 title rounds off a near perfect year for
the Cambridge based champ.
To round off a great weekend, and finish the year on a high Dan Graham took a
2nd and 3rd in the two main Senior Max finals and was joined by his team mate
Tom Oliphant in the top 10.
Team spaces are still available in the Paul Carr Racing squad for 2011 in the
TKM and Rotax classes in the UK and European Championships, and any enquires are
welcome.
Call Paul Carr Racing on 01608 663239 or visit
www.paulcarrracingltd.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
British Cadet Kart Champs (18/10)
Nathan
Aston clinched the 2010 MSA British Cadet Kart Championship title in dramatic
fashion at Ellough Park.
Aston ended the year tied on points with Connor Jupp - who won both finals - but
the former took the crown for having had a higher number of points before
dropped-scores were taken into account.
Jupp won Sunday's decider by just five hundredths of a second from Ross Gunn,
with Aston two tenths further back in third - just enough to take the crown.
Erstwhile Championship leader Tom Harvey dropped to third place overall after
fifth and sixth place finishes.
Results - Saturday Final:
1 Connor Jupp 19 laps in 16m04.64s
2
Trevyn Jay Nelson (Zip) +1.18s
3 Nathan Aston (Zip)
Results - Sunday Final:
1 Connor Jupp (Zip) 19 laps in 16m08.36s
2 Ross Gunn (Zip) +0.05s
3 Nathan Aston (Zip)
Final Championship Positions
(provisional)
1
Nathan Aston - 1858 points (Champion)
2 Connor Jupp - 1858
3 Tom Harvey - 1830
4 Trevyn Jay Nelson - 1783
5 Rory Cuff - 1722
6 Callum Ilott - 1695
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Stolen Equipment (18/10)
Zip North, the popular retailer run
by Ian Shaw, suffered a break-in at their shop at the Three Sisters race track
last week.
A large amount of karting equipment was stolen, and a substantial reward is
being offered for any information leading to recovery of the goods.
Please be especially vigilant if you're offered quantities of equipment, and if
you have any queries or information please contact Ian on 0161 794 5511 or email
sales@zipnorth.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Prima Racing Line Up (15/10)
Prima
Racing have been busy testing the new Tonykart Rocky Super Cadet Chassis. The
team also already has a full driver line-up signed for the 2011 season as well
as the Super One invitation race at PFI...
Sam Priest (2010 WTP LGM Champion and GP Winner)
Billy Monger (2010 Honda Cadet Super One Champion)
James Kellett (Comer Cadet, FKS and Super One)
Sean Gee (WTP, 3rd LGM 2010)
Gaby Weyer (WTP, 8th LGM 2010)
Sean Brough (WTP LGM 2010)
For 2011 the team will be competing in the Super Cadet Winter Series, the Super
One and FKS championships as well as the planned Super Cadet Championship
running alongside the LGM.
There are still places available in the Cadet squad to run alongside Tom Day,
Briony King and Tommy Weyer in WTP, and in Comer with Dan Zelos and Tommy Weyer.
Tom Day had a great season with the team finishing the LGM Championships in 5th
place and was one place behind his team mate Gaby Weyer at the Kartmasters GP
where she finished in a superb second place behind the 2010 LGM Champion Sam
Priest.
Tommy Weyer continues to improve in leaps and bounds and came home 6th in tricky
conditions at the final round of the LGM at PFI at the start of the month,
narrowly missing out on a seeded number for 2011. Tom Day was in 4th place with
Gaby Weyer 7th. Debuting with the team at the PFI meeting was lady racer Briony
King who put in a string of good results in the heats and drove to an excellent
2nd place in the Club WTP final showing the skills on a slippery track that mark
her out as one to watch in the LGM in 2011.
There was also an excellent performance from Dan Zelos in Comer against a top
class field. Dan has just switched chassis to a Zip chassis and was very fast
all weekend, consistently being one of the top 5 on the timesheets in the wet
and dry conditions. In the final Dan worked his way up to the battle for 2nd
place, eventually finishing in 5th, but still it was an encouraging performance
in a grid consisting of all the British Championship front runners.
For more information on Prima Racing, contact Neil Berryman on 07939 162368 or
Jamie Croxford on 07889 981631, or email
prima.racing@hotmail.com.
Photographs courtesy of Amateur Sports Stars and
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
End Of Season Sale (14/10)
Grice
is having an end of season sale of all its motors.
All our engines have been raced and won various races and championships
throughout the 2008 and 2009 seasons in Euromax, Super1 and Formula Kart Stars.
After accumulating upwards of 48 engines, we have decided to sell all of our
motors - Minimax, Junior max and Senior max.
Minimax engines are £3000.
Junior max engines are £2500.
Senior max engines are £2500.
All our works motors have been serviced and come complete with steel clutch,
radiator, starter motor. A full pedigree can be obtained to go with each motor.
Please contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847, or email
ricky.grice@virgin.net.
[ Top ]
Monaco Kart Cup 2011 (14/10)
Famous
for its Formula One Grand-Prix and its Rally, Monaco also knows how to give
Karting its just deserts by hosting in mid-October the now traditional Monaco
Kart Cup. And to add character to this event, the circuit implemented for the
occasion uses part of the track frequented in May by F1 cars, in particular the
"S" of the Swimming Pool and the Rascasse corner.
Scheduled for 16 and 17 October 2010, the Monaco Kart Cup gathers a very
high-quality field both in the KF3 category (Juniors) and in KZ2. The selection
committee of the ACM has also had to be solicited as the number of entry
applications was quite superior to that of available places. 45 KF3 Drivers have
finally been retained for the "Junior Monaco Grand Prix", and they will be 34 in
the KZ2 category. As usual, the programme of the meeting will be completed by a
6-hour endurance event, where amateur Drivers will be able to compete with a few
VIP and seeded Drivers on identical "turnkey" KF4 karts.
Already very strong in 2009, the KZ2 field will be even more so this year, with
the Dutchman Bas Lammers (Intrepid-TM) at the start, namely the 2010 European
Champion, who also won the World Cup just a few weeks ago. Last year, Lammers
had dominated the Prefinal under the Monaco rock and had started the Final in
the lead before being betrayed by the water pump of his engine. He will
therefore be determined to take his revenge especially against the one who
prevailed twelve months ago, the Frenchman Anthony Abbasse (Sodi-Maxter).
Runner-up to Lammers in the European Championship and World Cup, Jérémy Iglésias
(Intrepid-TM) will be a serious contender, and so will be Manuel Renaudie
(PCR-TM), Paolo De Conto (Energy-TM), Thomas Mich (Birel-TM), Jack Hawksworth
(Maddox-Parilla), Norman Nato (CRG-Maxter), Pierre Ragues (Sodi-TM), Viktor
Öberg (Gillard-Parilla), as well as Simo Puhakka (PCR-TM).
Concerning the KF3 13-15 year-olds, the entry list also looks very promising
with the European Champion and World Cup winner Alexander Albon (Intrepid-TM),
who already wears the colours of a well-known energetic drink... also very
present in Formula One. In the streets of Monaco, Albon will compete against
some Drivers who fought against him for wins throughout the season, like the
Driver from the United Arab Emirates Edward Jones (Zanardi-TM), the Monaco
Competitor Charles Leclerc (Sodi-Parilla) or France's Pierre Gasly
(Sodi-Parilla), Léo Roussel (Sodi-Parilla), Rémy Deguffroy (Tony Kart-Vortex)
and Esteban Ocon (Exprit-Vortex).
Amongst the front-runners, there are also some of the Drivers who animated the
new CIK-FIA Academy Trophy, in particular the Frenchman Anthoine Hubert (Tony
Kart-Vortex), the Estonian Hans Villemi (Birel-Parilla), the Luxembourg Driver
Oliver Thill (Tony Kart-Vortex) and the Swiss Séverin Amweg (Tony Kart-Vortex).
Qualifying practice and heats will be held throughout this coming Saturday 16
October and in the morning of Sunday 17 October.
Prefinals and Finals are on Sunday afternoon from
14:10 local time (13:10 BST). Results can be followed in real time on
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
Easykart UK: World Finals (13/10)
Twenty
nine drivers from the Easykart UK series have qualified for this weekend's World
Finals at the Pista Sette Laghi, thirty miles south of Milan.
This is the largest squad the British series has fielded at the annual gathering
of the many international franchises from across the world. Apart from the UK,
Venezuela is also sending a large contingent to Italy. The Italians will
naturally hold the upper hand, but the British team is rich in talent. In Cadet,
Easykart Driver Programme members Ronan McKenzie and William Stowell raced at
Castelletto last July and will definitely put their experience to good use.
E-Plate champion Jordan Sanders also qualified for last year's World Finals at
Siena, and will reasonably be expected to play a strong role this weekend.
Junior
front-runner James DeHavillande joined Stowell and McKenzie at the round of the
Italian Easykart series by virtue of also being on the EDP, and thoroughly
impressed Birel's management. Of the Brits, he is arguably the favourite to do
well, but don't discount 2010 champion Toby Sowery or Thomas Grainger. Both are
extremely quick and very capable racers.
Although
he missed the cut to qualify last time around, Elliot Rice will be fired-up and
out to prove a point. The 2009 E-Plate winner and now 2010 Light Champion will
relish his first opportunity to perform on the world stage. According to his
Facebook page, Owen Jenman's focus is solely on the top step of the podium come
Sunday. His compatriots will push him hard all the way. Last year, Jack Sales
took a brilliant 5th - he could well do even better this time around. Kieran
McCullough (our highest finisher in 2009 with 4th) was a joy to watch last year
in the Heavy category, and with Sam Dimelow and Joe Paterson in the mix this
trio will surely provide the spectators with some spectacular, 'muscular'
racing.
The only English driver to have a nickname in Italy is Barnaby Pittingale. 'Il
Dominator' won in Heavy at Cervia in 2007 and would score an historic treble if
he can add the World title to his UK and Euro crowns. Mark Lawrence and Tim Hill
return to the Finals for the third time and on the evidence of the way they have
driven throughout this season, will surely enjoy their best results yet.
The complete Easykart UK team is:
Cadet:
1. Ronan McKenzie, 2. Tom Thickpenny, 3. William Stowell, 4. Zack Nickson, 5.
Sam Faulkner, 6. Kieran Wragg, 7. Jenson Murchison, 8. Jordan Saunders
Junior: 1. Toby Sowery, 2. Thomas Grainger, 3. James
DeHavillande, 4. Alexander AJ Morris, 5. Kieran Gordon, 6. James Ludlam, 7. Jake
Hughes
Senior Light: 1. Elliot Rice, 2. Owen Jenman, 3. Kieran
McCullough, 4. Sam Dimelow, 5. Joe Paterson, 6. Jack Sales, 7. Jamie Crease
Senior Heavy: 1. Barnaby Pittingale, 2. Mark Lawrence, 3. Sir
Timothy Hill, 4. Simon Mace, 5. Will Gibson, 6. Jack Bruce, 7. Damien Hodge
If you're looking for a fast, friendly series where the emphasis is on driver
ability rather than budget, you'll love Easykart. Visit
www.easykart.co.uk
for more information.
[ Top ]
Parry Wins Jnr Rotax Title (13/10)
Matthew
Parry confirmed his reputation as one of Britain's leading kart racers by
claiming a second national title in two years, wrapping up the Super 1 British
Junior Rotax crown in the final round at Three Sisters.
Having already posted the 2009 Formula Kart Stars crown on his résumé, the
15-year old was determined to go one better in Super 1, having finished as
runner-up last season, but a mid-season hiccup meant that what would usually
have been a weekend of self-preservation took on a slightly more urgent feel,
despite Parry carrying an advantage of more than 20 points into the meeting.
Comfortably in the top six in testing, things did not run quite so smoothly in
Saturday's qualifying session, as the strong field proved closely matched at the
front and, despite being just a couple of tenths off the pace, Parry found
himself only eighth on the combined timesheets.
Torn between trying to race his way to the front and retaining a sense of
caution in the heats, the Paul Carr Racing driver posted ninth and second place
finishes, which actually dropped him to ninth on the grid for the first of the
weekend's two finals. The inside starting slot, however, was a good one to have
heading into the first turn and Parry emerged unscathed before finding himself
in sixth position, content to make space for himself while the top five battled
over the podium places.
Despite starting Final Two from the outside of row three, he kept his wits about
him into turn one and again set about consolidating sixth position knowing that,
provided he made no mistakes, he would be crowned as British number one.
With an eye on graduating to single-seaters next season, Parry's final kart
meeting is likely to be the Rotax World Finals at La Conca in Italy in the
middle of November. Having finished second in last year's event in Egypt, he
will again hope to go one better to round out his karting career on a high.
Photograph courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Jack Ends Season On A High (13/10)
Jack
Barlow concluded his maiden season in the Junior Rotax category by finishing 4th
overall in the British Super 1 Championship at Three Sisters near Wigan, last
weekend (9/10 October). The Strawberry Racing driver was also the highest-placed
rookie.
In a close-fought timed qualifying, Barlow recorded the ninth-fastest lap, but
went far better in his two preliminary heats - taking 3rd and 2nd respectively.
This put him on the second row of the grid for the penultimate final of the
eight-round series and after 22 laps of the fast, exciting Lancashire circuit he
took the chequered flag in 3rd position.
In the opening laps of the title-deciding main final, a pulsating battle
developed between Barlow and a small group of other drivers, who relentlessly
chased each other over the undulating ribbon of tarmac.
He eventually settled for a fine 5th and said: "That was great. I really enjoyed
the weekend. The racing was hard but fair and to end the championship with
another trophy and finish in the points as top rookie is fantastic. I am very
grateful to everyone at Strawberry Racing. It is thanks to their hard work, the
brilliant Tony Kart EVR chassis and skill of Steve Ogden my engine tuner, that I
have been able to get such a good result. Next year, I want to challenge for the
overall championship."
Although the Super 1 series has drawn to a close, Jack is still one of the
title-protagonists vying for the Formula Kart Stars championship, which reaches
its conclusion at Ellough Park near Beccles this weekend (16/17 October). He
currently lies 2nd in the points table and says: "It won't be easy but I will
give it my best shot. Ellough is known for producing exciting, close racing and
I hope that works to my advantage. We'll just have to see!"
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Twin Titles For Strawberry (12/10)
The
results speak for themselves. Strawberry Racing won two of the three Super 1
titles it contested, narrowly missed out on the third and saw six of its eight
drivers awarded a coveted seeded race number for the 2011 season.
Yesterday (10 October) at Three Sisters, George Russell added the Super 1 crown
to the 'GP' plate he won at Kart Masters last August. The reigning MSA Cadet
Champion delivered a mature performance to finish each of his races well inside
the top ten. Although pressed hard by his rivals, George held his nerve to
finish in 7th and 5th places to win the championship by just three points.
With no time to celebrate, and bidding to take their second series victory of
the weekend, the team saw Jack Marshall pipped to the overall Junior Max victory
- despite scoring a brace of podium finishes (2nd and 3rd). Jack Barlow's 3rd
and 5th place finishes were good enough to see him complete his first year in
the class as top rookie with 4th. Shaun Pirie endured a torrid weekend, but was
able to complete his year as a seeded driver with 14th in the title race.
"Jack
(Marshall) could only do what he could do," said Team Manager Warwick Ringham.
"Had we not had difficult rounds at Larkhall and Buckmore Park, it could have
been a different story because he actually scored the most points, before
dropped rounds were factored in."
In stark contrast to George Russell's on track celebrations, Tom Fawcett's
triumph in the senior category was completed in the paddock. 4th in the
pre-final was enough to seal his first national title from his season-long
rival, Jake Ball. With his points advantage secure and not needing to jeopardize
it in the second final, Tom wisely chose to sit it out. He watched Ed Brand
overcome damaged knee ligaments to take a superb 3rd on his debut with the team.
Barrie Pullinger's double 7th-place finishes secured 11th in the championship.
James Greenway and Ren Nagabuchi both had a trying time at the Lancashire venue,
compounding a tough learning year for the Japanese star and a frustrating one
for Rotax Winter Cup winner James.
"Tom
kept his head and didn't panic," observed Warwick. "Although I feel a bit sad
that he couldn't celebrate winning (the title) on the track. You don't get
anywhere near the same euphoria standing in the pits. I would like to
congratulate Tom, George and Jack Marshall for their successes and the rest of
the boys for their efforts and achievements throughout the year."
Strawberry's
season is still far from over. George Russell and Jack Barlow are vying to win
their respective classes in the Formula Karts Stars championship, which
concludes at Ellough Park on 17 October. After that, Jack travels to Zuera with
Ed, Euro Max Junior Champion Joel Affolter, Mats van den Brand, Barrie, Berry
Torenvliet and Jack Marshall, to compete in the inaugural International Open
(27/31 October).
Opportunities to race with Strawberry and the Tony Kart Junior Racing Team in
2011 are still available. For more information, please call Warwick Ringham or
Paul Spencer on 0114 269 6215/0114 288 9933 or e-mail
info@strawberryracing.co.uk
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net
(George Russell) and Alex Roache (others).
LKRC & Children In Need (11/10)
Linc's
Kart Racing Club is hoping to raise money for Children in Need at their October
meeting.
The following traders have already pledged their support by giving vouchers:-
Kart Parts UK, Dartford Karting, Zoom Kart Mart, AF Racing, Project One and JM
Racing.
Various fun games are planned such as a trolley race and wheel changing
competition.
Entries are open until Monday 18th October and full details are available at
www.lkrc.uk.com.
So come and show your spots and support Pudsey!
[ Top ]
British Cadet Kart Champs (11/10)
Connor
Jupp and Trevyn Nelson shared the spoils of the penultimate MSA British Cadet
Kart Championship double-header at Three Sisters.
Jupp won Saturday's final thanks to a final lap pass on Nathan Aston at turn
one. Callum Ilott followed Jupp through to take second place, just two
hundredths of a second shy. Aston held on to third, thus gaining ground on Tom
Harvey in the Championship race.
Nelson was a popular winner in Sunday's typically spectacular duel, not least
because he was pushed back to the back of the 14-kart lead train at
half-distance. The young Irishman fought back and capitalised when leader Lando
Norris was pushed wide with three corners to go.
Results - Saturday Final:
1 Connor Jupp (Zip) 20 laps in 16m00.90s
2 Callum Ilott (Wright) +0.02s
3 Nathan Aston (Zip)
Results - Sunday Final:
1 Trevyn Jay Nelson (Zip) 20 laps in 15m56.47s
2 Connor Jupp (Zip) +0.48s
3 Callum Ilott (Wright)
[ Top ]
British Superkart Championship (11/10)
Jason
Dredge rounded off his MSA British Long Circuit (Superkart) Championship-winning
season by collecting two more wins in the final rounds at Croft.
Dredge was beaten away from pole position in race one by outgoing champion James
O'Reilly and Sam Moss. On lap two O'Reilly's engine broke and Moss took over at
the front, only to spin on lap six and hand Dredge a comfortable lead that he
held to the finish.
Dredge made better use of his pole position in race two to eke out a 2.5-second
lead over Moss during the first half of the race. But all eyes were on the
meteoric progress of O'Reilly from the back of the grid; having taken second
place from a spinning Moss by lap six he hunted down Dredge. The pair then
battled to the line, with the new Champion winning by 0.15 seconds - a margin
that was extended when O'Reilly was penalised for having jumped the start.
Results - Race One:
1 Jason Dredge (Anderson / Honda) 14m24.852s (88.45mph)
2 Sam Moss (Anderson / Honda) +13.135s
3 Adam Underhill (Anderson / Honda)
Results - Race Two:
1 Jason Dredge (Anderson / Honda) 14m 13.969s (89.58mph)
2 Sam Moss (Anderson / Honda) + 10.945s
3 Adam Underhill (Anderson / Honda)
[ Top ]
New Honda Cadet Team (08/10)
Mectech
Motorsport is pleased to announce they have teamed up with Simon Wright Racing
Developments to run the Honda cadet factory supported team and are South East
agents for Wright Karts.
SWRD has a long tradition of producing race and championship winning equipment
since 1978 and have helped launched the careers of drivers such as Dan Wheldon,
Dario Franchitti, David Coulthard and the current F1 world Champion Jenson
Button who won 34 out of 34 finals in 1991. More Recently Wright Karts have had
Success with Alex Gill who won the 2009 Super 1 Series in comer and have been
front runners in the comer class ever since.
Mectech
Motorsport has team spaces available in Honda Cadet for the remainder of 2010
and in 2011 will compete in the Super 1 Series and selected club meetings.
The Team uses Cosworth Data loggers for driver coaching and kart setup. Cosworth
are Technical Partners with the team along with Rotax European champions
Supertune Engines.
Mectech has years of experience competing from Honda
cadet through all Rotax classes at a club, National and European level. Support
available ranges from awning space to full race management.
To arrange a test day or for more info on joining the team and packages
available contact Bradley Smith on 01277 372848 or 07852 353001 and Nick at
Wright Karts on 01353 648648
[ Top ]
Hobzie Congratulates... (08/10)
South-West
storm kart agents Hobzie Motorsport would like to congratulate the following
competitors on their recent successes using Storm chassis...
South-West
champion Sam Morgan in minimax at Dunkeswell.
South-West champion James Lovell in 177 at Dunkeswell.
Chris Davies win in senior max at Llandow September meeting.
Stuart Bakers win in 177 at Dunkeswell September meeting.
All of the above races were achieved using Revolution Racing Engines.
The Storm chassis also won the Rotax cup at Wigan and the TKM Scottish Open
championship.
Hobzie
Motorsport would also like to welcome RJR motorsport as South-Wales dealers for
Storm chassis and spares. Karts and spares will be stocked by RJR as well as a
test kart.
RJR motorsport will be attending Llandow, Clay Pigeon, Dunkeswell and Shenington
club meetings for the rest of the year and throughout 2011.
For South-Wales Storm enquiries please contact Richard Raymond on 07852 000896,
email
rjrmotorsport@hotmail.co.uk.
Hobzie Motorsport can be contacted on 07909 520208.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Signs Ed Brand (08/10)
Strawberry
Racing has signed Ed Brand to contest next year's Euro Max and British Super 1
titles, ending much speculation over the young star's future.
He joins the Sheffield-based Tony Kart team with immediate effect and will make
his first official appearance in their trademark white, green and red livery at
this weekend's (9/10 October) final round of the Super 1 championship at Three
Sisters near Wigan.
Announcing the deal, Strawberry's Team Manager Warwick Ringham said: "I'm
delighted to welcome Ed to Strawberry Racing. I have watched his career with
great interest over the past three years and have been consistently impressed.
He has proved that he has a considerable ability to adapt to and develop new
material. We have a wealth of talent already here at the team, but Ed will
strengthen and add to it."
The reigning Super 1 Junior Max champion and World number three commented: "To
join what is effectively the works Tony Kart team in Rotax is a very big deal
for me. The EVR chassis is fantastic and I have been very impressed with
everyone's professionalism. I am confident that we will continue to gel
successfully and before long, challenge for wins."
Opportunities to race with Strawberry and the Tony Kart Junior Racing Team in
2011 are still available. For more information, please call Warwick Ringham or
Paul Spencer on 0114 269 6215/0114 288 9933 or e-mail
info@strawberryracing.co.uk.
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
FKS Ginetta Prize Revealed (08/10)
Leading
British sportscar manufacturer Ginetta will offer ten lucky Formula Kart Stars
drivers a place on their inaugural Junior scholarship this winter with a
potential place on the 2011 Ginetta Junior Championship grid, worth £60,000, up
for grabs.
The top five finishers in the Formula One Management backed series' Junior Rotax
and KF3 classes will win the places, with the final list being decided at the
series' final two rounds at Ellough Park.
"It's really pleasing to see Ginetta offer our drivers this fantastic prize,"
says series director Carolynn Hoy. "A good number of our 'old boys and girls'
have enjoyed success in the Junior Series and are doing so again this year. I
can see no reason why the eventual winner of the scholarship shouldn't come from
the group of drivers we send."
The scholarship, which is open to all, will see the ten FKS drivers put through
their paces by Ginetta with the winner getting a free lease of one of the
championships' G40 cars for the season plus a team to run the car at each of the
ten rounds, all of which are on the popular British Touring Car support bill.
The winner will also have their entry fees for the season paid for, free tyres
and fuel for the season, insurance for the car and an official Ginetta racesuit.
"Ginetta have shown a
great commitment to promoting British racing talent from the Junior Series all
the way to Le Mans," Hoy continued. "I feel the same about Formula Kart Stars
and I hope that this prize gives another one of our drivers a first step into a
long career in motorsport."
The three most recent Ginetta Junior Champions, Nigel Moore, Dino Zamparelli and
Sarah Moore, all raced in Formula Kart Stars while former series champion Moore
became the youngest British driver to race an LMP1 car at Le Mans in 2009 when
he drove for Ginetta's factory sports prototype team.
Ex Formula Kart Stars Mini Max and Super ICC Champions Tom Ingram and Frank
Wrathall hope to add to the FKS/Ginetta roll of honour this weekend in the final
round of the Junior and G50 Cup Championships at Brands Hatch where both are in
contention for their respective titles.
The 2010 Formula Kart Stars Championship, and the ten lucky prizewinners, will
be decided in the final two rounds of the championship at the Ellough Park
circuit in Suffolk on October 16th/17th.
For more information on the championship visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
[ Top ]
Fund-Raising Endurance Race (08/10)
Don't
miss your chance to enter a fantastic fund-raising endurance race at Buckmore
Park, in aid of The Philippines Schools Project. The event, organised by
Kelvin Nicholls will take place on Friday 22nd October (arrive from 6:15pm) and
bookings are now being taken.
Not only will this fun evening feature a 1.5 hour hire-kart event, but there
will also be top auction prizes which already include 2x three-day passes to any
F1 GP next year and Scalextric race sets!
The cost is just £165 per team, and supports this excellent project - more
details of which can be found at
www.kelvin-nicholls.co.uk.
To book contact Chris Pullman at Buckmore Park on 01634 661601 or for more
information speak to Kelvin on 07973 176806, but book soon as past events have
proven to be extremely popular.
[ Top ]
£17,000 Cash Prize Fund (07/10)
Super
One wish to announce that in the KF2 MSA British & ABkC 2011 Championship, the
winner will receive £10,000, second place £5,000 and third place £2,000 - a
total of £17,000 just for these three places. Of course there will be other
prizes for the top contenders in what promises to be the most hard-fought
British Karting Championship for many years.
Have you got what it takes to race against the best senior drivers in the U.K.
and beyond? If so contact John Hoyle on 07774 646784, or keep in touch through
the
www.s1series.co.uk website for further exciting
developments.
To keep costs down in KF2 & 3 only one chassis can be scrutineered and test
tyres are to be limited to two sets per weekend. The Super One Series will be
exhibiting at KartMania and the Autosport International Racing Car Show, where
registration forms will be available.
Meantime if anyone wants to try out the class earlier, Super One Series are
offering free 2010 registrations for the last round, to be held at PF
International on 22 - 24 October. Contact Sonja Game on 01869 320157 for
details.
[ Top ]
Clubs Embrace Formula KGP (07/10)
Buckmore
Park Kart Club in Chatham, Clay Pigeon Kart Club in Yeovil, Hooten Park Kart
Club in the Wirral Cheshire, WSKC at Larkhall in Glasgow and TVKC at PF
International near Grantham have all signed up to run club races for Formula KGP
in 2011.
The races will be run under a closed to club basis which means a driver must be
a member of the hosting club.
"We are delighted that these clubs have recognised what Formula KGP has to offer
" says KGP boss Andy Cox " Too many drivers have lost interest in club karting,
we are confident that Formula KGP will breath new life into club racing. Formula
KGP will support these clubs with trophies, tyres and spare part vouchers on a
monthly basis from April to Sept 2011 giving back the driver some rewards
for participation in club races. This will help them with their running costs
and hopefully make their racing more enjoyable ! We are also in discussions with
SYKC at Wombwell and hope to be able to confirm their support in the near
future"
Formula KGP kicks off with a feature race supporting the S1 MSA series at
PF International on the 24th October, owners of BMB who make the Formula KGP
engine will be in attendance for its launch into the UK. Its not too late to get
involved both nat A and B licence holders can race, you buy or rent engine for
this historic first Formula KGP club race!
For more information visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or
follow us on Facebook.
[ Top ]
Little Green Man 2011 (07/10)
The
all new Little Green Man series will be getting bigger - already 18 WTP's have
pre-registered for next year's championship demonstrating the WTP class is being
well supported as ever.
New for 2011 will be the Super Cadet class, which will run along side the WTP's
in a class of their own. 10 drivers have pre-registered already, but there will
be a maximum of 30 drivers per class so as to run within the supporting club
meeting. All the usual cost effective LGM rules will apply, with great prizes &
awards, though rules are yet to be finalised for Super Cadet.
The 2011 provisional dates 7 venues are...
Round.1 - P.F. International - 3rd April
Round.2 - Whilton Mill - 21st May
Round.3 - Ellough Park - 18th June
Round.4 - Buckmore Park - 16th July
Round.5 - Rowrah - 28th August
Round.6 - Rowrah - 29th August
Round.7 - Kimbolton - 11th September
Round.8 - P.F. International - 2nd October
All the rounds are well spaced, with a double header bank holiday race at
Rowrah. None of the events clash with the main Super 1 MSA or Rotax championship
rounds.
For more information or to register (£50) call Mike on 01636 626424, or visit
www.wtpuk.com.
[ Top ]
Record Breaking Performance (07/10)
Record
breaker Lloyd de Boltz-Miller has praised the Tony Kart EVR chassis he used to
break the 24 Hour World Record at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire, last week
(30 September - 1 October).
The 25-year old endurance star said: "For me to successfully bring the World
Record to the UK there was no room for a weak link, which is why I insisted on
using a Tony Kart. In the run up to the event there were several key points that
needed to be considered on equipment selection; reliability, pace,
sustainability and predictability.
I needed something that offered outright pace on a hot lap, but was able to
deliver consistent and reliable performance. A single component failure could
cost valuable running time. Whilst this is obvious in any form of racing, the
key to 24 hours is solid, reliable pace. It is easy to gain a tenth on a lap,
but trying to reclaim even a minute in an hour requires you to lap a second
faster every lap!"
Throughout the 24 hours, Lloyd - who has a BSc in Motorsport Technology - had
the opportunity to give Strawberry Racing's Tony Kart the ultimate track test.
"From a handling perspective, it offered high levels of mechanical grip with
good balance on corner entry, mid corner and exit. It was important that the
chassis was able to offer this in both high and low temperatures. With the
constant threat of a dramatic change in the weather, I needed good dry and wet
pace. When the rain came, we fitted wet tyres but opted not to change the set-up
as the kart felt balanced and consistent. The EVR continued to offer the
required pace without over working me."
Using Barrie Pullinger's four-meeting old Euro Max Challenge kart, Lloyd was
able to take advantage of its OTK front brakes.
"They really came into their element in the wet and allowed me to brake
considerably later and therefore maintain the quick pace. Prior to the rain, I
was 160 laps ahead of schedule and my object was to maintain this advantage.
Whilton Mill has three heavy braking points; turns three, six and nine. The OTK
front brakes were used in these corners every single lap of the whole event
with turns one, seven and eight being added in the wet. That means I used the
front brakes over 5,200 times and the rear over 7000, without a single issue of
fade! Overall, I used three sets of pads on the rear brake without any glazing.
The pad compound offered high levels of retardation with consistent feel."
Incredibly, Lloyd's fastest lap in the dry was set 14 1/2 hours into the
challenge and his fastest wet lap was set in the heaviest rain, during his final
stint.
"This proves the chassis' consistency and sustainability after incredibly heavy
use, on one of the toughest circuits in Britain. Anybody who claims that Tony
Karts are too soft and wear out easily is talking rubbish.
I can say this as the only driver to have driven one from start to finish, over
24 hours, in all conditions, that the EVR is solid, reliable, predictable and
sustainable. Given the choice again, I would only do it with a Tony Kart."
To find out more about the World Record setting and multiple
championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Peace Is S1 TKM Champ (06/10)
James
Peace, MSA Academy driver, secured the 2010 Super 1 Junior TKM Karting
Championship at Buckmore Park last weekend. In very changeable conditions, there
was no change for Peace who has led the competition from the first race in
Wales. "We set ourselves this goal two years ago" commented James, "we know that
winning this championship elevates my profile on the driver radar, so I had to
drive with my head and finish the job off, second in the championship was not an
option!"
Peace won 4, and secured 8 podiums out of the 12 finals this year in a totally
dominant display of his talent. It is always difficult closing out a
championship but Peace never once deviated from the script driving well within
himself in the last races. In an emotional parc ferme, Peace was almost unable
to speak to reporters and mechanic alike. "I have worked for this day for my
whole karting career and I just can't believe I've finally done it", said an
exhausted Peace. "I would obviously like to thank all my supporters and Jade
Karts who have made such a versatile chassis."
The Super 1 Junior TKM Championship has been won by notable names including,
Jenson Button (current Formula One World Champion) and Gary Paffett (McLaren
test driver). Peace is currently positioning himself for a transition from
Karting to single-seater cars and will be testing a Fortec Formula Renault 2.0
car in a couple of weeks time with a view to contesting the 2010 Formula Renault
Winter Series and 2011 Formula Renault UK Championship. Great exposure
opportunities exist in this televised series, and James is looking to work with
dynamic enterprises to enable his career to continue.
More information on James Peace can be found by viewing the website
www.54racing.com.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Series R6 (06/01)
Round
6 of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Series takes place on Sunday 17th
October and incorporates the ABkC Honda Cadet O Plate.
Practice is available on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th October between 10am -
4pm. For more information contact Sheila Rose 01634 661604.
For more information on the club visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Victory For Scott Hutchins (06/01)
Following
his success at Mansell Raceway (Dunkeswell) last weekend, Mansell Jensen Kart
Team's Senior Rotax driver, Scott Hutchins took another victory at the weekend,
this time at the Rissington circuit. Fast all weekend in both wet and dry
conditions, Scott qualified third on the grid for the final and a textbook start
saw him take the lead before the second corner. From here the 18 year old was
pushed hard to the flag but never looked like settling for second.
In the Junior Rotax Class, Mansell Jensen Team drivers Nick Arthur and Will
Maslin had a mixed day in the wet. A dominant win in heat one for Will helped
him to a front row grid position for the final, whereas Nick qualified further
back. Luck was not on the team drivers side as they were both involved in a six
kart pile up, on the first lap, however they both managed strong drives to
recover to 5th and 7th respectively, both setting times faster than the leaders.
Promising Minimax driver, 14 year old Ollie Chadwick showed great improvement as
he set the pace through Saturday and Sunday morning's practice. From fifth place
on the final grid, Ollie was set for a podium but was involved in some carnage
in the dog leg.
Mansell Jensen was pleased to run Jamie Chadwick
(Ollie's younger sister) during Saturday practice in the comer cadet class. This
was Jamie's first taste of serious karting and to everyone's amazement was
setting very quick times.
Team manager, Jacques Jensen said, "Difficult weather conditions made it a
challenging day for drivers and mechanics but Scott's second successive win was
fantastic."
The Mansell Jensen Kart Team will continue to race at Dunkeswell, Shenington and
Rissington for the remainder of the season. For more information about the team,
call team manager Jacques Jensen on 07543638542.
[ Top ]
Stolen 125icc Kart (06/10)
On
Thursday 30th September/Friday 1st October, the following was stolen from
Letchworth Garden City in Hertfordshire...
An Energy Kinetic 125icc
Racing Kart - Electric blue chassis, Blue bodywork, Silver, Red, White & Blue
Energy Graphics.
TM K9 Engine, with K9C barrel and exhaust.
Set up for Long Circuit racing so has a rear high intensity red light, with
wiring and Front bubble.
Transponder & Alfano fitted plus Tillet XL Seat
Douglas Black mag rims, Dunlop DCH tyres
The kart had the number 03 - white number on a green background, a Saxon
Motorsport Blue cover and was with a black 3 wheel trolley with orange wheels.
Also stolen was a beaten-up Honda Generator (2Kw).
All engine numbers/seal numbers are logged - if you have any doubts about what
you have been offered or have bought, or have any information you think may be
of use, please contact Kevin on 07779 425727 or email
kev.g76@ntlworld.com.
[ Top ]
Racing Perfection Academy (05/10)
Racing
Perfection is pleased to announce the launch of the Racing Perfection Kart
Academy being held at the TeamSport Southampton Kart Circuit.
The purpose of the academy is to provide drivers with the skills and knowledge
to succeed in motorsport. Drivers receive expert tuition from instructors with
over a decade of experience in both kart and car racing and provided with the
opportunity to experience competitive racing before making the leap into
national motorsport.
Steve Bell, Managing director of Racing Perfection said, "The Academy provides a
fantastic opportunity for drivers to experience truly competitive kart racing
before making the decision to commit to purchasing their own kart. For those
that get the 'bug' and want to make the leap then we provide support packages to
help ensure the drivers/families are making educated decisions on what route
they take".
For further information visit
www.racingperfection.co.uk.
The next academy is being held on Sunday 10th October. There are only a limited
number of spaces available for each event so book now to avoid disappointment.
[ Top ]
KGP International Trophy (05/10)
Castelletto
Di Branduzzo will host the first International race of Formula KGP - The Kart
Grand Prix International Trophy.
The meeting will be held on the 17th October and will see on track some
professional pilots, like Cesetti and Toman and Simpson of Birel Motorsport.
During the event BMB will officially present the first International competition
for the new Kart Grand Prix category. The event will be held in conjunction with
the World Easykart Finals, so it's a contest that will have the highest
standards of organization and very important media exposure.
The competition will aim to launch on the international stage a category that,
from 2010, will race in England and Greece. Some drivers will arrive from these
countries and, for promotional purposes, BMB will deploy some of its official
drivers in the International KF categories. The presence of Sauro Cesetti and
Libor Toman from the SKF has already been announced as well as Basz and Lennox
Lamb from KF2. for all the drivers that run in the national championships there
will be a chance to enjoy the experience of competing against these professional
racers.
There will be a total of 34 places available for the event which will be staged
over 3 days. The competition will begin on Friday with 3 sessions of free
practice and the qualification, then on Saturday there will be the different
heats and on Sunday there will be the first official competition. The
regulations for the Trophy will be to use the BMB TAG engine and Vega
Green tyres, while chassis choice is open.
[ Top ]
Want2Race Competition (05/10)
Over
80 drivers attended PPiK's new racing driver talent competition in September -
and with a fantastic prize of the chance to win a drive in a race prepared Lotus
- it's no wonder why!
Pole Position Indoor Karting in Leeds launch Want2Race, a new driving talent
competition aimed at grass roots motorsport enthusiasts and karters to get the
opportunity to experience a real race car on a top UK circuit.
The budding want to be racing drivers, aged from 16 to 48, participated on the
600m tarmac circuit to show over a number of heats who had the best average lap
time to make it through to the final.
The overall winner was Sam Clegg, 19, from Hedben Bridge in West Yorkshire. Sam
drove sensibly and consistently quickly all evening and commented on his victory
"It was a fantastic evening - loved the format of heats and finals. It was great
to be able to watch others people's races as well as taking part myself. I'd
recommend this to anyone whatever their ability. And what a brilliant prize!"
Sam
will get to experience the speed and 'go kart like' handling of the PPiK Lotus
Elise on a top UK circuit in November and then be put forward into the Want2Race
Final in 2011 when one lucky winner will get to race the car as part of the
Elise Trophy.
Want2Race runs on the last Monday of every Month, and costs just £15 to enter.
Drivers are invited down whatever their ability to join in the fun and you can
enter as many times as you like.
The photograph shows the PPiK Race Lotus the Want2Race winner will drive!
For more information please visit
www.ppik.net.
[ Top ]
A Successful September (04/10)
Grice
Racing has enjoyed yet more success during September.
New Senior Max rookie, Lewis Plato showed his potential at his 1st race in
Senior Euromax. Starting 2nd Pole in main final, Lewis had a 1st lap incident
bending his kart but his true pace all weekend was awesome! Tristram Viidas,
George Williams and Erik Johansson all showed great pace but only Tristram
reached the podium.
In the UK, Ash Hand has been dominating FKS in Junior Max with back to back wins
at Wigan, virtually sealing the title. Bob Thompson, Zubair Hogue and Ryan
Norris all achieved podiums and secured a large haul of points. Grice power
simply dominated the London Cup. Jack Bartholomew won Minimax with Max Cartoux,
Connor Mills, Mikey Houghton and Jack Mitchell taking the rewards of 5 in the
top 7 finishers. Jack Taylor and Lewis Plato dominated Jnr Max proceedings with
Jack taking the honours. Senior Max was taken by Michael Epps, again powered by
a Grice motor and Aaron Charles giving a spirited chase in 2nd.
All these various results emphasising the point that we provide all our
customers the same attention and dedication to performance that everybody
deserves.
Our legendary recession busting special offer is still current offering: A Rotax
full rebuild, including all moving parts but excluding conrod and balance shaft
inside motor, is just £315. Additionally, we can fit a new cylinder, fully
prepared for £75.
Each engine is prepared and fiche checked to current regulations Extras are dyno
run in and power test with printout for £75. Carb strip, ultrasonic and clean
for £50.
Ask
your existing Rotax service centre for a price before committing yourself for
the winter season racing.
Lastly, remember our Storm package at an unbelievable price. For a full Junior
or Senior Max package complete less tyres is £2995 plus vat. We carry these
packages in stock and welcome your questions or visit the website
www.stormkart.co.uk.
For more information on any of the above, please call Ricky Grice at Grice
Racing 01268 727847, email
ricky.grice@virgin.net.
[ Top ]
Stan Owen Funeral Arrangements (04/10)
The service for Stan Owen, who passed away on September 6th
aged 94, will be held at the West Herts Crematorium, Garston, near the M1 and
M25, at 11.20am on Thursday October 7th.
Stan's son Ken would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support and
would like to invite anyone who knew Stan to the service.
[ Top ]
Lloyd Goes The Distance (04/10)
Britain
has a new World Record holder after Lloyd de Boltz-Miller set a new World Record
for driving a kart solo for twenty four hours.
The 25-year old from Norwich broke South African Myk Prescott's benchmark
distance of 1,152.54km at 7:36am with three hours remaining on the clock. By
10:37am (1 October), a full twenty four hours after he started out, Lloyd had
eclipsed Prescott's 2008 achievement and established a new record distance of
1,289.12km (801.38 miles).
"I feel fine. Right as rain," he said remarkably after his gruelling drive to
raise money and awareness for the Wings for Life charity. "In the last stint I
went hell for leather to make sure that the record stays with me for as long as
possible."
The challenge had got underway in near perfect conditions at the renowned
Whilton Mill circuit near Daventry, Northamptonshire (30 September), although
rain had been forecast to fall from 7am the following morning. However, just
before 2am, droplets of water began to spot on Lloyd's helmet visor and quickly
turned into persistent, heavy rain.
Shortly
after he pitted to take on board fresh fuel and change his slicks in favour of
wet tyres, Lloyd's kart stopped on the circuit. He was pushed back to the
paddock and some frantic work by AMT Racing's Ashley Todd and Alan McKay traced
the problem to water in the fuel tank. This was quickly changed, along with the
engine's carburettor and the fuel itself, following a dash over to nearby
Silverstone to collect fresh petrol from Sunoco, Lloyd's fuel partner.
"It was a hard night," said John Devlin, the event's Chief Engineer and
Strategist. "The rain came five hours sooner than forecast. That put us all
under a little pressure and at a time when he was feeling quite fatigued.
Thankfully, he'd done enough in the first part to allow the lap times to drop by
a couple of extra seconds and we just got him to modify his (racing) lines, so
he could withstand the physical punishment of driving in the wet."
Ironically, it was heavy rain that had put-paid to Lloyd's attempt last summer,
he observed: "This time I was better prepared. I have never had an engine like
the one Ogden Motorsport had prepared for me and the Tony Kart EVR chassis
(courtesy of Strawberry Racing) was phenomenal. The equipment definitely played
a key part in coping with the conditions, and of course I had brilliant back up
from a dedicated team of volunteer helpers and event partners."
He added, "Last year I didn't break the big one but established British and
European records. Now, I've broken all three and will use this success to spur
me on for my next big challenge, to drive a race-prepared Porsche Carrera Cup
car flat-out for 24 Hours round a Middle Eastern circuit - We'll let you know
which one soon!"
