UK Karting

2013 News Archive

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


[ News Summary / Site Index | Current News ]
News Archives : [ 2000 ] [ 2001 ] [ 2002 ] [ 2003 ] [ 2004 ] [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] [ 2010 ] [ 2011 ] [ 2012 ] [ 2013 ]

News Archive
2013 News Items & Press Releases

Advance Motorsport   (27/12)

After careful thought and consideration and following a successful year for Blakeney Racing at Forest Edge, Clay Pigeon and Whilton Mill Kart Club in various Rotax and Honda Cadet classes the team has decided to re-brand in readiness to move up into the national kart series in 2014.
 
As of 2014 the newly named Advance Motorsport will be competing at Whilton Mill, PFI and selected club meetings throughout the year as well as the MSA SuperOne National Championship in IAME Cadet and the new Rotax Academy pooled engine series. Advance Motorsport will also be contesting the LGM (Little Green Man series).
 
Advance Motorsport will be working closely with Robinson Sport in 2014 with engine support at all meetings that they attend. A large selection of Rotax, IAME and Alonso/OTK parts will be kept in stock and taken to the circuits. There also will be further partnership announcements to come, so watch this space.
 
The team will continue to be run by experienced driver coach and team principle Scott Blakeney and will provide a bespoke service for drivers in all classes to help hone their skills from club level racing all the way through to national championship level of Super One.
 
Openings within the team are limited so interested drivers should get in touch with Scott Blakeney on 07901 003261 or email scott@advancemotorsport.co.uk.
 
Don't forget to 'like' our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Advance-Motorsport/553252158095853 and soon you'll be able to check out our new website - www.advancemotorsport.co.uk - for the latest updates and news.

[ Top ]

---

Tal-Ko Racing And S1   (27/12)

Tal-Ko Racing and the Super One national championship organisers have been working together to control the cost of competing in Formula TKM's top title series.
 
Following a meeting with drivers this year a number of measures have been put in place along the lines of the requests from drivers, each of them aimed specifically at cutting costs.
 
For some time now Tal-Ko Racing, organisers of the TKM class, have themselves been subsidising the entry fee for the series which at £160 is less than any other class which will continue for 2014.
 
Another cost saving measure for TKM Super One 2014 competitors will be the no use of new dry tyres for the practice. It is planned that the tyres from the previous S1 race meeting will be used for testing except of course the very first S1 event where any used tyres for this first S1 Saturday will be permitted. To ensure this happens, the used dry tyres at the end of each S1 event will be bagged and sealed by S1 free of charge.
 
Also for next year the control race fuel used for the series will be available in 10 litre cans rather than the current 25 litres. Again to help cuts costs.
 
Super One organiser John Hoyle says: "We have listened to the drivers and have done what we can to keep down costs while still maintaining the high standards to which a national series such as ours must adhere to."
 
And adds TKM boss Alan Turney: "We applaud this effort to keep down costs. We are acutely aware of the need to keep all costs under control and pride ourselves on providing the most racing for your money."
 
Registrations are now coming in for the six round TKM Junior and Senior TKM championships. Among those competing in the Senior TKM Extreme series will be Matt England, named as the winner of a joint scholarship to take a driver from TKM club racing into the S1 national championship.
 
To register visit www.superoneseries.com.

[ Top ]

---

JM Racing Mega Sale   (27/12)

The JM Racing Mega Sale starts this morning and continues tomorrow so there is still time to grab a bargain.

Opening times for PF International are...

27th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale starts 7am **
28th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale continues **
29th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
30th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
31st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
1st Jan - Closed
2nd Jan - Pro-Kart Testing 4/Stroke 9-4 pm
3rd Jan - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
4th Jan - TVKC Testing
5th Jan - TVKC Race Day

The circuit can be contacted on 01636 626424 option 2, and for the Shop select option 1.


You can also visit our website at www.jmracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

New UK Intrepid Importers   (24/12)

DND Sports are delighted to announce that we have been officially confirmed as the exclusive UK importer for Intrepid Driver Program S.R.L. As well as importing the karts, we are also the UK satellite team for the Intrepid Driver Program Racing Team.

From January 2014 we will have in stock a full range of spares for all Intrepid Karts. Also for 2014 we will be launching a brand new Intrepid Clothing Range, available to pre-order as of 1st January. We will be importing the following Chassis'; Cub Cadet, Raptor KF and KZ, Falcon DD2, and the new Intrepid UK TKM.

Drive for Intrepid Driver Program UK in 2014. We have a limited number of places remaining for the 2014 UK Driver Program. The Driver Program, with links to some of the top F1 Teams, offers a unique opportunity for drivers to develop and learn new skills, progressing their racing careers to their highest possible level.

Services Available include a Fully Equipped Race Truck and Awning, Arrive and Drive Packages at Super One and Club, Standard Awning Space at Super One and Club, Kart Hire, Engine Hire, Set Up advice, Test Days, Driver Coaching and Management, Kart Storage and Preparation, and on-site Flat Bed and Jig.