For more information about Lloyd and his World Record Attempts, visit
www.24hour.org.uk.
[ Top ]
Congratulations Jake Dennis (04/10)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) congratulates Jake Dennis on beating an
international field of competitors to become the first ever CIK-FIA "U18" World
Karting Champion.
Racing Steps Foundation-backed Dennis took the title with eighth place at Val
d'Argenton in France, having won the first round at Wackersdorf in Germany and
finished fifth in round two at Alcaniz in Spain.
Dennis, 15 from Leicestershire, said: "I was shouting inside my helmet as I went
over the line; it felt unbelievable to become the World Champion and it's
definitely my biggest karting achievement so far. Along with the Racing Steps
Foundation and my MSA British Junior Kart Championship title it should move my
career a good chunk forward."
Fellow Briton and round two winner Adam Stirling, 15 from Moira in Northern
Ireland, secured third place in the final standings. Also flying the Union Flag
were Sam Snell, Jordan Chamberlain, Henry G Easthope, Alexander Walker and Jake
Lloyd.
Supporting the "U18" Championship this year has been the new CIK-FIA Karting
Academy Trophy. Former MSA British Cadet Kart Champion, Roy Johnson, was
selected by the MSA to represent the UK against more than 30 national motor
sport governing bodies, and he ended the season in a fine sixth place overall.
MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: "I am delighted that we now have another
British World Champion in Jake, further bolstering the UK's position as the
world leader in motor sport both on and off the track. We have followed the
progress of each British driver in these new championships with great interest,
and I wish them all well for the coming seasons."
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Performance Master Classes (04/10)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) has arranged for the Sainsbury's Try Team to
support its MSA Academy Performance Master Classes at Ellough Park Raceway on
Friday 15 October.
The Try Team will show Formula Kart Stars competitors how they can eat healthily
during race weekends by delivering three 30-minute cooking demonstrations. These
will take place alongside the Eating to Win workshop, which explores the
principles of diet and nutrition.
MSA Performance Director and 2001 WRC champion co-driver Robert Reid said: "The
Performance Master Classes are designed to get young drivers thinking about the
relationship between what they do off the track and what happens on the track.
Diet and nutrition are a key part of that, and I'm sure that the Sainsbury's Try
Team will do a great job of engaging the karters at Ellough Park."
The Sainsbury's Try Team's Sian Fox said: "The Sainsbury's Try Team's mission is
to inspire the nation to cook and we are delighted to be attending the karting
event at Ellough Park. We will be demonstrating simple, great tasting, healthy
recipes sure to appeal to youngsters. There will be tasting for all and recipes
to take away."
Performance Master Classes are delivered free of charge at motor sport events
across the UK, and aim to introduce young drivers to the concepts of sports
science and human performance. As well as Eating to Win, the programme comprises
the following modules: What does it take; Talking to Team You; Goals and
planning; Race fit; and Racing Parents.
[ Top ]
Dennis Is World Champion (03/10)
Even
though he didn't take victory on the Val d'Argenton circuit, it all turned out
well for Jake Dennis (Top Kart) as he ended up the happiest driver on Sunday
evening at the end of the third and final round of the new World Championship
for drivers under 18 years of age. The winner of the opening round at
Wackersdorf in Germany, the British driver had arrived in France as a co-leader
in the Championship after his fifth place in the Spanish round at Alcaniz.
Second in the provisional classification after the qualifying heats, the protégé
of ex World Champions Terry Fullerton and Martin Hines secured himself a place
on the front row for the Final. Unfortunately, the anticipated duel between Jake
Dennis and Teemu Suninen (Maranello) failed to materialise : the Finn, 7th on
the starting grid, was involved in a collision in the first corner and
eventually set off again in last place.
"I clearly saw that Teemu was in the gravel", explained Jake Dennis, inevitably
very happy. "From then on I didn't want to take any unnecessary risk. When
Stefan Riener and John Norris got close to me, I quite simply let them past to
make sure I did not get involved in a collision. In any case I did not have
enough speed to get the victory today and so I concentrated solely on the
Championship. I knew that a place in the top 10 would be sufficient and I
eventually finished 8th. But I knew that was good enough to take the World
Crown. I dedicate this title to the Racing Steps Foundation. Without their
financial support I would not be here! My thanks also to Terry Fullerton for all
his help. I am proud to be the first Under 18 World Champion!" By winning the
Championship, Jake has also delivered a World Championship to Top Kart. He will
also be further honoured at the FIA Annual Gala, along with the World Champions
in Formula 1, in Rallying, in Touring Cars and in GT.
In addition to the honour for Dennis, this third round of the Under 18 World
Championship was marked by the first ever victory in a World Karting
Championship for a driver from Thailand. So unlucky in Spain where he was
amongst the fastest drivers, Tanart Sathienthirakul (Intrepid) was this time not
going to let slip his opportunity. Starting on pole position, Tanart led the
final from start to finish and built up a significant lead over Finnish driver
Matias Köykkä (Maranello), who became the Vice-Champion of the World, and over
the Austrian Stefan Riener (Intrepid), who made superb progress from his 20th
place on the starting grid. In a top 10 showing decidedly fine style, we found
the Irishman John Norris (Intrepid), Italian Damiano Marchesan (Parolin), the
Frenchman Vincent Fraisse (Intrepid), British driver Sam Snell (Intrepid), the
new World Champion Jake Dennis, the American Andrick Zeen (Sodi) and Northern
Ireland's Adam Stirling (Intrepid), 3rd in the Championship after his victory at
Alcaniz. As for poor Teemu Suninen, his misfortune dropped him down to 28th
place, which in turn dropped him to 4th position in the Championship in which at
one time, he had been one of the revelations and one of the brightest stars.
As
with the Under 18 class, suspense was maintained right to the end of the last
round of the new CIK-FIA Academy Trophy, organised as a supporting class to the
Under 18 World Championship. In this competition where all the drivers - coming
from 34 different countries - have exactly the same machinery, the French lad
Anthoine Hubert arrived at the Val d'Argenton circuit as the Championship
leader. But the Finn, Niklas Tiihonen, several points adrift took all his
chances. Right from the qualifying heats, it was clear that the battle for the
title was going to come down to a duel between these two young drivers, after
the outcome on the three circuits. But, for the minor battles, the races
remained very open…
Closely following in the wake of Tiihonen during the first of the two races, the
Argentinian Federico Paoloni mounted an attack on the last turn… But though he
then took the chequered flag in first place, the Argentinian was then penalised
and dropped down to 9th place. Consequently Niklas Tiihonen won this first race
in front of his rival Anthoine Hubert, thus cranking up the pressure a notch.
However he still did not have his destiny in his own hands before the second
race. If Hubert again managed to finish immediately behind him in the second
race, it would be the French lad who would be the first winner of the Academy
Trophy. If he fared worse, the title would go to the Finn… From the start
Tiihonen took control over Hubert. But, 6 laps from the end, the French lad was
to yield in the face of constant challenges from Norwegian Oystein Helgheim,
third in the first race. It was then the Greek Filipos Kalesis who benefitted
from the scrap between Hubert and the driver from Monaco Charles Leclerc to
secure his 3rd podium of the year... and 3rd place in the Championship. With his
4th place, Anthoine Hubert missed out on the title by only three points.
"I am so happy", confided Niklas Tiihonen for his part. "To win this
Championship where everybody has the same machinery is a big moment in my young
career. " In any case there we have a formidable launching pad for this young
Finn who we must be hearing more of in the future. After all, this is, as well,
the principle role of karting!"
[ Top ]
Iztech Kart Seats (01/10)
Iztech
Kart Seats would like to congratulate Comer Cadets TJ Nelson and Connor Jupp.
TJ Nelson, racing with SAS Motorsport and using an Iztech Carbon Aramid seat and
floor tray won, in superb style, the FKS round at Wigan this month.
Connor
Jupp, also using a lightweight and flexible Iztech seat and floor tray
combination won the Cadet London Cup, adding to his GP Plate that he won earlier
this month.
Also at the London Cup, Jordan Brown-Nutley in his Honda Cadet took a superb win
from a 5th place start on the grid. This follows on the back of his fantastic
win at the Ace & King of Clubs meeting last month.
All of these drivers can rest assured that despite the rumours, carbon and
aramid seats and floor trays are not banned in Cadet racing in 2011.
For further information on Iztech's winning range of seats, floor trays and
chainguards please email
kevin@iztechkartseats.com,
or call 01908 511000, or 0796 775 7096.
Visit our website at
www.iztechkartseats.com.
[ Top ]
Evolution's Recent Success (01/10)
Evolution
racing would like to congratulate Jack Bartholomew on his recent London Cup
victory, and Jay Goodwin after collecting a bag-full of championship points at
Wigan's FKS meeting!
Jack dominant the weekend at the London Cup event. He scored pole position in
qualifying, pole in the hot lap qualifying, won all 3 heats from mixed grids and
then went on to win both finals as well as setting fastest lap of the weekend! A
great result for Jack. New team driver Max Cartoux also had a great weekend. It
was only Max's 3rd race under the Evolution management and he scored a 3rd in
the pre final and 2nd in the main final making it a 1-2 for the team. Conor
Mills came home in 4th place, narrowly missing out on 3rd and an all Evolution
podium!
Jay Goodwin closed in on a top 3 FKS championship position, after collecting
more points than any of his closest championship competitors at the Wigan FKS
meeting. Jay lined up on grid 3 for Saturday's final, and then produced a mature
drive coming home in a solid 3rd place. Sunday saw the youngster start the final
from grid 4 and a great race saw numerous leaders during the 20 lap race. On the
final lap any one of 11 drivers could have taken the victory, Jay was sitting in
a steady 5th position ready to make his move but he unfortunately got pushed
wide and ended up 8th. None the less, a great weekend for Jay's championship
campaign.
For all team or Alonso sale enquires, please contact Ashley Whitcroft on
07789932134, or email
ashevolution@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
KR-Sport 3rd TKM Champ (01/10)
This
weekend (2/3rd October) sees the KR-Sport race team travel to the Buckmore Park
kart circuit in Kent for the final round of the TKM British championship where
team driver and 2009 British Champion David Eadon has done the double before
even turning a wheel at the final round, David was able to seal the championship
after the fifth round at Clay pigeon but will still race at the final round
aiming to take another double victory, Out to stop David will be team mate James
Bartlett who has also enjoyed success taking a double final victory at
Shennington mid season.
Their junior team mates of Billy Baxter and Jordan Hankins will be out to finish
their seasons on a high after some strong performances from both.
KR-Sport is talking to Junior and Senior TKM Drivers looking to run with a team
at TKM Super One in 2011. For more information on the team please visit
www.kr-sport.com
or contact Ashley Orchard on 07921 225680.
[ Top ]
Hodgson O Plate Success (01/10)
Oliver
Hodgson has added to his impressive CV with another O Plate this time in the
Junior Rotax Max Class. The KR-Sport driver was able to power to success with an
impressive win of 2 seconds. KR team mate Charlie Streather was also fast but
lacked the final luck challenging as high as third in the final, Charlie dropped
down the order to 8th at the finish but with a lap time worthy of a podium
finish.
At the recent stars round at Wigan Samuel Oram Jones was another KR-Driver on
the move in the Mini Max class with Samuel taking victory in the Saturday final
and 5th place in the Sunday Final.
KR-Sport is looking to speak with Rotax drivers who intend to compete in the
Stars Championship and Super One series for 2011.
With Winter testing starting soon in preparation for the 2011 season for more
information please visit
www.kr-sport.com or contact
Ashley Orchard on 07921 225 680, or e-mail
ash@kr-sport.com.
[ Top ]
Honda Racing At Llandow (01/10)
Llandow
Kart Club and South Wales Karting Centre are proud to be the hosting Club for
the 2011 Kartmania Honda Challenge and wish to invite all Honda drivers to our
October 24th meeting.
Both Seniors and Juniors are invited to the meeting in preparation for next
years Kartmania Honda Challenge, remember that Llandow Kart Club are hosting a
double header at South Wales Karting Centre next June. For only £70 you can have
a days practice (sessions with other classes) on Saturday 23rd and enjoy 3 heats
and a final on Sunday 24th October. All you need to do is get yourself and your
kart to the South Wales Karting Centre and enjoy a full weekends racing at a
wonderful price. Both karts and drivers must meet MSA regulations, engines must
be to the present Honda regs. Don't have a licence - not a problem, we can sort
you out with a Clubmans licence for the weekend (remember a passport photo is
required). Don't belong to an ABkC Club - not a problem, we can sort you out
with a short time membership of Llandow Kart Club. There will be trophies and
prizes (subject to grid size), why not join us for a highly competitive weekends
racing at a great price.
Want to know more? Contact me, Colin, on 07818449617 or by email at
llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk - you know you want
to!
This meeting is also the last round of our summer Dragon Challenge, if you have
taken part in either of the previous two rounds come along and try to win the
Challenge. There are trophies and prizes for all classes in the Dragon
Challenge.
[ Top ]
John Pike Takes Title (30/09)
Following
the last round of the NKF Northern Karting Federation Championship at Fulbeck,
John has won the NKF title in Senior Rotax for 2010. He was also the NKF Junior
Rotax Champion in 2009
Leading the championship throughout since round 1, the title was sealed after
the 3rd heat at Fulbeck, putting his KT-1 firmly on pole for the final,
also setting the fastest senior max lap of the day.
Starting the final, following a dramatic last minute change in the weather,
and conservative set up, he elected for caution on a greasy circuit in the
worsening rain and settle on a solid finish rather than risk the title through
an unnecessary or forced error.
After the race John said "because the rain was light and easing as we went to
the grid we gambled on a set up for a drying track, however it just got wetter
and wetter so I just wanted to consolidate a great day. My CRG KT-1 has
been brilliant everywhere i've raced this year I just can't fault it. My thanks
go out to the team for their support, especially John at JJR Motorsport, Mark
Collins and everyone at Kart CRG UK, Nigel at HRS for some fantastic engines and
to my sponsors Forward Builders, RJR and GT Roberts. I just can't wait
to get my new Dark Knight for next year.
Demonstrating CRG's world championship reputation, John has shared 12 wins this
year between CRG's Dark Knight, Road Rebel and KT-1.
Photograph courtesy of Sean Smith/Digital Sports Images.
[ Top ]
Mansell Jensen Dominate (30/09)
Fresh
from winning the South West Championships in Junior Rotax at Mansell Raceway
(Dunkeswell) in August, Mansell Jensen team driver, Nick Arthur took a
resounding win at the September meeting. Qualifying on pole at both meetings,
Nick was the class of the field against quality opposition.
After a DNF in Sunday's first Senior Rotax heat, Scott Hutchins only qualified
12th for the final. The 18 year old then put in a drive that can only be
described as fantastic. He drove through the field to take a well
deserved victory.
Team manager, Jacques Jensen said " Two wins, two great drives. It's a good day
for Team Mansell Jensen".
For more information on the Mansell Jensen Kart Team call Jacques on
07543638542.
Photograph courtesy of Tel T Motorsport Photography.
[ Top ]
Super Cadet & Formula KGP (30/09)
Cadets
- have you got what it takes for the new MSA Super Cadet class? Or for
seniors to be one of the first to race in the exciting new Formula KGP class.
Find out at PF International on 23/24 October when Super One and Trent Valley
Kart Club join forces to put on the UK's very first demonstration race for these
two new classes. Super Cadet, which has been given outline approval by the
MSA, will be for drivers with a minimum of National B licence (no novices) and
aged 10 - 14 years old. The MSA have also given 'in principle' consent for
the Formula KGP demonstration race for senior drivers. Full regulations
will be available shortly from Super One and TVKC. Entry fee will be £120
for the two days with optional Friday practice, and the finals will be
televised, so don't miss it, download an entry form now.
Control fuel will not be necessary but there will be a tyre order form for the
standard Cadet Dunlop tyres and for the Vegas used in F.KGP. Provisional
Super One ABkC Honda Cadet champion Billy Monger is already signing up for the
Super Cadets as well as Comer Cadet ace TJ Nelson. In KGP multiple Rotax
and Kartmasters champion Michael Simpson is expected to be one of many well
known drivers trying out the new class, which uses a BMB 125cc TAG engine with
performance between Rotax Max and KF2. Any chassis to MSA regulations may
be used. S1 Marketing Director John Hoyle said: "We are fully expecting a
grid of twenty or so for both of these exciting new classes, drivers can race in
both Super Cadet and Cadet on the same day if they wish, or KF2 and KGP.
The race format will be just the same as the other classes and although the
champions are mostly decided we are expecting a few additional drivers in KF2,
including the MSA Junior British Champion Jake Dennis, so the whole weekend is
one not to be missed." KF2 registration and entry has been left open,
additional drivers welcome.
The Super One promoters would like to thank all the teams and drivers who have
supported the new Super Cadet class throughout its formative stages and confirm
that subject to MSA approval that both these new classes will be part of the MSA
Super One Series in 2011.
Contact Lesley Richardson at TVKC for entry forms -
compsec@tvkc.co.uk
or download from
www.s1series.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of TSR Productions.
[ Top ]
TDR Motorsport (29/09)
TDR
Motorsport arrived at a nice and sunny Kimbolton kart track on Saturday morning
and Trevor got to work on the all new Alonso kart. Dean Stimson (Novice) went
out for first practice and everything was working fine, a few alterations were
made and we had a very productive practice day, we then cleaned everything up
and were looking forward to race day.
Race Day: Heat 1- Started 30th finished 14th - Best lap 42.77. Heat 2 - Started
29th made a great start and progressed up to 15th when Dean was taken off on lap
9. We managed to rejoin the race to finish in 27th - Best lap 42.40. Heat 3 -
Started 28th finished 12th - Best lap 42.54.
Final: Started in 17th finished 13th - Best lap time 42.08, some great times set
by Dean on Sunday and from the timing sheet we see we were 6th fastest overall
in the final. We would also like to welcome a TKM driver Ryan Gray to our team.
TDR Motorsport has a special offer on Awning Space from October 2010 to the end
of February 2011 for £25 per day.
Please contact
rich@tdrmotorsport.co.uk to
book your space at the October Kimbolton meeting. For more information on the
team visit
www.tdrmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Promising Weekend... (29/09)
Tooley
Motorsport decided to take part in the penultimate formula kart stars round at
wigan, the team consisted of Ross martin (cadet), Ross Gunn (cadet), Chris
Middlehurst (Jnr rotax) and the returning Matthew Graham (KF3).
The whole team would like to say well done to both of the cadets for the whole
weekend, but especially for qualifying 1-2 in the Saturdays qualifying. Gunn
ended up 6th in the final and Martin ended up 8th which was his best of the
year. On the Sunday both of them had problems, resulting in them finishing in
16th and 17th.
In junior max Chris had an amazing weekend, qualifying 3rd on both days and
havin g good heats throughout the day. On the Saturday he had managed to set off
5th for the final but he ended up not starting due to a mechanical failure. On
the Sunday he put it on 3rd and managed to keep this for the whole race whilst
pressuring the current super one championship leader Jack Marshall. Matthew
Graham also put in a good performance getting a 5th on the Saturday and a 4th on
the Sunday, he encountered problems over the weekend but he managed to drive
around them.
The team would like to thank all of the mechanics and the drivers for creating a
great weekend, for any further information on the team visit the website at
www.tooleymotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
Stars Shine At Wigan (29/09)
At
1000 metres the Club Circuit at Three Sisters is the shortest stop on the
Formula One Management backed Formula Kart Stars calendar but with plenty of
fast sections and some flowing corners it proved to be the perfect venue for
some of the best racing of the 2010 season so far.
The two MSA British Cadet Championship finals once again showcased karting at
its best and Nathan Aston and Tom Harvey are set to take the title fight down to
the wire in the final rounds of the championship at Ellough Park.
On Saturday Connor Jupp passed Aston around the outside going into turn one at
the start of the final lap and then held off a charging Callum Ilott to grab the
win by two hundredths of a second with Aston and Trevyn Jay Nelson both less
than a second behind in third and fourth.
Nelson grabbed his first FKS win in Sunday's final despite falling back to 14th
in the early stages. In a frantic 15-kart tussle Nelson passed Lando Norris with
two corners to go and led Jupp and Ilott across the line with the next ten karts
split by just six tenths.
There
were two new winners in Mini Max in the form of Sam Oram Jones and Lemuel Pay,
both of whom emerged triumphant after a pair of spectacular duels.
Oram-Jones
grabbed Saturday's win in the final few metres after Bobby Thompson and Ryan
Norris got hooked together coming out of the final corner. Thompson held on for
second but Norris, who started 23rd, fell to tenth. Like the previous day
Sunday's final saw the top dozen karts circulating as one with the lead
continually changing. With three laps to go independent driver Pay forged his
way to the front and defended stoutly over the final laps to keep the baying
pack behind him. Championship leader George Russell was second with Norris
redeeming himself in third.
Despite the small numbers, both KF3 finals were decided by less than two tenths
of a second with Charlie Robertson taking his first win on Saturday after a last
gasp move on points leader Ben Barnicoat. Barnicoat returned the favour on
Sunday after shadowing Robertson throughout, increasing his points lead in the
process. Sam Macleod took third on both days.
In the Joe Bloggs backed Junior Max class Ash Hand continued his march towards
the title with two more imposing wins. On Saturday he beat title rival Jack
Barlow and Chad Ryan by five seconds while on Sunday he bested series newcomer
Jack Marshall and podium debutant Chris Middlehurst by four seconds.
The final two rounds of the series take place at Ellough Park on October 16-17.
For more information visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Daytona KRC At Lydd (28/09)
It's
been three months now since the Daytona Kart Racing Club (DKRC) started
operating MSA racing at the fantastic Lydd circuit, and, having been blessed
with another sunny race weekend, the September meeting held last week on the
11th/12th of the month saw yet another increase in driver entries, the Tyro
class in particular boasting an impressive turnout.
The racing was therefore fast and furious as the challengers and pretenders to
the gold trophy took to the circuit in force, battling it out over three
gruelling heats and a final with a tenacity that ensured some exciting action
for the spectators filling out the pit wall.
Cadets:
Some impressive performances during the heats put Cadet drivers Cameron Clarke
and Mikey Doble on the front row for the final. After some great dicing and
bumper-to-bumper action in the early stages of the race, Clarke managed to break
free from Doble, maintaining his concentration and edging out a decent lead to
take victory by a comfortable margin from Doble, with Kiern Jewiss placing
third.
1st Cameron Clarke
2nd Mikey Doble
3rd Kiern Jewiss
Juniors:
After a great start, Harry Rootes took the initiative early on in the Junior
category to establish a sizeable lead over Samuel Cowlam, George Bryne and
Jordan Hollands who were all engaging in a three-way battle for podium places.
After some entertaining, clean but not entirely incident free scrapping, Cowlam
emerged to claim second place behind Rootes with Byrne coming home to take third
position.
1st Harry Rootes
2nd Samuel Cowlam
3rd George Byrne
Tyro:
The large Tyro grid saw Tom Sapsed putting in another solid drive to take an
easy win in the ProKart Modified category. Meanwhile, a close battle between Del
Paice and Keith Fish saw Paice nipping ahead of Fish to take second, Fish
following only a tenth of a second behind over the line.
Meanwhile in the standard ProKart group it was the Graham King and Jason
Thatcher trading places for the leading spot whilst the number 87 kart of Les
Partridge held third place after initially keeping pace with the leaders. After
some close racing King held on for the win whilst Thatcher and Partridge rounded
off the top three.
Seniors:
The Seniors turned out perhaps the most
unpredictable results as a fantastic battle between Sam White, Adam Cross and
Graham Mackie turned into a disaster for White, who ended up off the circuit in
the latter stages of the race after doing a great job of fending off persistent
attacks from Mackie and Cross, leaving him out of contention and causing the
frontrunners to tangle themselves up and lose time at the top end of the track.
It was therefore a rather surprised Nicholas Gunkel who emerged from the carnage
in the lead, with Cross and Mackie doing just enough to hold second and third
respectively.
1st Nicholas Gunkel
2nd Adam Cross
3rd Graham Mackie
Circuit Manager Phil Stanley was watching the racing. "It was great to see some
more fine performances by a number of drivers today - brilliant to watch from
race control and I'm sure the spectators were kept well entertained. I was also
impressed with the standard of driving from competitors new to the circuit or
MSA racing. We've clearly got some budding stars working their way up through
the ranks and I'm pleased they're choosing to cut their teeth at Daytona Lydd."
Of the turnout in general, Phil commented, "We've worked hard to make
improvements to the circuit and venue as a whole, and the kart club are doing a
great job encouraging drivers down to Lydd. The racing is superb, the circuit is
one of the best to drive in the UK, and I'm glad the improvements that are being
made seem to be appreciated by the drivers."
For those drivers now eager to get racing at Daytona Lydd International, the
DKRC MSA rounds take place on the 2nd weekend of every month - with the next
round taking place on the weekend of the 9th/10th October. Honda Cadet, Comer
Cadet, WTP, Mini-Max, Junior Max, Junior TKM (2 and 4 Stroke) and Junior
Formula Blue, Senior Max, Formula Blue, KF1, KF2, TKM Extreme, Biland, Prokarts
and modified Prokarts are all welcome at the track.
Live timing, a cafe serving hot food all day, race commentary, indoor toilet
facilities, spectating opportunities from the Clubhouse, pit wall and an outdoor
decking area overlooking the track all make for an enjoyable day for the whole
family at Daytona Lydd International.
If you are new to racing, the club and circuit can help to organise ARKS testing
at the circuit itself with friendly and professional staff on hand to guide you
in the right direction.
Racing is great value with Saturday practice £30, Entry Fee £30 for members -
and membership is only £10. Entries are due in no later than the Wednesday
before the meeting, and should be sent to the Entries Co-ordinator, Daytona Lydd
International, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent, TN29 9JH.
The circuit is more easily accessible than you may think, only 25 minutes from
M20 Junction 10 at Ashford, and with major roads marking the route up until Lydd
itself.
A new dedicated website for the DKRC at
www.dkrc.org.uk
is now up, but is very much work in progress. Competitors can download club
application forms and race entry forms from the site and shortly will be able to
view all the information that you could need - including weather updates, race
reports, leader boards, technical info etc. Call us on 01797 321895 for more
information or drop by to pick up an information pack at the circuit. Full
results are available courtesy of MyLaps at
www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=594977.
Photographs courtesy of
Martin Webb.
[ Top ]
10 Drivers Still In Contention (28/09)
The
first edition of the CIK-FIA "U18" World Championship will enter its decisive
phase this weekend on the circuit of Val d'Argenton (Breuil s/Argenton) in
France and will designate the first "U18" World Champion of a new era for
Karting.
Suspense will be at its peak for this third and last round to be run in France
as ten Drivers can still mathematically be crowned, with the two leaders of the
provisional Championship classification on the same number of points! The Briton
Jake Dennis (Top Kart) and the Finn Teemu Suninen (Maranello) have 36 points
each after the events already held in Germany and Spain. Winner in Spain, the
Northern Irishman Adam Stirling (Intrepid) is only 4 small points down, and if
he were to prevail again at Val d'Argenton his win would automatically give him
the title as the points difference between those allocated for the first and
second positions is 5 units. Behind these three, seven additional Drivers still
have a chance to be awarded the World Champion title, even if circumstances will
have to be particularly favourable to enable them to achieve this feat.
Everything remains mathematically possible for Finland's Matias Köykkä
(Maranello) and Ville Mäntylä (Energy), for the Irishman John Norris (Intrepid),
the Italian lady Driver Chiara Poletto (Parolin), the Frenchman Vincent Fraisse
(Intrepid), Britain's Jordan Chamberlain (Intrepid) and Spain's Victor Colome
(Intrepid).
While the fight for the Drivers' title will be the most visible and commented
one, let us not forget that the make used by the winning Driver will be awarded
a world title as within the framework of this new Championship the FIA has also
created a title of CIK-FIA Karting World Champion for Makes. Out of the 14
entered makes at the start, 5 are still in contention for the supreme
consecration before this final rendez-vous!
In the supporting category of the "U18" World Championship, the CIK-FIA Karting
Academy Trophy, there is also something new in the air of international Karting.
With its thirty-three 13-15 year-old Drivers from as many different countries,
the Trophy almost looks like a real Nations' Cup and, thanks to the identical
equipment for everyone, a very warm atmosphere reigns between all the
participants, Drivers, Mechanics, parents or accompanying persons. Double winner
in Germany, well classified in Spain, the Frenchman Anthoine Hubert goes to the
event as leader, with a rather comfortable lead and the advantage of performing
before a public who will totally support him. Behind him, there are nine
Competitors who are however still in with a chance of landing the title.
Hubert's strongest opponent could be Finland's Niklas Tiihonen, who has finished
second, third, fourth and fifth since the beginning of the competition. At the
moment, the Top 10 is a stranglehold of European Drivers as it also includes the
Greek Fillipos Kalesis, the Estonian Hans Villemi, the Briton Roy Johnson, the
Swiss Séverin Amweg, the Monaco Driver Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman Max Koebolt
and the Swede Hannes Nilsson. But, having taken their bearings in Germany,
Drivers from outside Europe are gradually increasing in power. In addition to
aiming at a final place in the Top 10, South-Americans, as well as Asians and a
South-African Competitor will have a small internal battle to be the first of
those who are not Europeans. In this little game, the Brazilian Victor Franzoni
has the edge on the Argentinean Federico Paolini, the Chinese Kang Ling and the
South-African Michael Taylor.
Each round of these new World Championship and Academy Trophy is concentrated on
three days and has the specificity of beginning with an educational programme
called EduKart. Competition will therefore start at Val d'Argenton on Friday 1st
October with a small theoretical exam carried out on electronic terminals with
touch-sensitive screens: Drivers will have to answer a number of questions
focussed on their knowledge of the sporting and technical regulations, on
safety, on the history and patrimony of Karting or on the anti-doping fight.
Karts will initially run on the track on Friday afternoon, with a succession of
non-qualifying practice sessions. On Saturday 2nd October, qualifying practice
will take place at the end of the morning, followed in the afternoon by 12
qualifying heats. The morning of Sunday 3rd October will be dedicated to the
last qualifying heats, which will be a deciding factor for the constitution of
the starting grids of the final phase races scheduled for the afternoon. The
FFSA (French Federation of Automobile Sport) has added to the programme of the
event a race reserved for KF3 karts. In order to celebrate the return of an
international event on his circuit, the Organiser will grant free access to the
public, and various attractions are scheduled. Finally, Eurosport will be
present on the circuit to prepare a 26-minute magazine to be broadcasted on
Thursday 14th October on Eurosport 2.
[ Top ]
Well Done Aaron Charles (27/09)
Well
done to Aaron Charles, one of the youngest Seniors at only 15 years old, who
drove a faultless weekend at the London Cup to take 2nd place in the Grand
Final. After the 15 minute showdown, Aaron brought the new RH1 Octane Kart
home only 1.93 seconds behind Michael Epps.
Aaron,
who is also now leading the Kimbolton Senior Rotax Max Championship, said "I'm
glad we've put to rest any doubts about the new Octane chassis." He
continued, "It unfortunately came out at the same time as the the bad batch of
SL6 tyres and has been a nightmare to prove its speed, but on the control tyres
at the weekend it showed it's worth and came home top British manufacturer, and
only 1.93 seconds behind the lead kart. The team were over the moon as we had a
seat problem earlier that had unbalanced the kart and wrecked one of my front
tyres, so we knew we had more there had the tyre been better."
Aaron Charles Racing would like to send a big thank you to Marc Dawson and Ricky
at Grice Racing Engines for their excellent engine preparation and for their
time and effort with Azzy, getting him up to the sharp end in the seniors.
Contact Rick at Grice Racing Engines on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253.
We would also like to thank Nick Jest and Josh O'Malley at
www.njrmotorsports.co.uk for the excellent new
RH1 Chassis - to book a test drive on the new Octane contact Nick direct at Rye
House on 01992 460895, option 3.
Also a very big and personal thank you to Keith Appleyard for all his time,
effort, and tenacity helping to get Azzy to the top of his game. Plus a
big thank you to all Aaron's supporters!
Finally, we would also like to thank Denise, Keith and Danny at
www.kartpartsuk.com
for their instant and excellent parts service.
[ Top ]
Jordan Does The Double (27/09)
Honda
Cadet driver, Jordan Brown-Nutley, won the Ace of Clubs meeting at Whilton Mill
circuit last month. Jordan drove an excellent race dominating the field
with a pole to flag victory.
Then, at the recent Rye House meeting, Jordan added to his success by winning
the London Cup.
Jordan commented, "The grid here at Rye was tough but we had the pace all
weekend". He went on to thank his mechanic, team owner of JWR John Williams,
Project One for the great new chassis, and RPM racing engines.
For further information on JWR please call 07984 323139.
[ Top ]
O'Sullivan 'Storms' To Win (24/09)
Alex
O'Sullivan would like to say a big "thank you" to North-West Intrepid Dealers
Griffin Racing for their support, and Steve Ogden of Ogden Racing for the superb
engine he supplied for the 2010 Rotax Cup/S1 Shakedown event at Three Sisters.
The Chester-based 17 year old took the prestigious trophy on one of the new
Intrepid Storm chassis, supplied to Griffin Racing by Intrepid Importer JKH UK
Ltd. Alex also has team manager Dave Griffin (ex S1 Strawberry & RL Mechanic)
and also his mechanic - 2006 Rotax Cup and multiple Club Champion, Danny
Chesters, to thank for their hard work over the weekend.
Despite starting 4th on the grid behind pole man Barrie Pullinger, Tom Fawcett
in 2nd, and Lewis Seville 3rd, Alex stormed through the Tony Kart field to win
with Fawcett 2nd and Danny Russell 3rd. The Storm chassis provides the club
racer with a winning alternative at a very attractive price.
For details of the Storm Chassis and to arrange a test please call Pete Griffin
on 07834 708991.
The photograph shows Alex (centre) flanked by Team Owner Pete Griffin (Left) and
Team Manager Dave Griffin (right).
[ Top ]
Super One Support Races (24/09)
Trent
Valley Kart Club will be hosting the final round of the MSA Super One
Championship at PF International kart circuit on 23rd & 24th October 2010 and
are thrilled to be assisting the Championship Series in introducing two new
classes that will be showcased at this event!
As you may or may not be aware, Super One have applied to run Super Cadet and
Andy Cox's new class (name TBA) at the concluding round of their MSA
Championship. The classes will be a support demonstration that will be run to
Super One format and regulations and will provide an opportunity to premiere
these two new initiatives.
Want to be involved and be the first drivers in the UK to take part in these
support classes? Drivers who are interested should have a minimum of a National
B licence and the cost of the two day event will be £120, which will include
both classes being televised.
For race entries or further information, please contact John Hoyle
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com or Sonja Game
sonja_super1@msn.com.
Super one are waiting for approval from the MSA for regulations and permits and
will keep you informed... watch this space!
[ Top ]
24Hr World Record Attempt (24/09)
Record
breaker Lloyd de Boltz-Miller is hitting the track again in a new bid to raise
money for, and increase public awareness of, spinal cord research.
After a successful year of fundraising in 2009 - during which he set European
and British 24 Hour kart records - the Norfolk-based driver has teamed-up with
the Wings for Life charity and is aiming to bring the World 24 Hour Kart Record
to Britain for the very first time.
If that wasn't enough, Lloyd is also planning to re-write the phrase 'endurance
racing,' with the ultimate test of man and machine - driving a Porsche Carrera
Cup racing car, flat-out for 24 Hours.
The kart record attempt will take place at Whilton Mill circuit in
Northamptonshire, with the clock starting at 10am on Thursday September 30 2010
and running straight through to 10am the following day.
Lloyd says "After setting the British and European records last summer, this
autumn sees me going for the big one. Last year was an incredible experience and
a great success, but this time round I'm better prepared, and the support I have
from my brand partners leaves me feeling confident that the World Record will
come to Britain for the first time. I would be delighted if you could join me on
the way. Together we can make a difference. This is your invitation to join the
journey and give it wings."
Pace setters will ensure that Lloyd maintains the required lap times to take the
record, but he is extending the opportunity for you to join him on track to be
part of this unique event. A fleet of twin engined pro-karts will be available
for 15 minute slots on the day, with all proceeds going to Wings for Life.
Whilst Lloyd will be going for the record on the international circuit, a 2½
hour team endurance race on the 450m Mill Circuit, plus clay pigeon shooting and
quad biking is taking place at the same time. The entry for each team of four is
just £325 and will present the ideal opportunity to allow visitors to test their
skills.
Away from the track, Lloyd has devised a series of complimentary events to not
only get the motorsport community behind the 24 Hour Challenges, but also the
general public. He says: "Whilst increasing awareness and raising funds is
vital, I also want to leave a footprint in the minds of the general public and
encourage them to get involved too."
A selection of racing cars and automotive exotica will also be on display,
whilst prizes and gift bags are up for grabs throughout the event.
For those wishing to stay for the duration of the attempt, they will be welcome
to an overnight BBQ and party.
For more information visit www.24hour.org.uk.
[ Top ]
Young Journalist & Photographer (24/09)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) is inviting submissions for the ninth 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 prestigious '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.
Renault UK Press & PR Director, Tim Jackson, said: "Renault has supported these
awards for almost a decade now and in that time we have recognised many young
hopefuls who have gone on to enjoy successful careers within the sport. We are
delighted to continue our tradition of nurturing the best young talent in
motoring, be they journalists, photographers, engineers or competitors."
Last year's winning photographer, Dom Romney, has used the accolade as a
springboard to establishing his own independent agency. "It has been a very
exciting year," says Romney. "This time last year I was working on a local
newspaper and covering motor sport in my spare time, but thanks to the Renault
Award I have now set myself up as a freelance photographer. Being able to
describe myself as the MSA Young Photographer of the Year has been a huge
advantage and invaluable in getting taken seriously."
MSA Chief Executive, Colin Hilton, said: "Winning one of these awards is a real
boost for any young journalist or photographer looking to make their way in the
motor sport media. We look forward to crowning the latest deserving winners at
the Royal Automobile Club in January."
Candidates must have been aged 25 or under on 1st January 2010 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
media@msauk.org
and entries must be submitted by 19th November 2010.
Previous winners:
2009 - Journalist: Ben Anderson, Autosport / Photographer: Dominic Romney,
Freelance
2008 - Journalist: Ed Foster, Motor Sport / Photographer: Drew Gibson, LAT
2007 - Journalist: Steven English, Autosport / Photographer: Drew Gibson, LAT
2006 - Journalist: Kevin Turner, Autosport / Photographer: Michael Hoyer,
Freelance
2005 - Journalist: Glenn Freeman, Motorsport News / Photographer: Gavin Ireland,
Racecar Engineering
2004 - Journalist: Gemma Briggs, Racecar/Haymarket / Photographer: Glenn Dunbar,
LAT
2003 - Journalist: Tim Redmayne, Motorsport News / Photographer: Jonathan
MacDonald, Pacenotes
2002 - Journalist: Will Gray, Collings Sport / Photographer: Jakob Ebrey, Jakob
Ebrey Photographic
[ Top ]
Buy A Part Of BMB
History
(23/09)
Kart
Grand Prix UK Ltd is proud to announce the availability of some Limited Edition
Formula KGP BMB engines.
To celebrate the launch of Formula KGP in the UK the engines numbered HU01 TO
HU20 are available personally signed by the engine's designer, Carlo Boscolo.
Carlo has been one of the great innovators in kart engine design over the last
30 years. With the BMB engines arrival in the UK in October the engines are
expected to be snapped up by collectors.
Of course, the BMB engine used in Formula KGP does not have a power valve! So,
on the rear of the cylinder each of the limited edition engines will carry a BMB
logo and be engraved and signed by Carlo Boscolo himself. Each engine will also
come with a certificate of authenticity.
"The Kart Grand Prix engine is unique in its design; it's a traditional kart
engine with some clever but simple technology incorporated. The result is an
unsealed TAG engine that can be tuned giving exceptional performance. At the
same time the KGP engine service schedules will cater to club racing budgets.
It's not every day that a new engine and category is started in the UK, Carlo is
very modest man but we convinced him that we should celebrate this moment and he
agreed to produce these signed engines " commented a proud KGP UK boss Paul
Deavin.
To reserve a piece of BMB history call the KGP office on 01527 882981 or for
more information on Formula KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or follow us on Facebook
at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kart-Grand-Prix-UK/118241168220144.
[ Top ]
O Plate Success For Myers (23/09)
Formula
Kart Stars would like to congratulate Mini Max driver Oliver Myers for winning
the British Open 'O Plate' title at Rowrah recently.
Myers' victory, at the same venue where he scored two podium results in the
opening rounds of the Formula One Management backed Formula Kart Stars
Championship earlier this year takes the number of FKS drivers holding as
national plate this year to a sensational nine.
Recounting his maiden national triumph, Myers was understandably delighted; "We
were quick from the beginning of the weekend, in all conditions," said Myers,
who took one win and two second place finishes in the heats. "I went into the
final starting second with Joe Byrne on pole and Sam Marsh in third, but they
were both on the inside unlike me, so at the start I slotted behind them into
third."
After a lengthy pursuit of the two leaders Myers made his move in the final five
laps, taking the lead with just two of the 20-laps remaining.
"I started to defend, then Joe went into the side of Sam and pushed each other
wide, I then got a two second gap going into the last lap which I was happy to
take advantage of, and held it together and brought it to the line.
"The feeling of winning my first national race was amazing, I would like to
thank Steve Ogden for my engines, my mechanic Paul Fairhurst, Steve Lake from
Aim Motorsport and my mum and dad."
Myers' triumph brings the number of Formula Kart Stars drivers holding national
plates' this year to an incredible nine.
In addition to Myers, Lando Norris is the O Plate holder in Cadet Comer, while
Harry Williams (Cadet), Sam Marsh (Mini Max) and Fraser O'Brien (Junior Max) all
earned the right to wear the C Plate after winning the Welsh Championships. Dean
MacDonald is the S Plate holder after winning the Scottish Super Series while
George Russell (Mini Max), Connor Jupp (Cadet) and Ben Barnicoat (KF3) all won
the prestigious GP Plates at this year's Kartmasters.
For more information on Formula Kart Stars visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Extra Testing Dates (23/09)
Extra
testing dates are now available at Ellough Park Raceway, of both 2-stroke and
4-stroke open testing!
The dates added are...
Monday 4th October
Tuesday 5th October
It's a 10am start on both days, and the cost is just £40.00 per driver all day.
Due to Ellough Park's calendar being so full with corporate days, we thought you
would all appreciate some extra track time for 2-stroke and 4-stroke testing!
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us on 01502
717718, or via email at
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Tillett Drivers Claim 1-2-3 (22/09)
Tillett
Racing Seats were used to come 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 2010 CIK FIA Karting
World Championship in Zuera.
1st: Nick de Vries using a T10 1/4 covered Tillett seat on a Zanardi chassis.
2nd: Jordan Chamberlain using a T11t Tillett seat on a Tonykart.
3rd: Nicolaj Moller Madsen using a T11R seat on an Energy kart.
We would like to congratulate all three drivers on a fantastic race.
For more information on Tillett Racing Seats visit our website at
www.tillett.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Epps' Third London Cup (22/09)
Global
Karting dominated grids all weekend for the London Cup at Rye House, Hoddesdon.
Michael Epps, drove superbly throughout to win the Senior Max London Cup Trophy
making him a three times winner of this prestigious event having also won it in
2007 and 2008 in Junior Max. He was eager to return and complete the triple win.
Epps qualified pole in both the qualifying and top10 shoot out by a convincing
margin. After the three heats he was on pole for the Pre-final, drove a lights
to flag victory and then repeated it in the
Grand Final to win comfortably.
"I'm so glad to have the cup back. Big thanks to Global Karting, especially to
Mike Spencer and also to Ricky Grice Racing Engines," said Epps.
Reece
Wade finished 6th and newcomer to the team, Adam Sadler in 177 had a good
weekend finishing 7th.
In Juniors Lewis Plato was on P2 for both Pre-final and Grand Final and was
leading the final when he had a puncture so finished 6th. Jack Powell finished
9th and Jordan Nallet 15th.
Minimax
Ollie Myers raced at the front all weekend, leading the final to the flag, but
was given a two place penalty. Michael Houghton finished a creditable 5th. Cadet
driver Josh Price finished in 14th place.
Team drivers 177 Jason Lijftogt, and Junior Max Matt Lambert didn't finish the
championship as both were injured on track and taken to hospital, but released
afterwards.
Find team news on the Global Karting site at
www.globalkartingltd.com and
www.michaelepps.co.uk
Photographs courtesy of
Andy Webb.
[ Top ]
Arai Signs Jack Barlow (22/09)
After
a string of strong performance in his rookie year in the Junior Rotax class,
including finishing 3rd overall in the Euro Max Challenge and winning the Rotax
Cup, Phoenix Distribution (Arai's British importer) moved to sign the
highly-rated Strawberry Racing driver.
Commenting on the decision, its Motorsport Brand Manager Toby Warrington said
"We are always looking for the best available talent to represent the brand and
Jack is living up to that billing. We have looked at him for a year now and have
been impressed with his results and the way he conducts himself on, and off, the
track."
He added, "We are very selective and try to pick stand-out people in their
categories. Individuals who others look to, and those who have the edge on their
competitors. Based on these criteria, Jack is doing everything right."
As part of the agreement, the 15-year old will now wear an Arai GP5 helmet and
says "I have always worn Arai helmets, because they're the best. It is a great
honour to be chosen to represent them and I am glad to have rewarded their faith
in me with victory in the Rotax Cup. I hope it will be the first of many and am
looking forward to working with Toby and his colleagues to promote their karting
and motorsport range throughout my future career."
Jack's first role as an ambassador for Arai was at the recent charity fundraiser
for injured Superleague Formula racer, Chris Van Der Drift, at Daytona Milton
Keynes, where he teamed-up with Toby and Formula Renault star Robert
Foster-Jones.
"I've never done anything like that before," explained Jack. "I was racing
against the likes of Red Bull F1's Daniel Ricciardo, 2005 World Kart Champion
Oli Oakes, Lotus F1's Fairuz Fauzy and other up and coming drivers. It was
pretty lively at times, but a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to
help a fellow driver. We came 6th overall - which wasn't bad considering the
sheer amount of talent on the circuit."
Jack returns to action this weekend (25/26 September) in the penultimate round
of the Formula Kart Stars championship at Three Sisters and returns to the
Lancashire circuit two weeks later for the conclusion of the Super 1 Rotax
series.
Photograph courtesy of Jakob Ebrey.
[ Top ]
London Cup Glory! (21/09)
After
taking the win at the Stars shakedown meeting at Wigan last weekend, Connor Jupp
seems determined to go out of the cadet class on top after now adding the London
Cup Trophy to the GP Kartmasters title he secured in early August.
The Eclipse team looked dominate all weekend at the Rye house circuit and Jupp
did not have it all his own way with team mate Jamie Caroline finding his form
after a long break. Caroline started off the weekend with pole position in
qualifying and then went on to win the super pole shoot out by
0.4 tenths and adding two heat wins taking the fight to his team mate for the
pre-final. Also Enaam Ahmed was putting in a sterling performance during the
heats lining up on the 3rd row for the final as well as getting fastest lap in
his second heat in what is only his first full season in competitive racing.
In the pre-final it was much of the same affair with Caroline and Jupp duo
working well together but unfortunately on the last lap a collision with the
leading four drivers all going off allowing local driver Thanassi Barnicoat
through to take the spoils.
With the main final the Eclipse boys knew what was in order in the 17 lap race,
Jamie soon seem to hit the front with Jupp close behind and they were joined by
Wright driver Callum Ilott and all three of them pulled clear from the chasing
pack. With 3 laps to go Ilott and Jupp went past the current Honda British
Champion Caroline into the lead, it all looked set for a three way battle
however after contemplating backmarkers Caroline fell foul and unfortunately
crashed out of a certain podium spot. This left Jupp and Ilott to battle it of
for the London Cup spoils, Jupp has developed a cool approach and took lead with
one lap to go and defending superbly to take a well deserved win for himself and
the Eclipse Team.
For more information on the team, and contact information please visit
www.eclipsemotorsport.com or contact James on
07875 375777, or Dan on 07590 350298.
[ Top ]
KartMania Countdown Begins (21/09)
It's
now only 6 weeks to go before the 2010 KartMania show so make sure you visit the
website at
www.kartmania.co.uk for all the recent updates,
on-line ticket sales, to book your accommodation, and get all the news on the
workshops that will be happening over the 2 show days.
Now is the perfect time to clear out all your old spares and kart parts and book
a table for the now well established KartBoot! You can still just arrive on
either morning at 7.30 if you prefer not to book, and this year there is a new
table layout to ensure enough spaces will be available, but it is still best to
book to reserve you place. Anything used, abused or battered can be sold - don't
forget, what you think is rubbish might be just what someone else has been
looking for.
The show will be held on 30th - 31st October (remember, that's a week earlier
this year!) at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Full details on the website.
So book now and don't miss the UK's premier kart show - KartMania 2010.
[ Top ]
Sticker Kits Special Offer (20/09)
Kartstickers.com
would like to announce a special offer to anyone purchasing one of our
fantastically priced sticker kits.
Traditionally heading towards the Christmas period is a very busy time for us
producing the sticker kits as they make an excellent present for the person who
has everything, so we thought that this year we would try and ease that rush by
offering an incentive to anyone wishing to purchase a kit for the Christmas and
New Year time a little earlier. If you purchase your sticker kit between
1st October and 30th November you can purchase a second sticker kit at half
price!
This only applies to a duplicate of the full price kit and only on full kits not
parts.
To take advantage of this offer please email Kartstickers.com on
abbeysigns@hotmail.com and we will arrange a
Paypal invoice to be sent and commencement of your sticker kit design.
Visit our website at
www.kartstickers.com.
[ Top ]
Freem: New World Champions (20/09)
Formula
One prospect Nyck de Vries scored a sensational, last-gasp victory to win the
CIK-FIA World karting Championship at Zuera, Spain last Sunday (19 September).
The Freem-backed flying Dutchman pulled off a classic, late-braking manoeuvre to
pip the 2009 European KF2 Champion, Jordan Chamberlain - who also chooses Freem
- in the dying moments of the race.
Freem-UK's Managing Director Jonathan Walker said,
"This is another fantastic result for Nyck and Jordan. It shows that exceptional
drivers choose exceptional racewear. Together, they both have to perform under
pressure and in the toughest conditions. I would like to congratulate the pair
of them."
De Vries and Chamberlain's super 1-2 finish for Freem is the latest in a long
list of success for the Italian brand. In the Euro Max Challenge, Freem
UK-backed Ed Brand became the senior vice-Champion, whilst junior star Jack
Barlow finished 3rd overall in his rookie season. In the British Super 1 MSA
Championship, the top four Super KF drivers; Mark Litchfield, Jonathan Walker,
Elliot Burton and James Godbehere all wore stylish Freem racesuits.
Visitors
to October's (30/31) KartMania show at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry will be able to
see the complete range; including racesuits, rib protectors, boots, gloves and
paddock wear - and take advantage of special show deals.
Jonathan says, "We're
sharing a stand with the Helmet Company and it's a great opportunity to see for
yourself the unrivalled quality and construction of Freem products and get a
special discount. We'd love to see you there."
In the interim, for a brochure please call 01254 779 907/ 07887 835 235 or
e-mail
jonathanwalker@me.com.
Freem UK is also on Facebook.
Photographs courtesy of KSP.
[ Top ]
MSA Confirms Age Limits (20/09)
As
announced in March 2010, the MSA will introduce a new Super Cadet kart class
from 1st January 2011 as an intermediate step between the existing Cadet and
Junior classes. The new class has been created to address concerns about small
drivers entering classes with adult sized karts too early.
However, following a period of consultation into the new regulations, the Motor
Sports Council this month ratified a proposal from the Kart Sporting Committee
for revised age ranges for the Junior and Super Cadet classes.
The original draft regulations had envisaged a change in the minimum age for a
Junior class to the year of the 12th birthday, but this will now remain as 11th
birthday in 2011. The reversion to this age was agreed following proposals from
class sponsors to implement revised minimum driver weights and heights that will
see all Junior classes working towards a 2.5 driver to kart weight ratio.
As a result, Junior TKM 2-stroke will have a minimum driver weight in full
racewear of 38kg, the 4-stroke a minimum weight of 40kg and both categories will
be subject to a minimum driver height of 135cm.
Other classes are expected to follow with similar minimum driver heights in
2012. Maximum chassis weights are to be adjusted to suit in order to limit
the amount of ballast carried by a lightweight driver.
The maximum age for Rotax Minimax will become the end of the year of the
driver's 15th birthday with a minimum driver weight of 36kg. The same minimum
weight will apply to Junior Blue, while age ranges for more powerful junior
classes remain unchanged.
Rod Taylor, Chairman of Kart Sporting Committee, said: "With the Cadet age now
spanning up to five years with a corresponding range in height and weight, it
was felt that there was a need for an intermediate class for drivers who may
wish to progress but not immediately transfer to a junior class.
"The new Super Cadet class provides an opportunity for experienced Cadets to
transfer after their 10th birthday, and for novices to enter the class in the
year of their 11th birthday, and remain to the end of the year of their 14th
birthday."
The MSA will consider applications for up to two national Super Cadet
championships and from clubs who wish to offer the class, although there is no
compulsion on clubs to run this new class. There is no restriction on drivers
moving from Super Cadet back to Cadet, but once drivers enter a Junior race they
may not revert to a Cadet class.
Class regulations are being formulated and currently the class weight is
envisaged as 115kg, with a maximum kart weight of 80kg. The chassis for
this class must be homologated and details of eligible chassis and the draft
technical regulations for Super Cadet can be obtained from the MSA Technical
Department, but all karts must use the new CIK crash tested minikart bodywork
(except for the rear protection system which is optional). There are a
variety of 60cc air cooled 2-stroke engines eligible for the class.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, said: "Once again we have seen the
effectiveness of the consultation process for regulation changes. The MSA would
like to thank all those who took the time to comment on the draft regulations
and the class sponsors who responded with forward thinking amendments to their
regulations. We look forward to the introduction of Super Cadets in 2011."
[ Top ]
De Vries Is World Champion (20/09)
At
15 years of age, Nyck De Vries has written the finest chapter of his CV by
winning the CIK-FIA World Championship contested this week-end on the Spanish
track of Zuera. Already established into the McLaren fold, the young Dutchman
just pipped Britain's Jordan Chamberlain on the very last lap of the Final. The
Dane Nikolaj Moller Madsen completed the podium.
The majority of the observers had placed him at the top of their list of
favourites to win the CIK-FIA World Championship at Zuera. But a world
championship is a test like no other during which the pressure never ceases to
build right up to the climax of the week-end. However, chasing the peak
attainment of his 15 years, Nyck De Vries (Zanardi-Parilla) reached his goal in
taking the lead… just a few hundred yards from the finish ! Third at the end of
the first lap the Dutchman subsequently passed the Dane Moller Madsen
(Energy-TM), then little by little narrowed the gap between himself and the
leader Jordan Chamberlain (Tony Kart-TM). After risking an incredible passing
move on the very last lap, Nyck then went on to take victory after a battle of
the highest order. "What an incredible feeling!", he smiled. "I was closing only
very slowly on Jordan. Then at the start of the last lap, I said to myself that
this braking manouevre would probably be my very last chance to be world
champion. I decided to make my move some way back… and that was how it went!"
The smile on the face of Nyck De Vries in the press conference - where the
McLaren F1 protege announced that he wanted to contest another season at the
highest level of karting in 2011 - contrasted with the disappointment of Jordan
Chamberlain. "Second in the World Championship, this is a good result ",
explained the, 18 years old Welshman who was KF2 European Champion in 2009. "
But after having started on pole position and having dominated almost the whole
of the Final, inevitably I am disappointed… In a straight line I was falling
back, but I said to myself that Nyck was too far away to launch an attack. And
then, all of a sudden, it happened ! I found myself in the dust, just off the
track, and then all I could do was defend my second place again Nikolaj. But
well down to Nyck for his race!"
Crowned KF2 European Champion last July, Nikolaj Moller Madsen believed right up
to the end that he might be able to benefit from the dice between the two
leaders. But finally, the 17 years old Dane had to be satisfied with the lowest
step of the podium. "Having to start 24th on the Pre-Final grid, this is already
a super result", reckoned Nikolaj. "I climbed up to 6th place in the Pre-Final,
then I made a superb start. I was 2nd, but then Nyck passed me in the same place
as he passed Jordan a little later and in the same manner. Following that, I was
able to maintain my rhythm and I hoped to benefit from the scrap in front. It
didn't happen… but no matter! After my European Title this was another good
result to add to my prize list!"
The
battle between the three leaders inevitably drew everybody's attention. The more
so since, behind them, the Japanese Yu Kanamaru (Tony Kart-Vortex) was on his
own in 4th place ahead of the Dane Max Klinkby-Silver (Tony Kart-Vortex) and the
Englishman Chris Lock (Tony Kart-Vortex). Benefiting from a penalty assessed on
his Belgian team mate Yannick de Brabander for non-observance of the correct
starting procedure, the Ferrari Academy Driver Brandon Maisano (Intrepid-TM)
recovered to 7th place in front of the Belgian Sébastien Bailly (Kosmic-Vortex),
the Italian Stefano Cucco (Birel-Parilla) and Yannick de Brabander, who
completed the top ten.
Although he started on the front row of the Pre-Final, the Swede Joël Johansson
(Energy-TM) saw all his hopes fly away following mechanical problems during this
race which determines the starting grid for the Final. No more success either
for British driver Luke Varley (Tony Kart-Vortex), who on Friday set the fastest
time in the rain affected qualifying practice, and who started 5th on the grid
for the Final… before going out of the race. His compatriot Ben Hanley
(Maranello-Maranello), 3rd in the 2009 World Championship, had also gone out in
the Pre-Final (engine failure) and then also went out of the Final (a collision
on the first turn) whereas the former runner-up in the Formula Renault 3.5
Championship could well have had a part to play in this Championship.
"This World Championship has crowned a promising young talent, blessed with an
incredible audacity ", reflected a delighted Monsieur Nicolas Deschaux, the
President of the CIK-FIA. "The presence of an enthusiastic public, the Eurosport
TV cameras and an entry of 118 drivers proved once more that Karting is at one
and the same time a popular hobby and a discipline of the highest level. Finally
I pay tribute to the important work of the organiser and officials of the
Spanish Federation which has permitted such a worthy outcome to this world
ranking event."
[ Top ]
Corner Weight Scales (17/09)
Iztech
Kart Seats are delighted to offer yet another way to maximise your kart's
handling and performance...
We have taken delivery of the latest Intercomp wireless corner weight scales
from the USA.
As many of you already know, corner weighting your kart is crucial if you are to
achieve optimum weight distribution. In doing so, you will avoid many of the
pitfalls such as under-steer, load variances on tyres and bogging down on corner
exits.
Seat placement is probably the most important weight adjustment you can make to
your kart whereby you can potentially achieve near perfect weight distribution
before weight is added to the kart.
So, if you think that this sounds like a service you could use please contact
Kevin for an appointment on 01908 511000 or 07967 757096 - evening appointments
are also available.
The cost is just £25.00 for the first hour, and £5.00 for every extra 15
minutes.
For more information on Iztech Kart Seats visit
www.iztechkartseats.com.
[ Top ]
Travel To Spain... (17/09)
In
a return to the European Rotax scene, RL Racing Dept will be taking four of
their drivers to compete at the International Open held at Zuera, Northern
Spain, during the week of the 31st of October.
The team are also offering a set priced carriage/awning space service for this
race, to save you the hassle and expense of taking your equipment all that way
yourself. Just drop the kit to us and book a flight!
Entries for the race are available now at
www.rgmmc.com.
Call us for a quote!
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
Dream Monza Trip (17/09)
Nine
lucky Formula Kart Stars drivers experienced the trip of a lifetime with an all
expenses paid trip to last weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza courtesy of F1
supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The lucky nine, Alex Gill, Ash Hand, Thanassi Barnicoat, Jordan Stilp, William
Foster, Adam Mackay, Jacob Stilp, James Singleton and Dylon Phibbs, all earned
their prize as a result of winning the Bernie Ecclestone backed 'Driver of the
Day' award during the 2009 FKS Championship.
All nine were treated to pit and paddock access throughout the weekend, met the
drivers and teams and enjoyed grandstand seats with the 'Tifosi.'
The BBC filmed the drivers as part of their qualifying show with Hand and
Barnicoat doing a live TV interview with presenter Jake Humphries.
"It was an experience of a lifetime," said Hand, who currently leads this year's
FKS Junior Max standings. "Unless you make it to F1 you will never experience
the F1 pitlane and paddock like we did over the weekend."
Singleton, who finished third in last year's Mini Max championship echoed Hand's
thoughts. "Meeting all the drivers, going into the garages and seeing all the
work and commitment that not just the driver puts in but also the team to get
the result."
"It was a fantastic prize to be awarded and it was a great and enjoyable
experience," added Junior Max driver Jordan Stilp. "It was a truly fantastic
experience that I will never forget."
Cadet driver Barnicoat recounted his live TV interview with not a little
trepidation: "It was very easy until I was told that it was going to be live
then I got a little nervous. As soon as we were half way through the interview
everything ran smoothly and it was ok. I was just glad my minute of fame was
over."
Series director Carolynn Hoy was one of the chaperones for the weekend and was
understandably delighted for the lucky winners.
"Mr Ecclestone put us up in a hotel just five miles from the circuit and
provided mini buses to get us around. We were invited into the pit garages of
McLaren, Lotus, Red Bull, Hispania and Mercedes as well as a tour of their
amazing hospitality centre.
"Formula BMW invited all of the boys to their BBQ and party where they found
themselves rubbing shoulders with Vettel, Senna and quite a few GP2 drivers. We
were made to feel very welcome in the paddock and it was nice to see so many
recognised the Formula Kart Stars name."
For more information on Formula Kart Stars visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
[ Top ]
Global Success
Home & Away
(16/09)
Global
Karting driver, Lewis Plato, drove stunningly at the final round of the Euromax
championship in Genk, Belgium. His first time as a senior, first time in Europe,
Lewis qualified an incredible P2, won two heats to qualify P2 for the First
Final. His smooth driving style rewarded him with a well-deserved 3rd place
podium.
Jake Dalton continued to build up the points in his KF3 Super 1 championship
with a strong drive winning the First Final at the penultimate round of the MSA
Super 1 Championship at Whilton Mill. Jake is now third in the championship and
team-mate Callum Bowyer is also third overall in KF2.
There
was double success for Global drivers at the home track Rye House, for Minimax
Michael Houghton, and Junior Max Matt Lambert, in the September meeting showing
strength throughout the team. Matt also won the fastest lap trophy and
September's win makes it three in a row for Michael.
Team Managers Rob Hanscomb, Chris Rogers and Mike Spencer congratulate all
drivers in the team for their recent success. This weekend Global Karting will
have a strong team of drivers competing for the London Cup at Hoddesdon. See
results and reports at
www.globalkartingltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of foto.pi-racing.com (Lewis Plato)
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net
(Lewis Plato) and Dave Houghton (Michael Houghton/Matt Lambert).
[ Top ]
Strawberry's Cup Runneth Over (16/09)
As
the domestic season draws to a tense and exciting close, Strawberry Racing
drivers Jack Barlow and George Russell's preparations for the penultimate round
of the Formula Kart Stars season at Three Sisters (25/26 September) were boosted
in the best possible manner with victories in the Rotax Cup.
Super 1 title aspirants Jack Marshall and Tom Fawcett were also on the podium,
which bodes well for the series' finale at the Lancashire circuit in October.
In the Mini Max category, George Russell bounced back from a difficult
qualifying session to win his second heat and then comprehensively outrace his
rivals to take a comfortable victory in the main final.
Warwick Ringham, Strawberry Racing Team Manager observed, "George worked his way
into the right spot, waited for his opportunity and then took it. In many
respects it was the perfect drive because he made the decisive move at precisely
the moment he needed to and then kept everyone else behind him."
His
smile was made all the broader after watching his two Junior stars - Jack Barlow
and Jack Marshall -convert the challenge of nearly thirty other drivers into a
cat-and-mouse battle between themselves. Just as they did at Shenington (29
August), where they scored a 1-2 finish, the pair worked together to clear the
chasing pack and then cleanly disputed the win. On this occasion, Barlow
prevailed leading home his team-mate by a fraction over a tenth of a second.
In
the senior class, the European Junior and World Senior Rotax champions were
represented by Super 1 championship leader Tom Fawcett, Barrie Pullinger, Rotax
Winter Cup champion James Greenway and guest driver, Ed Brand.
In timed qualifying all were comfortably inside the top ten, with Tom and Barrie
going on to share the spoils in the following two heats. After what was billed
as 'an epic fifteen lap final' round the Valley circuit configuration, Tom
eventually claimed 2nd spot with Barrie 5th, Ed 6th and James 7th.
"As a warm-up for the last round of Super 1 it was a strong, encouraging
performance," said Warwick. "Each and every one of the boys had good overall
speed - on balance, I'm very happy."
Opportunities to race with Strawberry and the Tony Kart Junior Racing Team in
2011 are now available. For more information, please call Warwick Ringham or
Paul Spencer on 0114 269 6215/0114 288 9933 or e-mail
info@strawberryracing.co.uk.
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
World Karting Championship (16/09)
With
its number of entries alone (125 Drivers), the 47th edition of the CIK-FIA World
Karting Championship promises to be exceptional. To find as many entries in only
one Karting World Championship category, one must go back to the year 1993 (with
127 Drivers in Formula A at Laval, in France), no less! The CIK-FIA's decision
to hold the World Championship for the KF2 category rather than for Super KF is
the main explanation for this spectacular recrudescence of participation.
It is the long (1,700 m) international circuit of Zuera, located in the north of
Zaragoza in Spain, which will have the distinguished honour of gathering the
upper crust of Karting's young hopefuls and the greatest teams of this form of
sport on 17-19 September. In all, 29 nations will be represented.
The attention paid to young Drivers is in particular illustrated by an expected
confrontation between the Drivers of the Mc Laren Young Driver Development
Programme, Nyck de Vries (NLD) and Oliver Rowland (GBR), and those of the
Ferrari Driver Academy, Raffaele Marciello (ITA) and Brandon Maisano (FRA). Out
of those four, the Dutchman Nyck de Vries will be the one on whom all eyes will
turn. CIK-FIA European Junior Champion in 2009 on this very circuit of Zuera,
the diminutive 15 years old prodigy has overshadowed all the big names and
recognised talents of Karting in all the international non-championship
competitions he has entered since the beginning of the season.
The
entry list is so long and rich in talent that it would be risky to launch into
any forecasts. Judging by their recent performances, it will in particular be
worth following the evolutions of Denmark's Moller Madsen (European KF2 Champion
in 2010), Kevin Munkholm and Jakob Nortoft, of the Portuguese David Da Luz
(winner of the World Cup for KF2 in 2009), of the Belgians Sébastien Bailly and
Guillaume de Ridder, of the Finn Teemu Suninen, the Japanese Yu Kanamaru, the
Italians Matteo Vigano and Ignazio D'Agosto, the Australian Gilbert Mitchell,
the Britons Jordan Chamberlain (European KF2 Champion in 2009) and Alexander
Walker, as well as the Swiss Michael Heche. The field will nonetheless comprise
some very experienced Drivers who could prevail in the face of the stakes:
Britain's Ben Hanley, Belgium's Yannick de Brabander and Finland's Simo Puhakka
to name but a few. Finally, three Scandinavian Drivers will represent the fair
sex: the Dane Michelle Gatting (third in the Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship last
May in Japan), the Norwegian Ayla Agren and the Finn Laura Koivuluoma.
Each competition day in Zuera will correspond to a major stage of this 47th
CIK-FIA World Championship: on Friday evening there will be an initial hierarchy
further to qualifying practice. On Saturday, after the 12 qualifying heats, the
34 happy Finalists will be known. And on Sunday the result of the morning
prefinal (9h55) will condition the starting grid of the big final scheduled for
noon. Those who will not be present at the Zuera track can watch the race live
from 11h45 on Eurosport, which will broadcast it on its international channel.
Not forgetting that throughout the weekend the results will be published in real
time on
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
DHR+Babington=Euromax Win
(15/09)
Leading
UK and Euro race team DHR closed round 4 of the Euro Rotax Challenge with a
stunning victory in the Senior Rotax class.
UK Junior Max star Sean Babington made his International debut, but due to the
age regulations in the Euro Max Challenge he had to enter in the Senior Rotax
category. Amongst some 70 senior drivers with some very big names from the UK
and abroad Sean wasn't to be phased. If the step up to Senior Rotax wasn't
enough Sean had no experience of using front brakes, Mojo tyres or having ever
raced at Genk before.
Team
manager Dan commented "He could have easily been forgiven for a steady
performance. However there's nothing steady about Babington when it comes to
racing." It soon became clear during open testing that he was going to be one of
the front runners posting consistent fast laps. Qualifying went well with
Babington posting the 4th fastest time overall, and having set several fast laps
in a row his race pace looked good also.
With 3 strong heats finishes Babington gridded up 3rd for the pre-final. Having
set 2 fastest laps in the heats he was in confident mood and after a race long
battle going right down to the final corner he crossed the line 2nd at the flag
again setting fastest lap.
The
nerves then started to set in, a grid 2 start for the grand final wasn't ideal
as the outside row was tricky. Babington managed the start well and hung on
round the outside and came out from the important first corner in 2nd. After a
tense few laps Babington caught the leader made his move and set about pulling a
small gap. Despite constant pressure from the pack behind they were unable to
catch the Alonso DHR driver. Babington recorded an amazing debut Euro Rotax
Challenge victory to the delight his team.
"I
was hoping for a top 10 finish when we entered the meeting. I was so nervous
before the final. To actually win is fantastic and words can't describe this",
comments Babington, "I'd like to thank Dan from DHR for this opportunity and
everyone at Ogden Motorsport for the engines and of course my Dad and family at
home who supported me all the way!"
Dan explains "Sean drove a near perfect weekend, in my view he got the result he
and the team deserved".
The DHR team would like to thank Ogden Motorsport for the excellent engines and
service. For more information on the DHR Alonso team visit
www.danhollandracing.co.uk or you can contact
Dan via email at
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk
or direct on 07960 047810.
[ Top ]
Edgar 'O'ver The
Moon!
(15/09)
This
weekend just passed, RL Racing Dept's Justin Edgar took the spoils at the
British Open Championship held at Rowrah in Cumbria and now carries the coveted
'O' plate for the rest of the season and into next year in the Rotax Max 177
class.
In a great last lap battle, 2 corners from the flag, karting legend Edgar made
an audacious move on Super One Series points leader Lucas Orrock clean and clear
to take a well deserved first victory of 2010, his return year to karting after
a few years out.
Justin was really due a victory after a good turn of pace since joining the RL
stable and with a handful of podiums at the last 2 rounds it's a great way to
enter the final race of the season, round 7 of the S1 at 3 Sisters in a few
weeks time where although he can't win the series after missing two rounds early
in the year, race wins are the aim.
Also
at Rowrah competing for the 'O' Plate, this time in the Mini Max class from the
RL squad were Sam Marsh and Josh White - both FKS & S1 front runners since
joining RL. This race they didn't disappoint - under the guidance of RL Racing
Dept's Michael Simpson (former Formula Super A European and British Champion
from the 1990's) with Marsh challenging for the lead right up to the flag
missing out on victory due to another driver clipping his rear bumper thus
ending his assault one lap to go coming in 2nd at the death. Team mate Josh
White always shadowing the lead trio but not being close enough in the end to
challenge for the plate.
The team now travel to 3 Sisters next week for FKS...
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
A Rising Star... (15/09)
In
his Rookie year in Super One and second year in FKS, 11 year old Shanaka Clay
has vastly impressed in the last 2 months at S1 and FKS with outstanding timed
qualifying and heats results with the next step for him to conquer the all
important finals.
In his first year with the European & British Championship winning RL Racing
Department Ltd, and under team principle Steve Armstrong's direct supervision
,Clay has improved from many 'B' Final conclusions in the 2009 Cadet FKS series
to being a top 6 contender in both major championships.
Clay's TQ strength grew initially at FKS rd. 6 held at GYG with an outstanding
2nd overall and then going on to take 5th & 2nd in his heats giving him a strong
p6 start for the 'A 'Final, only to lose too many places at the start and being
unable to find the previous form earlier in the day that gave him such a strong
start.
Then came the S1 round also held at GYG in Wales, with a 3rd overall in TQ and
then 4th and 5th in his heats giving him again p6 for Final 1.….. Only to be
push off hard at turn 2 thus ending his challenge on a podium finish.
The RL squad then travelled to FKS rounds 7&8 at Genk in Belgium and Clay had
done his homework at this venue in dry testing the week before showing in TQ
with another 3rd overall - converting this excellent performance into 10th and
7th in the wet heats, Clay struggling with the nasty conditions unknown to
himself and the team.
Young Shanaka's best showing however, came at round 6 of the Super One held at
Whilton Mill 2 weeks ago where he finally took overall pole in TQ and got a
taste of the top step- thus taking p1 starts in each of his heats, the team
opting to play safe in the heats and took 2nd position and fastest lap in heat 1
and 5th in heat 2 giving him p2 for the first final.
His
overly relaxed style went against him at the start and duly dropped to around
14th place after 5 laps, managing to make it back to p8 at the flag- very
disappointing for all concerned including Clay himself! A similar showing in the
main final compounded Shanaka's next step needing to be a big one, to make the
podium in the final- the speed of him and his Tonykart EXP Rocky clear to see.
Other notable results were Larkhall S1 earlier in the year with 4th and 7th in
the heats and 7th and 10th respectively in the finals.
Clay looks now to redeem his final performances but to carry on with his TQ and
heats performance advantage at FKS rounds 9 & 10 at 3 Sisters next week, then
onto his and the team's home circuit ,Ellough Park in Suffolk watch this
space...!
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Easykart UK Finale (14/09)
And
so here we are, at the end of a long and winding road that has taken us through
nearly every region of the UK, and yet, incredibly, there have been no scandals.
No £1,200-a-go sexy cuddles with, er, professional ladies. No drivers in cahoots
with dodgy gambling syndicates, no spying, hooning or spanking on the bum with a
leather paddle.
Despite all this, the 2010 Easykart season has been far from dull. Quite the
opposite. It has been peppered and spiced with some superb racing,
eye-wateringly brave and daring overtaking moves and a raft of different winners
throughout the classes. Consequently, three out of the four categories remain up
for grabs.
In the Heavy class, Barnaby Pittingale already has both hands on the trophy and
it would take a cosmic event to prevent him from adding the UK title to his
recent European crown. Tim Hill is in line for his best ever championship
finish, but cannot afford to take his foot off the gas - quite literally - as
Mark Lawrence maintains the pressure on him.
Fresh
from scoring his first ever Easykart triumph, Owen Jenman has made the fight for
the Light honours a four-way tie. The Prime Minister's favourite racer and last
year's Junior champion, Patrick Lay, has won twice and took a podium at Rowrah
to keep himself in the mix and, on dropped scores is, so far, just a point
behind Kieran McCullough. Like Patrick, Kieran is looking to make history by
winning back-to-back titles in separate classes. Last year's Heavy champion
possesses a phenomenal will to win and with everything still to play for, is
definitely a threat to Jenman, Lay and current leader Elliot Rice's chances.
Junior stars Toby Sowery, Luca Hirst and Thomas Grainger have chased each other
around the kart tracks of Britain all summer long and it is testimony to the
closeness of their equipment and abilities that not one of them has managed to
break clear. Possible entry into the World Finals will keep these young men's
minds focused always the way to the chequered flag on Sunday afternoon.
Do
Andy Cox and John Vigor have a script writer bashing out 'Easykart Cadet: The
Movie'? Surely they do. After seven rounds, Tom Thickpenny and Ronan McKenzie
are tied on points. Both were triumphant at Rowrah and Forest Edge could well
provide the perfect level playing field - the championship has never visited the
circuit before. However, after the FIA sanctioned team orders, Thickpenny would
be forgiven for sweating a little on the thought of McKenzie calling on William
Stowell for a favour. Both are on the Easykart Driver Programme, are intelligent
and work well. Despite his tender years, Tom is an experienced driver and a very
cool customer. He has been under pressure before and responded in the best
possible manner.
The action starts from 10:00am on Sunday at Forest Edge, Barton Stacey - just
off the A303 between Andover and the A34.
For more information, visit
www.easykart.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Barlow Wins Rotax Cup (14/09)
Jack
Barlow triumphed in the annual Rotax Cup at Three Sisters, near Wigan last
Sunday (12 September), beating a quality field, including an exciting, tense
battle with his Strawberry Racing team-mate, Jack Marshall.
The Lancashire venue is one of Britain's fastest and most exhilarating circuits,
but ironically one that Jack had not competed at before. As a result, his timed
qualifying performance was hampered by his lack of experience.
"Getting a tow down the huge main straight makes all the difference," Jack
explained after qualifying in 14th place. "If you can slot in behind another
driver, the slipstream effect can be worth as much as three tenths of a second
(off the lap time). At Three Sisters, that's a big advantage and I was unlucky
because I couldn't get the tow I needed."
Undaunted, he took a commanding win in the first of the two heats. This gave him
pole position for the second race, which he duly converted into a lights-to-flag
victory, again ahead of Marshall.
After making the front row of the main final grid an all Strawberry Racing
affair, Barlow aced the start with Marshall slotting in behind and staving off
the early challenge from the third-placed driver. Once the opening lap had
settled, they followed their team manager Warwick Ringham's orders to the
letter. "We both pushed and pushed to keep the chasing pack at bay. Jack
(Marshall) could see the driver in third getting closer, so he pushed me even
harder. At one point, he was faster than me, so took the lead and I followed
him. That gave us the advantage we needed and with two laps to go, I saw my
chance and grabbed it."
Once
ahead, Jack made sure that he drove a very tidy last lap, defended any passing
attempts from Marshall and led his fellow Tony Kart EVR driver home.
"I'm really pleased to have come to a circuit I've never seen before and won,"
Jack said after the podium presentation. "I've been given two fantastic
trophies; the Rotax Cup is huge! My win is definitely a big boost ahead of the
final round of the Formula Kart Stars Championship, back here in two weeks."
He added, "I didn't expect to go to Wigan and win, but this has been a great way
to reward the support of Arai UK, Freem UK, Rollersigns and Skinners of Rye. My
team played a massive part in this latest success, so I would like to say a
really big thankyou to Warwick, Dave 'Dodge' Gregory and my mechanic (and
newly-crowned senior Euro Max number three) Mats van den Brand."
Jack returns to Three Sisters on 25/26 September for the penultimate round of
the Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-backed Formula Kart Stars series.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Try The New KGP Engine (13/09)
Want
to try the new Kart Grand Prix engine for yourself?
You can! Exclusively on Friday 24th September at the Whilton Mill circuit,
Northampton from 10am until 3pm.
Kart Grand Prix UK will be in attendance with the new Kart Grand Prix BMB engine
mounted on different manufacturer's karts - Birel, Tonykart, Octane, Gillard and
Maranello will be available to test drive.
"We
have been bombarded with enquiries for KGP, everyone who has driven the BMB
engine has fallen in love with it. But don't just take my word for it, if you're
interested in doing KGP then come and have a go and see for yourself - the
BMB engine and Vega tyre combination is awesome "commented a delighted KGP UK
boss Andy Cox.
All test drives must be pre booked prior to the test. Each driver will get 15
laps for a cost of £30. If a driver orders a KGP BMB engine within 30 days after
the test the test fee of £30 will be refunded.
Test drives can be booked by calling the Kart Grand Prix office on 01527 882981.
Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis with only one booking
taken per person.
[ Top ]
Introducing The Rookie Cup (13/09)
TVKC
are proud to introduce a new concept into their race programme... Rookie Cup.
This new initiative will be available to all drivers at Trent Valley Kart Club
that hold a National B licence, or lower and who compete in either the Mini Max,
Junior Max or Senior Max classes. The Club are aware that sometimes the
Max grids at PF International may seem daunting to those drivers who are just
starting out in karting - hence the introduction of Rookie Cup. Rookie Cup will
allow these drivers to compete against others of the same ability, giving them
an excellent opportunity to hone their driving and race skills in order to
progress up through the ranks.
Dependant of numbers, the Rookie Cup drivers will either go off the back of the
normal grid (based on 1-9 drivers) or if there are 10 or more drivers entered
for this category, a separate grid will be catered for. Either way, the
highest placed Rookie Cup driver in each class will be awarded with a trophy for
their hard work!
TVKC have incorporated Rookie Cup into their race programme from the October
Club meeting (3rd October) onwards and entries are already being accepted!
Further information can be found on the website
www.tvkc.co.uk
or by contacting Lesley (compsec@tvkc.co.uk)
or Clare (clare@tvkc.co.uk).
[ Top ]
First World Titles... (13/09)
The
World Cups for KZ1 (gearbox karts) and KF3 (Juniors) which were held this
weekend on the Portuguese track at Braga produced two superb winners. Both
results were well justified because Dutchman Bas Lammers and British driver
Alexander Albon had thoroughly deserved their Final victories after having
dominated their respective classes all weekend. But behind them there was no
shortage of surprises!
A
double European Champion in KZ1, the principal category of gearbox karting, Bas
Lammers (Intrepid-TM) had never won the World Cup. But this Sunday he has most
certainly made it happen! Classified first after the qualifying heats, the
Dutchman dominated the Pre-Final as well as the Final - as he finished with more
than 5 seconds to spare - on his way to his first world title. "Obviously, I am
very happy this evening", he explained after the race. "I have recently gone
through the pain of losing my dad. Afterwards, I focussed more than ever on
this race and it became an absolute desire to win it for him. I know this would
have made him very happy also and I dedicate this victory to him."
The Intrepid team had all the more reason to be delighted - for the 4th time in
four major meetings (two World Cups and two European Championships), Jérémy
Iglésias (Intrepid-TM) stood on the second step of the podium. "This time, I can
have no regrets", explained the Frenchman. "In contrast to other major events, I
was not the fastest at the beginning of this meeting. I had to battle with some
adjustments to my chassis in order to climb up the classifications and this
second place is in those circumstances a good performance."
If it was not unduly surprising to find the two Intrepid team-mates on top of
the podium, the third man to make it there was a surprise... a complete unknown!
With a Ninar chassis powered by a TM motor, the young Finn Oskari Kurki-Suonio
confounded any sceptics. Starting in 10th place on the grid for the Final, he
steadily climbed up the leader-board to eventually secure an incredible third
place. "I am 17 years old and I usually race in Finland, both in karting and in
single-seater car racing", he explained, clearly enjoying the superb result he
had just achieved. "The Ninar chassis is manufactured exclusively in Finland and
it is super to achieve this performance here, in opposition to these famous
makes".
Featuring amongst the favourites, Manuel Renaudie (PCR-TM) quite simply could
not match the rhythm of the two leaders at the beginning of the race. Several
laps from the finish, it had become a dice with Kurki-Suonio for 3rd place. The
top 5 was completed by another Frenchman, Anthony Abbasse (Sodi-Maxter).
Benefiting enormously from his fresher tyres following a non-finish in the
Pre-Final, he climbed 26 places to head Czech driver Patrick Hajek (Tony
Kart-Vortex), the Finn Simo Puhakka (PCR-TM), British driver Ben Hanley
(Maranello-Maranello), the Italian Antonio Piccioni (Parolin-TM) and another
Czech, Zdenek Groman (Maranello-Parilla). On the other hand there was no luck
going the way of the young Dutchman Jorrit Pex (CRG-Maxter), fastest in
qualifying practice and 2nd on the starting grid of the Pre-Final. But an engine
failure in that race, then a lack of power in the Final, put an end to his
ambitions.
Meanwhile, Albon won the KF3 dual with Verstappen...
Even
though he had dominated all the weekend, Alexander Albon (Intrepid-TM) did not
have as easy a task as might be imagined to win the KF3 World Cup (for Juniors
between 13 and 15 years). In the end, the British lad had to face Max
Verstappen (CRG-Maxter) in a head to head duel to win the World Title in his
first season in KF3. Neutralised after only one lap following a collision
involving Edward Jones, Niklas Tiihonen and Igor Walilko, the Final then became
the stage for a superb battle between the Brit and his Dutch rival. An over
optimistic manœuvre in getting ahead of Max Verstappen enabled Frenchman Pierre
Gasly (Sodi-Parilla) to momentarily take the lead, but Albon and Verstappen
quickly recovered their places permanently to finally finish in that order.
Already European Champion, Alexander Albon thus pulled off a superb double. "I
would have considerable difficulty even dreaming of a better season", recognised
the driver already supported by a famous energy drink. "I could never relax
because Max was right behind."
Even if he might have been inclined otherwise, the son of the ex Formula 1
driver also expressed his satisfaction - "It is my first season in KF3", smilled
Max. "I will not celebrate by 13th birthday until next week so this is not so
bad. In the Final I was really tested, in particular with the battle after the
neutralisation. But Alex was extremely strong today..."
Happy, the two drivers undoubtedly were... but perhaps less than Callan O'keeffe
(FA Kart-Vortex). Starting in 9th place it was he who finally made the last step
of the podium. "It is incredible!" he exclaimed. "I began karting less than 2
years ago. This is my first season in KF3 and my first world championship race.
Despite having progressed all the weekend, I could never have believed I would
finish in such a position!"
After his second place in the European Championshio, Pierre Gasly failed to make
the podium this time but finished in front of Spaniard Pedro Hiltbrand
(Kosmic-Voretx), the Frenchmen Leo Roussel (Sodi-Parilla) and Esteban Ocon
(Exprit-Vortex), British driver Jake Dennis (Top Kart-Parilla), the Dane
Christian Sorensen (Birel-BMB) and another Spaniard Carlos Gil (Tony
Kart-Vortex). With four different engines in the first four places and no less
than nine different chassis in the top 10, one can easily see what a
particularly open competition this Junior class creates. Without a doubt we
shall be talking about some of these drivers in the future!
For further information, images, and full results visit
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/Braga.htm.
[ Top ]
Daytona Kart Racing Club (10/09)
It's
your last chance to enter the September round of Daytona Kart Racing Club's
monthly MSA race meetings at Daytona Lydd International this weekend (12th
September 2010). Normal entry closing is the Wednesday before the meeting,
however if a disaster has befallen your entry form, or entering the race has
simply slipped your mind, it is your last chance to contact us now and secure
your place on the grid.
With Cadet Libre, Junior Libre, UK Clubman and TYRO classes, the club are aiming
to make the race day as all-inclusive as possible.
Honda Cadet, Comer Cadet, WTP, Mini-Max, Junior Max, Junior TKM (2 and 4 Stroke)
and Junior Formula Blue, Senior Max, Formula Blue, KF1, KF2, TKM Extreme,
Biland, Prokarts and modified Prokarts are all welcome, the Club are hopeful of
great support from owner drivers who like the exciting Lydd circuit. The Club
and Daytona Motorsport are very keen to rebuild the enthusiastic owner driver
racing community at Lydd. Membership for 2010 costs just £10 and race entry is
just £30.
A new dedicated website for the DKRC at
www.dkrc.org.uk is now up,
but is very much work in progress. Competitors can download club application
forms and race entry forms from the site and shortly will be able to view all
the information that you could need - including weather updates, race reports,
leader boards, technical info etc.
Book your place on the grid by calling 01797 321895.
[ Top ]
Prima Racing Signs Kellett (10/09)
Prima
Racing is delighted to announce that James Kellett has signed to race with the
team in Comer Cadet for the remainder of the year. James will race in the
remaining rounds of the FKS Championship as well as selected club outings using
the Tonykart Rocky Chassis. He is also to start a Super Cadet test program with
the team on the new Tonykart Rookie Chassis ahead of a full Super Cadet campaign
over the winter and in 2011.
The team is very excited at the prospect of teaming up with James as well as
gaining the expertise of the Kellett camp to strengthen their already strong
technical capabilities within the Comer Cadet Class.
It was a great debut weekend for James at last weekends Ace of Clubs race at
Whilton Mill with a very strong performance from both him and his Comer
team-mate Dan Zelos. In the pre-final Dan set the fastest lap on his way up the
grid to challenge for 2nd place on the last lap. Unfortunately Dan had a small
off as he was squeezed onto the damp side of the circuit whilst going for 2nd
place so eventually finished 7th, one place behind James who was recovering from
a lowly starting grid due to an off in heat one whilst avoiding a corner cutting
kart. In the main final both Dan and James faired strongly with James coming
through to 2nd place, challenging for the tightly defended lead on the last lap.