Throughout the season as well as racing at Club and Super One events in the UK, The team will have opportunities to race both in Europe and World Wide with the Factory Racing Team.

All are services are available at very competitive prices, and don't miss your chance to join the UK Driver Program!

To find out more and to join the program Contact us today - tel 07535 645730 or 07999 979812, or email IntrepidkartUK@gmail.com.

[ Top ]

---

Have Your Product Reviewed   (24/12)

Attention Manufacturers, Distributors, Suppliers, Wholesalers and Retailers of Karting associated products and services in the UK.

Kart Review UK wishes to invite you to nominate your products or services for review at KartReview.co.uk.

At Kart Review, we firmly believe in a fair review. We can not guarantee that your product or service will receive a positive review, but we can guarantee it will be fair. If you truly believe your product has what it takes to beat off the competition, let us showcase it, and give it the boost it needs.

We realise that Kart Review is still in it's infancy, and that there are some issues and processes that need to be streamlined in the coming months. With this in mind, we are offering to review your products free of charge.

In the five months since Kart Review's conception, traffic has increased dramatically. Our honest, down to earth reviews of products that are important to racers, have resulted in some excellent feedback from consumers who have read our reviews and purchased the products.

Over the winter, we are concentrating on products which are useful away from the track, such as pit equipment & tools. Once February is here, we commence our winter testing at various circuits around the UK and this gives us the chance to test your race meeting orientated products. Finally, a month or so later our team commences their respective championships and race meetings to test your product to it's limits.

Your product will be tested by racers, competing at various levels of competition throughout the UK. This ensures that we are catering for all levels, and do not exclude products which are out of the financial reach of the majority of racers.

You can contact us through our Facebook page by message, or alternatively you can sign up over at www.kartreview.co.uk, send one of the administrators a message and they will get back to you.

[ Top ]

---

IAME X30 Tests Available   (24/12)

The serious introduction of X30 to the UK has been met with a lot of excitement around kart clubs and karting folk alike.

We believe that X30 has all the right aspects to greatly grow as a class and become a leading class in Great Britain (much like its little brother, the Gazelle, already has in Cadet)

We have been extensively testing the class in recent weeks and will continue to do so into the New Year and throughout 2014.

The DR team will be focussing its attention on regular club meetings around the Midlands/South East for X30 in 2014 and the Little Green Man (LGM) series, providing full trackside support and race prepared equipment.

If you are interested in moving into X30 or are unsure if it's for you, give us a call on 07887998753 or e-mail drkartuk@gmail.com to discuss the class or arrange a test.

Alternatively, come and see us at the PFI meeting on January 4th/5th.

[ Top ]

---

Eclipse Winter Testing   (23/12)

With temperatures in the UK struggling to get above 5 degrees and circuits often remaining wet all day it is often impossible to get in any meaningful testing. With heading abroad the only option, Eclipse Motorsport are organising Winter Testing at Campillos in Spain from 9th - 14th January 2014.

The 1580m Campillos Circuit in Spain has testing available 10:00 - 18:00 every day and is located just 40 minutes from Malaga airport with cheap flights available from most UK airports. Campillos is also host to the RGMMC Euromax Winter Cup 10th-16th February making this an ideal opportunity to test.

Iame Cadet Team, Eclipse Motorsport have various packages available to suit teams and individuals from transport to full arrive and drive.

Places are limited so please make your enquires to Ollie@EclipseMotorsport.co.uk or call 07969 387099.

[ Top ]

---

Clay Pigeon Open On Saturday   (23/12)

Clay Pigeon Kart Club would like to wish all its friends a very merry xmas and look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.

However, if that seems too long away, why not come along on Saturday the 28th Dec and blow away all the cobwebs and mince pies from the previous few days.  The circuit and the shop will both be open as normal and we have booked sunshine for the whole day.

If you cant make the 28th, why not join us on the 26th January when there will be a working party to get the club equipment ready for the Clay Shakedown on the 9th of Febuary. The shakedown is a non championship event and a great opportunity for the club and the drivers to make sure that everyones equipment is ready for the 1st round on the 9th of March.

Have a great xmas.

For directions and contact details visit www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

New KGP Website   (20/12)

The new KGP website is now live and features some interesting 360 degree image technology to show off the KGP engine range.
 
The KGP engines for Junior, Clubman and Pro can be viewed in 360 degrees with zoom enabled functions giving you a more detailed view of the engines.
 
New KGP information is also available on the site with a race track locator and guides, tyre specification information, engine packages for Junior, Clubman or Pro and self help tips for running in the KGP Classes.
 
Whether you're already racing KGP or considering your next move visit www.kartgrandprix.co.uk for all the information you need.