There was no way past in the final few corners but James had the award of
setting the fastest lap to add to his excellent debut with the team and on a
Tonykart chassis, therefore making Prima Racing and the Tonykart Rocky the
fastest kart of the weekend in both finals in the Comer Cadet Class.
James commented "I just couldn't find a way past but am sure given another lap I
could have driven by. The kart was fantastic with so much grip that allowed me
go a lot harder into and faster around the corners."
There were also strong performances from Gaby and Tommy Weyer at the Ace of
Clubs Race in the WTP Cadet class. Gaby came home in 3rd place in the main final
after starting the pre-final in pole position whilst her younger brother came
home in a superb 5th place to clinch the club title in the WTP class for the
Ellough Park Kart Club.
For more information on Prima Racing, contact Neil Berryman on 07939 162368 or
Jamie Croxford on 07889 981631, or email
neil_berryman@hotmail.com.
Photographs courtesy if Amateur Sports Stars and
Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Van Splunteren Euro Champ (10/09)
Dutch
driver Joey Van Splunteren, driving the British Gillard kart for DFK won the
Rotax Max European Championships at the Genk Kart Circuit in Belgium this
weekend.
Joey put together three fantastic rounds on his Gillard 010B V2S chassis, always
on the podium in France, Germany and Austria and only missed sealing the title
with a round to go by just one point. His championship rival needed to win
both finals in Genk to endanger Joey, but Joey ensured this didn't happen by
finishing in front of him.
Tim Gillard, who was present to witness the victory, is thrilled at the
performance of his karts on the Mojo Tyres that will be used in the UK from 2011
onwards. The marque has shown that British karts can beat the best from
the rest of the world.
For further information about the team or the range of Gillard Karts please
visit
www.karttraining.co.uk or call 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
MSA
Bambino's At Buckmore
(10/09)
The
BPKC are planning to include a grid of MSA Bambinos (6yr - 7yr) in their club
meeting on Sunday 19th September.
Bambinos are being reintroduced in MSA meetings after the MSA issued updated
regulations.
Practice will be available for Bambinos on Saturday 18th September.
For more information contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Retains Title (10/09)
Strawberry
Racing is again celebrating after retaining its Junior Euro Max crown at Genk
last weekend (4/5 September).
The team's senior drivers narrowly missed out on dominating the championship
podium after Mats van den Brand, Tom Fawcett and James Greenway finished in 3rd,
4th and 5th places respectively, whilst Joel Affolter sealed his first
international title with a sensibly taken fifth place in the Junior Max grand
final.
The young Dutchman was in title-winning form from the outset, setting the
fastest lap in timed qualifying and emerging from the heats in third place
overall (having taken 2nd, 1st and 6th positions). His team-mate Jack Barlow had
a tougher time, despite winning his first heat, to line up on the sixth row of
the pre-final grid.
From
the start, Joel made short work of getting into the lead and from there was
never headed. Jack again was the victim of some lurid driving, but recovered
well to cross the line in 7th place.
With one hand now firmly on the trophy, Affolter knew that he simply needed to
consolidate his points advantage in the main final rather than go for glory.
With some of the drivers around him causing a "bit of a kerfuffle" as team
manager Warwick Ringham put it, Joel did what was necessary to bring his Tony
Kart EVR home safely and secure the championship. Behind him, Jack had found his
engine temperature rising and tried to cool it by removing tape from his
engine's radiator. Once he'd done so, he charged up the order and was gaining on
the lead quintet when the chequered flag fell. His sixth position also gave him
the vital points to put him on the overall podium and guarantee entry into next
month's inaugural Rotax International Open meeting and December's World Finals.
Mats
van den Brand made sure that the fight for overall honours would go down to the
wire after he won all three of his heats. His fellow title protagonists Tom
Fawcett and James Greenway experienced different fortunes however. A crash
ensured that Tom would join Barrie Pullinger in the repecharge, which he went on
to win, whilst Barrie would sadly not complete the opening lap.
Going off p29 at the start of the pre-final, Fawcett showed the talent that
could yet win him the British Super 1 title by carving his way up the order to
take the chequered flag in 9th place with James 6th and Mats 4th.
In
front of a large crowd, the final was fought out in typically hard fashion.
After 17, pulsating laps Greenway finished 2nd - ahead of van den Brand in 4th
and Fawcett 16th.
"It's really good to take 3rd, 4th and 5th positions in the championship," said
a pleased Ringham. "It demonstrates how competitive our equipment, and we as a
team, are. None of the other squads had that level of consistency to have three
drivers all in with a shout of winning the title at the every last round."
This weekend see the team turning its attention to adding three British Super 1
Rotax titles to its tally of success. George Russell, Jack Marshall and Tom
Fawcett could all win their respective class championships at Wigan in two weeks
time. Before then, all three and their fellow team-mates will be using Sunday's
Rotax Cup at the fast Three Sisters circuit as a rehearsal for the all-important
showdown seven days later.
To find out more about the championship-winning Tony Kart EVR chassis, visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress.
[ Top ]
47th Anniversary Meeting (10/09)
Round
5 of the Buckmore Park Kart Clubs Summer Series on the Sunday 19th September
marks the 47th Anniversary of the circuit and is the last chance for Super 1 TKM
and Honda Cadet O Plate competitors to practice and race at the circuit, before
they visit in October.
The meeting also features a senior road tax race for the Phil Worlow shield.
Practice is available on Friday 17th September and Saturday 18th September
between 10am - 4pm. For more information contact Sheila Rose 01634 661604.
For more information or to enter online visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Aitken Wins Rotax Decider (09/09)
The
last round of the Rotax Max European Championship at Genk in Belgium saw victory
for Protrain Racing's Jack Aitken on his British Gillard kart. This culminated a
fantastic season for the UK driver finishing second overall in the Championships
and earning his ticket to the World Finals in Italy later this year.
Jack
proved his speed with third in timed practice and fastest lap in two of the
heats. Equal first on points for the final starting grid unfortunately put him
on second and an outside starting grid for the first final. The usual
problematic start from that position dropped him to eleventh but a storming
drive through the field to third gave him the perfect starting position for the
final.
Immediately Jack took second at the start, and the lead soon afterwards on the
third lap, never to be headed much to the pleasure of watching Tim Gillard,
owner of Gillard Racing Karts. This was on the back of winning the Belgium
National Series at the same Genk circuit just two weeks before.
The performance showed Jack's tremendous driving ability and makes Protrain
Racing and Gillard Racing Karts look forward to the 2011 season when the UK
Rotax racing will be on the Mojo Tyres which matches the British manufactured
Gillard kart perfectly.
The race meeting also saw great drives from the other members of the Protrain
team. Kaan Onder and Alessandro Latif showed similar speed to Jack Aitken
but incidents prevented greater success. In seniors Dave Sutton was lying fifth
until his race was curtailed and Dan Holland was unfortunate to come off in the
reprecharge when lying second.
For further information about the Protrain Racing Team or the range of Gillard
Karts please visit
www.karttraining.co.uk or
call 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
Grice September Mega Deal (09/09)
Grice
Racing's September mega deal is for all of our customers who want that bit more.
Our recession busting deal includes a full rebuild including all bearings,
piston, small end pin, gasket set, all labour, and full 2010 fiche, all for just
£315!
Extras are dyno power test and setup available for £75. Ultrasonic carb cleaning
and preparation costs just £50.
However, from September onwards, we have sourced a large quantity of JAG UK
senior cylinders, brand new, and available at an extra cost of only £75!
Our existing customers will already know of our recession busting special offer
of £315, but to include a brand new cylinder at £390 is an amazing price to have
your Rotax motor updates and rebuilt. Ask your existing to match our
latest offer - we're that confident!
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
For all enquiries, contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847, 07768 047253, or email
ricky.grice@virgin.net.
[ Top ]
Double Delight For Brand (09/09)
Ed
Brand added further luster to an already glittering reputation after delivering
a superb performance in the final round of the Euro Max Challenge, at Genk last
weekend (4/5 September).
The 16-year old had travelled to the Belgian track with high hopes of further
success after winning the penultimate round in Austria (17/18 July). But his
performance perhaps surprised even himself after he took the title battle right
down to the very last race of the series, when he won the pre-final.
The Kalman Motorsport driver signalled his intent right from the outset after a
strong timed qualifying session saw him in touch with his main rivals by setting
the sixth fastest lap before taking 3rd, 5th and 2nd finishes in the preliminary
heats to secure fourth place on the grid for the first of Sunday's two crucial
finals.
"That first final was one of the toughest I have ever had," Ed commented after
his victory. "There were four karts, including me, fighting for the lead
throughout. I was sitting in third and wanted that position to give me third
place on the grid and therefore the vital inside line for the main final. It all
got a bit scrappy and the driver in second went for a move on the leader and had
a bit of a coming together. I saw my chance and took the win."
With
entry into both the inaugural Rotax International Open race to be held at the
Spanish circuit of Zuera in October and December's World Finals at the superb La
Conca circuit in Puglia, southern Italy at stake, Ed knew that he didn't need to
win the second final to secure his passage to the two events and consequently
produced a mature, thinking drive.
"I could afford to finish two positions behind the Dutch driver Mats van den
Brand and still take 2nd in the championship. This took the pressure off me a
little and so, after leading for a few laps, I allowed myself to be overtaken by
several karts rather than defend and risk a crash. Sure enough, I watched as the
new leaders began to fight and they eventually collided. It was like 'Boom!
Thankyou very much, I'll take 3rd."
It was a patient and intelligent move that successfully saw him return to the
podium and complete his maiden year in the senior ranks on a high, which he
acknowledged afterwards "This has been an exciting season for me and it was
great to finish it in the same way that I signed off my junior career - as Euro
Max Vice-Champion. To achieve back-to-back results in different categories is
very special and down to the hard work of my team Kalman Motorsport, HRS Engines
and the important support I receive from companies such as Freem UK, Brands of
Watford and Vogel and Noot radiators, who make my racing and success possible."
This weekend sees Ed preparing for the final round of the British Super 1
championship (18/19 September), by competing in the Rotax Cup at the fast Three
Sisters circuit near Wigan in Lancashire this Sunday (12 September).
Keep up to speed with Ed's racing career by visiting
www.edbrandracing.net.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache (portrait) and Bas Kaligis/KartXpress
(action).
[ Top ]
Barlow Takes Third (09/09)
Jack
Barlow finished 3rd in the Euro Max championship at Genk circuit in Belgium last
weekend (4/5 September), after taking the battle for overall honours right down
to the wire.
The Sussex teenager - who is increasingly building a following within
motorsport's many echelons for his exciting, never-say-die attitude - had gone
into the fourth and final round of the prestigious series as one of the title
protagonists, although his Strawberry Racing team-mate Joel Affolter held all
the aces. However, Jack knew that a strong performance would see him qualify for
the World Finals.
A frustrating timed qualifying session was soon forgotten after he won the first
of his three heats. An exciting second race saw Jack take 4th place, but his
hopes of a position high up the starting-grid for Sunday's pre-final were dashed
after he was forced off the circuit at the start of heat three. In typical
fashion, the Accent Banking and Rollersigns-supported star fought his way from
the back of the field to finish in 18th position.
This gave him a sixth row start for the first of the two points-scoring - and
potentially title-deciding - races.
"Had I finished 10th in that third heat, I would have been 5th on the grid for
the pre-final," rued Jack. "The slow start caused the driver ahead of me to oil
up and I got bottled up behind him, and by the time I'd got past, the rest of
the field had gone."
He
dropped down the order, prompting a feisty response in which Barlow duly carved
his way up the order to eventually finish in 7th.
"During the main final I noticed that my engine temperature had gone up to 68
degrees, so I tried to remove it as quickly as I could but the rules state that
you can't just throw it away, so I had to race and wind the tape round my hand.
It was flapping away, but thankfully the temperature went down and down and
down," he explained after working his way through to 6th place and setting the
fastest lap of the final.
"I was catching the front five, but couldn't quite latch onto them. I pushed
really hard and in the last two or three laps it seemed like I would be able to
close the gap, but I just ran out ran out of time."
The points from his two top ten finishes were good enough to seal 3rd place in
the championship and guarantee entry to the International Open race at Zuera in
Spain at the end of October and December's World Finals, to be staged at
arguably karting's finest circuit, La Conca in southern Italy.
On Tuesday night (7 September) Jack participated in a charity event to raise
funds for the injured Superleague Formula driver, Chris van der Drift - the
24-year old New Zealander whom suffered horrific injuries in a terrifying
accident at Brands Hatch in July. Barlow joined a host of motorsport's top
stars; including former karting luminaries Robert Foster-Jones, Alexander Sims,
Jon Lancaster and 2005 World Champion Oli Oakes, in a two hour endurance race
held at the Daytona track at Milton Keynes to help raise money for the
Dutchman's rehabilitation. Red Bull F1 star Mark Webber got the race underway
before jetting off to Monza for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress (action) and Alex Roache
(portrait).
[ Top ]
WSKC History Required (08/09)
2011
will represent the 50th year of West of Scotland Kart Club. In addition to
various events we have planned we will be creating an on-line archive detailing
the history of the club.
We request that any past competitors who have images, articles or would like to
write about their memories of racing at Larkhall please forward these to
history@wskc.co.uk.
If you have pictures or news articles but cannot get these scanned let us know
at the above address and we can arrange this.
[ Top ]
Highly Coveted World Cups (08/09)
Recent
host of two World Championships (2000 and 2005) - the International Circuit of
Braga, in Northern Portugal, will welcome on 11 and 12 September the two
flagship events of the year for the KZ1 and KF3 categories, namely the CIK-FIA
World Cups.
With 84 entries and 26 nationalities represented, the list of KF3 Juniors looks
very promising and will even gather more Drivers than in 2009. Many of them can
aim at victory, with on the one hand Drivers who already enjoyed the taste of
wins or of podiums at the beginning of the season and, on the other one, quite a
few Drivers who are hungry for good results after a rather difficult season. The
Sicilian Giuliano Maria Niceta is one of the latter: not qualified for the 2010
European Championship, Niceta will be very keen to renew with success exactly
one year after his win in that same World Cup for KF3! On the track, he will
again compete against his runners-up of 2009, France's Pierre Gasly and
Britain's Jake Dennis, who both proved to be in fine form over the last few
months: the Frenchman finished second in the CIK-FIA European KF3 Championship
and is the provisional leader of the French Championship; as for the Briton
Dennis, he is currently in the lead of the new CIK-FIA World Championship
reserved for Drivers under 18 years old. Although all the Drivers with a chance
of victory cannot be mentioned here, let us nonetheless name the Britons
Alexander Albon (2010 CIK-FIA European Champion), Harrison Scott and Roy
Johnson, the Finns Niklas Tiihonen, Ville Mäntylä and Mikko Pakari, the Dane
Andreas Hansen, the Monaco competitor Charles Leclerc, Holland's Max Verstappen
and Peter Hoevenaars, the Frenchman Anthoine Hubert (current leader of the new
CIK-FIA Academy Trophy), the Italian Damiano Fioravanti, the Austrian Lucas Auer
and the Russian Egor Orudshev.
The field of the top category of gearbox karts, KZ1, will not be as rich as in
2009 but the competition nevertheless promises to be fierce. Official Sodi works
Driver, the Frenchman Anthony Abbasse is one of the favourites - but will he not
find himself too lonely against the armada of Drivers of the Intrepid team? The
reigning double European Champion, the Dutchman Bas Lammers, who will be its
spearhead, is aware that his team-mates, the Frenchman Jérémy Iglésias and the
Belgian Yannick de Brabander, will not lose their chance. And neither will the
big discovery of the year, the young female Driver Beitske Visser: whenever she
competes, she does her utmost to tease her male fellow competitors in this KZ1
category which was often - mistakenly - reputed to be too virile for
representatives of the fair sex! The very experienced Frenchmen Manuel Renaudie
and Thomas Mich will be two additional serious protagonists, and so will the
Briton Ben Hanley and the Italians Antonio Piccioni, Simone Brenna and Salvatore
Gatto. It will also be worth watching Jorrit Pex (NLD), Jack Hawksworth (GBR),
Simo Puhakka (FIN), Oliver Rowland (GBR), Viktor Öberg (SWE), Patrick Hajek
(CZE), as well as Zdenek Groman (CZE), who will make his début in KZ1 at Braga.
The verdict will be announced in the afternoon of Sunday 12 September, both on
the track and on your computer screen where you can follow the evolution of the
Drivers in real time on
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/Braga.htm.
[ Top ]
Aston Leads S1 Fusion 1-2-3 (07/09)
Fusion
Motorsport's Nathan Aston claimed a hat-trick of consecutive Championship round
victories at the penultimate Super One round at Whilton Mill, leading home a
Fusion podium lock out which saw runner up Tom Harvey put the S1 title out of
reach of his rivals.
Aston, fresh from his 10 second victory at Round 8 of the FKS British Cadet
Championship was in dominant form on Sunday, following a difficult qualifying
session and first heat on Saturday. Once the Fusion driver headed team mate
Harvey over the line in Heat 2, he was never beaten for the rest of the day,
winning Final 1 on a wet track ahead of Daniel Ticktum, with Champion elect
Harvey coming out on top of an intense battle for 3rd, setting fastest lap on
the way. Harvey pushed his team mate clear of the field in Final 2, and despite
a look up the inside on the final lap, followed Aston across the line, safe in
the knowledge he had secured the S1 title a round early, and claimed Fusion
Motorsport a record 5th Super One title.
Fusion
new boy Ryan Anderton, in only his second ever S1 meeting shot into 3rd at the
start of the final, but was pushed back down the order after an impressive
showing. The battle for the final podium position was eventually won by Fusion's
Max Vaughan to complete a team 1-2-3 having stormed through the pack, from 17th
on the grid, setting second fastest lap on his way and consolidating his 2nd
place position in the Championship.
Aston and Harvey currently lead the FKS British Championship points standings,
which look likely to go down to the wire, with Eclipse driver Connor Jupp,
Wright mounted Rory Cuff and Fusion's Darius Karbaley also in contention.
For more information on the team call Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221, or visit
www.fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
3 Classes, 3 Podiums (07/09)
At
the penultimate rounds of the Super One Series for Rotax Max the Suffolk based
RL Racing Department shone once again with a solid 3 podiums from all three
classes contested.
In the Mini Max class, title contender Harry Webb added another stunning victory
to his awesome win at the Rowrah round of the British Championship earlier in
the year, coming this time, from grid 14 after a torrid final 1 in the wet
conditions. With the sun shining and a dry track for the main final Webb settled
back into his rhythm and carved his way through to take the spoils.
His team mates Shaun Arnold, Harry Campey, Sam Marsh & Josh White all featured
in the main finals...
Shaun Arnold struggling to convert his vast turn of speed, lapping within a
tenth of the leaders on most laps but the climb from a lowly grid start causing
him most of the problems.
Sam Marsh had solid heats giving him p10 for the first final, the highest of his
team mates , only to stop on the rolling up lap then giving him p30 for the main
final which he then converted into 17th at the flag.
A victory in itself was found for Harry Campey, taking his first 'A' Final of
the year with good strong heat finishes for the Yorkshire lad!
The
strongest drive of the four came from young Josh White driving from p17 right up
to 6th position but with 4 laps remaining a crucial error in defence of his
position left the door open for 6 competitors to pile down the inside at the
hairpin leaving White high and dry in a disappointing 12th at the flag.
In the senior ranks veteran Justin Edgar took 3rd place, only after challenging
for the lead earlier in the race but for his radiator to work loose causing a
vast temperature rise and lack of power ending his assault on victory.
Jake Ball made another big in roads into the championship leader taking a
fantastic third place in the main final after a very very tight race to the flag
between the top 5 drivers.
Ball and Webb are now both in shooting distance of the title leaders and this
will go to the wire at the final round at Wigan in October, watch this space....
For more information on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range, enquire to Steve
Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 (cell) or +44 (0)1502 716200 (office), or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. You can also visit our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Racing Car Christening (07/09)
It
is one of the specificities of the new CIK-FIA "U18" World Championship and
Academy Trophy: in addition to the competition itself, an educational programme
- called EduKart - has been introduced. In practical terms, on touch-sensitive
terminals the Drivers must answer questions concerning various topics: sporting
and technical regulations, history of Karting, anti-doping fight, etc.
At Alcañiz, as well as being invited to climb on the podium and being given a
financial boost, the Top 3 Drivers of the Academy Trophy also won a christening
at the wheel of a racing car on the automobile circuit of Motorland Aragón
located within the same complex as the Karting track. On the initiative of the
circuit owners, the SEAT Leon Supercopa (305 HP) of the regional Driver David
Sanchez was indeed fitted with a second seat in order to give a ride to the
Frenchman Anthoine Hubert, the Russian Vsevolod Gagen and the Finn Niklas
Tiihonen, who were the quickest to come up with correct answers to all the
questions asked.
After two laps of this brand-new 5.300 km circuit eaten up at high speed, the
three boys had big smiles on their faces. "What a fabulous circuit!", explained
Anthoine Hubert (13 years old), who had already had the opportunity to sit in a
racing car before. "It goes up and down, and there are very fast corners… It was
really great to discover it like this!"
Russia's Vsevolod Gagen (14 years old) declared himself impressed by the
braking. "I was unable to keep my head straight", he said. "It's amazing to see
how powerful the braking is! And the speeds reached are impressive!"
As for Niklas Tiihonen (14 years old), he was almost speechless. "Fantastic! The
circuit is superb as regards both the facilities and the course. And the
sensation on board such a car is impressive… It was really a beautiful gift!"
It must be noted that the EduKart programme proved to be successful, with 22 out
of the 31 academicians putting up a faultless performance by answering the 12
questions asked, while 35 out of the 54 "U18" World Championship Drivers did
likewise.
[ Top ]
Don't Forget - Stock Clearance (06/09)
Kart
- Tek Racing, in association with Kart UK, are holding a stock clearance and
kartboot sale on the 10th, 11th and 12th September 2010 at The Village Hall,
West Street, Weedon, Northants (5 minutes from Whilton Mill Circuit).
Everything from new and used kart parts, spares and accessories to complete used
karts will be on sale. Rotax engines and spares, Comer spares... new and used,
Comer W60 engines, carbs, rolling chassis', frames, complete karts... Comer
cadet, Bambino, Rotax, Easykart cadet, pit tables (long stainless type with tyre
rack under), new and used spares and accessories and much, much more!
Not to be missed... come along and pick yourself up a bargain. We're not
at Kartmania this year so everything must go this weekend! Doors are open from
9am to 8pm on all 3 days.
Call Darren on 07792 990592, or Paul on 07977 114732 for any further details.
The post code for your sat nav is NN7 4QU.
[ Top ]
Marshall Leads Barlow To 1-2 (06/09)
Strawberry
Racing's drivers were to the fore in the cliff-hanging, penultimate round of the
British Super 1 Rotax Max championship at Shenington last Sunday (29 August).
After a solid performance in the heats, Mini Max star George Russell had a
torrid time. He was knocked off the circuit at the start of the pre-final but
battled his way back up to 7th at the chequered flag - only to be told in Parc
Ferme that he had been given a 17-seconds penalty, demoting him to 22nd. A
characteristically gritty drive in the main final saw him cross the line in 15th
- enough to salvage vital points and maintain his championship lead with just
one event remaining.
The team's fortunes in the Junior category were considerably brighter. After a
six race absence, Jack Marshall returned to the podium with a superb performance
at the Oxfordshire venue. In a tense and thrilling pre-final he held off a late
challenge to take his first win of the campaign, with his team-mates Jack Barlow
finishing 5th and Shaun Pirie 14th (having started from the back row).
The two Jack's starred in a pulsating second final. After picking their decisive
move for 1st and 2nd at precisely the right time, Marshall's victory edged him
into the championship lead, with Barlow's mature runner-up spot also lifting him
from 9th to 6th overall. The ever-improving Pirie completed the top ten after an
enthralling race-long battle, and knows that a strong performance in the season
finale at Wigan will give him his highest championship finish to date.
Tom Fawcett sensibly opted for points rather than prizes at this crucial stage.
Not wanting to risk a crash in the notoriously unforgiving Senior Max class, he
raced with his head for a brace of fifth place finishes.
In
the pre-final however, Barrie Pullinger had only one thing on his mind -
victory. The blonde-haired youngster was in sparkling form and wholly deserved
his maiden win. "He's a superstar!" enthused Team Manager Warwick Ringham after
seeing his young charge record his breakthrough triumph. In the main final,
Pullinger was made to work that much harder, finishing 4th and setting the
fastest lap.
Rotax Winter Cup winner and Euro Max front-runner James Greenway found his
return to Super 1 tough going and was out of luck on his return to domestic
racing.
In pure racing terms, Japanese star Ren Nagabuchi clearly loves a fight and
entertained the crowds with his race-long never-say-die attitude. Whilst this
could only yield a best finish of 21st for the rookie, Ren continues to show
terrific heart and development.
This weekend sees the title-deciding final round of the Euro Max Challenge
played out at Genk in Belgium. Joel Affolter and Jack Barlow are amongst the
chief Junior protagonists, with the Englishman currently leading the title-chase
by just six points over his Dutch team-mate.
Mathematically, Tom Fawcett, Mats Van Den Brand and James Greenway could all be
crowned Euro Max Champion on Sunday, although Tom currently has the best chance.
In his debut season in the class, Barrie has done remarkably well, and on his
current form he will be confident that he can qualify for December's World
Finals.
Strawberry Racing uses the Tony Kart EVR chassis and Ogden Motorsport-prepared
engines. For more information about the team, Tony Kart and OTK products please
visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Details about Ogden
Motorsport-prepared engines can be found at
www.ogdenracing.com.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
British Junior Kart Champs (06/09)
Jake
Dennis became the 2010 StingrayRV MSA British Junior Kart Champion following a
win and a runner-up finish at Whilton Mill.
The Racing Steps Foundation-backed driver began the wet first final from pole
position but fell behind Jake Dalton and Roy Johnson. Dennis managed to find a
way past Johnson, as did Northern Irish karter Charlie Eastwood, but the victory
belonged to Dalton.
Dennis lost the lead of the dry second final to Johnson on lap two, with Ben
Barnicoat subsequently leapfrogging both. However, Johnson fell out of
contention, leaving Dennis to outduel Barnicoat for victory and the championship
crown.
Results - Round 11:
1 Jake Dalton (Tonykart)
2 Jake Dennis (Topkart)
3 Charlie Eastwood (Alonso)
Results - Round 12:
1 Dennis
2 Barnicoat
3 Charlie Robertson (Tonykart)
Championship Positions
(provisional) after Round 12 :
1 Jake Dennis - 576 points (CHAMPION)
2 Ben Barnicoat - 551
3 Jake Dalton - 527
4 Roy Johnson - 492
5 Charlie Eastwood - 483
6 Matthew Graham - 458
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Pre-Super 1 Test Day (02/09)
John Orrock has booked a test day for
Rotax classes only on Tues 28th Sept at Three Sisters Circuit. Gates open at 8
am and testing will run from 9am until 5pm. There will be Marshalls and
Ambulances on site.
The cost for the day is £3000 and the plan is for drivers to sign on before 9 am
and we will then count up and divide the cost by drivers we have. Please
note, the maximum you will pay will be £150 even if 20 drivers do not turn up,
but as more than 20 have already expressed interest it is more likely to be
less. Any driver signing on after 9am will pay the same cost, and any profit
made will go to the "Lets go Karting" scheme at Shenington.
Please go to
www.orrock.co.uk and click on 'Contact Us' to
e-mail, or text John on 07736 358745 to book your space.
We will close at 60 drivers and may run 20 min sessions depending on numbers.
[ Top ]
ST Racing On Top
Form
(02/09)
Well
done to John Stewart, our Senior Rotax driver, at Round 6 of the Super 1
Championship at Shenington.
John took his first S1 final win, which puts him in 4th place in the national
championship. ST Racing would like to thank Steve Ogden Engineering for all
their support and hard work with the engines.
Also, we would like to say well done to Lewis Binks - one of our customers - for
winning the Gold Cup at Wigan and also the Ace Of Clubs at Whilton Mill.
For more information about the ST Racing Team for the rest of this year and next
year contact John on 07711314454.
[ Top ]
Parry Plays It Safe (02/09)
Matthew
Parry took another step towards securing the Super 1 Series Junior Rotax title
with a prudent performance in round six at Shenington.
Arriving on the back of a busy academic week - complete with GCSE results,
enrolling for the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence at Loughborough
and fitting a visit to Lotus Racing at Higham in between - the 15-year old
battled a down-on-power engine that left him only fifth fastest in his
qualifying group, and eighth on the combined list, before taking a conservative
approach to the weekend.
Although Saturday afternoon's heat saw Parry settle for third, come Sunday
morning, and heat two, he couldn't help himself, and duly claimed a narrow
victory ahead of the point-scoring finals.
The results combined to produce third on the grid for Sunday afternoon's first
final but, once again, prudence reigned. While second may have been possible,
the Paul Carr Racing kart crossed the line third, with Parry less than a second
behind his two main championship rivals.
The front-running trio became a quartet in the main event, with all four drivers
sharing the lead between them. Parry led into Wilkins on the penultimate lap
but, as is so often the case at Shenington, found himself not only passed for
the lead but squeezed back to fourth. In any other circumstances, he would have
tried to respond on the final tour but, with one eye firmly on the points
situation, he settled for the position he was in.
"With the lack of power and the need to be careful with regard to the
championship, third and fourth in the finals is a solid result," Parry insisted,
"It leaves me with a little room to spare going into the final round at Three
Sisters and, while I am not counting my chickens as there is a lot of work to do
just yet, I can go there both confident and enthusiastic."
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Shen-sational Barlow (02/09)
After
watching Jack Barlow push his team-mate to a crucial victory in the penultimate
round of the British Super One championship (28/29 August), Strawberry Racing's
principal Warwick Ringham observed "Barlow didn't need to win, but Marshall did.
Jack (Barlow) told me afterwards that though he could have challenged for the
victory, he was happy to do the right thing for the team and take 2nd."
Just as the changing weather in the Ardennes turned making accurate set-up
choices into little more than a guessing game at the corresponding Belgian Grand
Prix, so too was the situation in rural Oxfordshire.
The rain held off for Timed Qualifying and Jack was able to make the most of the
dry conditions to record the third quickest time in his session. From this
promising start, he duly won his first heat and took the runner-up spot in the
second to earn a front row start for Sunday's first of two finals.
A brief, but torrential, shower caused pandemonium in the pits as mechanics and
drivers desperately tried to alter their karts' settings from dry to wet. By the
time the moment came for Jack's race, the clouds had rolled back and a
combination of bright sunshine and strong winds saw the circuit dry rapidly.
At the start he was pushed back to 3rd as the 30-strong field rushed into the
opening, left-right-left series of corners. A bold manoeuvre at the circuit's
second hairpin - Wilkinson's - saw him take back second place. As the cut and
thrust action continued, Jack found himself in fifth position and unable to
quite match the pace of the lead quartet, but able to hold off his immediate
pursuers.
"I
knew that finishing fifth would give me that position for the main final and
therefore the inside line for the first corner, so it wasn't a disaster not
finishing in the top three," he explained.
His comments were prescient. In the opening moments of the pulsating feature
race, Jack had already moved up to fourth spot and was attacking for third. With
the lead changing hands several times just ahead of him, Barlow edged closer.
The Strawberry pair (of Marshall and Barlow) took second and third respectively
and from there worked together to close the gap to the leader who, under
enormous pressure from his two rivals, ran wide at the hairpin. Seeing this,
Barlow seized the initiative and literally pushed his team-mate and himself
through the gap.
The last lap was a nail-biter as the former front-runner harried the two Jacks.
With Marshall benefiting from Barlow's Corinthian defence of his rear bumper,
they recorded their first one-two finish of the campaign.
"That was really exciting - one of the best races of the year. I had to work
hard from beginning to end. Once we were through into first and second I did
consider going for the win, but doing that could have tempted fate. At that
point, I thought what was best for the team and settled for second."
With scarcely any time to celebrate this latest success, Jack is already in
Belgium to contest the concluding round of the Euro Max Challenge (3-5
September) at the superb Genk circuit.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Tooley Motorsport Triumphs (31/08)
Adam
Mackay took another Super One victory to make it 3 in a row, and also making him
a major contender for the top 3 places in the championship.
The team consisted of 3 mini max drivers at Shenington Super 1 - Daniel Fazzone,
Keiron Bowness, and Adam Mackay. They all went into the round with hopes of all
being in the top 10, after a very promising weekend at Wigan the week before.
Throughout practice on Friday they were all quick, putting in times that would
see them winning races.
Come qualifying Keiron had managed 18th on the grid, which he was pleased with,
whilst Dan had managed 13th overall which was very good considering problems he
suffered. Adam Mackay also had problems and qualified 14th overall, with Adam
going from quickest in the last practice session to 14th on the grid.
In the heats Dan had a 5th and a 6th which was very good,
Adam had a heat win - setting the fastest lap - and a 4th. Keiron had a 5th and
a 3rd. In the first heat, Adam and Keiron were half a second quicker than anyone
which was very promising going into the finals.
The
good heat results put the drivers on 4th, 5th and 7th for the first final, Adam
Mackay left the field standing and managed to win by 13 seconds! Keiron set off
5th but got knocked off at the first hairpin, this put him back to 23rd and he
managed to pull it back to 5th which was Keiron's first ever top 5 finish! Dan
had a brilliant start and was in 3rd but an electrical problem caused him to
quickly fall backwards and eventually pull in, the team did everything they
could to sort this problem for the second final. In the second final Dan's
problem had gone, he managed to go faster than both of his team mates and was
only 9 hundredths off the fastest lap! Adam and Keiron lead the final for 10
laps but slowly got pulled in by Harry Webb, they battled for a few laps but
Harry got a slight gap and managed to win, with Adam getting 2nd and Keiron 3rd.
The whole team would like to say well done to all the drivers and the mechanics
- thank you for an outstanding weekend! Also we would like to say well done to
Hamish Baxter, Graham Methven and Chad little for their results at Rowrah.
Also Tooley Motorsport would all like to thank John Davies from Force Motorsport
for providing the team with brilliant engines.
For more information please contact Andrew or David - contact details are on our
website at
www.tooleymotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
MSA Congratulates Stirling (31/08)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) congratulates British karter Adam Stirling on his
victory in the second round of the CIK-FIA U18 World Karting Championship at
Alcaniz, Spain last weekend.
Stirling rose above a talented field of international drivers to take the win,
despite not having driven since round one at Wackersdorf in Germany last month.
Stirling, 15 from Moira, Northern Ireland, said: "When I took the chequered flag
I didn't know what to think, but when I got myself together it felt incredible
because it's such a prestigious event. I had only been aiming for a top six
finish, but the effort put in by my team and my mechanic, Shane McFadden,
allowed me to win. I'm going for the Championship now."
Stirling's win lifted him to third place in the Championship standings, four
points behind fellow Briton and round one winner Jake Dennis, who holds a joint
lead in the title race.
Also competing at Alcaniz was Roy Johnson, who was nominated by the MSA to
represent the UK in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Johnson, the 2008 MSA
British Cadet Kart Champion, secured tenth and fifth place finishes, and shares
fourth overall in the standings.
Both the U18 World Karting Championship and the Karting Academy Trophy conclude
at Val d'Argenton, France on October 1-3.
[ Top ]
U18 World Championship (31/08)
The
second round of the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship which took place
this weekend at the Motorland Argagõn circuit near Alcaniz, confirmed the form
which was shown in Germany : the general level of the competitors continues to
be high and there were several drivers capable of taking victory. After the
success of the Englishman Jake Dennis (Top Kart) at Wackersdorf, it was the turn
of the Northern Irishman Adam Stirling (Intrepid) to take victory. Trailing
throughout the Final behind the Finn Teemu Suninen (Maranello), Adam chose to
mount his attack on the very last lap. "Teemu was really very fast", explained
the winner after the end of the race. "I concentrated hard throughout the race
following him and I was helped by the opportunity to slipstream on this very
fast circuit. I had every intention of mounting an attack on the last lap and
after a really good passing move it worked. I'm really very happy!"
One of a family of three kart racing drivers, Adam hadn't often had the
opportunity to travel abroad to compete in a World Championship. "It isn't at
all easy to find the budget", he confirmed, "but this championship on a
level-playing field offers new opportunities for drivers like me."
Dominating all weekend, Teemu Suninen finally had to settle for second place on
the podium. He was understandably a bit frustrated after having set the fastest
lap in qualifying practice and having secured pole position for the Final.
"Third in Germany, second here... I hope to finally get the win in the last
championship round in France. That will be a most important weekend because I
can still win this title." As for the championship, the young Finn drew level on
points with Jake Dennis, "only" fifth in Spain. It was the case that Jake had to
start further down the grid after a collision in the second prefinal.
The
big Spanish surprise was from the Italian lady Chiara Poletto (Parolin). Seventh
on the grid of the Final, Chiara executed a magnificent move into 3rd place
before the end of the opening lap, a position she maintained until the end. For
a brief moment it seemed it might have been even better if she could have
profited from the dice between the two front-runners. "This is incredible to be
on the podium of a World Championship round", she smiled. "That has really been
a fantastic race for me!"
Behind the leading trio, a fabulous race ensued between no fewer than nine
drivers. Exchanging places several times thanks to the slipstream phenomenon,
the Brits Jordan Chamberlain (Intrepid) and Jake Dennis (Top Kart) got in front
of the Spaniard Adrian Del Rio (PCR), showing good form in front of his own
fans, and also the Swiss Levin Amweg (Energy), the Finn Ville Mäntylä (Energy),
Irishman John Norris (Intrepid), another Brit Sam Snell (Intrepid), the second
Spaniard Victor Colome (Intrepid) and the Frenchman Vincent Fraisse (Intrepid),
who had started from the last row.
In
the Academy Trophy Kalesis and Amweg were victorious.
Organised in support of the CIK-FIA U18 World Championship, the CIK-FIA Academy
Trophy threw up two new winners here in Spain. In taking the first of the two
races which comprised the championship rounds, Filipos Kalesis has also written
a new chapter of karting history in becoming the first Greek winner of a CIK-FIA
event. To achieve this, he had to pull out all the stops to take a last lap
victory passing not only Charles Leclerc of Monaco but also Swiss Severin Amweg,
who was leading going into the final corner. But the Swiss took revenge in Race
2 which he led almost from start to finish! This time, he was accompanied on the
podium by Finland's Niklas Tiihonen and... Filipos Kalesis, again on the podium.
With 5th and 4th places finishes, the Frenchman Antoine Hubert maintained his
lead in the championship prior to the final round on the French track at Val
d'Argenton on the first weekend of October.
Further information, photos, and full results can be found at
www.cikfia.com/News2010/Alcaniz_U18.htm.
[ Top ]
Let's Go Karting Milestone (27/08)
The
Motor Sports Association's Let's Go Karting scheme - which offers introductory
karting sessions for just £5 - has delivered more than 10,000 experiences since
its launch just two years ago.
The programme, which is heavily subsidised by the MSA, currently operates at 20
venues across the UK. It provides karts, safety equipment and qualified
instructors to enable young people to experience the thrill of karting -
traditionally the first rung of the motor sport ladder - without first needing
to invest in their own equipment.
MSA Chief Executive, Colin Hilton, said: "Let's Go Karting is a fundamental part
of the MSA's strategy to get more people involved in motor sport. It has been
hugely successful not only in terms of attracting new recruits, but also in
demonstrating that motor sport is not exclusive and elitist. Of course, the full
benefits of this type of programme are rarely seen in terms of licence increases
in the early years, but we know anecdotally that it is having a very positive
impact on the sport."
For more information on the scheme visit
www.letsgokarting.net.
[ Top ]
CIK-FIA U18 World Champs (27/08)
After
a very convincing opening in Germany, the CIK-FIA "U18" World Championship and
the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy will continue their tour on 28th and 29th August in
Spain.
Motorland Aragon at Alcaniz, the second of the three
tracks to be visited this season, will plunge all the participants into a new
universe: while the Wackersdorf layout was compact and winding, they will find
the Alcaniz track to be fast and gigantic. At 1700 metres long, the Spanish
track will probably enable the best drivers to exceed an average lap time of 100
kph and will confront them with the problem of slipstreaming. This phenomenon,
which is particularly noticeable at Alcaniz, is a double-edged sword, in that
while it is easy for the kart behind to take advantage, it is also very
penalising for the driver in front, who is obliged to open up a corridor of air
for all the karts behind him. So if nobody wants to start the final lap in the
lead, the battle will in all probability be decided within sight of the finish
line!
Motorland Aragon therefore promises some
action-packed racing, with a lot of overtaking, ultra-tight finishes and a real
strategic dimension for the drivers in managing their race.
The winner in Germany, Britain's Jake Dennis (Top Kart), will of course be
looking to consolidate his lead over the runners-up in the first round, the
"Flying Finns" Matias Köykkä and Teemu Suninen (both driving Maranellos).
Ireland's John Norris and Tanart Sathientirakul from Thailand, the setters of
the fastest two laps in the final at Wackersdorf and who are among the most
brilliant representatives of the Intrepid make, will try to confirm their
positions and remain in the race for the title before the final meeting in
France in October. Also to keep an eye on are the Finn Ville Mäntylä (Energy),
Austria's Julian (Mach 1), Italy's Simone Favaro (Parolin), the Czech Jiri
Forman (MS Kart) and Spain's Adrian Del Rio (PCR) and Victor Colome (Intrepid)
who will be hoping to pull off a win in front of their home crowd.
As regards the Academy Trophy, everyone will be trying to prevent France's
Anthoine Hubert from running away with the Championship, after his double
victory in Germany. His most serious rivals should be the Estonian Hans Villemi,
Britain's Roy Johnson, Charles Leclerc from Monaco, Finland's Niklas Tiihonen
and the Netherlands' Max Koebolt. Now that their discovery of Europe and of a
new racing universe is behind them, the representatives of Asia, South America
and South Africa could also show up among the top places. As a reminder, the
Academy Trophy starts off with as many nationalities as there are drivers, and
pits these juniors, aged 13 to 15, against each other in identical karts,
supplied to them free of charge.
The educational aspect of the competition, called "EduKart", which enjoyed a
successful launch at Wackersdorf, will again consist of a brief theoretical test
for the drivers on the Friday morning. After that educational session, the
drivers will take to the track for practice on the Friday afternoon. Practice
and the qualifying heats are on the menu for Saturday 28 August, while the
Sunday will be reserved exclusively for the final phase of racing, with two
pre-finals (of which one will have a reversed starting grid) and one long final
of 30 km for the 34 drivers qualified in the "U18" World Championship category,
and two 20km races for the Academy drivers. It should be noted that Sunday's
schedule respects local custom, with the activities coming to a close at the
very beginning of the afternoon, thereby satisfying the spectators from the very
arid region of Alcaniz as well as the Drivers who are unused to the scorching
heat.
For more information visit
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
Stock Clearance (26/08)
Kart
- Tek Racing in association with Kart UK are holding a stock clearance and
kartboot sale on the 10th, 11th and 12th September 2010 at The Village Hall,
West Street, Weedon, Northants (5 minutes from Whilton Mill Circuit).
Everything from new and used kart parts, spares and accessories, to complete
used karts will be on sale. Not to be missed... come along and pick yourself up
a bargain.
Doors open from 9am - 8pm all 3 days. Call Darren 07792990592 or Paul 07977
114732 for any further details.
[ Top ]
Prima Racing Launched (25/08)
Prima
Racing was only formed in June but it is already celebrating great success with
it's team drivers Gaby and Tommy Weyer, Tom Day and Dan Zelos. Competing in FKS
and the LGM championship, the team's drivers have had a string of excellent
results lately. In WTP Tom Day won the first final at the Kartmasters GP, then
Gaby Weyer drove to an excellent 2nd place in the main final with Tom Day coming
home in 3rd place after an incident whilst going for the lead on the penultimate
lap. Tommy Weyer, one of the UK's smallest Cadet Drivers, also drove well and
gained places in both finals.
A few weeks later the team was out at two different venues - Shenington for
round 6 of the LGM Championships, and Genk for Round 4 of the FKS Championship
where Dan Zelos had his most competitive showing of the year so far. Meanwhile,
back in the UK at Shenington, Gaby Weyer had her first heat win of the year to
line up on grid 2 for the final, eventually coming home 9th whilst Tom Day came
back from a disastrous heat 1 and a 16th place start to finish 6th with Tommy
Weyer lapping within 3 tenths of the leaders time to make places and finish
15th.
The new team is headed up by ex-International KF driver Jamie Croxford and data
analysis and engine dynamometer expert Neil Berryman. Bringing together Neil's
15 years industry experience with Jamie's 10 year international competition
experience, the team boasts one of the most professional set-ups in the UK
offering a full and comprehensive service that any driver would benefit from in
order to become successful in the UK and in Europe. The services that Prima
Racing offers includes expert driver tuition from Jamie with advanced data
analysis from Neil, complete race management, equipment preparation,
transportation and storage, and an on-going engine development program.
Prima Racing offers fully-supported drives for the Comer Cadet and WTP Cadet
Classes as well as the new Supercadet Class using the race proven and highly
successful range of Tonykart Chassis. It employs top-level technicians with
International experience and benefits from a close working relationship with the
UK Tonykart importer Strawberry Racing and with Unipro Data Loggers.
The team is anticipating a high demand for the new Supercadet class and as such
is now offering arrive and drive packages to join the team in their summer
testing program across the UK and Europe, in preparation for a full WSK campaign
in 2011, additional races across Europe and the first UK races at the end of
this year.
For more information on Prima Racing contact Neil Berryman on 07939 162368 or
Jamie Croxford on 07889 981631, or email
neil_berryman@hotmail.com.
[ Top ]
Rotax O Plate Next Month (25/08)
Cumbria
KRC are hosting this year's Rotax 'O' Plate on the 11th and 12th of September.
Not only can you compete for the coveted 'O' plate at the fantastic Lakeland
Circuit, but better yet - there is still time to enter!
Bumper grids are expected though, so to secure one of the remaining places get
your entry in now.
You can download an entry form from the CKRC website at
www.cumbriakrc.co.uk or call
Competition Secretary Marion Fell on 01229 463748.
[ Top ]
Kart Coach Scholarship (23/08)
Everyone
hits a brick wall sooner or later and you can't always put your finger on
exactly where the problem lies; Kart Coach will help you make the break through
you need to get your ambitions back on track. Our structured programme increases
confidence, maximises your potential and delivers the productive weekend you
deserve. You WILL make progress every weekend, as our satisfied customers
can testify:
"After more than three months as both mechanic and coach to my eight year old
son Gabriel, my frustration was growing. Having read the books on driving lines
and chassis set up, with little if any degree of understanding and making
changes to the kart with the well-intended, but all too often miss guided advice
of other Cadet dads with some disastrous results, I had to finally admit defeat.
That's when I made the call to Kart Coach. Shenington 14th August: Turning
up at the track and the Kart Coach awning at 8am felt like it was my first day
at school, but after ten minutes I felt at home. Team manager Michael quickly
evaluated my kit, the good the bad and the ugly! Steering column bent in three
different places, bent rack rods and oval wheel rims were soon diagnosed and
quickly rectified. Meanwhile top coach Alex was already building up Gabe's
confidence and race craft skills."
"I remember Gabe's first practice session, nervously getting into his kart for
the first time, out on an unfamiliar track, a step into the unknown. This was in
stark contrast to his final sessions, where he was oozing confidence and itching
to get into his kart coming in ahead of some of the regular drivers. With Kart
Coach's help I felt much more confident in making changes to the chassis, albeit
after one weekend. I do realise we have only made a few small steps on a
marathon journey, but I know without doubt these steps are in the right
direction. I will say that coaching, as with any other sport, is an essential
element for success. With the help of kart Coach I feel that our
development and confidence will only going to grow and grow."
"Seven days later we went to Tockwith, our local track, where our previous best
lap after three months was 45.20s. We confidently made some changes to the kart
and I reminded Gabriel to put into practice everything that Alex had told him,
particularly corner entry and exit speed. Twenty minutes later something special
happened, something I'd been anticipating for three months: Eight laps in the
44's, Gabe's new fastest lap - 44.53s almost 7/10ths quicker than our previous
best! Thank you Kart Coach, see you in September." - Craig and Gabriel Buckley
The
Dad: We'll advise you when to spend your money and what to spend it on; this
alone will save you a small fortune. Don't go rushing off to buy new
kart/engine/tyres if you don't need them, we'll let you know when it's time to
open your wallet. We'll show you how to maintain your kart correctly and set it
up for all track conditions. Seat position, chassis alignment (is it bent?),
tracking, toe in toe out camber and castor settings, for wet and dry condition's
chain and sprocket alignment, carb settings.
The Driver: We know how to overcome the barrier that often exists when
youngsters meet new people. The shy little lad with the limp handshake who won't
look you in the eye on first meeting soon becomes happy, confident, high
fiver with a spring in his step by the end of the day. We'll prepare him or her
for their ARKS tests if necessary, and ensure they are up to speed for their
first race. We'll show them the correct racing line, how to overtake, how to
make the best starts and how to win that first trophy. We'll show them how to
move seamlessly from novice to full plates, ensuring they are up there battling
in the mid-grid straight away and not languishing at the back of the field.
One to one driver coaching by experts. Relaxed atmosphere, spacious fully
equipped awning. Whether you are looking for a big or little step up the racing
ladder, Kart Coach can help. All ages, classes and skill levels catered for.
Start on the right track: A cost effective, £169 per weekend!
Shenington and Whilton Mill on the 3rd and 4th
weekend of each month.
For more information visit
www.kartcoach.com or call
07881 908291 for a chat.
[ Top ]
2010 TKM Festival
DVD
(23/08)
The DVD featuring action from this year's
Maxxis Formula TKM Festival at Whilton Mill has just gone on sale.
The DVD shows finals as well as other action and interviews.
The DVDs are realistically priced at £13.51 inc. VAT or £15.28 inc. post,
packing & VAT and are available from Tal-Ko Racing on
info@tal-ko.com
or 01767 682020.
[ Top ]
Clean Sweep For Hand (20/08)
Ash
Hand, on his CRG Dark Knight run by Richard Amos of P1 Racing, made a clean
sweep of the Formula Kart Stars meeting in Genk, Belgium. Not only did he secure
pole in both events, but won all heats and finals in wet and dry conditions!
Ash said the kart felt planted in both the wet and dry, and with his last few
results at Larkhall Club and Super One round, and at the Kartmasters GP Plate,
any doubts about Ash moving from Kosmic to the new CRG Dark Knight chassis have
been well and truly silenced.
Ash and Richard are now both looking forward to their chase on the Super One
leaders. and increasing their lead in the Formula Kart Stars standings.
For more information on this championship winning chassis call Richard on
07525812898 or visit www.kartcrg.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
UK's Premier Kart Show (20/08)
The
fourth annual KartMania show is rapidly approaching, having moved to a slightly
earlier date this year on the 30th & 31st October but remaining at the excellent
Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
As the UK's premier kart show, there is something for everyone, from new karters
to all the 'old boys', and this year's show will feature a new layout as well as
many new exhibitors - it really is not to be missed.
Workshops will run on both Saturday and Sunday covering a range of topics
related to karting and personal training. The popular KartBoot returns but
this year advance bookings are being taken from those looking to sell their old
karting equipment and accessories - visit the website for details. You can
still arrive at 8am on either day but space will be allocated on a strict 'first
come, first served' basis, so if you have second-hand gear to sell, booking in
advance is advised.
So don't forget to put the 30th & 31st October in your diary because this is a
dedicated kart show that you won't want to miss. You can also save money
on admission by buying your tickets in advance, and don't forget there is free
parking on both days!
For more information visit
www.kartmania.co.uk or call
the organiser, Martin Capenhurst, on 07974 766529.
[ Top ]
Barlow Maintains Title Push (20/08)
The
Formula Kart Stars championship moved into its second half with a double-header
round held at the spectacular Genk circuit in Belgium last weekend (14/15
August).
After reducing his deficit to just three points in the title race, Jack Barlow
was eager to maintain the pressure on his fellow title-protagonists.
In Saturday's qualifying session Jack recorded the fourth-fastest time to secure
second row starting positions for the two heats. In the first race he initially
dropped to 8th in a scrappy start, but came back to finish 2nd at the chequered
flag. After being hit from behind he dropped to the back of the field but staged
a gritty fightback to cross the line in 10th position.
"I started the main final from 5th place and had to scrap my way up the order.
It was an enjoyable race, although I made a couple of mistakes, which possibly
cost me a crack at going for the win. Still, 2nd place gave me more vital
championship points and keeps me very much in the overall hunt," he said
afterwards.
Sunday proved to be a tougher experience, with the Benelux weather creating
challenging conditions for the competitors.
In timed qualifying, Jack recorded the second-quickest lap and went on to score
a brace of 2nd-place finishes in the heats to guarantee his third front row
start of the weekend.
"I went off p2 and there was a lot of argy-bargy at the start," he explained. "I
managed to hold my starting position and to take the lead at one point. I was in
a four kart battle for the front and dropped to 4th. I pushed and pushed as hard
as I could and managed to get into 3rd but pushed a little too hard in the later
stages and ran wide in one corner. This allowed the driver behind me through and
I settled for 4th rather than risk any more dramas."
He added, "Overall I'm pleased, because I'm a rookie in the class and at this
crucial stage of the season I'm consistently running at, or near the front. All
is still to play for and I won't give up."
The Lewis Hamilton and Bernie Ecclestone-backed series moves to the fast Three
Sisters circuit in September (25/26) for the penultimate round, before reaching
its conclusion at Ellough Park in Suffolk on 16/17 October.
Photograph courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress.
[ Top ]
Easykart Rounds 6 & 7 Preview (20/08)
Connoisseurs
are in for a treat with rounds 6 and 7 of the Easykart UK championship.
What could be more mouthwatering than Steak and Kidney Pie, Mushy Peas, Chips
and lashings of Gravy in the café at Rowrah?
As everyone knows, Northern boys love gravy - but a side order of Easykart?
Well, now you're talking. This weekend gravy and karting fans will be able to
fill their boots with two of the finest things in life a boy (and girl) could
enjoy. The annual Easykart double-header at the Cumbrian circuit promises a
feast of excitement and could see titles won and lost.
Cadet:
At last month's
round at Whilton Mill, Ronan McKenzie edged ahead of previous points leader Tom
Thickpenny, to maintain his 100% podium record with another 2nd place finish. In
contrast Thickpenny - the winner of the opening two rounds - found himself
experiencing a damage limitation exercise and did well to maintain his title
challenge with 8th place. After a slow start to his campaign, Will Stowell is
now gathering momentum and knows that Rowrah offers him a golden opportunity to
bridge the gap to his closest rivals. Whilst he is well out of the title race,
newcomer Ross Gunn will be keen to repeat his stunning Whilton performance.
Super Novice, Zack Nickson has performed heroically for a driver still on black
number plates - it would come as no surprise to see him in the top three over
the weekend.
Junior:
Thomas Grainger makes the long journey from his home in south London to the
Lakes spurred on by an 8-point advantage over Toby Sowery. Although he won the
opening round and was again victorious at Whilton, Sowery has shown a tendency
to drop points like Robert Green does footballs. If he can find more consistency
in Saturday and Sunday's races, Grainger will really have something to worry
about. A further headache for him could be James DeHavillande. The Easykart
Driver programme star has had a similar first half of his season to Sowery and
now needs to find his rhythm if he is to add the Junior crown to his 2009 Cadet
title. The only other driver in the class to score over 600 points is Luca
Hirst. He has been a runner-up three times this year and could finally make that
extra step up on the podium this weekend.
Light:
Kieran McCullough is a study in will power. The current Heavy champion decided
to enter the Light category at the end of 2009 and signalled his intent with 3rd
place in the E Plate. He exudes a desire to compete and win. This has made the
tall Londoner such a formidable opponent and the prospect of winning
back-to-back title in separate categories must be an incredible incentive for
him. Preventing him from creating history and putting their own names in the
record books will propel Elliot Rice, Owen Jenman, Patrick Lay and Sam Dimelow
to the fore. Like McCullough, Dimelow appears to have his competitive nature
etched into every fibre of his being, and after three consecutive 3rd places, is
arguably due a breakthrough win. Keep an eye out for the fast but luckless Will
Smith and Tony Longstaff - both must be due a break from finishing races as
spectators.
Heavy:
Thankfully, initial runaway championship lead Barnaby Pittingale read the script
and is now making the Heavy class really exciting. After three dominant wins,
Pittingale has struggled to maintain his early form which has allowed Tim Hill
to close the gap. After his maiden win last month, Will Gibson may feel that a
very large monkey has been lifted from his back and could now mount a serious
run for overall victory. Michael Roots made a huge impression on his Easykart
debut when he finished 2nd to Gibson. Beforehand, Club 100 regulars were very
much aware of his credentials, but others weren't. After Whilton, nobody had any
doubt that Roots - 'Manuva' as he was predictably nicknamed - will be firmly in
the mix from hereon in. For Mark Lawrence, Rowrah marks his return to the
circuit where he scored his first victory. A winner again in 2010, the ebullient
Scot is quick round the twists and undulations of the Lakeland Stadium and could
well replicate last year's breakthrough success.
The action starts from 10:00am on Sunday at the Lakeland Stadium, Rowrah - on
the A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont.
For more information, visit
www.easykart.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Alex Roache.
[ Top ]
Double Delight For Strawberry (20/08)
George
Russell retook the initiative in the Formula Kart Stars championship by stamping
his authority on the series' annual visit to the superb Genk circuit.
The 12-year old Strawberry Racing driver won all six of the races, covering
rounds seven and eight, to re-establish him as one of the title favourites with
just two events to go.
"He was red hot all weekend, the best I've seen him drive" commented his
understandably proud father, Steve. "George was fully relaxed, put his foot down
and got on with it."
George said, "I went there to do a professional job. It wasn't all about winning
- I went there to regain my championship lead. On Sunday, once I'd won all the
heats I knew I could win the main final in the wet, even though Genk is very
slippery in those conditions. My confidence is very strong at the moment which
also helped. I was gutted about Glan Y Gors (the previous round on July 3/4)
because I drove really well and was fast all weekend but didn't win. I used that
to focus myself last weekend."
George's team-mate Jack Barlow also returned to the podium with a well-taken 2nd
place on Saturday to keep the pressure on the championship leader. On Sunday,
the Benelux weather provided challenging race conditions for the drivers. With a
brace of runner-up finishes in the heats Jack put his kart on the front row for
the final and enjoyed a race-long scrap as he fought hard for another podium
finish.
"I pushed as hard as I could and managed to get into 3rd but pushed a little
too hard in the later stages and ran wide in one corner. This allowed the driver
behind me through and I settled for 4th rather than risk any more dramas."
He added, "Overall I'm pleased with how things went. I'm consistently at, or
near the front and all is still to play for. I won't give up."
Team Manager Warwick Ringham was suitably pleased with his young stars, saying
"George didn't put a foot or a wheel wrong all weekend. He bounced back from GYG
in the best possible style and although it will be tight in the points, when you
take dropped rounds into account, his performance in Genk underlined his quality
as a driver. Jack couldn't quite find the form he showed in Wales (when he
dominated the event) but at this stage of the season, it's all about getting
good points finishes. He showed his maturity by making sure he did just that.
One thing is for sure, he and all of the team will keep pushing right to the
very end."
The team now turns its focus back to the British Super 1 Championship on 28/29
August.
Strawberry Racing uses the Tony Kart EVR chassis and Ogden Motorsport-prepared
engines.
For more information about the team, Tony Kart and OTK products please visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Details about Ogden Motorsport-prepared engines can be found at
www.ogdenracing.com.
[ Top ]
FKS Genk Results (19/08)
The
Vital Motorsport Race Team continued to prove their worth at the pinnacle of the
sport, in both wet and dry conditions, at the challenging Genk Circuit.
At the last round of the Formula Kart Stars Championship (FKS) held at the
prestigious Belgian Circuit of Genk, they proved once again that they were a
dominant factor. For their Minimax protagonist Bobby Thompson the weekend
started with difficultly, though through the sheer hard work of the team and
mechanics young Thompson secured P3 at the end of the timed qualifying session
on Saturday Morning, less than 6 hundredths of a second from Pole Position. 2nd
place finishes in both of his heats would see him start on the outside of the
front row for the Final. After in-depth instructions on how to take best
advantage of his front row starting grid position, young Bobby made full use of
this and even though he dropped a few places at the start, by the end of the
first lap he was back in 2nd and pushing the young George Russell. The pair
sensibly pulled away from the rest of the field and at the finish line young
Thompson finished an impressive 2nd. On the Sunday in difficult changing weather
conditions, Bobby once again lined up in P3 in timed qualifying which he turned
into 2nd place finishes in both of his heats. The start of the final would
however be more treacherous and difficult than that of the Saturday as the
weather had turned to a horrendous downpour. After receiving instructions of
ensuring he made the first two corners, Bobby dropped down the order to sixth
but stayed clear of any accidents. By the end of the 1st lap he had catapulted
himself into second and was now chasing down Russell once again. The decision
was made to settle for 2nd place and secure the points rather than risk losing
out, though Bobby still managed to set the fastest lap time of the final on the
way.
The
Vital Motorsport Race Team Junior Max driver, Josh Parker, clearly demonstrated
his capability with a sensible drive through the pack on Saturday. Sunday would
see him finish 2nd in the Final along whilst taking the fastest lap time, just
as Bobby Thompson did in the mini max class.
Recent
Junior Max signing Archie White, who has only been with the team since the
beginning of June, has proved he has a bright future in the class. He won his
first race with the team, was fastest in timed qualifying at FKS Glan Y Gors on
the Sunday, and this time around at Genk catapulted himself from a P12 starting
position on the Sunday to 5th by the flag in the final, and his highest placed
final position in his first year of FKS competition.
Another recent Junior Max signing, Brandon Grinter, has also proved that there
is still a lot to come from this youngster while adapting his racecraft at the
highest level. Young Brandon has shown on many occasions that he is able to mix
it at the top showing raw pace on many occasions. Unfortunately lady luck was
not on his side at Genk, though we do expect results to follow very shortly.
With
their recent success at the Genk circuit Vital Motorsport congratulates all of
their drivers, mechanics and parents for their efforts over the course of the
weekend.
Vital Motorsport would also like to thanks Steve, Tim and Richard at Ogden
Engineering, Ricky Grice at Grice Racing Engines and Warwick Ringham of
Strawberry Racing for all their assistance that they have given over the course
of the year to the team and drivers, and for the equipment that they supply.
For further information on the Vital Motorsport Race Team contact Gary Rolfe on
+44 (0)7725 367043 or +44 (0)1525 219852, or email
sales@vital-motorsport.co.uk. And you can always
keep up to date with all the latest team news and special offers via the website
at
www.vital-motorsport.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Chris
Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Grice Welcomes New Drivers (19/08)
Latest
recruits Joel Affoelter, Sean Babbington and Jay Goodwin recently choose
Grice Power to help them power their way to the front.
Throughout July and August, these young chargers tested the latest motors from
Ricky Grice. "We supplied motors when asked, they simply bolted them on with our
carbs and off they went. All 3 drivers chose to race these motors and were happy
to pay as they all found speed." said Ricky.
At the recent BNL Champs race in Genk, Tristran Viidas and Joel Affoelter were
1st and 2nd in the Saturday final with a fastest lap too. Our other hot chargers
were Lorenzo Singh and Berry Torrenvliet, again fastest lap and 2nd and 3rd in
senior final for Saturday!
Larkhall S1 saw Ryan Norris secure two second place finishes in Minimax, whilst
Ash Hand and James Singleton were 2nd and 3rd in the junior finals.
At the recent PFI Kartmasters meeting, Sean Babbington drove superbly to secure
a win in main final, with Ash Hand securing 2nd.
Over in Ireland, the Nutts Corner GranPrix was dominated in Minimax by Keith
Donegan and Jamie Grant, who finished 1st and 2nd. Craig Stirling meanwhile
secured a great 3rd place finish following a disastrous start.
Finally, Genk FKS round saw Ash Hand dominating again, with heats and final wins
for both days. Bob Thompson showed a return to his old form to land two second
place podium finishes over the two days.
The above results were achieved on both the customer's own Grice prepared
motors, or our own hire engines, showing that both options can give you that
Grice advantage. Throughout club racing, various drivers are dominating their
classes to prove we can duplicate these championship winning results time and
time again. Drivers such as Cody Tree, Ollie Pidgeley, Kieran
Gifford, Jean Luc Laister, Jack Taylor, Mikey Houghton, JJ Wilson, Aaron Charles
and many other drivers too numerous to mention (so apologies to anyone not
listed!). All of the above is a result of our continued drive to
provide winning equipment at a cost you can afford.
Our season-long recession busting special offers still stand, for a full rebuild
including all parts and labour (excluding conrod and balance shaft) are
available for just:
Rotax - £315
KF - £315
Comer - £180
BT82 - £200
Dyno and carb service is extra, but ask your
existing engine builder to provide rebuild costs and then compare them to our
prices. We're sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Please contact Ricky on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253 to discuss your
requirements or for any further information.
Grice Racing Engine - leaders in the workshop, winners on the track.
[ Top ]
Belgian Bonanza For FKS (18/08)
The
2010 Formula Kart Stars season entered its second half with rounds seven and
eight at the plush Genk circuit in Belgium. At 1350-metres the Paul Lemmens
owned venue is the longest on the FKS calendar but also one of the most popular
with drivers and their families.
Saturday's round witnessed the best race of the year in the MSA British Cadet
final as Tom Harvey regained the championship lead with a last lap pass on Max
Vaughan.
In a race that saw the top 18 karts battle in one large group, nine year old
Alfie Brown became one of the youngest FKS podium finishers ever with a fine
second place, just ahead of Vaughan with Charlie Barlow also scoring his best
FKS result with fourth, despite starting 30th.
George Russell's victory in the Mini Max final helped him retake the
championship lead although Bobby Thompson put him under constant pressure in the
closing stages. Erstwhile points leader Adam Glear completed the podium ahead of
Oliver Myers.
After watching Jack Barlow reduce his championship advantage to three points at
Glan Y Gors, Ash Hand re-asserted his authority in the Joe Bloggs Junior Rotax
class with a dominant win. Barlow took a distant second after a lengthy duel
with Jacob Hunstone.
The KF3 grid was reduced by one when Ricky Collard suffered a nasty wrist injury
in the first heat. Ben Barnicoat overcame a snapped axle in heat two to win the
final from Matthew Graham and Dylon Phibbs.
Sunday's racing took place in a downpour of biblical proportions but thanks to
Genk's excellent drainage the racing continued.
Nathan Aston smashed the Cadet field to win by ten seconds, regaining the points
lead from Harvey, who retired on the opening lap. Darius Karbaley and James
Kellett completed the podium.
Russell won once again in Mini Max, although his winning margin was just six
tenths after a stubborn fight from Thompson. George Li Wright surged through the
top ten to claim third.
Hand was equally as imperious in the wet as he had been in the dry although an
inspired late charge from Josh Parker gave the championship leader some nervous
moments. Behind Parker, George Cosgrove overcame Barlow and Hunstone to take
third.
Barnicoat completed a weekend double in KF3 although
he was pressed all the way by Edward Jones, who scored his best FKS finish in
his last appearance before returning to Dubai. Graham was third.
For more information on Formula Kart Stars visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Race Engines, Carbs & Chassis (18/08)
British
Championship winning Cadet team, Fusion Motorsport, have for hire team race
engines, carbs and chassis, available at Kimbolton and Whilton Mill club
meetings for the remainder of the season.
Options include everything from the hire of a race winning carb to a complete
outfit including kart, motors, carbs and exhausts. The perfect opportunity to
test your equipment against the best in the country. Exclusive driver training
days are also available. Prices start from £50 per day plus
VAT.
For more information call Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221, or visit
www.fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Adrenalin
Racing
(18/08)
Team
Adrenalin have continued their recent success, taking the runner up spot at the
Brazilian cup (including the fastest lap) after a hard weekend in the heats in
Senior Max with Andrew Rees-Reynolds. Showing they had the pace to win, but
obviously not the luck that day.
At Rye House Tom Harris (www.tomharrisracing.com)
took the fastest lap of the day along with a well deserved 3rd place. At one
point the team had 3 drivers in the top 5, until on track contact put Max Clarke
(on his brand new Exprit) and Nathan Corsial out of the top 5 spots. Danny
Robinson put in some of his best performances and is showing great improvements
in race craft and pace with every race.
Last Weekend the Team made the trip down to Clay Pigeon for the Dadson
Challenge. With difficult conditions Friday and Saturday it left hardly any
practice in the dry conditions that they were presented with on Sunday.
The first Success came from Ryan Beck (Mini Max). Ryan achieved 2nd place in the
final, pulling off some stunning overtaking moves throughout the day.
Andrew Rees-Reynolds not only set the fastest lap of the day but also won the
final in Senior Max having not driven the track before and up against strong
local racers.
Wayne Smithers also won the Dadson masters Final from 3rd on the grid, with Greg
Finke finishing 3rd overall.
The team would like to dedicate their results to Danny (Dadson Motorsport) and
wish him a full recovery.
We are next out at Whilton Mill at the end of the month.
www.Adrenalin-Racing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Ferrucci Moves To Msport (17/08)
The
last Super One round saw the debut of the American Cadet driver, Santino
Ferrucci, with the Whilton Mill based Msport Karting Team.
After qualifying in Pole position in his group, the rain that preceded his
session covered up the young American's true pace. Final 1 would see Santino
line up on 5th place on the starting grid and although he led for most of the
race, a last lap scrap demoted him to 3rd position, but his first podium of the
year none the less.
Final 2 started with Ferrucci settling down for the long race with 5-6 steady
laps before his kart started to work. Santino then hit the front where he stayed
for most of the race, dropping back only a few places which he soon made back in
the closing stages. The last few laps produced one of the races of the year with
Ferrucci holding off his opposition to take his first win on UK soil, and we
believe the first Super One victory for an American driver in Great Britain.
Santino's
new Msport team are delighted with their new star. Msport Team owner Keiran
Crawley said after the race "Not bad for our first Super One Cadet race -
Santino is a stunning driver in every way and will be hard to beat after this
result. This is our First Cadet Super One Race and our First Cadet win so we are
all ecstatic. We usually focus on KF3 in the UK so this was a dream start to our
Cadet program."
Msport Karting has one space for a dedicated Cadet
driver to finish the 2010 season; we will also be racing in the Super Cadet
class for 2011 with a complete kart in stock ready to test for any interested
drivers.
Msport would like to thank Shoxx Performance for the
engines.
For more information contact Msport by email at
info@zanardikart.co.uk or telephone 01327
842778.
[ Top ]
BMB Motorsport Engine (17/08)
The
Kart Shop at Buckmore has available a limited number of slots at Buckmore Park
Kart Circuit on Thursday 19th August to test the new BMB Motorsport Engine.
A charge will be made which will be reimbursed against any engine ordered.
To reserve a slot please phone The Kart Shop on 01634 672256.
[ Top ]
TPM And CRG (16/08)
Reigning
British Open Champion Matt Mason delivered a superb performance in the 5th round
of the British Super 1 Rotax Senior Max championship when it visited Larkhall
(24/25 July). The teenager signalled his intent early on with the fastest lap
during his timed qualifying session and was 3rd-quickest overall. His team-mate
Ross Wylie also enjoyed a fine top ten performance, recording the 6th-fastest
time. In the following heats, Matt took a win and 2nd place, but after Ross'
initial good start - with 3rd in his first race - he ended up on the sidelines
with a blown piston ring in the next.
Mason
led the first of Sunday's two finals from start to finish. In the closing
stages, Scottish star Shaun Slavin - also on a CRG - bridged the gap to the
leader, but ultimately settled for 2nd behind the TPM driver. Wylie made a good
fist of it to finish inside the top ten after starting in the midfield.
Matt was made to work hard for his advantage in the early stages of the main
final, but as the race neared mid-distance he began to ease away. Having the
broken his pursuers' tow, he cruised to another comfortable victory, with Shaun
taking 3rd and Ross going one place better to cross the finishing line in 8th
place after a gritty drive. "Larkhall was the most successful race meeting of my
career so far, where the kart came into its own, the team coordinated well to
give me a perfect kart set-up. The Ogden engine was also very strong due" said
Mason, hailing the efforts of his team and the qualities of the Dark Knight
chassis. TPM Team Principal Jason Parrott observed, "This result reflects the
hard work that has gone into the material over the past months. Matt upped his
game and really deserved his double victory."
With barely any time to wash the podium celebrations champagne out of their
clothes, the team returned to action just three days later at the annual Kart
Masters event (30 July/ 1 August) at PFi in Lincolnshire. Also known as the 'MSA
British Grand Prix', the meeting saw Matt's regular mechanic Thomas Arme swap
his spanners for a racesuit and make a successful return to competition.
Unfortunately, Ross' unfortunate run of luck continued, when his chain snapped
during the out lap of his timed qualifying session. Having come through the
preliminaries to automatically qualify for the pre-final (without entry via the
repecharge), Arme started the pre-final from P5 on the grid, with Mason 8th and
Wiley on row 12. "Matt had a bad start but drove consistently to work his way
through to 5th and set the second-fastest lap," commented Jason, adding "Ross
moved forward 10 places after a crash on the fourth lap to eventually finish in
19th position and set the fastest lap, whilst Thomas had a hard race but held on
to take 7th." In the main final, and now racing to win the coveted 'GP' number
plate, Mason started brightly but became embroiled in a battle that saw him lose
ground to the early leaders. As the race progressed, he worked his way into 4th
and was the fastest man in the race. Behind him, a fired-up Wylie stormed his
way from 19th to 5th with Arme following him home in 6th.
In
the hugely competitive Junior Rotax class Dominic Wheatley completed a fantastic
weekend with a hard fought for and well-deserved 7th place. His team-mate Ashley
Marshall joined him in the main final, the first time he has achieved this in a
major event during his rookie year. "Dominic should be proud of himself. He had
to start last in his heats but qualified on the 6th row of the grid for the
pre-final. His 7th place showed how much he is improving as a driver," observed
Jason with obvious delight.
Mini Max driver Guan Yu Zhou joined the team for the first time on his English
debut and exceeded all expectations to finish 15th in the MSA Grand Prix final.
"Guan should be very pleased with this result, he progressed well over the
weekend, although struggled with overtaking as normally he only races against 6
karts but showed a lot of raw pace!" commented Jason after the final.
Ahead of the Super 1 series' visit to Shenington (28/29 August), Matt Mason laid
down a marker for his rivals with a superb victory in yesterday's club race at
the fast Oxfordshire circuit. "Matt didn't quite have the ultimate pace in the
final but he made sure he got the most out of his equipment and drove
brilliantly to take the win," said a delighted Jason.
Tim Parrott Motorsport uses the new 2010 CRG Dark Knight chassis. For race team
enquiries contact Jason on 07761 822 281. Details about the superb CRG range is
available at www.kartcrg.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Les McLuckie/Les Photo.
[ Top ]
Ellough Non-MSA Race Day (16/08)
This
coming Saturday the 21st August 2010, is non-MSA Race Day at Ellough Park Race
Circuit!
All classes are welcome - the entry fee is just £35.00 and there aren't any late
fees.
Sign on will be from 8am on Saturday morning, with racing comprising 1x 5 minute
practice, 3x 10 lap heats, and 1x 14 lap final.
Classes already entered include Honda Cadet, Libra Cadet (Comer/WTP), Junior
TKM, Mini Max, Libra Senior Rotax and Biland
This is followed on Saturday/Sunday the 28th/29th August 2010 by the Beccles and
District Kart Club Summer Championship.
All
classes are welcome - the cost for member is £43.00 and non-members £51.00.
Practice runs from 10am until 5pm on the Saturday with 20 minute sessions per
group at £40.00 all day. Race day starts at 8am with sign on, scrutineering at
8:15am until 9:15am, and race briefing in at 9:30am.
To enter either of these events please call 01502 717718 or email us at
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, and remember
- no late fees!
Plus, we've added extra test days in August on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st from
10am until 5pm - Open testing for all owners drivers. £40.00 for the day.
[ Top ]
Last Chance To Practice... (16/08)
Although
there is no race meeting in August we are holding an additional Open Practice
date that I thought you would like to be made aware of on Thursday 19th of
August from 10am-4pm.
The cost is £45 for BPKC Members and £50 for non members.
As usual, all karts must comply with MSA regulations, as must all drivers safety
wear. In the interests of safety the day may be run in sessions.
For more information on Buckmore Park visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
British Cadet Kart Champs (16/08)
Nathan
Aston and Tom Harvey earned a win apiece on Belgian soil as the MSA British
Cadet Kart Championship headed for Genk.
Harvey opened his weekend's account with victory in an astounding final on
Saturday, taking the lead on the final lap as an 18-kart train battled for the
lead and traded places at every corner.
Harvey's win moved him ahead of Aston in the championship standings, but the
latter fought back on Sunday with a brilliant display in torrential rain. Having
taken the lead on the opening tour Aston pulled away by nearly one second per
lap, eventually winning by 10 to retake the points advantage from Harvey, who
retired.
Results - Final 1:
1 Tom Harvey (Zip) 15 laps in 16m41.68s
2
Alfie Brown (Zip) +0.13s
3 Max Vaughan (Zip)
Results - Final 2:
1 Nathan Aston (Zip) 13 laps in 16m48.45s
2 Darius Karbaley (Zip) +10.32s
3 James Kellett (Zip)
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Meet The Man...
(16/08)
Come
and meet British Touring Car Driver Andy Neate with his 2010 BMW 320 SI Touring
Car from 2pm on Thursday 19th August at Rogue Racing's indoor kart circuit in
Aylesbury.
Win a pair of VIP passes to the final round of the BTCC at Brands Hatch which
include garage tour, grid walk, and being up close and personal with a BTCC team
(terms and conditions apply).
Rogue Racing will be selling tickets for this fabulous prize for a limited time
only and all proceeds will go to Andy's chosen charity - Bucks Air Ambulance.
For further information on the event and competition etc., contact Rogue Racing
on 01296 330567, or visit
www.rogueracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
KartMania Honda Challenge (12/08)
For
many years there has been no MSA sprint series for Honda seniors, but that's
about to change!
Beginning in 2011, the KartMania Honda Challenge - promoted by Martin Capenhurst
- will be launched with support from all the top Honda drivers, circuits and
distributors.
Colin Lipscombe from Llandow Kart Club, who are the controlling club for the
Challenge, said "This is what the senior drivers have been wanting for many
years and running the challenge within club MSA races as we did years ago keeps
costs down, we all need to support Martin who has worked with a lot of people to
put the KartMania Honda Challenge on."
The Challenge will be supported by KartMania, Howard Lucas, RPM Engines, Pro
Kart Engineering and 7 Kart, and will comprise 7 rounds contested over 6
meetings. Circuits are still being finalised out but as things currently stand
the first round will be at Kimbolton on April 11th. Other circuits will be
Whilton Mill (date to be confirmed), Llandow (which will host a double-header,
date TBC), Shenington (date TBC) with possible further circuits to include
Rissington, Buckmore, Rowrah, Larkhall and Clay Pigeon. A final calendar
with venues and dates will be made available as soon as possible, but it's
already clear that this is shaping up to be an amazing championship.
As the championship will be an MSA licensed event, the Challenge will welcome
all National A and National B license holders, plus Kart Clubman - this means
that under the TYRO regulations a driver can obtain an MSA Kart Clubman licence
to race for just £37 (the price may vary for 2011) with no ARKS test or medical
required. This will open up the challenge to the top endurance drivers who do
not have a National A or B licence and ensure anyone the competition is open to
all who wish to take part.
Regs will be available shortly I Martin will be
working with Kelvin Nichols (as Chief Scrutineer) and Colin Lipscombe (from
Llandow KC) to finalise details. However, drivers are encouraged to register
their interest early and show their support for the only MSA sprint challenge in
the UK. You will also be able to register at the KartMania '10 show - yet
another reason to make sure you're at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on the
30th-31st October for the UK's premier kart show!
For more information please contact Martin Capenhurst on 07974 766529 or email
martin@kartmania.co.uk. More details of the
KartMania '10 show are available at
www.kartmania.co.uk.
[ Top ]
MLC Motorsport (11/08)
There
have been regular trophies for MLC Motorsport team drivers at Rye House over the
last months with many personal best times and finishes, including new team
member Mike Sanderson in his first ever race. After some hard work by the team
on Saturday practice some real pace was found and carried through to race day,
with Sanderson not only taking the novice trophy but also getting a top ten
finish and passing some of the regular front runners on the way in the final.
At Kimbolton regular driver Thomas Kolasky was lapping at record pace in the
July final, but was a victim of on track incidents that cost him a deserved
podium finish.
August saw regular 177 driver Alex Kolasky find some pace, and since joining the
team we have steadily improved his results, finding the right setup. Now mixing
it with the front pack, he secured a 6th place finish in the final from a strong
grid of 20, his highest ever finish in a final.
MLC are official agent for Kosmic Kart Chassis, and can provide full driver
support and awning space at Rye House, Kimbolton and Whilton Mill, and also have
availability for the London Cup.
Please visit the website for more details;
www.mlcmotorsport.co.uk or email
info@mlcmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Bennett Dominates In Assen (11/08)
UK's
Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA) dominated this event from start to finish. He was
fastest in both qualifying practice sessions and his time of 1'37''3 (168.5
km/h) in the 2nd session was the quickest Superkart lap all weekend. So he would
start both races from pole-position.
In Race 1 he was away stunningly quickly ahead of fellow front row starter Rob
Chilcott (Anderson-FPE), and 2005 Champion John Riley (Anderson-FPE) soon passed
Chilcott for 2nd place. 3-4 laps into the race, Riley closed to within 0.5 of a
second of Bennett and looked to be ready to mount a challenge. But Bennett
pulled away strongly and from that point his only challenge was to negotiate the
backmarkers he would lap in the later stages of the race. His winning margin was
6 seconds.
Yet, impressive as this was, the drive by Frenchman Damien Payart (PVP-FPE) was
perhaps as good. The former double Champion (2003/4) steadily made his way
forward from his lowly 7th row 15th place starting position and into the Top 10.
He had a great battle with the 2008 Champion, Germany's Peter Elkmann (MS
Kart-VM), to claim 4th, then forced an error out of Chilcott for 3rd before
finally taking Riley's 2nd place later on. "I didn't know where I had finished",
he said. "I didn't know how many were in front of me, and there were many lapped
Drivers. I am very satisfied with 2nd place in all the circumstances. We had the
set up wrong in qualifying practice but I knew the engine was fast, and so it
proved."
Riley just held off Chilcott for the final podium place. Elkmann was worth his
5th place and Carl Hulme (GBR - Anderson-FPE) drove from row 7 to a good 6th
place. Germans Daniel Hentschel (Anderson-DEA) and Guido Kleinmeyer
(Anderson-BRC) were 7th and 8th in front of the Dutchman Marcel Maasmann (MS
Kart-VM) with Englishman Paul Kennings (Anderson-FPE) completing the Top 10. The
only lady in the race, Priscilla Speelman of Holland (MS Kart-VM), drove well to
finish in the Top 20 but the only non-European, Andy Kiker from the USA
(Anderson-DEA), went out on the 4th lap. The biggest disappointment was Northern
Ireland's Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC). The winner of round 2 at Silverstone
had his clutch fall off at the start.
In Race 2 there was a much more even break with Riley and Chilcott side by side
with Bennett, Riley even getting his nose in front. But half way round the
opening lap Bennett had established an advantage which he built on throughout
the race. Indeed his winning margin this time was a massive 9 seconds.
Once again there was good racing behind him with Payart repeating his Race 1
effort to go from the 8th row to 2nd place. This time he had a tougher task to
get past Adam Kout (MS Kart-VM), Elkmann and Lehtinen who were having a great
race in 5th, 6th and 7th place. But the Frenchman was equal to the task and
richly deserved his 2nd runner-up spot of the day. That points tally is
sufficient for him to take a lead into the final event in his native France.
Roberts showed what might have been with a terrific drive into 3rd place
exemplified by his battle with Chilcott which saw them trade places three times.
Chilcott can count himself unlucky to have missed the podium by a fraction of a
second for the second time. Germans Elkmann and Hentschel were solid if not
threatening to challenge for the podium and Hulme once again drove into the Top
10 from downfield. Priscilla Speelman again made the Top 20 and American Andy
Kiker found himself in the Top 20 just after the mid-race distance.
"The circuit was greasy early on", said Bennett, "so I took it steady. I felt
the kart went really well and I have been in good form coming into this event,
especially my victory in the British GP last month. I tried to overtake the
backmarkers on the straights and with my advantage I was able to back off if I
needed to. I love Assen, and obviously I have loved this perfect weekend."
Roberts was philosophical in 3rd place. "Obviously I was disappointed this
morning, but in all honesty I am not on the pace of these two (Bennett and
Payart). I take my hat off to both of them."
What would have happened if Payart had qualified at the front? We shall never
know but he gave us a great race coming through the field and clearly these two
Champions will be at the forefront of the battle for the 2010 Championship
title.
All this took place in front of an official attendance of 58,000 packing the
home straight grandstands on the traditional Rizla Racing Day.
So Damien Payart takes a narrow 6 points lead into the final round at Le Mans on
22-24 October.
All the classifications and selected photographs can be consulted on
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
First Kart Grand Prix Race (10/08)
K
art
Grand Prix can reveal that the first ever UK KGP race will take place at PF
International on the 24th October 2010. KGP have been invited by the S1 series
to hold a support race at the last round of the MSA series.
"We are delighted that John Hoyle and his S1 team have invited us to show KGP at
their last round. We already have 32 drivers who want to race at this event
including Mark Litchfield who will also race SKF on the day, Michael Simpson and
Ed Brand to name but a few will race, it will be fantastic. We are now working
closely with the MSA and the S1 team to get everything in place" commented KGP
UK boss Andy Cox.
The inaugural KGP race comes ahead of confirmation that a deal has been done
that will see the S1 host the National Championship for KGP in 2011. "Its
important that KGP is present in a National Championship such as the S1 as well
as at club level, its a very exciting time and the response we have had so far
from drivers, the kart trade and kart clubs has been incredible" said a
delighted KGP UK co-owner Paul Deavin.
Engines
will go on sale on October 1st. KGP engines are £1695 + VAT and come complete
with engine mount, exhaust system, electronics and battery pack and 26mm 2 jet
Tyrton carburettor. Engines can be ordered and reserved with a £350 deposit, but
please be aware that there is a growing list already!
For this inaugural race there will be the possibility to hire a KGP engine to
participate in the race. These will be in a limited quantity with an option to
purchase afterwards with the hire price then waived. These will be rented out on
a first come first served basis. The KGP engine comes with an engine mount that
fits all chassis including Birel, Tonykart, Alonso, Maranello, Gillard, Kosmic,
RK, Intrepid, Energy and Wright karts.
Engine builders GFR, S Ogden, and HRS have all ordered engines and have pledged
support for KGP for the first race and the 2011 season.
Kart Grand Prix will also race alongside the highly successful Easykart
Championship in 2011 run by Club 100 as well as selected kart clubs around the
UK.
There will also be a Kart Grand Prix challenge which will take place through the
2011 season between April and September. Participating clubs and
Championships will be supported by KGP and they will be able to offer their
members KGP trophies each month as well as for 1st place a set of KGP Vega
XH tyres and 2nd and 3rd places will receive BMB engine parts vouchers. The
winners of the KGP challenge from each club or Championship will then receive
assistance to race in the 2011 Kart Grand Prix Finals held in Italy in October
2011.
For more information on Kart Grand Prix info please visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk, follow us on facebook
at
www.facebook.com/pages/Kart-Grand-Prix-UK/118241168220144, or
call the KGP office on 01527 889595.
[ Top ]
Griffiths Dominates At Larkhall (10/08)
The
GMS team continues to go from strength to strength, with a hugely successful
weekend at Larkhall for Round 5 of Rotax Super One.
David Griffiths utterly dominated the 177 class, easily setting the fastest time
in qualifying, winning both heats and cruising to victory in both finals,
leading every lap of every race. The result saw Griffiths seize the lead of the
championship with two rounds to go.
Senior Max rookie Andrew Cole continued to improve, qualifying straight through
to the finals and placing as first rookie in both. Fellow 177 team driver Dan
Mulvaney also had a strong meeting, comfortably inside the top ten throughout
until contact in both finals denied him a good points haul.
Outside of Super One, the X30 chassis took another win with Anton Stamps taking
victory at the July club meeting at Kimbolton. Harry Arnold briefly held second
on the sister kart, though a mid-race incident saw him fall down the order.
The GMS team are the suppliers and works team for the British designed X30
chassis (available new at just £1850 + VAT), information and test drives can be
arranged by calling 01732 850 858 - further details at
www.gms-x30.co.uk.
[ Top ]
DMAX At Whilton Mill (10/08)
The
UK's fastest arrive and drive series visits Whilton Mill this weekend and there
are still a few places left for Round 7 of the Vodafone DMAX Championship at the
superb Northamptonshire circuit.
This fast, flowing track is ideal for the Rotax powered Birel karts and some
close and fiercely competitive racing is assured.
Two formats are available, the morning's 1 hour endurance is a supreme test of
stamina while the afternoon's sprint event, which consists of 3 heats and a
final, tests your skill and speed.
Lightweight and heavyweight drivers are catered for in both formats with the
sprint drivers having totally separate races.
If you want the thrills of 2-stroke racing but don't want the hassle of owning
your own kart, the Vodafone DMAX Championship is the answer.
Call us now on 0845 844 5504 to book your place on the grid.
[ Top ]
RL Turn Up The Heat (09/08)
The
multiple-class winning RL Racing Dept have, over the last two weeks, proved
strong in all classes recording front-end results week in, week out.
At rounds 9 and 10 of the Rotax Super One Series held at Larkhall in Scotland
the Suffolk based outfit enjoyed consistent success in all 3 classes contested
with the ultra experienced maestro Justin Edgar taking two 2nd places in the
Rotax 177 class, in the Senior Rotax class RL's Jake Ball took a 3rd and a 2nd
place to concrete his position now in the top 3 in the points table - slowly
chasing down the long time leader Tom Fawcett.
In the Mini Max class Harry Webb lead both finals ending them with a 2nd place
and a disappointing 5th in final 2 after some poor driving standards on the
final turn from a driver not in the title chase, losing Webb some all important
points in his quest to also take the title, now in 3rd place in the points also.
Consistent driving saw Josh White take 17th in the first final from a lowly grid
and a strong drive back to 10th at the flag in final 2, the youngster now
pushing for higher positions all the time...
Shaun Arnold had a torrid start to each final, dropping right back and then
coming back to 14th and 15th in each respective final and his team mates Campey
and Skingley failed to move further from the Repercharge and played no further
part although Campey showing flashes of brilliance in the heats struggled to
convert this form.
Oliver Skingley proved too hot to handle at Kimbolton in their July round taking
the final victory and fastest lap!
At
this past weekend's Kartmasters race the team again proved their mettle and duly
took overall pole in Rotax 177 and Mini Max in the Timed Qualifying sessions,
with Edgar and Webb taking the top slots in their respective classes, Shaun
Arnold and White followed Webb up with 2nd and 9th overall also and RL returnee,
Tony Rumball stunned after over 9 months out of the seat to go 8th overall in TQ
in the Senior class.
This meant an RL Racing Dept 'Lock' out on the front row for the 177 and Mini
heats and Edgar took some strong results taking p2 for the pre final coming out
2nd and Webb, Shaun Arnold, Josh White, Matthew Arnold & Harry Campey all
battling in the heats with Webb showing best and taking a front row start for
the pre final where took 2nd at the flag. Rumball started the Senior pre final
p12 but was sent spinning at turn one and drove back through to 18th.
The Main finals proved a mixed bag with Edgar being smashed off at turn two ,
not able to take any further part with a damaged kart, Rumball again being sent
off on lap one but a fantastic drive through again saw him climb to 18th lapping
within a tenth of the fastest lap!
In
the Mini max grand final Webb lead 14 of the 20 lap final only to be muscled
wide at turn one 2 laps to go with an unreachable gap to the leader being only 2
laps left but he did manage to overhaul the other 2 drivers who benefited from
his misfortune earlier that lap, unfortunate for the Norfolk lad who had driven
so well and consistently all weekend. Josh White however, had a storming drive
coming right through to 4th at the flag from a lowly grid 14! An awesome effort
- his talent and pace starting to shine now after a small period of time in
under the attention of the RL squad.
Some could say that Shaun Arnold was the surprise package of the weekend with a
stunning last lap in TQ and putting himself firmly in place to run at the front
of this race weekend - his speed was clear to see, but minor inconsistencies in
his race craft with lack of experience at the very sharp end proved costly and
he couldn't convert his pace in TQ in race results, until the main final where
he drove up from a p18 start to 7th but disaster struck with his nosecone
detaching itself from the chassis and he had to make a pit stop to replace it.
Harry Campey and Matthew Arnold struggled in the heats to get to grips with the
changing surface conditions but Campey showed an awesome display of what he can
do with a 34th to 20th drive in final 1 but a skirmish in the start of the grand
final saw the chassis bent and made cornering virtually impossible, and
unfortunate end to the Selby lad's attack, Arnold showing good pace in the heats
also.
For more info on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range
contact Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. Visit
our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Marsh Joins RL
Racing Dept
(09/08)
RL
Racing Dept Ltd have just this week signed Mini Max protagonist Sam Marsh to
bolster the RL assault on the FKS and Super One Championships.
Sam is looking to rectify problems causing a lack of performance over the past
few months and has made the step into an already strong team at RL Racing Dept.
Sam's first outing with his new team will be at Genk next week for FKS.... watch
this space!
For more info on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range
contact Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. Visit
our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
MSA British Kart Champs (09/08)
Jordan
Chamberlain monopolised the StingrayRV MSA British Kart Championship spoils at
Glan y Gors.
Chamberlain converted pole position into the lead at the start of the first
final, during which he was chased hard to no avail by eventual runner-up Dennis
Gorman.
The second final also belonged to Chamberlain, who described the race as "no
trouble". Championship leader Mark Litchfield and James Godbehere completed the
podium.
Results - Final 1:
1 Jordan Chamberlain (Tonykart)
2 Dennis Gorman (Maranello)
3 Jonathan Walker (Tonykart)
Results
- Final 2:
1 Jordan Chamberlain
2 Mark Litchfield (Alonso)
3 James Godbehere
Meanwhile, Ben Barnicoat produced two perfect performances on the StingrayRV MSA
British Junior Kart Championship's first ever visit to North Wales.
Barnicoat - sporting GP number plates to mark his
MSA British Kart Grand Prix Kartmasters win the previous weekend - coverted pole
position into a lights-to-flag victory in the first final.
Championship leader Jake Dennis had to give best to both Barnicoat and Jake
Dalton at the start of the second final. He subsequently found a way past the
latter, only to be demoted to third place once more with a down-on-power engine.
Results
- Final 1:
1 Ben Barnicoat (Tonykart)
2 Jake Dennis (Topkart)
3 Jake Dalton (Tonykart)
Results - Final 2:
1 Barnicoat
2 Dalton
3 Dennis
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Kartmasters GP Glory (06/08)
1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th across the team for Dan Holland Racing!
The
DHR team arrived at Kartmasters in a confident mood, with some top results in
recent weeks the official Alonso kart team hoped for more of the same and
weren't to be disappointed!
Top DHR Junior Max racer Sean Babington pulled out all the stops to win the 2nd
Kartmasters title of his career amongst a quality Junior Max field.
Babington produced a stunning performance after dominating testing and setting
the fastest time in qualifying he went onto to win the Kartmasters Junior Max
Grand Final by over 7 seconds! "After taking the lead Sean kept his head and
once he settled into his rhythm he pulled a big gap, a sign of true quality
under pressure, I was very impressed" explained team manager Dan Holland.
Junior
Max Team mate George Williams also shone, after some difficult heats and pre
final Williams made the most of a good start in the grand final and drove his
way to 4th position recording the 2nd fastest time of the race and just missing
out on the podium.
In 177 DHR drivers featured in numbers also and it was Tom Holland and Tom
Pyttlik that took up the challenge for victory. Despite both drivers crashing in
the pre final, they both re composed and drove an excellent Grand Final and
carried themselves into 2nd and 3rd positions by the flag.
Carl Churchill also claimed 6th position to complete the trophy haul.
In Minimax Ryan Morgan's hopes ended in a first corner crash, whereas team mate
James Walkington picked up the pieces and despite going off track at the start
recovered to a fine 8th place.
This left the DHR team with a collection of top positions demonstrating the
team's depth and quality in all classes.
"I'm overwhelmed with the team's performance and especially for Sean. It's a
fantastic result, to win a major title such as this is just great" commented
Dan.
The DHR team now undertakes a testing programme over the next 3 weeks in
preparation for the 6th Round of the Super 1 Championship at Shenington near
Banbury 28/29 August.
For further information on the DHR team and Alonso Kart chassis contact Dan
direct on 07960 047810 or email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk or visit our website
at
www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Charity Endurance Race (06/08)
RJ
Motorsport are organising a karting event in support of Help for Heroes on the
13th November 2010 at Whilton Mill kart track. We are looking for 20 teams with
5 drivers per team to compete in a 3 hour Endurance race, with 1 hour
practice/qualifying.
The entry/admin fee is £48.00 per driver, and in addition to this we are asking
that drivers raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship for the charity - we have
sponsorship forms available. Maybe you could approach your employer to
help support this cause?
On the day we have also set up a "Beat the Stig" event, where everyone can place
bids and the highest bid gets the chance to go out and see if they can beat the
lap time set by the Stig.
We also have companies who are very generously putting up goods for auction - it
will be a great day for charity. We are hoping to have drivers from the British
"Brit Car Championship" there too.
We are still working on other ideas for the day, so it is looking to be a great
day out for all the family to support a great cause.
If you or your company would like to donate goods for the auction or wish to
enter a team to help support this great cause please feel free to contact us via
email at
rj@rjmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Superkarts At Assen (05/08)
A
kart race before over 50,000 spectators? Only Superkarts can achieve such a feat
because they perform on automobile circuits capable of hosting as many
spectators.
A Mecca for motorcycle sport, the TT Circuit of Assen in the Netherlands
welcomes a vast crowd three or four times every year. The Moto Grand Prix and
the Superbike event are the most popular meetings, just ahead of the Rizla
Racing Day, which fills the grandstands of the circuit every year in August
thanks to a clever cocktail of motorbikes, single-seaters, cars… and Superkarts.
The 2010 edition of this prestigious meeting will take place on 6, 7 and 8
August. For Superkarts, Assen will be the second stage of a European tour
comprising three events. The first one was held in April in Great Britain on the
Silverstone circuit, and the third is scheduled for 24 October in France on the
Bugatti circuit at Le Mans.
Ideally programmed in midsummer and unanimously appreciated for its atmosphere,
the Assen event is the most popular of all Superkart races. It will gather no
fewer than 57 Drivers from XXX different countries, including the United States,
represented by Andy Kiker.
Last year, the Briton Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA) had proved the fastest man on
the track, achieving an outstanding pole-position in practice at the average
speed of 169.5 km/h and landing the first race with a comfortable lead. And as a
matter of fact this win had earned him the European Champion title.
This year again, Bennett is on top form. However, he will not arrive at Assen in
the lead of the Championship as at Silverstone he did not make the right choice
of tyres for Race 1, which was held on a partially damp track - at any rate
damper than he had thought. The provisional lead of the Championship
classification is occupied by the Frenchman Damien Payart (PVP-FPE), winner of
this Race 1 and 5th in Race 2.
Had his equipment not betrayed him in Silverstone's Race 1 (which he led until
his retirement) the Northern Irishman Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC) would have
come to Assen as leader since he landed the English Race 2. Despite his
retirement, Roberts occupies the provisional second place of the Championship
ahead of Bennett and of the Norwegian Erik Martin Gjertsen (PVP-PVP).
To match the four-some composed of Payart-Roberts-Bennett-Gjertsen, the best
placed should be Britain's Malcolm Crowe (Anderson-DEA), John Riley
(Anderson-FPE) and Carl Hulme (Anderson-FPE), the Germans Peter Elkmann (MS
Kart-VM) and Daniel Hentschel (Anderson-DEA), the Czech Adam Kout (MS Kart-VM)
and the Swedish revelation of Silverstone, Tony Ahlgren (PVP-PVP).
The Dutchmen Arjan Kievitsbosch (MS Kart-VM), Marcel Maasmann (MS Kart-VM), Roy
Panman (Anderson-FPE) and the female Driver of the field, Priscilla Spelman (MS
Kart-VM), will be very keen to pull it off in front of their public. On Saturday
7 August, the Superkarts will be twice on the track (at 11h00 and 16h40) for
their qualifying practice. On Sunday 8 August, their two races of 50 km each are
scheduled for 10h10 and 17h50.
The ongoing classifications of practice and the Assen races will be published in
real time via
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
LH Kartline + Crawford (04/08)
MBKC
Rotax 177 driver Lee Crawford got back to winning ways at the Gold Cup event
held at the Three Sisters race circuit. After a dip in form in the last couple
of race meetings Crawford made to the change to the LH kart made by the world
champion CRG factory.
After extensive testing by the LH Kartline UK team Crawford was immediately fast
straight of the box in testing, he also took pole position in timed qualifying
as well as winning all his heats and the main final to take the prestigious Gold
Cup. Crawford will now continue to pilot the LH kart at both Hooton Park and
Three Sisters meetings.
The LH Kartline UK team has opportunities available for the remainder of the
season at all Hooton Park, Three Sisters and Super One race meetings. Agents are
required for the Scottish, Northern and South East of England areas.
For all LH Kart enquires contact Nicky Taylor at LH Kartline UK on 07984 085252,
or email
anything@lhkartlineuk.com. Visit our website at
www.lhkartlineuk.com.
[ Top ]
TVKC To Trial Honda Cadet (04/08)
It
is with great pleasure that Trent Valley Kart Club invite all Honda cadet
drivers to take part at the Club's September race meeting.
The race meeting will take place on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th September at the
renowned PF International kart circuit in the heart of the Lincolnshire
countryside.
Depending on the success of this 'trial run', TVKC may consider introducing the
Honda Cadet class into the race programme for the 2011 season!
To help encourage as many Honda Cadet drivers as possible to enter this trial
run, TVKC are pleased to be able to offer half price membership and half price
race entry fees!
Further details, including more benefits and form downloads are available from
the Club's website
www.tvkc.co.uk.
We look forward to welcoming Honda Cadet to TVKC & PFi in a few weeks time!
[ Top ]
Hawksworth's Stunning Return (03/08)
Protrain
Racing driver Jack Hawksworth along with team mates Macaulay Walsh and
Alessandro Latif attended one of the biggest race meetings of the year the
Kartmasters Grand Prix Meeting.
Jack who made a return to the senior Rotax class has been racing in the KZ 1
class throughout Europe for the last 4 years after winning the junior max euro
crown in 2006. Jack showed his early pace in free practice and in timed
qualifying by qualifying second overall. With some extremely close racing
in the qualifying heats jack finished with a 2nd and 3rd place finish this was
enough to position him 2nd overall and on the front row of the grid for the
first final.
Jack was confident with the Gillard kart and set up after setting the fastest
lap in the final heat and setting the pace on Sunday morning warm up. The first
final was as close as the heats with the lead exchanging time after time with
Jack showing he had lost none of the race craft that has won him many races in
the past, took the win with a decisive move four laps from the end giving jack
pole position for the most important race of the weekend the grand final.
With the senior Rotax race being the last race of the day there was a long wait
and with dark clouds looming the anticipation was growing, when the time came
Jack was on top form and took the lead straight from the start. After getting
round the first few corners safely Jack set about widening the gap between
himself and the chasing pack who by this time were falling back. 20 laps
later and jack crossed the line over 2 seconds clear of the second place driver
a lights to flag victory.
Jacks Protrain team mates had slightly different finals with Alessandro Latif
sustaining some heavy crash damage on the first lap of the final however still
showing his determination and at one point battling his way into the top 20.
Macaulay Walsh starting from the back of the main final after a heavy crash in
the first final was the driver on the move in the main final eventually
finishing 14th from 31st on the starting grid.
With Jack also winning the driver of the meeting award it was the perfect
weekend for him. After the race jack commented "I can't believe I have done it
after last years disappointment this is the best way to return. I would just to
like to thank everyone who has helped me, Gary and everyone at Protrain for the
help and advice, Tim Gillard for supplying me with the kart and Steve and
everyone at Ogden's for the superb Engines and support"
For further information about the team or the range of Gillard Karts please
visit
www.karttraining.co.uk or call 01280 814774.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Rob Wallace GP Win (03/08)
18 year-old Rob Wallace from Tarporley, Cheshire scored his
first major win in his first year competing in Senior TKM Extreme last weekend,
winning the prestigious GP plate at PFI's Kartmasters meeting.
Rob, who is seeded no. 12 in Super 1 as a Junior, set fastest laps in both heats
on Saturday but only managed a grid position of 8th for the Grand Final.
However, his excellent pace, and managing to avoid some on track incidents, left
him in 2nd place chasing his Flex Motorsport team mate Ryan Cole.
Unfortunately Ryan had a mechanical failure which left Rob leading, but with
around a one-second gap to Jason Moore and Sam Brown, and still with more than
half the 15 minute final to run! He maintained the gap until the end of the race
to take the win.
Rob would like to thank everyone at Flex Motorsport for their support, advice
and encouragement.
[ Top ]
Hill Climbs & Sprints (03/08)
Following a number of requests from
karters, Hill Climb and Sprint Association (HSA) committee member Mr. Peter
Hubbard is investigating the level of interest in running karts up hills and
sprints next year. A kart class already exists in the Channel Isles and if
there's enough interest Peter intends to pursue the matter with the MSA and
others to try to obtain a special licence for the kart events to operate in
2011.
Further information can be found on the HSA website at
www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/default.asp and if
you are interested in possibly participating please e-mail:
karts@hillclimbandsprint.co.uk advising which
class of kart you run.
[ Top ]
Eclipse Take GP Glory (02/08)
The
Eclipse team along with drivers' Connor Jupp, Enamm Ahmed and Cory-Jay Coupe
returned to the PFi Circuit in Brandon for the prestigious British Kart Masters
event. A circuit that deprived them of 0 Plate glory a month earlier, the team
and its drivers where determined to make amends.
In free practise and qualifying the team was looking in good form with Jupp
taking second just 0.07 behind the pole sitter. Rookie driver Enaam taking a
very creditable 9th position which boded well for the race. With some action
packed racing the team and drivers did a fantastic job in achieving pole for the
pre-final, with Jupp eventually taking the flag in front of his rivals and
adding another 1st place trophy to FKS win a few weeks previous.
The Grand Final was almost a carbon copy of the first with all the top drivers
making up a 7 kart train. Jupp again took an early lead but looked to be in
danger from the chasing TJ Nelson. Jupp held on to the lead for much of the
gruelling 15 minute race until Kellett made his move with 3 minutes and 20
seconds to go, Jupp fell to 5th place this time and started his comeback as he
did in the previous final. Passing Vaughan, Nelson and the revived Tom Harvey,
Jupp got up behind James Kellett on hairpin two and made a dramatic last lap
wheel to wheel move up the inside going into the tight chicane, just scraping
past to take his biggest win of the year!
Connor's
Eclipse team mates also did not disappoint with both putting in sterling drives
and finishing 7th and 23rd respectively in their first Kart Grand Prix event.
Jupp said after the race, "In my head I was never going to lose this race, I
woke up feeling I was going to win and I never gave up not even with 3 laps to
go! It's a great feeling to battle with so much racing talent around me. I
would like to thank Boydy, Beanie and Dan of Eclipse for inspiring me to win and
work hard, John at Force, I would also like to thank all those people who came
up to me after the race and said well done, it was just an amazing day".
For more information on the team, and contact information please visit
www.eclipsemotorsport.com or contact James 07875
375777 or Dan on 07590 350298.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Kartmasters Fundraising (02/08)
We
would like to say a big smiley thank you to all at Kartmasters who gave so
generously for Epilepsy Research. We were overwhelmed by your willingness to
give!
A huge thank you to Nigel and Hannah Edwards and John Hoyle for helping with the
smooth running of the auctions. Their workload was already immense.
Thank you also to Mark and Anna Aston of AST Signs for their continual support,
the super posters, flyers and printing of clothing. The turnout at the Auction
was fantastic - thank you Mark Weyer for not being 'out bid', RL Racing Dept.
and all their competitors, families and mechanics for donating their highest
bid, to Rob and Debbie Collard for the donation of two VIP touring car tickets
to Snetterton or Silverstone, and well done Mr. Jupp on your successful bid.
Lastly a great big thank you to Cherelle for the idea, the organisation and on
choosing three brave and gorgeous girls to 'pull it off'. Thank you Cara, Alex
and Lorna you were fabulous.
You raised £1,941.00!
Thank you everyone once again, from David, Illona, Cherelle and last of all Drew
xx
[ Top ]
Help For Heroes (02/08)
Forest
Edge Kart Club's July race weekend, held in of Help For Heroes, was a fantastic
success.
Aside from some great racing, the club are pleased to announce an amazing
£10,789 was raised for this worthy charity.
Thanks go to everyone involved for making this another excellent event.
For more information on the club visit
www.fekc.co.uk. The
next meeting is 5th September.
[ Top ]
Oliver Enjoys S1
Success
(30/07)
Oliver
Hodgson is the latest KR-Sport driver to enjoy Super One success at the 5th
Round of the Rotax British Championship.
Oliver's 4th place and fastest lap in the first of two finals for the JNR Max
class set him up nicely for the main final. Oliver quickly moved up to second
place and chased down the race leader. With just two laps remaining, Oliver made
his move for the lead, and this would be the move that sealed the win for Oliver
and the team.
Oliver commented after the race, "I am very happy with this result, the team
have worked hard this weekend and I would like to thank everyone at KR-Sport,
John Davies of Force and Jonathan Stilp for their help."
Oliver's team mates Charlie Streather and Will Blackwell Chambers had mixed
weekends being caught up in some of the first lap tangles with Charlie who had
never been to Larkhall before battling back from 28th to 14th in the main final.
For information about KR-Sport visit
www.kr-sport.com or call
Ashley Orchard on 07921 225 680 or email
ash@kr-sport.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
KR-Sport Master Class (30/07)
TKM
double British Champions, KR-Sport, got the perfect result at the third round of
the TKM British Championship just four weeks after the team celebrated two final
victories at round two with David Eadon.
Round three, held at the Shenington race circuit near Banbury, was to provide
even more reason to celebrate with what team manager Ashley Orchard described as
a master class from start to finish.
By the last test session on Saturday before the first heat, KR-Sport drivers
topped the time sheets with Eadon, Bartlett and Lester displayed as top three
fastest. The heats provided what was expected with both Eadon and Bartlett
displaying solid results, Bartlett being fractionally quicker.
For the first final it was an all KR-Sport front row with James Bartlett on Pole
and David Eadon on P2. Bartlett was able to dominate the first final, closely
followed by Eadon who eventually fell to third in a close battle with Charlie
Bruce White. Final Two was quite different with team mates Bartlett and Eadon
working together they managed to pull out a large gap over the chasing pack who
watched as the KR-Sport duo strolled off into the distance with Bartlett
managing to pull a gap on Eadon in the closing stages.
Orchard
Commented "It was the perfect weekend for the team and I am very happy with the
result".
Both Drivers used the fantastic 2010 TonyKart prepared and supplied by KR-Sport.
For more information on the team, karts, and contact information please visit
www.kr-sport.com
or contact Ashley Orchard on 07921 225 680.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Storm & Revolution (29/07)
South-West
Storm kart agents Hobzie Motorsport and Revolution Racing engines would like to
congratulate the following competitors who raced at Dunkeswell last weekend.
In Rotax 177, using their Storm chassis and Revolution racing engines,
competitors Stewart Baker and Matt Isgrove won every race with fastest laps in
each between them to record a one-two finish in the final. Revolution engines
also powered their way to record 1st, 2nd, 3rd,4th & 5th positions in the final.
Senior Rotax saw the Storm chassis win again with fastest lap in the final. The
first heat saw a Storm chassis win with the top 3 all powered by Revolution
Racing engines. The second heat saw the Storm chassis win again with Revolution
power, and then fastest lap yet again in the third heat.
In Junior Rotax Revolution engines recorded 1st, 3rd and 4th and the fastest lap
with drivers Nick Arthur, Will Maslin and Tyler Weedon.
Hobzie Motorsport have just taken delivery of a new
batch of karts so why not join the winning formula? At nearly a third of the
money that most manufacturers charge for their karts, it seems silly not to!
Hobzie Motorsport & Revolution racing engines work
very closely together and are based next door to each other, so for a winning
chassis and proven power why not give us a call. In one trip we can supply
chassis, spares, consumables and any engine requirement you may have, as well as
Dyno testing.
For Storm chassis enquiries please contact Hobzie on 07909 520208, or email on
jhobzie@aol.com.
For Revolution Racing Engines please contact John Crookes on 01454 311588, or
visit our website
www.revolutionracingengines.co.uk
where you will also find our email address.
[ Top ]
The London Cup 2010 (29/07)
This
year's running of the popular London Cup event at Rye House Raceway will take
place on 18th & 19th September.
If the prestige of winning this year's premier event isn't enough, there is also
sponsorship prize money of £1000 for each class!
The London Cup has established itself as an event on the karting calendar that's
not to be missed, and 2010's event looks set to continue that tradition.
Remember, places in each class are limited, so ensure you get your entry in
early to secure your place. Previous events have seen classes
oversubscribed so leave it too late and you could miss out!
Download an entry form from the HKC website at
www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup/, where
you'll also find the regulations for the event.
[ Top ]
Adam Mackay Takes Double (28/07)
Adam
Mackay took a double victory at last weekend's Larkhall S1 round with Tooley
Motorsport.
Adam had managed to be one of the quickest all weekend, the spirits were high
for qualifying as he was quickest in official practice, he qualified 3rd overall
on the track but then got excluded for forgetting to hand the scrutineering card
in. Because of this he had to set off last in the heats, but amazingly finished
5th and 1st! He set off 6th in the first final and dropped back to 9th after a
first corner incident, but then drove up to first position and won his first
Super One final by 1 second. For the second final Adam, setting off from pole,
managed to lead this from start to finish winning by a margin of 2.84 seconds.
This moves Adam up to 7th in the Super 1 championship standings, and gives him a
chance of a top 4 finish with 2 rounds of the championship left. So the team
would like to say well done to Adam on both his wins, and would like to thank
John Davies for supplying the engines.
Team mate Dan Fazzone was also very quick during testing and he had managed to
qualify 7th over all.
With
a 5th and a 6th in both heats this put him 9th on the grid for the pre-final, he
had a bad start but managed to bring it back to 11th which was Dan's best super
1 finish, he then battled throughout the second final and managed to finish 16th
after being knocked off.
Team mate Keiron Bowness had his fare share of bad luck to, he had a 13th
position finish in heat 1 and a 16th in heat 2 , this meant coming through
from the B final with a brilliant 4th position , he then got in the
A final to finish 26th
In seniors James Hogg had his fare share of bad luck to he qualified 14th
in time qualifying ,then was involved in a incident in his second heat, this put
him in the B final in which he lost his nose cone as he was attempting a
move for 4th.
For more information Tooley Motorsport contact Andrew on 07851 228619, email
drewtooley16@yahoo.co.uk, or visit our website
at
www.tooleymotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
Alex Magee Returns (28/07)
This
weekend's (31 July/1 August) Kart Masters race sees Rotax Max front-runner Alex
Magee make a welcome return to competition after budget issues forced him onto
the sidelines.
For the event, Alex - who has just attracted the support of Lexus Coventry,
London Road - has been chosen to spearhead DR Racing Kart UK's challenge to lift
one of the most prestigious titles in British karting.
"Kart Masters is one of the highlights of the season," explains Steve Green,
Managing Director of DR Racing Kart UK. "Alex has raced at the top level and we
hope that the form he has shown in series such as the British Super 1
Championship can translate into a good, solid performance over the weekend."
Being selected to compete in the DR Racing colours is an accolade and hints at
Steve's faith in Alex's abilities. "Danilo Rossi is a five-time World Champion.
In 2008 he launched his own brand of karts and so, for Alex to effectively
compete under his name, is a big compliment. We hope that with his natural
talent, and the undoubted quality of the material at his disposal, will both
perform well and be rewarded with silverware on Sunday."
Tim
Huxley, Centre Principal of Lexus Coventry says, "At Lexus Coventry we
understand the importance of encouraging and supporting local talent and
therefore we are excited to be supporting Alex at this formative stage of his
bid to forge a career in top-flight motor racing. Everyone at Lexus Coventry is
really looking forward to cheering him on and who knows, perhaps toasting his
success on Sunday."
Alex is clearly looking forward to the challenge, "It is incredibly exciting to
have two great brands come together to give me an opportunity at such an
important event. Steve Green has asked me to go out there and demonstrate what a
great bit of kit the DR Racing Kart is. It would be fantastic to give them and
Lexus Coventry the best possible reward on Sunday for their partnership with me.
I promise I will be giving it my all."
The event starts on Friday with free practice followed by timed qualifying. The
preliminary heats will take place on Saturday with the all-important finals
running on Sunday in front of Motors TV's cameras.
You can keep up to speed with Alex and his racing career by going to
www.alexmagee.com
and to find out more about Lexus Coventry, visit
www.lexus.co.uk/Coventry, or call 024 76 518
100.
[ Top ]
MSA Congratulates Dennis (27/07)
British
karter Jake Dennis sent a clear message to his rivals by claiming victory in the
first round of the new CIK-FIA U18 World Karting Championship at Wackersdorf,
Germany this weekend.
Racing Steps Foundation-backed Dennis - who is currently leading the MSA British
Junior Kart Championship - beat a talented field of more than 60 international
competitors to secure maximum points on the first event of the three-round
championship.
Dennis, 15 from Leicestershire, said: "The race at Wackersdorf was one of the
biggest of the year, so it felt incredible to win and is definitely one of my
greatest achievements in karting so far. I was confident heading into the race
because I knew I would be quick and I had plenty of experience from the MSA
British Junior Kart Championship to rely on."
Also in action at Wackersdorf was Roy Johnson, who has been nominated by the MSA
to represent the UK in the new CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. Johnson, the 2008
MSA British Cadet Kart Champion, secured a pair of fourth place finishes at this
first meeting and heads to the next round in a promising fourth place overall.
MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: "Both Jake and Roy have made impressive
starts to these new championships and we wish them, and the other British
drivers taking part, every success in the remaining rounds."
Both the U18 World Karting Championship and the Karting Academy Trophy continue
at Alcaniz, Spain on August 27-29 before concluding at Val d'Argenton, France on
October 1-3.
[ Top ]
Parry Feels The Heat (26/07)
Matthew
Parry made the step up to the Senior Rotax class at round three of the RGMMC
Euro Challenge at Speedworld in Austria, and emerged with credit after battling
extreme temperatures throughout the weekend.
Having completed his GCSE examinations, the 15-year old - currently leading the
Super 1 Series Junior Rotax standings in the UK - rejoined the international
scene in order to preserve his junior status - and Super 1 title challenge - at
home, but then had to contend with the stronger field and technical differences
of the Euro Challenge, including an introduction to front brakes and Mojo tyres.
Despite temperatures rising high enough to risk cancellation of Wednesday's
practice sessions, Parry showed that he was capable of running with the leading
contenders in practice, only for a misaligned sprocket to leave him outside the
top 40 in qualifying.
Undaunted and, drawing on the experience gained from finishing fourth overall -
and leading rookie - in last year's European Junior Rotax competition, he
produced sufficiently strong results to ensure that he avoided the repecharge
and qualified directly for the finals, lining up 26th for the Pre-Final.
Parry's progress continued in the race, as he moved up to 15th by the chequered
flag, securing a place on row eight for the main event which, despite its
position on the timetable, would also be dominated by baking temperatures.
Parry made a good start to immediately gain positions but, although he ran as
high as ninth at one point, the competitive field continued to change
throughout, and the Briton eventually found himself shuffled back to his
original 15th position by the finish.
"I'm disappointed that I couldn't do better than 15th," Parry admitted, "but
those around me insist that it was a good result, and I'm confident that we
could get a better result if we returned to the Euro Challenge. I am considering
whether to do round four at Genk, although my main focus remains the Super 1
Series at home and winning the title there."
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Honda Prokart Festival (26/07)
The entry list is open for the Honda
Prokart Festival, a unique racing event with 14 hours of unrivalled
value-for-money endurance kart racing, being held at Clay Pigeon - one of the
south's premiere circuits.
The racing is to include the 2.5hr Iron Man, 4hr endurance race, 6 hr endurance
race, and the famed Devil Takes The Hindmost!
Further informaition, entry forms and SR's can be found on the ekc web site at
www.ekcendurance.co.uk, or email
info@ekcendurance.co.uk, or call Clay Pigeon
Raceway on 01935 83713.
[ Top ]
Dennis' World Champs Win (26/07)
The
CIK-FIA "U18" World Championship which got off the ground this week-end on the
German circuit "Prokart Raceland" at Wackersdorf has by and large reached all
expectations. The drivers, all below 18 years of age, have produced a
magnificient spectacle throughout the whole week-end and have proved that this
formula - based on minimum cost and a level-playing field for all entrants - has
an exciting future.
After the qualifying practices and heats, the 34 drivers who qualified for the
Final phase contested 2 prefinals, of which the second one, for the first time
in a CIK-FIA World Championship, had a totally reversed grid. After these two
races, it was the Austrian Julian Wagner (Mach 1) who gained pole position. But
all the drivers knew perfectly well that only the Final would count for
Championship points in this new "Under 18" World Championship.
First
in front, the Finn Matias Köykkä (Maranello) gave up the lead to Simone Favaro
(Parolin). But the Italian was excluded after several laps for having caused an
avoidable accident at the start. So, the young British driver Jake Dennis (Top
Kart) inherited the lead and never looked back. Coached by former World Champion
Terry Fullerton (1973) and supported by Racing Steps Foundation, which helps
talented young drivers with limited finances, the Englishman confirmed the faith
placed in him. "It's a great feeling to be leading a World Championship
standing", acknowledged Jake. "This concept in which you put talent first is
really good. As a result, I'm so happy to be the winner."
Runner-up in the Final, Finland's Mattias Köykkä was also upbeat. "It's
difficult to find big sponsors in Finland", he explained. "So, a World
Championship with limited cost like this one is a really excellent opportunity
to grasp." The Finnish challenge was even more successful with 3rd place going
to Teemu Suninen (Maranello). Other drivers catching the eye in the top 5
included Irishman John Norris (Intrepid) and yet another Finn, Ville Mäntylä
(Energy), but also notable was 4 different chassis makes in the top 5 finishers.
Sixth placed Vincent Fraisse (Intrepid) finished in front of Julian Wagner (Mach
1), Spaniard Victor Colome (Intrepid), Northern-Irishman Adam Strirling
(Intrepid) and Austrian Stefan Riener (Intrepid).
Supporting
the "U18" World Championship, the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy tracked 32 drivers all
of different nationalities, and all representing their own national federation.
As a result, we had drivers from 4 different continents but it was the European
who were always the front-runners. In this competition where all the drivers
were provided with identical Parolin chassis and FIM motors, it really was only
the talent of the driver which made the difference.
In this context, French lad Antoine Hubert made a great impression by winning
two close races. Selected by the French Fedération at the end of a two-day
selection process, Antoine twice finished in front of the Estonian Hans Villemi
who had the fastest time in the qualifying practice in the rain. Third in the
first race, the driver from Monaco Charles Leclerc fell away as a result of a
technical problem during the second race. This was to the advantage of Finland's
Niklas Tiihonen, on the podium for the second race and helped in the
championship standings. Finishing 4th twice, English lad Roy Johnson was always
in the thick of the action and will be a serious contender at the end of August
during the next round. The same applies to the Dutchman Max Koebolt, Charles
Leclerc, currently 6th in the championship, German Michael Waldherr, the Swede
Hannes Nillsson, the driver from Luxemburg Olivier Thill and Russian Vsevolod
Gagen who completed the top 10 after the two races in Germany.
The next round is scheduled for the Spanish circuit at Alcaniz from 27th to 29th
of August, before the final round at Val d'Argenteon, in France (1st to 3rd of
October). We already have a taste of things to come in these two passionately
fought competitions.
Further information, pictures and results are available at
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/wackersdorf_u18.htm.
[ Top ]
U18's Prepare In Wackersdorf (23/07)
The
contestants in the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship and the CIK-FIA
Academy Trophy are getting closer by the hour to the start of their first world
event. This Thursday, they have taken their places in the Wackersdorf paddock, a
little under 100 kilometres east of Nuremberg, where this week-end the first of
three races in these competitions are taking place.
Administrative controls, allocation of paddock spaces, finding their places in
their teams... Under a sweltering heat, which should give way to light rain from
Friday, the drivers have taken in their settling-in in their stride. For those
who didn't take part in the test-day at Ostricourt at the beginning of July,
this was also the time for them to receive the various components of their kart
to be set up to suit the driver.
In the paddock, one of the main subjects of conversation was... the lay-out of
the paddock. In accordance with the wishes of CIK-FIA, all the drivers are
allocated places according to a strictly equal size and spacing with the tents
of the same dimensions for everybody without any barrier. The consequence is
that there will be a guaranteed conviviality which competitions at the highest
level often lack. "It's really a very good change", reflected Albino Parolin,
the boss of the marque of the same name which provides - free of charge - the
WKE engines for all of the competitors in the U18 World Championship and the
complete kart package in the Academy Trophy. "Karting is not Formula 1. We have
to get the message over to people that karting can be undertaken quite
simplistically."
It was the same reaction on the part of American Andrick Zeen, driver in the U18
World Championship. "It's different to the normal paddock, but it's very good.
This open aspect is much more fun. In any case, I'm impatient to make a start
and I hope to prove myself with the best."
Arriving straight from their Johannesburg home, young Michael Taylor and his
father were immensely impressed. "This is magnificent for a paddock", explained
the South-African representative in the Academy Trophy. "The personalised tents
with the name of each driver, the same set up for everybody... We arrived from
South-Africa with only our suitcase, nothing else. We have limited resources
but here we are going to be able to race other drivers on an even footing, with
exactly the same equipment. It's great to see 34 young drivers coming from so
many different countries and most of them taking part in their first
international competition. It's exciting to see who is going to be the
quickest."
The anxious young drivers will have their first indication of how good they are
in each of the free practice sessions which take place on Friday afternoon.
Prior to that, the drivers will be taking part in a educational program called
"EduKart", based on the idea of an apprenticeship which teaches the rules and
regulations, the spirit of fair-play, a history of karting, doping controls,
etc. But the first crucial moment will be on Saturday morning at 11.25 with the
qualifying practices. But we are not there just yet...
More information and live timing are available at
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/wackersdorf_u18.htm
[ Top ]
Chris Hart Trophy
Winners
(23/07)
Congratulations to Simon Vercoe and
Sam Webster for winning the Chris Hart and Robert Bailey Memorial Trophies in
the TKM classes at the recent meeting at Clay Pigeon in Dorset.
The Senior Extreme and Junior TKM classes provided some spectacularly close and
exciting racing throughout the day and both drivers had to be on top form to
take away the two prestigious trophies.
Of course the other big winner on the day was Cancer Research UK, with many
generous sponsors and donations (including Simon Vercoe's and other driver's
prize monies), adding up to create a significant sum for the charity.
Monies are still being collected and the final figure will be announced at the
cheque presentation.
Many thanks to all involved in creating such a competitive and extremely good
natured event for such a worthy cause.
[ Top ]
CIK-FIA U18 World Champs (22/07)
International
Karting is getting ready for a big first with the launching of the new CIK-FIA
"U18" World Championship this coming weekend in Germany. Open to 15 to 18
year-old Drivers, this competition bears a strong resemblance to the Moto2
category introduced this season by the FIM, the International Motorcycle
Federation. With similar aims - cost reduction and promotion of the Drivers
thanks to equal opportunities - the formula is almost identical, at least in
spirit: single-make tyres and engines for everyone, allocated by drawing lots.
In Karting, Dunlop and Parolin go as far as placing their products at the
disposal of all the Drivers on a free basis! Budgets have consequently been
revised... downwards, to the extent of being four to five times less than those
required in the other major championships!
In order to reach such a marked cost reduction, the CIK-FIA has also reduced the
format of events to three days, limited the quantity of equipment (1 chassis & 1
engine per Driver) and frozen evolutions of chassis and accessories. A total of
70 Drivers have entered and represent no fewer than 24 nations.
Contrary to most other Karting World Championships, more often than not held
over one single event, the "U18" World Championship will comprise three rounds:
Wackersdorf in Germany on 25 July, Alcañiz in Spain on 29 August and Val
d'Argenton in France on 3 October. At each event, the programme will be
reinforced by an Academy Trophy for 13 to 15 year-old youngsters. This Trophy
has the following double distinctive feature: on the one hand, all the Drivers
will receive their ready-to-use Parolin-FIM kart free of charge at each race; in
addition, with as many nationalities as karts at the start (one Driver per
country, selected by his Federation), the competition will somewhat look like a
Nations' Cup, with a fine representation of Asian, European, African and South
American countries.
As a supplement to the Drivers' performance on the track, a groundbreaking
educational programme, called Edukart, will be an integral part of the menu
served within the framework of these CIK-FIA "U18" World Championship and
Academy Trophy. Edukart, which is presented as a quiz composed of questions and
multiple-choice answers, aims at making young Drivers aware of issues related to
safety, the environment and fair play, as well as the history of Karting and
knowledge of the regulations.
Let us also point out that these two new Karting competitions will be the first,
at the international level, to use a second-generation "E10" type bio-fuel.
More information on:
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/wackersdorf_u18.htm
[ Top ]
Buckmore Open Practice (22/07)
Although
there is no race meeting in August we are holding two additional Open Practice
dates that I thought you would like to be made aware of.
The first is on Tuesday 3rd of August from 10am-4pm
The second is on Thursday 19th of August from 10am-4pm
The cost is £45 for BPKC Members and £50 for non members
As usual, all karts must comply with MSA regulations, as must all drivers safety
wear. In the interests of safety the day may be run in sessions.
For more information on Buckmore Park visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
RL Racing Dept (22/07)
RL
Racing Dept will travel to Larkhall this weekend for round 5 of the Rotax Max
Super One Series with one aim in mind - victory.
With Mini Max protagonists Shaun Arnold, Harry Campey, Oliver Skingley, Harry
Webb & Josh White in the fray and in the senior ranks, Jake Ball (senior max)
and Justin Edgar (177), the racing department will be looking for huge results
to put their title challenges back on track.
The previous round at the infamous Buckmore Park circuit in Kent proved a
difficult meeting for the Suffolk based team with only two of the team drivers
making the top 10 in their class with Shaun Arnold making an absolutely fabulous
drive from a lowly grid in the repercharge to 8th in the main final and Justin
Edgar coming in 4th at the flag . All other RL pilotes having issues, generally
of the crashing kind!
With Webb and Ball being in the sharp end of each of the Mini Max and Senior Max
title races it's important that they make this weekends points count.
The club meeting this past weekend was used as a shakedown for the team drivers
at Larkhall, with all drivers gaining valuable data ready for the s1 round, all
drivers running strong and confident of good speed ready for the race.
Watch this space for results from Larkhall S1...
For more info on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range contact Steve Armstrong
on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. Visit
our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
AMT Racing Team (22/07)
Ashley
Todd's AMT Racing Team - with its two drivers, Tom Joyner and Matthew Graham -
delivered a remarkable performance against the might of the works teams at the
recent (8/11 July) European KF and KF3 Championships at Genk.
The small, close-knit outfit had Tom Joyner as their sole representative in the
KF2 category, and despite competing in only his third race of the season, he was
in superb form.
"Prior to Genk, Tom had only raced in two events - an ABKC Winter Series round
and the European Championship Qualifier at PFi," explained Ashley.
"In Belgium he was 11th-fastest in timed qualifying; was 3rd twice, took a 5th
and 22nd in the heats to put himself 12th overall in the intermediate rankings.
In the pre-final he dropped to 15th on the opening lap, but drove a great race
to finish 5th."
A difficult start in the main final saw Tom shuffled down to the 11th in the
first corner, but he quickly began to make up ground and eventually guided the
new Gillard 010b v2s chassis up to an excellent 4th place.
In the junior category, Matthew Graham was making his international debut and
acquitted himself superbly. Taking on 81 fellow drivers, Matthew came through
the preliminaries to confidently make the cut for the two finals.
Starting
from 21st on the grid, he carved his way his up the order to take the chequered
flag in 8th place. Unfortunately, an opening lap crash left him at the tail of
the field. Undeterred, the 2009 British WTP Cadet Champion powered his way from
32nd to a creditable 16th at the finish - and in so doing, qualified for the
World Cup to be held at Braga in Portugal in September (9-12).
"Matthew showed an incredible level of maturity and heart. After being pushed to
last place, some drivers would give up, but it inspired the opposite reaction in
Matt. It is frustrating to think what might have been had he not been embroiled
in that first corner accident, but if you'd told me beforehand that he'd finish
inside the top twenty first time out in Europe and at this level, I'm not sure
I'd have believed you. He was brilliant," said a delighted Todd.
The team is now preparing for Kart Masters (29 July/31 August) and the British
Super 1 championship's visit to Glan Y Gors in North Wales on 7/8 August, where
Matthew will be joined by Super KF star, Jonathan Walker.
AMT Racing Team welcomes enquiries from prospective drivers and currently has a
limited number of spaces for Kart Masters, the remainder of this year's Super 1
season and selected international races. A small, friendly awning offers the
benefit of plenty of one-to-one attention and the presence of the hugely
respected and experienced Alan 'Big Al' McKay. Please call Ashley Todd on +44
7711 740 077 (9am - 5pm, weekdays only) or e-mail
amtmotorsport@yahoo.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Duo Dominate (22/07)
Strawberry
Racing took a significant step towards retaining the Junior Euro Max crown it
won in 2009, after Jack Barlow and Joel Affolter locked out the top two steps of
the podium in Austria last weekend (17/18 July).
The Speedworld circuit at Bruck, near Vienna hosted the penultimate round of the
series and saw the English and Dutch drivers win four of the six heats. In the
pre-final, Jack came through from grid eight to finish second, with Joel opting
for a strong points finish in 3rd.
World number one Ukyo Sasahara initially led the main final, but a superbly
timed and taken manoeuvre by the Strawberry pair saw them seize the advantage.
Showing great maturity, Affolter wisely gave Barlow room when the latter
attacked for the lead and then followed him home. It was Jack's first victory in
Europe and has set up an exciting, if nerve-wracking, finale at Genk in
September.
"Jack was fast from the moment he got there (Speedworld)," said team manager
Warwick Ringham. "I privately predicted that we'd finish 1st and 2nd in the run
up to Sunday, but didn't know which way round. Joel was clever, he didn't need
to battle with Jack and thought 'It's good for Jack to win and for me to finish
2nd'. It was a win - win situation for both of them. They didn't take each other
off trying to win, so were both very bright in doing that."
In
the senior class, Rotax Winter Cup champion James Greenway returned to the
podium with a fine performance in the main final to seal 3rd place. His
team-mate Tom Fawcett survived a huge 'moment' in the pre-final to fight his way
up the order and finish 8th in the feature race.
"A large rock became trapped in his throttle cable and jammed it wide open,"
Warwick explained. "He speared off the circuit, but managed to dislodge it and
finish the pre-final."
He added, "It was a tale of woe for the other boys really. Barrie (Pullinger)
got a good start but got caught up in a massive crash in the chicane during the
opening lap. That effectively put-paid to his chances and he ended up 16th,
whilst Mats (van den Brand) had a very big accident. He went into the barrier so
hard and, had he not hit a metal fencing pole, he would've ended up in another
team's awning. Mats completely wrote his kart off. All of them were good enough
to be in the top six, but on this occasion only James made it onto the podium."
Just days after returning to its Sheffield base, the team now heads to Larkhall
in Scotland for this weekend's (24/25 July) 5th round of the British Super 1
Rotax series. "We'll just have to see what happens," Warwick says. "For the lads
who raced in Austria, it'll probably take about half a day to re-adjust to the
lower grip levels, lack of front brakes (on the senior karts) and shorter laps.
Jack (Barlow) is on a roll right now and he desperately wants to add Super 1
victories to his FKS and Euro Max wins. Jack Marshall is 4th overall, and
despite a lack of testing Shaun Pirie is batting away in 8th place. Tom leads
the senior title race and will be hungry to get back to winning ways. Ren
Nagabuchi continues to learn and improve and I suspect he'll enjoy Larkhall
because it's grippier than many of the other tracks he's raced on in the UK.
Every time he gets into the kart, Barrie improves and it would be fantastic to
see all his hard work translate into a great result for him in Scotland."
Warwick says that Mini Max title protagonist George Russell will "definitely be
one to watch" after successful tests at Larkhall and Shenington. "We've found
some more speed in the equipment, and consequently I'm expecting him to be quite
good throughout the weekend. If we've got it right, he'll be fighting up the
front come Sunday."
Strawberry Racing uses the Tony Kart EVR chassis and Ogden Motorsport-prepared
engines. For more information about the team, Tony Kart and OTK products please
visit
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Details about
Ogden Motorsport-prepared engines can be found at
www.ogdenracing.com.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress.
[ Top ]
Barlow Wins In Austria (21/07)
The
Euro Max Challenge is set to go down to the wire, after Jack Barlow triumphed in
yesterday's (18 July) penultimate round at the appropriately named Speedworld
circuit at Bruck, near Vienna.
The Strawberry Racing star was in strong form throughout the event and signalled
his intent with 3rd place in timed qualifying (out of 47 participants). In the
following three heats, he took a brace of wins - but was given a contentious
time penalty in his second race - after he was adjudged to have been a little
too robust with a passing manoeuvre - and classified in 17th position.
In the intermediate rankings, his combined scores from his heat finishes put him
8th overall, securing a fourth row place on the grid for Sunday's pre-final.
In baking conditions, Barlow kept a cool head to deliver a sensible and mature
performance. He worked his way up the order and took the chequered flag in 2nd
place behind reigning World Champion, Japan's Ukyo Sasahara and ahead of his
team-mate, Dutchman Joel Affolter.
Although he had the advantage of being on the front-row for the main final, Jack
still had to contend with being on the outside line for the first corner. As the
34-strong field charged into it, he couldn't find a gap in the traffic to come
from the left-hand side of the circuit to the right and onto the racing line. He
lost several places, but avoided being forced off the track. As the race settled
and found its rhythm, the Freem UK-supported driver deftly picked his way back
up the order until he had caught Affolter, with Sasahara just ahead. Together
the pair bridged the gap, causing Sasahara to anxiously look over his shoulder.
At this point the Strawberry duo attacked and managed to dive down the inside,
moving the diminutive Japanese off line and allowing three other karts past.
With Joel leading, Jack followed him for a lap, picked his passing spot and then
went for the lead. Once ahead, he began to ease away and seal matters. As the
chequered flag was ready, Jack became aware of the mounting excitement amongst
the spectators.
"The team was going mad and I could hear my mum, dad and sister screaming in the
grandstand. Joel's 2nd place made it a one-two for the team and he was happy to
secure some good points. He has to be the favourite to win the title, but if I
do well again, well, you never know. However, finishing 2nd or 3rd in my debut
year in this class and championship would be great and would take me to the
World Final (at Muro Leccese, Southern Italy in November)."
Jack returns to the competitive fray this weekend (24/25 July), in the British
Super 1 championship at Larkhall, Scotland. He says, "I'm going to try and do it
again. I'm more confident after last weekend's result and I can't wait for
Larkhall."
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress.
[ Top ]
Brilliant Brand Takes Victory (21/07)
Ed
Brand became the third driver in as many races to stand on the top step of the
Euro Max Challenge podium after winning last weekend's (17/18 July) latest round
at the appropriately named Speedworld circuit at Bruck, near Vienna.
Racing with the Hungarian Kalman Motorsport team, Ed began his weekend brightly
by recording the 3rd-fastest lap (out of 72 competitors) during timed
qualifying. From there, he won two of his three preliminary heats and was 2nd in
the other - giving him pole position for the first of Sunday's two finals.
In a tense race, the Freem UK-backed driver was able to maintain the upper hand
over Holland's Joey Van Splunteren, beating him to the chequered flag by barely
two tenths of a second.
In the main final, he again led the field away from P1 on the grid, and having
shaken off the early attentions of Van Splunteren, was able to pull away and
seal a historic double - crossing the finishing line with daylight between him
and his pursuers.
"I'm delighted to win in my first year in the senior category," Ed said. "The
level of opposition is very high and the racing incredibly hard, especially in
the hot conditions (it was 40 degrees in the shade).
It is also testimony to the hard work of my team that they could give me a kart
capable of winning after my crash on Thursday. During testing something went
wrong and the kart went straight over the gravel trap and smashed into the
safety barrier. I went in so hard I actually broke the barrier. I also scratched
the paintwork on my new Arai crash helmet, so I was a bit miffed."
With just one round remaining, Ed is hoping to be able to finish inside the top
three of the championship and thus qualify for November's World Finals, held
this year at Muro Leccese in Puglia, Southern Italy.
In the interim, with barely any time to savour his Austrian success, he will now
travel up to Lanarkshire to prepare for this weekend's (24/25 July) fifth round
of the British Super 1 championship. The following week he will contest the
annual Kart Masters event, often referred to as the 'British Grand Prix of
Karting' (30 July/1 August).
Keep up to speed with Ed's racing career by visiting
www.edbrandracing.net.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis/KartXpress.
[ Top ]
Kart Scrappage Scheme (20/07)
CRG
UK are pleased to announce the extension of their Kart Exchange scrappage
scheme. They are offering up to £1000 for your old race kart in part exchange
for a 2010 Dark Knight or kt1 rolling chassis, meaning you can own a
championship winning world class kart for only £1600 plus vat. This offer can't
continue indefinitely so take advantage of it while you can.
For further information call Mark Collings on 07967159199 or email enquiries@kartcrg.co.uk.
CRG UK also offer a full range of CRG kart parts, clothing & accessories through
their website at www.kartcrg.co.uk with
most parts in stock & available for fast dispatch. If you need anything CRG from
complete karts to wheel hubs & brake components, chances are you can get it from
CRG UK at a great price.
If you run a CRG chassis contact them by phone 07967 159199,
email
or visit the
website to find the parts you need.
With over 25 years experience in motorsport distribution you can trust CRG UK.
[ Top ]
Scott & RL Take Podium (19/07)
RL
Racing Dept's Harrison Scott climbed to an amazing 3rd place in the main final
of the CIK-FIA European KF3 Championship at Genk in Belgium just over a week
ago, after a difficult timed qualifying and heats schedule. The Essex youngster,
in his first year in KF3 but his second year under the direct supervision of RL
Racing Dept's team principle, Steve Armstrong, performed fantastically in the
finals and took a well deserved podium at the finish. Harrison had to overcome
gremlins in timed qualifying, with a major engine temperature issue, leaving him
63rd after TQ with a grid slot of P26 for all of his four heats.
The team knew a good performance was imperative in each of the four races ahead
to even get Harrison into the finals at all, and the team and Harrison didn't
disappoint with two 15ths, a 19th and an 11th, lapping within 2 tenths of the
leaders even when overtaking up to 14 drivers per heat. These finishes gave the
Boreham lad P30 for the pre-final, knowing he would be starting on a level
playing field once again on a new set of tyres, as was everyone else, but Scott
knew he had good pace on his new tyre runs from the data gained in the practice
sessions.
An outrageous drive from P30 left Harrison 7th at the flag! Some of the
overtaking was quoted as 'breath taking' and sometimes lapping over 3 tenths
faster than the top 3. The team and Scott were left wondering what could be
achieved in the main final, in his bid to take the European title...
The main final, similar to the first, was exciting to the end with Scott quickly
despatching every one apart from his UK counterpart Alexander Albon who had
already built a healthy lead during the time it took 'H' to get through to 2nd.
He ran 2nd for over 14 laps with close attention from firstly Peter Hoevenaars
who fell away and then Pierre Gasly - both front runners of the WSK Euro Series.
Gasly managed to finally break Scott, making a late lunge at turn 1 stick, and
that's how they finished at the flag.
Although
team and driver were slightly disappointed at not being able to challenge Albon
for the win, this was a victory in itself for a talented young driver so
inexperienced at this level, and a multiple European and British championship
Rotax team flexing their muscle in the KF ranks in the UK and now in European
competition.
A
big, big thanks go to Gordon, Dougie and Kevin at GFR Engines for fantastic
support and service of the GFR tuned TM engines used by Harrison at this race
and many more.
The team and 'H' now look forward to the KF3 World Cup at Braga in Portugal and
2 more Super One rounds beforehand in the UK.
Steve Armstrong would like to say a big well done to Harrison and family for
this major result, it is testament to their dedication and resolve whilst
competing in this class and these competitions.
Steve would also like to thank Warwick Ringham and Paul Spencer of Strawberry
Racing and the Tonykart Junior racing Team for all of their support over the
last 3 years with the Tonykart product used by all the RL team drivers.
For more info on the Racing Dept and the Tonykart range contact Steve Armstrong
on +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. Visit
our website at
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
BDKC Forthcoming Events (19/07)
Beccles
kart club next MSA meeting will be held on Saturday 24th July for practice
followed by Sunday 25th July race meeting. All classes are welcome.
Plus the following forthcoming events...
21st August - Non MSA all classes welcome.
Long weekend racing and testing before Formula Kart Stars:
Saturday 28th August - Practice
Sunday 29th August - MSA race day
Monday 30th August - Open testing
Tuesday 31st August - Open testing
For more information or to enter, contact 01502 717718, email
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, or visit our
website at
www.beccleskartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Race Director Required (19/07)
Ellough
Park raceway in Suffolk is looking for an additional "Race Director" for their
busy circuit looking after their corporate customers. The person needs to be
able to give safety briefings and control events on the circuit. Ideally will
have previous experience in corporate karting a knowledge of supersport timing
software and some racing experience and mechanical knowledge on karts would be
an advantage. It will involve some evening's and weekends on a shift system with
other staff. Training will be given.
Please send CV to:
Richard Lock
Ellough Park Raceway
Benacre Road
beccles
Suffolk
NR34 7XD
[ Top ]
British Long Circuit Champs (19/07)
James
O'Reilly, Paul Platt and Sam Moss shared the top step of the podium during round
four of the MSA British Superkart Championship at Cadwell Park.
Reigning title holder O'Reilly headed race one from the first turn onwards, with
title rival and 2008 champion Jason Dredge just two seconds in arrears at the
finish. O'Reilly then led early on in the second battle but slipped to an
eventual third place behind Moss and race victor Platt.
Platt appeared to be on course for his second win of the weekend in race three
but suffered a cruel retirement on the final tour. Moss thus inherited the lead
and duly took the chequered flag ahead of Adam Underhill and Dan Clarke.
Results - Race One:
1 James O`Reilly, 10m07.32s / 90.17 mph
2 Jason Dredge + 2.52
3 Adam Underhill + 14.10
Results - Race Two:
1 Paul Platt, 10:08.63 / 89.97 mph
2 Sam Moss +3.56
3 James O`Reilly +6.72
Results - Race Three:
1 Sam Moss, 10:09.67 / 89.82 mph
2 Adam Underhill +8.723
3 Dan Clarke +13.84
[ Top ]
Thrill At
The Mill
(16/07)
This
weekend sees the beginning of a crucial phase for the 2010 Easykart UK
championship - although everything is still very much to play for. Not least, is
the opportunity to book a place at October's World Finals - held this year at
Castelletto, near Milan. Thanks to the enormous success of the UK series, it is
believed that Birel will invite more British drivers to race in this year's
event.
"We have unconfirmed reports that suggest the top seven drivers will have the
opportunity to go to Italy," says the championship's promoter John Vigor.
"Naturally the winners of the Cadet, Junior, Light and Heavy classes will go
completely free, whilst the remaining five runners-up in their respective
categories will be given the opportunity to enter for Castelletto. We also
understand that a wildcard entry for each of the E Plate champions is being
considered."
If this is corroborated by the Italian giants, it will certainly add extra
impetus and a new level of excitement to the latter part of the domestic
championship.
Cadet:
Tom Thickpenny is tied at the top of the table with Ronan McKenzie, whilst
third-placed William Stowell is closing in on the lead duo after a faltering
start to his season. Behind him is a gaggle of five drivers separated by just a
handful of points; Jack Vallance, Zack Nickson, Kyle Forgie, Kieran Wragg and
Jenson Murchison. The championship welcomes Ross Gunn who, despite making his
Easykart debut this Sunday, is an experienced and accomplished Cadet driver with
a string of titles under his belt and could well be the big surprise of the
meeting.
Junior:
It may be far too early to suggest that this year's Junior championship is
between just two drivers but James DeHavillande and Thomas Grainger are the only
competitors in this class to yield over five hundred points. Toby Sowery is
their closest rival on 492. James Lay desperately wants to win his first trophy
of the season and it would be unwise to bet against him achieving that this
weekend. Other drivers to watch are Luca Hirst and AJ Morris. Both are quick and
Morris is especially, long overdue a big result.
Light:
Reigning E Plate holder Elliot Rice continues to lead the way but has yet to
stand on top of the podium this year. That could change come Sunday, although
Patrick Lay and Kieran McCullough will be doing everything they can to prevent
this from happening. 2009 Junior champion Lay has taken two wins, but
subsequently dropped the advantage after each victory. McCullough won
convincingly in the wet at Llandow last month and will undoubtedly be a
front-runner at Whilton, whilst Joe Paterson, Sam Dimelow and Owen Jenman can
also be expected to feature.
Heavy: Mechanical gremlins in Wales put-paid to Barnaby Pittingale's chances of
making it four wins from four starts. His misfortune played into the hands of
Mark Lawrence whose subsequent triumph saw him peg the gap to Pittingale. Tim
Hill's second runner-up finish of the season kept him in touch with Pittingale
and Lawrence but the notorious bumps and harsh kerbs could play havoc with his
ribs. If Hill suffers, a host of drivers could step into the limelight. Firas
Bilbeisi could and should figure, while Gary Poynter will want to bounce back
from a dreadful last race. Like his compatriot Lawrence, Jack Bruce could well
head back to Scotland on Sunday night with a trophy on the passenger seat of his
car. The KKC shop, located near the circuit entrance, will be represented by its
very own Nick Moss and Club 100 regulars will be keen to see how current Heavy
Sprint number one, Michael Roots fares on his debut.
The action starts from 10:00am on Sunday at Whilton Mill, Whilton Locks, near
Daventry. For more information, visit
www.easykart.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Stuart Hudman.
[ Top ]
Kartpartsuk Update (16/07)
Kartpartsuk
would like to thank all of their customers for helping them to become one of the
largest and most respected kart and accessories retailers in the country. They
have one of the largest product ranges which caters for all classes buying many
of their products direct from the manufacture, enabling them to pass on these
savings direct to you the end user. They also offer a price promise scheme
to help you beat the credit crunch. Believing their prices are some of the best
around but offer to beat any price that you can find on a competitors web site
for a like-for-like product at retail price! It's simple, just find an identical
product that is cheaper from anywhere else and they will beat the price for you.
You can't lose!
Kartpartsuk also have some of the best postage
charges to Scotland and many of the British Isles so check the website for more
details or give them a call if you are unsure. All orders received are sent out
via their next day delivery service.
Kartpartsuk supply the British made Gillard chassis.
where the results from the last Super one meeting speaks for itself with
victories in Rotax Max and in Mini Max at the latest Super One round.
Kartpartsuk offer an ever growing stock range which
includes all the top brands in karting such as Tillett racing seats, Rotax,
Comer, Mychron, Alfano, Beta, Arai, GoPro and so many more along with the a full
and comprehensive stock of Gillard karts and parts.
Now in stock Buru bodywork various colours available at a great price.
Visit our web site and see for yourselves
www.kartpartsuk.com.
Team Kartpartsuk are still wining, but have some huge changes planned for the
team so watch this space!!!. The team has space available at PFI, Fulbeck and
Wombwell offering a full range of packages from basic awning space through to
full arrive and drive, all at very competitive prices. So why not give them a
try to see how much you can improve!
If you would like any information or just to chat about joining their proven
race team, the Gillard kart range, or would like to test the 010B or the very
latest 010V2S or see our extensive range of products then please give us a call
on 01775 712633, email
info@kartpartsuk.com or
come in and see us at a track.
[ Top ]
New Hand Controls Tested (16/07)
When
KartForce was originally conceived the plan was to use existing commercially
available hand controls that would allow injured troops with lower limb
disabilities to be able to take part in kart racing. The more we thought about
it we realised that many of the troops had injuries which meant that they only
had the option to use one arm so we set about designing a set of hand controls
that could be used by these guys as well.
Dave Humphrey from Enable Sports, and Ryan Musk, the head of of Rye House kart
venue, could see the merit with our idea of a set of handlebars instead of a
steering wheel, with controls that could be switched from right to left to suit
the driver's requirements. So Dave set about sourcing some of the parts and
played a major part in bringing the whole concept together.
Max Adams, MD at Venhill, one of the UK's leading manufacturers and suppliers of
cables, hydraulic hoses and brake lines for motorbikes, quads, cars, and karts,
agreed to help out with the supply and fitting of the accelerator cables and
brake system for the prototype hand controls - so with everything in place it
just needed someone to get in the kart and see if the whole idea would work...
On
Monday July 12th Dave Humphrey, and some of the team at Rye House put the
finishing touches to the kart, including the addition of Tillett ribcage
supports to the seat, and Phil Armes, one of the organisers of KartForce, and a
paraplegic after a motorcycle racing crash, was 'volunteered' to go out and put
the hand controls to the test.
After a few minor adjustments to get the brake lever in a comfortable operating
position Phil was soon proving that the handlebar concept worked well with two
hands, and was obviously starting to enjoy himself! So the team called him in,
and after a quick debrief he was then sent out to try driving with just one hand
on the 'handlebars'. It took a few laps to get used to the idea, but it very
soon became apparent that the system worked well and it was time for Phil to
come in for a pit stop and let the team change the hand controls from right to
left hand use.
It may not have been quite up to F1 pit stop standards with regard to time, but
the result was just as inspiring. Within a couple of laps Phil was back up to
speed operating the kart with the throttle and brake operation switched to the
left hand side of the handlebars.
All in all a very good test, and a really positive outcome, so now the race is
on to produce at least 20 sets before the big launch event at Whilton Mill on
August 12th/13th.
For more information visit
www.kartforce.org.
[ Top ]
Adrenalin
Continue Success
(15/07)
After
the success at the Anglian Cup the team continued its success at Whilton Mill
with yet another win for Wayne Smithers in 177 and Andrew Rees-Reynolds in
Senior Max both setting the fastest laps of the day on their GFM powered engines
and Exprit karts.
The team then returned to Kimbolton for the July Meeting. Wayne Smithers was
fastest in Saturday practice and dominated the Masters class on Sunday with wins
in 2 out of the 3 heats and winning the Final by 5 seconds. He even took it easy
on the last few laps, as his lead was nearer 10 seconds.
In Senior Max Andrew wasn't having such a good day with DNS in the heat 1
hampering his weekend. In heats 2/3 he lapped near to the lap record, when
looking at the data in more detail it was clear that it could be broken in clean
air. In the final an accident put him to near last with no chance of winning.
His aim now was for the lap record which he achieved with a 46.00. This goes
nicely along side his Whilton Mill lap record.
Adrenalin Racing would like to thank GFM (www.gfmmotorsport.co.uk)
for supplying the engines for the weekend as well as Alan
Reynolds for his help.
Adrenalin Racing have Team Spaces at both Whilton Mill / Kimbolton / Rye House
and also at The Dadson Challenge rounds: please contact us via our website for
more details.
www.adrenalin-racing.co.uk - South East Exprit
Agents.
[ Top ]
Henry Surtees Event (15/07)
A
host of celebrities both from inside and outside of the motor racing world,
joined family and friends of Henry Surtees in a celebration of his life, and in
support of a local charity at Chatham's Buckmore Park International Kart Circuit
on the 12th July. Henry was tragically killed in a freak motor racing accident
at Brands Hatch on 19 July 2009.
Henry's Headway Karting Challenge was held in memory of Henry and in support of
The Headway Charity (Tunbridge Wells & District) to assist them in re-location,
and in construction of a new centre.
The event on Monday (12th July) featured 35 teams who raced in a two and half
hour karting enduro event which was totally sold out. The teams comprised
a mixture of professional drivers and business people, as well as friends and
colleagues of Henry. Nearly 180 drivers took part in the race. Each
team donated a large sum to The Headway Charity, and other Kentish and National
companies donated funds for advertisements in the race programme. An
auction of memorabilia took place between qualifying and the start of the race
further boosting the funds. A further auction will follow on-line over the
coming months.
John
Surtees - Henry's father and motoring legend - who was the driving force behind
the event, said "We decided to form the Henry Surtees Foundation after the
tremendous feeling and generosity that was shown at the time of his death. We
had at that time asked for donations to be made to Headway instead of flowers.
The Foundation's objectives can be found on the John Surtees website. "
"What was fantastic about the Buckmore karting event was the atmosphere. You had
amateur drivers rubbing shoulders and wheels with some of the finest young
racing talent that we have at this moment. Talent from whom the next Button or
Hamilton will emerge. The spectrum of guests and competitors covered
professional drivers, keen amateurs, politicians and celebrities. Despite the
competition it was a fun day and a very successful one in that we were able to
raise so much money for a worthy cause."
Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is the venue where Henry spent much of his youth
racing in karts, and was in fact at the circuit when he first sampled the
excitement of driving a kart as an eight year old.
Buckmore Park is holding a further competition kart race meeting event in
support of The Headway Charity and in memory of Henry this Sunday (18th July),
where John Surtees will re-name a bend on the circuit into 'Henry's Bend'.
[ Top ]
MSA Congratulates Albon (15/07)
The
Motor Sports Association congratulates 2009 MSA British Junior Kart Champion
Alexander Albon on capturing the 2010 CIK-FIA European KF3 Championship title.
Red Bull-backed Albon, 14 from Suffolk, beat dozens of international rivals to
the coveted European title at the Belgian Genk circuit last weekend.
He was joined on the podium by fellow Briton Harrison Scott, with 2009 MSA
British Junior Kart Championship runner-up Jake Dennis a commendable fourth.
Meanwhile 2008 MSA British Cadet Kart Champion Roy Johnson - whom the MSA has
nominated to represent the UK in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy later this
year - recorded the fastest race lap.
Albon said: "It felt so amazing to win the European
title and I think it was the biggest achievement of my karting career so far.
The MSA British Junior Kart Championship was a great training ground for me
because the competition is so strong and the weather conditions are always
varied, which helps you to become a good all-round driver who's prepared for
anything."
MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: "Alex confirmed his potential by winning
the MSA British Junior Kart Championship last year and, now that he has taken
the European KF3 title, it is clear that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Congratulations also to Harrison, Jake and Roy, who have shown that UK motor
sport continues to produce talent in abundance."
Albon began karting competitively at eight years
old, winning the Honda Super 1 Championship and the Kartmasters Grand Prix. In
2008 he stepped up to KF3, finishing third overall in the MSA British Junior
Kart Championship, which he duly won last season. This year is his first as a
member of Italian kart manufacturer Intrepid's Driver Program.
[ Top ]
Kartmasters
Entries Extended
(14/07)
The closing date for entries for
this year's Kartmasters event has been extended, and there are still a few
remaining spaces in some of the classes!
For more information or to get your entry in, please contact:
Lesley Richardson:
compsec@tvkc.co.uk
Hannah
Edwards:
hannah@tvkc.co.uk
Clare Mills:
clare@tvkc.co.uk
Or phone 01636 626242 (and select option 3).
More information can also be found on our website at
www.tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Excitement
Re-Discovered
(13/07)
The
KartGrandPrix engine by BMB ran for the first time at the famous PF
International circuit on Saturday 11th July. KGP UK were there along with
Karting Magazine and tester George Robinson to evaluate the new KGP category,
engine and tyres.
The day was hot and sunny and as a feature for the test, Birel Motorsport driver
Michael Simpson was in attendance to get his first feel of the new engine and
tyres.
The
test was fantastic with both karts running a total of 2 hours without any
problems and caused quite a stir with many people looking and a few individuals
managing to have a few laps!
KGP UK bosses Andy Cox and Paul Deavin were in attendance too and couldn't
resist a few laps themselves! "That's a proper engine "exclaimed Deavin, after
returning to the pits with a big smile on his face.
The exclusive track test will be in next month's Karting magazine but suffice to
say Robinson was mightily impressed.
Simpson had a wide grin after his laps posting a time of 45.5 on 80 lap tyres.
Simpson also tested a set of Vega SL6 (Rotax tyre) on the KGP and compared to
the chosen Vega of KGP which is Vega XH the SL6 was 1.2 secondss per lap slower.
"The Vega XH is a fantastic tyre, you can put the kart where you want without
any slide and you can actually brake confidently in the corners - its so much
easier to drive and more importantly fun" commented Simpson. "I am really
looking forward to racing this engine next year".
The KGP engine goes on sale October 1st 2010 - and there's already a waiting
list! Reserve yours today by calling KGP UK on 01527 889595.
For more information and news as it happens visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Wavertree Success At GYG (12/07)
The
recent FKS round at the GYG circuit in North Wales turned out to be a great
meeting for Wavertree Motorsport.
Adam Glear in Minimax had a storming weekend. After the race Adam said "We were
not really fast enough on the Friday testing, but team manager Matt Napolitano
was confident the pace would be their come race day as we had not yet shown our
hand". Adam then went on to take victory in both Saturday and Sunday finals in
what was a thrilling battle with George Russell on both days, putting Adam back
on top of the championship. "Me and my Dad were over the moon," said
Adam, "everything was perfect on both days, the whole team worked so hard all
weekend and it paid off, I would like to thank Matt for all his help and Paul
Napolitano WMS racing engines for superb engines".
Wavertree's other driver to excel was Brett Ward, he looked superb all weekend,
finishing 4th on the Saturday and getting his first podium on the Sunday. Team
manager Matt Napolitano said "Brett is now really starting to shine and going
from strength to strength since joining the team at the start of the year, he
drove a storming race on the Sunday to get his first podium with a great battle
between him and Ryan Norris".
Seth James also produced his best result to date with a very respectable 6th on
the Sunday final. The rookie of the team Jordan Hollands also showed much
improvement over the weekend.
Matt Napolitano said after the meeting "The whole team are elated with the
weekend all the boys were outstanding and made me proud to be coaching them, I
have to say my heart was in my mouth on the Sunday final with both Adam and
Brett second and forth, but amazing maturity from both of them, see them both
make the perfect move at the perfect time to take first and third. I like to run
the team a bit different to most where the boys have fun as well as having all
the serious bits in the middle, I am a firm believer that without the fun
element the boys are not in the best frame of mind before racing, it seems to
payoff and the parents seem to agree. The happy awning as we are better known. I
also have to say a big thank you to all the GYG staff, your track is amazing and
is a pleasure to race at. You can see the pride you all take in it and your
hospitality is second to none. FKS staff, another superbly organised meeting
your series is outstanding this year, thank you."
If you're interested in joining the Wavertree team please contact Matt
Napolitano on 07876 541032, or email
wavertreemotorsport@yahoo.co.uk. For WMS Racing
Engines please contact Paul Napolitano 07879 626655.
[ Top ]
British Thunderkart Champs (12/07)
The
2010 British Thunderkart Championship - a championship run by drivers for
drivers. It is run at club level, and as part of the Stretton2000 circuit
championship (the SCSS). It costs £35 per round. This covers both SCSS race
entry and British Thunder kart Race entry.
2010 is the first year this championship has run, and its unique style should
make it something quite special and offer some good close racing for a
variety of karts and drivers.
The different style of grids, with the highest current point scorer off the back
helps make the racing more of a spectacle, giving faster drivers a challenge,
and slower drivers much more of a chance to win. It is open to any kart powered
by a single air cooled 4stroke engine (this includes V-Twins), and any age or
ability driver. Karts can be tuned to any extreme, although must not be
geared. popular karts include world formula, v-twins and a range of Honda GX
powered karts, however any kart that fits the 'single air cooled 4stroke
engine' banner is allowed. (contact us to check if you are unsure).
All rounds are held at Streeton2000 in Leicester, in conjunction with their SCSS
championship meetings. The four qualifying rounds are run on four different
circuit layouts, you score points in the heats towards the "race-off", to decide
the champion which is in January 2011! While the individual meeting finals carry
no points, but do have trophies for the top three finishers. the top three
drivers overall in the championship will also receive prize money.
The racing is at club level, and is driver friendly; this makes the racing
affordable, close but most off all fun! The main aim of the championship is to
have fun, while still providing some exciting and close racing for both
competitors and spectators, and obviously to decide the
2010 British thunder-kart champion.
So if you have a kart that fits the above, you could just be in with a chance of
becoming the, 2010 British Thunderkart Champion!
For more information visit
http://british-thunderkart.webs.com/ or email
thunderkart@live.co.uk.
Please ensure you register via the website if you intend to race, and the info
pack/rulebook can also be found on the website.
[ Top ]
Euro Champions Crowned (12/07)
On
the sun-drenched circuit of Genk, in Belgium, it was necessary to keep a cool
head this week-end to clame the European crowns in KF2 (the Hopefuls category)
and in KF3 (the Juniors between 13 and 15 years old). After having largely
dominated their final, the Dane Nikolaj Moller-Madsen in KF2 and the Brit
Alexander Albon in KF3 have added this prestigious title to their CV.
A European Championship is a competition which it's necessary to manage
carefully throughout. Between qualifiying practices and Sunday's Final many
things can happen during the Qualifying heats and the prefinal, which determines
the starting positions for the only race that counts in the whole of the
week-end.
Nikolaj-Moller
Madsen (Enargy-TM) has perfectly orchestrated his way to the title. Only 15th
after the qualifying practice, the Dane climbed to 2nd position at the end of
the qualifying heats. Also second in the prefinal, he gave notice of his
ambitions for the final in taking the best driver from Finland Teemu Suninen
(Maranello-Maranello) at the end of a superb dice. "I didn't really push hard in
the prefinal", explained Nikolaj at the foot of the podium. "I wanted to
preserve my tyres, which suffered a lot in the heat. I knew that only the Final
was of real importance and, after having passed Teemu, I could increase my
advantage. This is for certain the best victory of my career."
Running second for a long time, Suninen had to concede second place to Sébastien
Bailly (Kosmic-Vortex) three laps from the chequered flag. After having the
fastest time in qualifying practice, the Belgian was not disappointed to finish
2nd. "I really gave all I could to grab this second place", explained Sébastien.
"But I must say that Nikolaj was simply the fastest during this Final. That
said, second place is a superb result !"
Behind the Finn Teemu Suninen, the Brit Tom Joyner (Gillard-TM) and the Belgian
Guillaume De Ridder (Kosmic-Vortex) finished closely qfter a wheel to wheel
scrap. In a turbulent and tight group, the first lap had proved fatal to the
hopes of several favourites, including Danish lady Michelle Gatting (CRG-Maxter)
and the Austrian Thomas Jäger (Birel-BMB), who were placed 3rd and 4th after the
qualifying heats. But one driver's bad luck is another drivers good fortune. So,
the Japanese Yu Kanamaru (Tony Kart-Vortex), the Brits Luke Varley (Tony
Kart-Vortex), Alexander Walker (Tony Kart-TM) and Jake Lloyd (Tony Kart-TM) and
the Finn Juha Mäki-Jouppi (Alpha-Parilla) completed the top 10.
As
in KF2, one driver had completely dominated the KF3 Final. A young guy already
supported by a famous energy drink, Alexander Albon (Intrepid-TM) has confirmed
that the confidence shown in him has not been misplaced. Staring on pole
position during the prefinal, the British driver made easy work as he increased
his lead throughout and won to secure pole position for the Final. Then, during
this decisive race, he was able to profit from the misfortune of several of his
opponents on the first turn. "When I looked back after two laps, I could see the
gap was already quite wide", said Alexander. "Then I was able to concentrate on
conserving the tyres and to maintain a good rhythm and it worked perfectly.
This is a fantastic win. When they took me on in their young driver programme,
Red Bull wanted to lead me towards a Formula 1 career. That suits perfectly
because that's my goal as well and such victories are a good step."
Behind the dominant leader, the scraps were understandably more closely fought.
Climbing well after having had several issues at the start, the Frenchman Pierre
Gasly (Sodi-Parilla) was satisfied with second place on the podium. "After my
3rd place in the World Cup last year, finishing 2nd here is another superb
result", explained Pierre. "The first laps had been difficult but after that I
climbed higher and higher and passed Harrison Scott shortly before the finish.
Once again I have just missed a victory... Perhaps it will come in two months
time in the World Cup in Portugal."
Passed by Gasly, Harrison Scott (Tony Kart-TM) realised a small miracle in
making the podium with a very limited budget and driving for a small private
team, Richard Lock Racing. To make the podium, the Brit had to resist a very
strong final challenge from his compatriot Jake Dennis (Top Kart-Parilla), who
climbed from 14th to 4th in the Final. Starting as a strong favourite, Dutchman
Max Verstappen (CRG-Maxter) could only finally make a place in the top 5, just
in front of his compatriot Peter Hoevenaars (Intrepid-TM), the Ukrainian Daniil
Pronenko (Birel-TM), who achieved an incredible result in climbing from 33rd to
7th place, the Italian Damiano Fioravanti (Tony Kart-Vortex), 2nd in the
prefinal, the Finn Niklas Tiihonen (Birel-Parilla), starting in 22nd place, and
the Spaniard Pedro Hiltbrand (Kosmic-Vortex), who climbed from 19th to 10th
place in the Final. All of these young drivers will have profited immensely from
this European Championship to raise their profile before, perhaps, going on to a
career in motorsport. For them, the sky is the limit.
[ Top ]
Pair Maintain FKS Pressure (09/07)
When
the Formula Kart Stars championship sparked back into life at Glan Y Gors last
weekend (3/4 July), Jack Barlow was some 70 points adrift of early Junior Max
leader, Ash Hand. By Sunday evening, as he helped to take the Strawberry Racing
team's awning down, he had closed the gap to just three points.
Jack hit a rich vein of form at the North Wales circuit and took back-to-back
wins in Saturday's two preliminary heats to secure pole for the final. Despite
leading from pole he slotted into second place and shadowed the leader until the
final lap. With the chequered flag being readied, Jack made his decisive move
and from there held his advantage to the line. With maximum points, he had
already made a sizeable leap up the points table - but needed more of the same
on Sunday if he was to become one of the key protagonists for the title.
With rain making driving conditions tricky, Barlow revelled in the grip afforded
him by his Tony Kart EVR chassis, and again aced the heats. A close and hard
fought main final kept Jack on his mettle throughout - and showing great
coolness under pressure - doing what he needed to do to take the win and
complete a perfect weekend.
Strawberry's Mini Max star George Russell also featured on the podium, but a
brace of runner-up finishes were not enough to see the talented youngster keep
his championship lead. Like Jack, George opened his Glan Y Gors account with
victories in Saturday's heats and led the main final for much of the race.
However, a mistake dropped him to 2nd setting up a nail-biting finish. Separated
by just two tenths of a second the pair crossed the line with Russell unable to
re-pass winner, Adam Glear.
With some set-up changes designed to give his kart extra pace on Sunday, George
recorded the fastest time in qualifying.
Gremlins
with his motor saw him unable to finish higher than 12th in the opening heat and
after they were quickly rectified - he resumed normal service with 2nd in the
following race. A crash at the start of the main final dropped George down the
order, prompting a gritty fight-back. He duly caught the leader but under
pressure as they headed to the finish, he defended hard - perhaps too hard -
allowing Glear to pounce.
Although disappointed not to have won, he was encouraged by the extra speed he
had on tap and as Strawberry's Warwick Ringham summed up with a wry smile, "He's
driven worse but got better results. It just didn't happen for George in the
finals this time but he'll be back."
He added, "People also forget he's only 12 whereas a lot of the other drivers
are older and more experienced. To be battling for the title in his first season
is a mark of his quality."
The team is now preparing for the 3rd round of the Euro Max Challenge at the
Austrian Speedworld circuit, near Vienna on 14/18 July. A full preview will
follow shortly.
For more information about the Tony Kart EVR chassis and OTK products, go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. If you would
like advice about getting the most out of your Tony Kart chassis or OTK parts,
please feel free to call Warwick Ringham on 0114 269 6215 or e-mail him at
info@strawberryracing.co.uk. For more
information about Ogden Motorsport-prepared engines, visit
www.ogdenracing.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Kart Coach Cadet Triumphs (09/07)
John
Gibson felt that his 10 year old son Jack was in need of a confidence boost, so
he asked Kart Coach if they could help.
Kart Coach immediately got to work; sharpening up Jack's mental attitude,
improving his race craft and fine tuning his set up to give that little bit
extra. Jack put everything he had learned into practice on Race Day, by
impressively securing a couple of seconds and a fifth in the heats, putting him
on the front row for the final.
Jack took a decisive lead at the start and as the first three broke away from
the rest of the field a win seemed a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, Jack's
engine began to tighten up a little and he dropped back from the leading pair,
but such was his lead over the rest of the field that his third place was never
in doubt.
A very happy Jack was overjoyed to win his first trophy on full plates and Mum
and Dad agreed it had been a brilliant weekend.
Whatever your ability, Kart Coach will help you take the next step up the
performance ladder.
Big results for a modest outlay.
£169 a weekend at Shenington, Whilton Mill & Kartmasters.
Contact us via
www.kartcoach.com for further details.
[ Top ]
U18 World Champs Test Day (09/07)
The
new CIK-FIA "U18" (for "under 18 years old") World Karting Championship will
officially begin on Friday 23 July during non-qualifying practice of the first
event on the German circuit of Wackersdorf. However, there were many young
Drivers who took advantage of the official Test Day organised by the
International Federation on 6 July at Ostricourt (France) to discover their new
equipment. For the first time, 37 out of the 70 entered Competitors could indeed
run on the track with the new WKE (World Kart Engine) engine, identical for
everyone and placed on a free basis at their disposal by drawing lots by
Parolin.
"The engine is really working well and quite amusing to drive", rejoiced Jordan
Chamberlain, European KF2 Champion in 2009. "I was even pleasantly surprised by
its performance." And lap times proved the Briton right: at the end of the day,
the best ones were faster than the fastest KF2s at the French Championship
organised on the same circuit in 2009.
Beyond performance, the participants declared themselves very pleased with the
concept. The Frenchman Mathieu Jaminet, winner of both F4 Eurocup 1.6 races at
the World Series by Renault event held in Hungary, thus made a come-back to
karts for this Test Day. "I wanted to continue to run in Karting in parallel to
my single-seater débuts", he explained. "When I had the opportunity to
participate in the 'U18' World Championship, I took it. On the one hand, this
World Championship is very affordable financially, but it is also clear that if
I could add a world title in Karting to my list of results, it would quite be a
bonus!"
Held jointly to the "U18" World Championship, the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy - a
competition hosting 34 Drivers all of different nationalities - also had its
kick-off at Ostricourt. Almost twenty participants have already discovered their
Parolin karts with FIM engines placed at their disposal totally freely by the
Italian make. "This championship is fantastic", said with a smile Switzerland's
Stefan Amweg, father of Levin and Severin, respectively entered in the "U18"
World Championship and Academy Trophy. "Financially, there's no question about
it compared to other high-level competitions. And the fact that each Competitor
is on a strictly equal footing, with identical equipment, is really important in
my opinion."
In addition to their equipment the Drivers have also discovered at Ostricourt
the paddock in an original configuration as each participant has a tent, placed
at their disposal by the International Federation, identical to his fellow
Competitors' ones. Contacts between teams thus make the atmosphere very
friendly. Finally, a session of information and questions-answers as well as a
photo session were organised. In 16 days, the names of the first graduates will
be known. More than ever, the countdown has started!
For more information visit
www.cikfia.com.
[ Top ]
X30s Stamp Their Authority (08/07)
The
X30 may be a relatively new addition to the chassis market, but has already made
its mark at venues across the country.
David Griffiths recently stormed to a superb win at the Buckmore round of Rotax
Super One in the 177 class. The win made his seventh podium of the year so far,
the most of any driver in the class. Fellow GMS team driver Dan Mulvaney, on his
first full year on the chassis, is enjoying his most successful Super One season
to date, and Senior rookie Andrew Cole put in an astonishing performance in the
second Buckmore final, running as high at 7th despite starting 25th on the grid.
Success is not limited solely to Super One, with Tony Dickinson having used his
X30 to conquer the 2009 Dadson Masters series. More recently, at the June
Kimbolton club meeting Harry Arnold set fastest lap on his way to third place in
the Senior Rotax final.
The GMS team are the suppliers and works team for the British designed X30
chassis (available new at just £1850 + VAT), information and test drives can be
arranged by calling 01732 850 858 - further details at
www.gms-x30.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Success At Rissington (08/07)
Continuing
his successful season, Mansell Jensen Junior Rotax driver, Nick Arthur took a
great win at Rissington last weekend. Winning 2 heats and setting fastest lap
times in all three, Nick qualified his Exprit kart on pole and took a lights to
flag victory.
Fellow Mansell Jensen Junior Max driver, Will Maslin also had a great weekend.
He qualified third on the grid for the final but, by the first corner was up to
second. Nick and Will went on to record a team mate 1-2!
Team Manager, Jacques Jensen said "This is a great result for us at Mansell
Jensen. We are a small dedicated team and the 1-2 result by Nick and Will
confirms that we have got it right." He added, "Nick and Will adapted to the
Exprit kart quickly and to the motors built by John Crookes at Revolution Racing
Engines."
For more information on joining a winning team contact Jacques Jensen on
07543638542 or Tony Cater on 07917223166.
[ Top ]
Engineer
Stuns FKS Regulars
(08/07)
Shahaan
Engineer created a sensation at last weekend's (3/4 July 2010) sixth round of
the Formula Kart Stars championship, with a superb performance on his debut in
the Formula One Management-backed series.
Driving for the appropriately named Shox Motorsport team, the Dubai-based Indian
teenager - who had been granted a late entry - travelled to the picturesque Glan
Y Gors circuit in North Wales to pit himself against Britain's best drivers in
the Junior Rotax Max category. What made his performance all the more
remarkable, was the fact that this was his first race outside Dubai in fifteen
months and, as Shahaan's Shox team manager and mentor Oli Oakes observed, "The
last racing vehicle he drove wasn't a kart but a Formula Renault - and that was
three months ago!"
In Timed Qualifying, Shahaan recorded the 3rd fastest lap as rain began to fall,
catching many of the far more experienced competitors out.
He said "All the other drivers put in their best times on the fifth and sixth
laps, but mine was on the third. I felt that I still had a few tenths (of a
second) left in me and with my pace, believed pole would have been easy to
achieve. Unfortunately, I came across slower traffic and had to slow down to
create a gap. By then it had also started to drizzle and everyone's lap times
took a dive. However, I was happy with P3 because I did not know the (racing)
lines of the track in the wet, and it would be easier for me to follow someone
else in the heats so I guess it worked out."
2005 World Kart Champion, Oakes added, "He did a sensational job to qualify 3rd.
Shahaan's fifth lap was good enough for pole, until he caught a slower kart in
the final sector. This was all the more remarkable given he had driven no laps
in the morning warm-up session, due to being driven over by another driver and
his chassis was damaged a result of this."
The
first of the day's two heats was a bruising encounter, but Shahaan battled
gamely to finish in 11th place. In the second, he crossed the finishing line in
a creditable 5th to secure an excellent fourth row grid position for the main
final.
As the starter released the 26-strong field, Mumbai-born Engineer found himself
bottled up in the congestion as the drivers jockeyed for the vital inside line
at the first corner. Once the opening exchanges had settled down, Shahaan was in
11th position - but quickly worked his way back up the order. A series of brave,
incisive passing manoeuvres saw the 14-year old carve his way up 5th place,
which he successfully held to the chequered flag.
"I knew I had to move forward as quickly as possible because the longer you
wait, the pack in front gets away," Shahaan explained. "I did all my overtaking
in the first lap but that slowed me down, and by then the top three - who I was
gunning for - had formed a breakaway and were towing each other away from the
rest of us. At GYG, slipstreaming in a three kart train gives drivers an
advantage of about two tenths of a second per lap, so I could not catch them.
For sure, if I had been closer I would have tried my best to win because I had a
lot of speed, thanks to my mechanic Glenn."
Oli hailed his young protégé's stirring drive, "He held his nerve brilliantly in
the aggressive opening laps and although he initially dropped down the order,
caused by a bump going into turn three, he got his head down and fought his way
through the field, setting some impressive lap times on the way. Had he not been
held up in the early part of the race, Shahaan would certainly have been
battling for the podium.
It's an incredible feat - given that he had just rocked-up from Dubai,
jetlagged, having never seen the track before and had to adjust to working with
a new team, etc - he was quite remarkable and definitely delivered the Drive of
the Day!"
Keep up to speed with India's rising star and his journey towards Formula One by
visiting www.shahaan.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
DHR's Super 1 Success (07/07)
DHR
enjoyed a great weekend at the latest Rotax Super 1 championship at Buckmore
Park. Following on from his Round 2 Super 1 Rowrah victory and pole position at
Round 3 at Whilton Mill Junior Max driver Sean Babington once again proved he
was a serious title contender with a string of top drives. After a close
qualifying session Sean posted the 2nd fastest time leading to front row starts
for the heats. In the qualifying heats Sean converted this into a 1st and a 2nd
position therefore giving Sean a 2nd position start for the 1st final. Due to a
collision following a very fast start Sean lost ground and initially fell to
3rd. However his speed meant he quickly took 2nd and set off in pursuit of race
leader Matt Parry. Although the gap closed Sean was unable to make a serious
challenge deciding to save his tyres and efforts for the 2nd final.
Once again at the start of the main final Sean was knocked back and had to re
group. He soon regained 2nd position back and started once again to close the
gap to race long leader Matt Parry. Yet the gap was too big and Sean had to
settle for 2nd. Sean commented "Although I'd love to have won its still been an
excellent weekend for me, I'd like to thank Dan of DHR and Ogden motorsport for
all their help this year so far." With some good championship points gained this
moves Sean into a strong championship position with some of his favoured tracks
still to come.
With
DHR Senior Max driver Jack Dex breaking his leg a week before the Buckmore race
this meant he couldn't take part so 2009 British vice Super 1 KF2 champion Shaun
Carter stepped in as a guest driver for his first ever race in Rotax and first
race since 2009. Shaun soon got to grips with the class posting the 2nd fastest
time of the weekend in Saturday mornings practice. Qualifying didn't go quite as
well, but still a very creditable 10th. Shaun explains "the parc ferme tyre
wasn't as good as our test tyres so we had to work hard to set the kart up and
adjust my driving style to get the most out of it." After a 12th in Final 1 and
a few chassis changes Shaun was in confident mood for final 2. Following an
excellent start from the outside row Shaun progressed his way through the field
finishing an excellent 5th place by the flag! An outstanding performance since
Shaun hasn't raced this year and was a little out of practice with not having
front brakes as with previous years.
DHR would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all their drivers for
a great season so far. Also our thanks goes to Steve and the team at Ogden
Motorsport for the excellent engines! The next stop for the DHR team is the 3rd
round of the Euro Rotax challenge at Speedworld Austria.
For more information regarding DHR and the FA Alonso Kart please contact Dan
direct on 07960 047810, or email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk. You can also find us
at
www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
Also worth a note the team have a number of used Rotax and TKM team karts for
sale of varying ages and condition so for further information on these please
call Dan on the number above.
[ Top ]
Warm Welsh Welcome... (07/07)
The
Formula One Management backed Formula Kart Stars Championship reached the half
way point of its 2010 season at the glorious Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales
with rounds five and six of the campaign.
Having taken the month of June off to allow drivers to complete their school
exams, the fast, rolling 1100-metre GYG circuit provided one of the biggest
tests of the year and at the end of the weekend Connor Jupp, Darius Karbaley,
Adam Glear, Jack Barlow and Ben Barnicoat had scored top marks in their
respective classes.
In the MSA British Cadet Championship, two new winners were crowned in the shape
of Jupp and Karbaley.
With Nathan Aston hot on his heels Jupp thought he'd lost Saturday's win when
Aston dived through half way round the final lap. But Jupp fought back and after
running side by side through the downhill sweepers Jupp held the inside line
into the final turn to clinch the win with points leader Tom Harvey third.
Aston led all bar the final few metres of Sunday's final until Karbaley forced
Aston to defend into the final corner and then cut back underneath him in a
textbook switchback move to seal his first FKS win. Aston's disappointment was
tempered by the fact that he moves back into the points lead as Harvey could
only finish sixth.
Adam Glear scored two sensational wins in Mini Max at the expense of George
Russell, who set the pace for most of the weekend. On Saturday Glear tracked
Russell down and passed him with two and a half laps to go but he left it even
later on Sunday, cutting underneath Russell as they came off the final turn to
out-drag him to the line. Jay Goodwin completed the Saturday podium while Brett
Ward put in the best drive of his season to finish third on Sunday.
In Junior Rotax, Ash Hand's unbeaten streak came to an end thanks to two near
faultless drives from Jack Barlow. On Saturday Barlow passed Declan Jones on the
final lap to take victory with Liam Kelly completing the podium and Hand only
sixth while on Sunday Barlow emerged in front of a four kart battle to complete
the weekend double.
Hand finished second to minimise the damage to his championship lead with Josh
Parker completing the podium.
The two KF3 finals belonged to new points leader Ben Barnicoat, who held off a
stunning charge from Dylon Phibbs to win Saturday's final and then did likewise
on Sunday as Matthew Graham gave pursuit.
Phibbs enjoyed the best weekend of his FKS career by
taking third on Sunday while Charlie Robertson also scored his first KF3 podium
when he finished third on Saturday.
The next round of the series sees FKS travel across the English Channel for its
annual visit to Genk in Belgium on the second weekend in August.
For more information on Formula Kart Stars visit
www.formulakartstars.com.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Dunkeswell
Challenge Dropped
(07/07)
East
Devon District Council has withdrawn its case against Mansell Raceway Limited
less than a week before the scheduled start of a ten day appeal hearing at
Exeter Crown Court.
The news that the District Council has finally decided to draw to a close a two
and a half year legal challenge over alleged noise nuisance has been welcomed by
the former world Formula 1 racing champion Nigel Mansell and his sons Leo and
Greg whose company, Mansell Raceway Limited, own the kart racing track at
Dunkeswell.
Speaking from his home in Jersey, where he is recovering from a 200mph crash in
Le Mans last month, Nigel Mansell said; "I am relieved that East Devon District
Council has finally seen sense and that this very expensive and wholly
unnecessary legal battle has now ended. I am deeply disappointed however that,
despite repeated offers by us, East Devon District Council was unable to work
with Mansell Raceway Ltd to find solutions much, much earlier."
Nigel Mansell added; "Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been spent by the
parties involved since the noise abatement notice was first served in January
2006. We estimate that East Devon District Council has spent at least
£160,000 since then - which is a staggering waste of council tax payers' money,
particularly at a time when public services are under such immense financial
pressure. I find it amazing that the Council was not prepared to accept the
original court judgement in the case."
The appeal at Exeter Crown Court was due to begin on July 12th before Judge
Stephen Wildblood QC. The case was lodged by East Devon District Council to
challenge a ruling by District Judge Paul Farmer who quashed a noise abatement
order served by the District Council's Environmental Health team following
complaints from neighbours. District Judge Farmer conclusively ruled there was
no noise nuisance following an exhaustive six day hearing at Honiton Magistrates
Court in November 2008
At the time District Judge Farmer said: "It seems that the appellants (Mansell
Raceway and the Kart Club) have always sought to operate the circuit in
accordance with the (planning) permissions granted to them, have made a
substantial investment in an acoustic fence and were prepared to adopt the
council's proposals to reduce the noise level of leisure karts. There is
no suggestion I could find that they sought to deliberately annoy their
neighbours in any way. Everything they have done has been done reasonably and in
accordance with the permissions granted to them," concluded District Judge
Farmer.
Since taking over the track in 2006, Mansell Raceway Ltd says it has complied
with every request made by East Devon District Council regardless of cost and
effort, including spending £200,000 on a new acoustic fence, restricting the
type of vehicles used and monitoring the condition of silencers on vehicles.
It has also removed the tannoy system and on the Sunday morning of race weekends
continues to observe an historic period of silence, so as not to interrupt local
church services.
The kart circuit has operated at the Dunkeswell aerodrome for nearly 50 years.
The first noise abatement notice, served in 2006, came just six months after
East Devon District Coucil granted planning permission for a track extension.
The notice was challenged by Mansell Raceway Ltd on the grounds that it would
have removed virtually all race practice Saturdays, resulting in the possible
closure of the facility or a serious accident. Race practice sessions are
considered vital by the Kart Club in preparing competitors for safe racing.
In a planning settlement with East Devon District Council, which was finalised
last week, Mansell Raceway Ltd has agreed to:
- Closely monitor and record noise levels at the track.
- Not to use a number of 2-stroke kart race training Saturdays (which have not
been used by the club for several years).
- Introduce testing for all new leisure karts.
Bryan Holmes, spokesperson for Mansell Raceway and the Kart Racing Club said;
"We hope these measures will go a long way towards satisfying our neighbours
about our current and future use of the Raceway. Dunkeswell Kart Racing Club
provides an important, safe and well managed facility for young people who want
to become involved in motor sport and we sincerely hope to continue to offer
them this opportunity for many years to come."
Dunkeswell is the only karting track in Devon
Cornwall, Somerset and Avon operating full Motor Sport Association race events
and karting remains one of the most accessible gateways to motorsport, offering
a low cost means of racing, open to all ages from 8 upwards. In Britain it is
now one of the few opportunities for young people to drive a motor vehicle under
the age of 17. Nigel Mansell, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, to name a few,
all started in karting. Most have driven at the Dunkeswell circuit in
their racing careers.
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the UK governing body for motor sport, the
Motor Sports Association (MSA) said; "Motor sport can be an easy target for
complaints, but the sport has an excellent record of working with local
communities to minimise the impact of its activities, particularly in terms of
reducing noise levels. Motor sport venues also contribute a great deal to the
economic prosperity of their regions in terms of visitors, tourism and
employment, so it seems entirely reasonable that venues operating within the
terms of their planning permissions and in co-operation with their local
community should be able to carry out their business without fear of litigation.
We are delighted that this long running case has finally been settled and it has
been officially recognised that there is no Statutory Noise Nuisance."
Solicitor Mervyn Rundle of Solicitors Title, acting for Mansell Raceway and
Dunkeswell Kart Club, said; "Karting will continue at Dunkeswell as it has for
the past 50 years. The District Judge's decision that there is no statutory
nuisance will stand as law."
[ Top ]
New Instant
Marquee
(06/07)
LP
Tent are happy to announce the arrival of our NEW ZP660 instant marquee.
The ZP660 has been designed to answer the needs of teams who are looking for a
strong reliable awning which is easier and quicker to deploy than current stand
alone units.
This ZP660 offers 36 sq mtrs of space with no internal legs and can accommodate
between 4-6 karts with ease.
For a short time we are offering this model at 20% off retail to any interested
teams (only 5 are available on this offer).
See our website for more details on our marquees at
www.lptent.co.uk
or contact us on
sales@lptent.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Time Is Running Out! (06/07)
Have
you got your Kartmasters entry in yet?
If not, HURRY... entries close this Sunday, 11th July.
Entry Forms, Tyre Order Forms, SR's and more information can be found on the
website at
www.tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Barlow's Perfect Weekend (06/07)
Just
a week after scoring his first British Super 1 championship podium with his new
team Strawberry Racing, Jack Barlow stunned his rivals with back-to-back
victories in the 5th and 6th rounds of the Formula Kart Stars series at Glan Y
Gors last weekend (3/4 July).
The Junior Max star opened his account on Saturday with a brace of wins in the
preliminary heats, securing pole for the day's main final.
"Shortly after the start I allowed the 2nd-placed driver through and followed
him until the last lap. He looked over his shoulder at the moment I lunged him
and pulled off the move. He attacked at the very last corner, but I defended and
shut the door. It was close though, we were separated by just two one hundredths
of a second."
Strawberry team boss, Warwick Ringham was full of praise for his new signing:
"Before the racing, I'd had a chat with him about overtaking. I told him to get
in late and hard. In the races he was going in really hard, to the point where
we were all going 'Whoah, what're you doing?!' He did everything I asked and
more. He was fantastic."
Saturday's hot, dry and sunny conditions gave way to rain on Sunday. Starting
from 6th on the grid for his first heat, Jack made short work of clearing the
karts ahead of him and delivered an assured drive in the tricky conditions to
win comfortably.
He was made to work harder in the second race when a startline crash dropped him
down the order and into the midfield. This prompted a cool-headed fight back,
and some further confident overtaking saw him triumph again.
From pole position, Barlow led the 26-strong field into the first corner at the
start of the main final.
"I got a good start and for the first few laps I was pulling away with a group
of four other drivers," Jack explained. "I was pushing just a bit too hard and
dropped a wheel off the track. I fell to 4th but worked my way up to 2nd. I then
followed, caught and passed the leader with ten laps to go, and made sure that I
didn't make any more mistakes."
Again, Ringham hailed the developing talent of the Accent Banking and
Rollersigns-backed star. "Jack is a very intelligent driver. You can see him
thinking about what he should be doing with the positioning of his kart on the
track and looking to see where he is faster on particular parts of the circuit
than his rivals. He's developing an excellent racing brain and his driving is
just getting better and better."
Jack is now preparing for the penultimate round of the Euro Max Challenge, at
the Speedworld track near Vienna (14-18 July).
"My confidence is high because I have a great team around me and the best
equipment. The rest is down to me..."
The event gets underway on Wednesday (14 July) with free practice. Timed
qualifying will take place on Friday before the heats on Saturday and Sunday's
all important finals.
You can follow Jack's fortunes by going to
www.rgmmc.com
and clicking on the 'RGMMC Live Timing' button.
Jack drives the Tony Kart EVR chassis and Ogden-prepared engines. For more
information about Tony Kart and OTK products, go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk or Ogden
Motorsport-prepared engines, visit
www.ogdenracing.com.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Euro KF2/KF3 Championship (06/07)
The
CIK-FIA European Championships for the KF2 (Hopefuls) and KF3 (Juniors)
categories will go through their final phase from 8 to 11 July in Belgium, on
the Genk track. No fewer than 173 young Drivers, qualified after regional
events, will be present with the dream of donning a European crown.
Whether they are entered in KF2, the category regrouping the Hopefuls of
Karting, or in KF3, the class of 13 to 15 year-old Juniors, there will be 173 of
them, all dreaming of a European title. It is therefore with a heart full of
hopes and dreams that they will get to the Belgian track of Genk for the final
of their European Championship scheduled for 8 to 11 July. To achieve this they
first had to overcome the pitfall of the regional qualifications. Held in
Denmark (at Thy for the Northern Region), in Great Britain (at Brandon for the
Western Region) and in Germany (at Wackersdorf for the Central Region), these
events hosted almost 400 participants in early May. Landing a ticket for the
final phase of Genk was therefore already quite an achievement in itself. While
it is tricky to make any forecasts as the fight seems quite open, the regional
events have nonetheless given preliminary indications.
Let us start with KF2. In the Northern Region, the Danes Lars Sorensen, Nikolaj
Moller-Madsen and Jacob Nortoft had taken advantage of their knowledge of the
circuit to get to the limelight. In Genk, they will however not be helped by the
venue, unlike the Belgians led by Sami Luka (5th in that qualification), the
Champion of Belgium Guillaume De Ridder and Sébastien Bailly, 5th in last year's
European Championship. It will also be interesting to keep an eye on the female
Danish Driver Michelle Gatting, who knows the track well as she belongs to a
Belgian team.
Like the Danes, the Britons ruled at home during the qualification event for the
Western Region. Chris Lock, Tom Grice, Macaulay Walsh and Jordon Lennox-Lamb had
therefore finished ahead of the French-British Driver Alexandre Baron. Amongst
the outsiders from this Region, it will be interesting to watch both the
Spaniard Jorge Pescador, who was on last year's podium, and the Swiss Michael
Heche.
Finally, one must not forget the Central Region Drivers. Domineering in front of
their public, the Germans Marvin Kirchhöfer, Patrick Kappis, Riccardo Negro or
Niklas Brinkmann will discover a completely different course. Italy's Simone
Favaro, Stefano Cucco and Ignazio D'Agosto, to name but them, as well as the
Pole Karol Basz, should therefore also have a say.
And KF3 will be even more indecisive than KF2. There is a good reason for this:
many Juniors will indeed compete at Genk in their first major international race
and so they have never been opposed to most of the Competitors. The Finn Mikko
Pakari thus made a name for himself by winning the Northern Region qualification
event against the Dutchmen Max Verstappen and Davey Koch. Son of the automobile
Driver Jos Verstappen and of the former Belgian Kartwoman Sophie Kumpen, Max
will compete nearly at home in Genk and many tip him as favourite. The fight
however promises to be intense with in particular the Italian Damiano
Fioraventi, winner of the Central Region qualification at Wackersdorf ahead of
the Austrian Lucas Auer and the Italian "Speedy". And there will also be serious
competitors from the Western Region in the persons of Britain's Sennan Fielding,
the Brandon winner, Benjamin Barnicoat, Jake Dennis or Roy Johnson. On the
French side, eyes will be turned towards Pierre Gasly, who made it to the podium
of last year's World Cup, Esteban Ocon, as well as Antoine Hubert.
In order to have a chance to land a European Champion title, these Drivers will
have to shine right from the official practice and qualifying heats. This will
be indispensable in order to obtain a place among the 34 qualified Drivers who
will participate in a prefinal and then in THE final, the only race of the
weekend that will award the European title of which many of them are dreaming.
Additional information is available at
http://www.cikfia.com/News2010/Genk.htm.
[ Top ]
Save Up To 2.2Kg In Weight (05/07)
Save
up to 2.2Kg from your kart for only £129*.
Racing Batteries manufacture a range of lightweight high performance batteries
for motorsport applications, and have recently released batteries suitable for
Rotax and TAG powered karts, for non-MSA racing.
Using the latest in safe, durable and proven Lithium Nano Phosphate technology,
Racing Batteries are a direct replacement for the heavy lead acid unit currently
in your kart - our replacement units weigh just 490g (and they're made in the
UK!).
No modifications are required to your kart's electrics and no special chargers
are required.
Racing Batteries are already in use with some of the top drivers, so don't get
left behind!
With the capacity to run all day on a single charge, improved starting
performance, and a manufacturers warranty, what have you got to lose (except for
a couple of kilos)!
For more information visit
www.racingbatteries.co.uk/karting.html, contact
sales@racingbatteries.co.uk, or call Colm
Watling on 07817 704335.
* + P&P
[ Top ]
Dragon Masters 2010 (05/07)
Who
will be the Karting 'Dragon Masters' of 2010?
Enter the "Dragon Masters" Two Day Event on the 17th & 18th July 2010 at Glan Y
Gors Park.
A much sort after Trophy & Title for: Comer W60, Honda Cadet, Mini Max, Junior
Max, Junior Blue, Junior TKM, Senior Max, Senior Formula Blue, & Senior TKM
Extreme.
Test/Practice Day - Friday 16th
Practice, Qualifying & Heats - Saturday 17th
Heats & Finals - Sunday 18th
Information and entry forms are available from Dragon Kart Club at
www.dragonkartclub.com or
www.gygkarting.com,
or telephone 01490 420770, fax 01490 420702, or email
info@dragonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
June Review At Grice (05/07)
In
what has been a tremendous few weeks, our foreign and British drivers continue
to impress with their speed and maturity.
It began with Harry Crawley's massive drive at Whilton Mill in the Super 1 race
to score his first big win. Then Dave Blom dominated in the 2nd round of BNL at
genk, qualifying on pole and winning all heats and both finals.
The week after it was Jack Barlow, Tristan Viidas and James Singleton in top 4
of the grid for the 1st final in the Euromax 2nd round at Wackersdorf. But it
was the rooky Harry Crawley who took the honours in this first final from grid
21 with a great drive. The 1st final results saw Harry 1st, James Singleton 4th
and Jesper de Brouwer 5th. In main final, Harry again dominated with a
resounding win with James 2nd. In seniors, new recruit Berry tornevleit took 4th
place with a terrific drive. Berry then went onto secure 2nd place in the Genk
round of the Belgian champs with yet another stunning drive of speed and
consistency.
As is usual, Buckmore Park Super 1 provided some surprises but our drivers Lewis
Plato 4th, Harry Crawley 5th and James Singleton 8th they all secured good
points after some tough battles, and with 7 drivers in the top 20, this shows
all our customers receive equal engines and attention during race weekend.
Mini max drivers all produced the results that we know they are capable of
achieving. Ryan Norris 2nd, Ash England 4th, Bob Thompson 6th, Sam Ward 7th, Ben
Hingeley 9th and Zubair Hogue 10th. This emphasises our commitment to speed,
reliability and equal power for each and everyone of our customers and reminds
you all that we only prepare engines, we do not sell spares or run drivers.
Our congratulations to the following teams who do run drivers who have decided
to use Grice power.... Chris Norris Turbo Motorsport, Evolution Racing, Global
Racing, Jason Parrott Racing, KR Racing, P1 Racing, Sam Pollitt Racing, SSR
Motorsport, and Vital Motorsport.
All this speed and dedication doesn't cost a fortune with our recession busting
special offer of a full rebuild to include all bearings, piston, gaskets and
seals - everything inside the motor, except the conrod - at the following
prices...
Rotax - £315
All KF - £315
TKM - £180
Rotary/Reed - £180
We now include your motor to be fiche checked at no extra charge. You can have
your motor electronically dyno run in and power tested and your carb
ultrasonically cleaned and prepared if required.
Please direct all enquiries to Grice Racing Engines on 01268 727847 or 07768
047253, or to Unit 4, Thomasin Rd, Burnt Mills Ind Est, Basildon, Essex, SS13
1LG.
[ Top ]
British Cadet Kart Champs (05/07)
Rounds
five and six of the 2010 MSA British Cadet Kart Championship at Glan y Gors
yielded two new winners in Connor Jupp and Darius Karbaley.
Jupp earned his victory in Saturday's final by holding off a late charge from
runner-up Nathan Aston, while Tom Harvey kept Karbaley at bay for third.
Aston
led for much of Sunday's contest but was shadowed for 18 laps by Karbaley, who
eventually executed a perfect switchback move one corner from home to capture
the win by a kart's length.
Results - Saturday:
1 Connor Jupp (Zip) 19 laps in 15m53.30s
2 Nathan Aston (Zip) +0.07s
3 Tom Harvey (Zip)
Qualifying: Aston
Heat Winners: Jupp, Harvey, Lando Norris (Tonykart), Karbaley
Results
- Sunday:
1 Darius Karbaley (Zip) 19 laps in 15m53.30s
2 Nathan Aston (Zip) +0.09s
3 Lando Norris (Tonykart)
Qualifying: Cuff
Heat Winners: Jupp, Aston, Karbaley (x2)
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Superkarts At Goodwood (05/07)
The
British Superkart Series were at the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first
time recently.
The series had two Superkarts on the Dunlop Live Action Stage. Kevin Busby's 250
Divison 1 Superkart was mounted to a pedestal next to the Young Guns and Formula
Ford Cars. Jason Dredge had is MSA 250 National Superkart on hand for the public
to sit in and pose for photos, plus answer any questions people had on karting.
Jason also did several moving live action displays on the stand followed by live
TV interviews. These can be seen on the Superkart web site at
www.superkart.org.uk
where Dunlop are still showing recorded footage. Jason is currently leading the
2010 MSA British Superkart Championship.
The next Superkart event is the 30th British Superkart Grand Prix at Cadwell
Park on the 17th and 18th of July.
This weekend will also incorporate rounds of the MSA British Superkart
Championship. There will be a demo run of some of the past winning Superkarts
dating back to the early 80's.
Current Standings - 2010 MSA Superkart Championship Supported by Ginetta Cars...
1, Jason Dredge - 227
2, Martin Jones - 194
3, Malcolm Clark - 176
4, Sam Moss - 130
4, Richard Dewart - 130
6, Dan Clark - 116
[ Top ]
Iztech
Expand Results
(02/07)
Not
content with commanding performances in the cadet scene, Iztech are also
starting to have an impact in other formulas...
At Whilton Mill on 27th June, Joe Dickens on his ARC, using an Iztech carbon &
aramid seat and floor tray won the Junior TKM final. Andrew Rees-Reynolds won in
Rotax Max at Whilton Mill, where he also holds the lap record.
Alex Hawkridge, from Iztech Kart Seats, has been working closely with the Jade
team recently to the benefit of all involved - Danny Keirle, who finished 4th,
also broke the lap record on his Jade kart.
In Junior TKM at Super 1's 13th June round, James Peace performed wonders with
some huge gains in the heats and finishing 1st in both finals. At the same
meeting Jack Partridge was not content with a fantastic 2nd place - he also set
the fastest lap!
For further information on Iztech's winning range of seats, floor trays and
chainguards please contact
kevin@iztechkartseats.com
or call 01908 511000 (mobile 07967 757096).
Photograph courtesy of Steve Dickens.
[ Top ]
Kart Coach Introductory Offer (02/07)
Race
in the Whilton Mill or Shenington Club Championships?
Want to fulfil you and your driver's full potential? Not sure if you're getting
the best out of kart or driver? Don't have a limitless budget to go racing with?
Big teams too expensive and cliquey? Still want to enjoy racing karts?
What's the answer? Kart Coach!
Former Whilton Mill Champions & Brazilian Cup Winners - Vice Champions at
Shenington & Lydd - Kart Coach offer a wealth of support and advice at all
levels - Catering for both driver and mechanic in an informal, relaxed
atmosphere - Shenington & Whilton Mill Club Championship meetings.
Are
we right for you?
Why not find out by taking advantage of our half price introductory offer - your
first two consecutive race weekends (yes, both Saturday & Sunday are included)
for the price of one. £144 plus VAT for the two day race package!
Driver
coaching and development - Data analysis and feedback - Technical and mechanical
support - Help with setup and kart maintenance - Practical and impartial advice
on equipment choice - Awning space - Power and air.
Drop in for a chat at pit bays C5, 6 & 7 at Whilton Mill or D4, 5 & 6 at
Shenington. Alternatively give us a call: Alex - 07766 224636 or Michael - 07881
908291.
Visit our website at
www.kartcoach.com or email
us on
info@kartcoach.com.
[ Top ]
Henry Surtees Meeting (02/07)
The
fourth round of the BPKC Summer Championship incorporates the inaugural Henry
Surtees commemorative race. Henry was tragically killed in a motor racing
accident last year and this meeting is being held in memory of Henry and will
benefit the Headway (Tunbridge Wells) Charity. Both Super One and FKS have
endorsed the event and a special grid of Comer Cadets will compete for unique
Henry Surtees trophies. Entries are also welcome for all non-gearbox ABkC
classes, including Bambino.
Henry's father, John Surtees (OBE), has kindly agreed to rename Buckmore's turn
two into 'Henry's Bend' on the day. £5 from every entry will be donated to the
Headway Charity (Tunbridge Wells), which specialises in supporting victims of
head injury.
Open practice is available on Friday 16th July and Saturday 17th July.
For entry forms and more details please contact Sheila Rose, Club Co-ordinator
on 01634 661604. To download an entry form or to book your place online visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Parry Blitzes Buckmore (01/07)
Matthew
Parry moved back to the head of the Super 1 Junior Rotax table with a sparkling
display at Buckmore Park that netted his fourth and fifth victories of the
season.
Having bounced back into title contention in round three at Whilton Mill, Parry
was 'on it' right from the start of the weekend, building on a successful
appearance at the recent Buckmore Park Kart Club meeting, and featuring firmly
among those breaking 40secs in pre-event practice.
He then raised his game for qualifying, not only posting the quickest time in
Junior Max, but also lapping faster than anyone else at the entire meeting,
including the normally quicker Senior Max frontrunners.
Buoyed by his obvious pace, the Paul Carr Racing driver led from start to finish
in the first of two heats on Saturday afternoon, before suffering his only
setback of the weekend in the second race, as a poor start dropped him to third
and forced him to battle for an eventual second place.
His heat results still
warranted pole position for the Pre-Final and, after finding time to catch up on
revision for his remaining GCSEs, a clearly relaxed Parry streaked into an
immediate lead, and one he would not lose.
As temperatures rose ahead of the second final, the reigning Formula Kart Stars
champion remained cool and got another perfect start to lead the pack into turn
one. Once more, Parry and the PCR-run Kosmic kart proved unbeatable,
edging away throughout to eventually win by nearly two seconds.
Now back on top of the S1 point standings, the 15-year old faces a busy month of
karting in July, with testing for the Larkhall round acting as a warm-up for a
first step into Senior Max at the forthcoming RGMMC Euro Max Challenge at
Speedworld in Austria.
Photographs courtesy of Graham Smith.
[ Top ]
Global
Karting Success
(01/07)
Another
5 podiums, including a win for Jake Dalton, in the Super 1 MSA and Rotax Series
for the rising team of the moment, Global Karting.
KF3 driver Dalton drove stunningly all weekend taking a well deserved top spot
on the podium by winning the First Final at the Super 1 MSA Round 4 at Rowrah.
From P3 Jake chased down the leader passing him with 5 laps remaining to take
the win. Going for the double, he led Final 2 until 3 laps to go, consolidating
second place.
At Buckmore Park Round 4 of the Rotax Super 1, Junior Max driver Lewis Plato
drove impressively to take third place in the First Final, finished fourth in
the Grand Final and also took the Rookie Cup.
Senior Max driver Michael Epps was third in the First Final, second in the Grand
Final after a strong challenge for the title taking the lead twice during the
end of the race. Team-mate Reece Wade took the Rookie Cup.
"Global Karting are very pleased with the recent showing at the two
championships and would like to congratulate all their drivers for their
magnificent efforts, you are making all our hard work very well worth it."
For more information on Global Karting visit
www.globalkartingltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker (Jake Dalton podium), Graham Smith (Michael
Epps 13), and Paul Robinson (Lewis Plato 77, Reece Wade 47).
[ Top ]
Ellough Park Raceway (01/07)
Round
5 of the Ellough Park Non-MSA Summer Championship will be held on Saturday 10th
July 2010. Race entry is just £35.00.
The timetable for the event is 8am sign on, 8:15am until 9:15am scrutineering,
race briefing at 9:30am following by a 10am start on the track.
Classes entered so far are Honda Cadet, Libra Cadet (WTP and Comer), Mini Max,
Junior TKM, Junior Rotax, Senior Rotax, and Biland
Please send your details to
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, download a
race entry form at
www.beccleskartclub.co.uk,
or you can call us 01502 717718 to enter.
Please make sure all cheques are payable to "R L Circuits Ltd".
Look forward to seeing you all on the 10th July 2010!
[ Top ]
2010 Chris Hart Meeting (30/06)
There
is only just over a week now until the highlight of the TKM season at Clay
Pigeon - The Chris Hart and Robert Bailey memorial trophy. This meeting
always attracts bumper grids for both Senior Extreme TKM and Junior TKM, and the
superb trophies are highly sought after.
As always, the event is organised in aid of Cancer Research UK and so far has
raised in excess of £10,000. Several sponsors are now committed to support this
most worthwhile cause and the cash prize fund is steadily increasing. There are
also several items for the prize draw, with one of the highlights being a signed
photo of Lewis Hamilton donated direct from McLaren.
Entries are again expected to be strong this year and of a high calibre, as it
is the last club meeting at Clay prior to the TKM Super One round that does not
clash with the TKM Maxxis Festival. A special invitation to the 4/ TKM
contingent to send in their entries - if we can make up a grid the prize fund
will be split pro-rata.
For further information and entry forms please go to
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Gillard Karts Dominate (29/06)
The
fourth round of the Rotax ABkC Super One National Championship saw victories for
the British manufactured Gillard Racing Karts with Dan Holland in Rotax Max and
Jack Aitken in Mini Max.
Dan Holland dominated the Rotax Max class with fastest lap in timed qualifying,
victory in all his heats and both finals proving the superiority of the Gillard
kart. Dan Holland running under the management of Lee Cook Motorsport now
moves up to 3rd in the Championship.
Mini
Max was the closest fought of the classes racing at Buckmore Park with the
greatest number of entrants. Protrain Racing's Jack Aitken did not have as easy
a race meeting as Dan Holland in his Gillard kart. Protrain worked throughout
the meeting to develop the chassis and from a "lowly" tenth position in
qualifying Jack worked his way forward in the heats with some stunning
overtaking manoeuvres to gain 6th grid for the first final. Finishing 3rd after
a tremendous start Jack and the team worked on the set up for the main final.
Great driving by Jack produced not only victory but also fastest lap to seal the
Gillard victory.
All Gillard drivers have the benefit of the presence and knowledge of World
Championship winning Tim Gillard, owner and designer of Gillard Racing Karts,
who is constantly visiting all the many Gillard teams and advising drivers and
team managers on the latest developments and set ups.
For further details of Gillard Racing Karts please contact Tim Gillard on 01279
816106, or email
tim@gillardracingkarts.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Easykart UK At Goodwood (29/06)
Easykart
UK will be exhibiting at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. The
EK transporter and awning will be on show housing the entire range of Easykart
classes from Easy 50 to Easy 125 and in turn will be supporting the MSA's Go
Motorsport campaign.
If you considering Easykart its the perfect venue to see the karts and ask all
the questions you may have.
Easykart - the word is spreading...
Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from Friday 2nd July
to Sunday 4th July 2010.
For more information on Easykart visit
www.easykart.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Move Bears Fruit (29/06)
A
mid-season switch to reigning European and World title holders Strawberry Racing
proved instantly fruitful for Jack Barlow last weekend (26/27 June).
The British Super 1 championship reached its halfway point at the challenging
Buckmore Park in Kent and saw the highly-rated 15-year old deliver his best
performance to date in the UK's premier series.
Inspired by taking 3rd place in a club event at the same venue just a week
beforehand, Jack built on this early promise with another fine performance
during Saturday's timed qualifying session by being fastest in his group and
third-quickest overall.
Despite enjoying pole position for the first of his two preliminary heats, he
had to keep a cool head as a crash brought out the red flags and his engine
temperature soared. "I didn't have a clue what was going on. We weren't told
where to stop on the circuit so we all just drove round slowly. Because the air
was so warm and the low speed, I couldn't cool the engine enough and the
data-logger showed that the temperature was over 60 degrees. Eventually they
stopped us and that allowed the engine to cool down a little. At the re-start I
got the jump and was in the lead and had just started to pull away when the race
was red-flagged again. They stopped us and we took the re-start in single file.
That was still a bit wild but I got a really good start and won from there."
A collision whilst contesting the lead in the second heat saw Jack's kart throw
its chain and put him out of the race. This affected his aggregate score to
determine his grid position for the pre-final and he found himself on the 10th
row of the grid - "My mechanic said to me before the start, 'go out there and
entertain them (the crowd). There was no pressure on me, so it was just a case
of doing my best."
Despite starting in 19th place he produced a storming drive and carved his way
up to the order to take an excellent 4th position, after 24 gruelling laps in
the 30 degree heat.
Starting from the outside of the second row for the main final, the Accent
Banking and Rollersigns-supported driver knew that he needed to sweep across to
the inside line quickly if he was to avoid losing places - or worse, risk a
crash as the field bumped and bored for position through the first three
corners. As the field swarmed into the first bend, he had already chopped across
to the right-hand side of the track and escaped the crash that removed the
drivers who had started immediately behind him.
"I slotted in behind the driver in 3rd but dropped to 5th. We lost time fighting
each other over 4th but once we'd settled down we soon caught the 3rd-place man.
We were both able to pass him but by then the pack behind had started to catch
up. I had to keep a cool head and make sure I kept my place. I managed my tyres
and made sure my lap times were consistent and brought the kart home in 3rd"
"It was a good result for my first time with the team (in the Super 1 series)
and I'm really happy because it also moved me into championship contention. I'm
going to really push now."
Next weekend (3/4 July) sees Jack competing in North Wales, when the Bernie
Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-backed Formula Kart Stars championship resumes at
the picturesque Glan Y Gors circuit.
In the interim, you can keep up to speed with Jack and his racing career by
visiting
www.jackbarlow.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Charity Endurance Race (28/06)
Are
you a racing enthusiast, or speed demon?
If so, why not test your driving skills and stamina in our 4hr relay endurance
Karting Challenge?
Date: Sunday 26th September 2010
Venue: Lakeside Karting Raceway - Arterial Road (A1306), Thurrock, Essex, RM19
1EA
Time: 11am - 5pm
Registration fee: £150 per team of 6 - This needs to be received by Children
with Leukaemia before 23rd July 2010. This includes hire of all equipment and a
30 minute warm up session per team.
Minimum sponsorship: £150 per team of 6
To book your team's place please contact the Children with Leukaemia Events Team
on 020 7404 0808, or email
events@leukaemia.org.
[ Top ]
Lammers And De Conto (28/06)
The
second and final round of the European Championships for KZ1 and KZ2, which were
contested this weekend at Varennes-sur-Alliers, served up a fine spectacle
coupled with suspense. In the two classes, the European crown was in effect
finally decided in the last laps of the last race of the championship.
Eventually the Dutchman Bas Lammers regained his title in KZ1, whilst it was the
Italian Paolo De Conto who collected his first European title in KZ2.
Throughout the 2010 European Championship there has been a fantastic contest
between the two Intrepid team mates Bas Lammers and Jérémy Iglésias, in addition
to the contest to which their opponents have contributed. The leader after the
first meeting in Sarno, and on pole position for the start of the first race
this Sunday, Jérémy Iglésias (Intrepid-TM) was keen to finally grasp this
international crown for which he has been bidding for several seasons. But the
Frenchman couldn't hold off a majestic Bas Lammers (Intrepid-TM) during the
first race. The equation was therefore simple - whoever would finish in front of
the other in the second race would be European Champion.
Beaten on time by Thomas Mich (Birel-TM), twice in 3rd place at Varennes and
finally on the 3rd step of a Final podium, the duel had all of the spectators
present holding their breath. Passing and re-passing each other on this fast
track favouring the hopes and aspirations of both, the two men served up an
incredible spectacle in a fine sporting spirit for which 'fair-play' would be
the very least that could be said. And if one final desperate move by Jérémy
Iglésias would send the Frenchman sailing into the gravel after a slight
contact, he would nevertheless be the first to congratulate his team mate at the
foot of the podium. "I am super happy to take away this new title", explained
his colleague Bas Lammers. "Jérémy is a fantastic driver and we have truly had a
very sporting tussle. This is also evidence of our collaboration which we have
worked on to achieve this double for Intrepid. On a more personal note, this
race has been particularly difficult because my father is gravely ill. It was
when thinking about him that I couldn't prevent myself shedding a few tears on
the podium. I dedicate this title to him."
With three victories in four races, the Dutchman has hardly stolen his second
consecutive European crown in KZ1, and the third after having also acquired a
Formula A (100cc) title in 2003. As for Jérémy Iglésias, in spite of an
understandable disappointment, he remained optimistic. "Last year, I lost the
title after making several mistakes", he recalled. "This year, I have had a
truly super season and I have tried my utmost. I realised towards the end of the
second race, I was not going to be champion. Two laps from the end, I had tried
to pass Bas on the inside. There was the slightest contact, my front wheels came
off the track and I had finished my race in the gravel trap. But I have no
regrets and I certainly want to congratulate my team mate. This driver is the
most decent and sporting I know."
Behind the team mates and the Frenchman Thomas Mich, the top 5 in the
Championship was also completed by the Frenchmen Anthony Abbasse (Sodi-TM) and
Manuel Renaudie (PCR-TM). Less quick than at Sarno, British driver Jack
Hawksworth (Maddox-Parilla) finished 6th, and was the first driver not powered
by a TM motor, but in front of Belgian Yannick De Brabander (Intrepid-TM),
running a fine second in the second race of his first season in gearbox karting.
The evergreen Antonio Piccini (Intrepid-TM), the Dutchman Jorrit Pex (CRG-TM)
and the Italian Antonio Piccioni (Parolin-SGM) had equally good results in
finishing in the top 10 of this most sportingly contested Championship!
Just
as in KZ1, the suspense had been intense in KZ2. Taking the honours in the first
race, would the Dutch girl Beitske Visser (Intrepid-TM) be successful in beating
all her male opponents to the finishing line and in doing so make history in
taking the title? For a while this young girl of just 15 years old made such an
impression with her speed. But a very obvious push by Simone Brenna (TB Kart-TM)
during the second race - the Italian driv