[ Top ]

---

X30 At Grice Racing Engines   (19/12)

Click for larger image...The IAME X30 engine may be new, but Grice have extensive and successful experience with IAME reed engines of a very similar type on the International stage. Tom Grice won the KF2 and KF3 CIK Qualifiers and was 2nd in the KF3 European Championship, as well as winning the German Championship twice, and all that experience has gone into Grice Racing Engine's work on the X30.
 
You will enjoy full commitment and trackside support, but this is an engine where racers can get on and race without the problems and inequalities that can often ruin your day!
 
We don't run drivers, we don't sponsor drivers, all of our customers benefit from the same attention to detail and desire to win, and the X30 class fits in perfectly with that philosophy.
 
There are some big club races planned in early 2014 for X30 and X30 Junior, particularly at PF International, so act now to get your engine ordered and yourself in with a chance of an early-season win. Big discounts on complete engines are available at £1650 plus VAT.
 
Rebuilds cost £355 plus VAT including labour and all parts except conrod, balance shaft and reed petals.

For more information contact Ricky Grice at ricky.grice@virgin.net or call 01268 727847.  You can also visit our website at Griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

TKM International Class   (18/12)

Tal-Ko Racing is working with Belgian carburettor maker Kilt in the development of an entire new range of karting classes due to start racing in France in 2015 with the specific aim of keeping racing simple and low cost.

Formula TKM International will manufacture engines from 80cc through to 135cc providing an engine package for all ages from MiniKart right through to Masters using the experience and expertise it has built over the past 20 plus years in the UK's Formula TKM classes.

Explains TKM boss Alan Turney: "This will be an entire new range of engines built by us in partnership with Kilt and other suppliers. We are making use of our knowledge to create engines which we firmly believe will suit the demand for simple and cost conscious racing and at the same time giving drivers close and adrenaline filled competition."

"Over the past few years the CIK development of expensive and complex KF series engines has had a very damaging effect on racing right across Europe with driver numbers dropping and the call has been for a simple but effective way of racing. That is exactly what we are producing for racing outside the traditional karting federations' control."

"It was for just the same type of cost reasons that Formula TKM was created in this country back in the late 80s and that started an entire new philosophy here which has been the backbone of UK karting for so many years. We hope to achieve the same in France and other European countries."

The TKM International engine range will start with a restricted version of the TKM WTP 80cc water cooled TAG engine aimed at MiniKart age drivers as well as a derestricted version for Cadets as a half-way step to Juniors.

There will then be 100cc and 135cc water cooled engines for Juniors, Seniors and Masters classes. These engines will use direct drive to save the cost and weight of electric starters and batteries, but will have special mechanical de-compressors to make self- starting easy.

Specifications are currently being finalised before unveiling the full range of engines next year with testing and demonstrations starting in France.

For more information contact Tal-Ko Racing on +44 (0)1767 682020 or email info@tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

Racing In KGP S1?   (17/12)

The 2014 World KGP Finals will take place at probably the most famous karting circuit in the World - Jesolo in Italy.
 
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2014 to Sunday 19th October 2014.
Where: Jesolo, Italy.
Airport: Marco Polo, near Venice.
 
Situated by the Italian holiday sea side resort of Lido di Jesolo and only 30 mins from Venice itself, there is something for everyone in any karting family or team - not just the driver!
 
KGP UK has won the KGP World title in 2012 with Phil Smith (Litchfield Motorsport) and again in 2013 with Bobby Game (Team O'Neill Racing). Can the UK make it three titles on the bounce?
 
You could be there... KGP drivers that have registered and raced in the 2014 KGP Super One series will be eligible to enter via KGP UK and must hold an MSA Int C licence with valid medical.
 
The KGP UK team for 2014 will be consist of a maximum of 12 drivers and entries will be on a first come first serve basis with S1 participation criteria being met.
 
The winner of the 2014 KGP Super One Series will receive a free entry and race slicks for the KGP 2014 World Finals.
 
Visit www.kartgrandprix.co.uk, find us on facebook, or call us on 01527 889595.

[ Top ]

---

Maranello Factory Team   (16/12)

Maranello UK are seeking drivers to be part of the Maranello factory team for the 2014 EuroMax campaign in Junior Max, Senior Max and DD2.
 
Away from the rarefied world of KF, Rotax Max remains the most successful, widely subscribed and arguably the most competitive kart racing formula ever created.
 
Maranello are now one of the few factory teams who have recognised the world wide importance of the single make engine formulas such as Rotax and have committed to competing at the pinnacle of the formula, the Rotax Max Euro Challenge in 2014.
 
The EuroMax series remains hugely popular and is widely regarded as being among one of the most professional and well run championships anywhere in motor racing.
 
Drives are available for the Rotax Winter Cup at Campillos in the south of Spain in Feburary 2014. The EuroMax challenge begins in April with the first round at Genk in Belgium.

Please see www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com.
 
Enquiries are welcome from all interested drivers.
 
For more information please contact laury@maranellokarts.co.uk, or telephone 07903 623 348.

[ Top ]

---

Last Minute Christmas Gifts   (16/12)

Click for larger image...Searching for those last minute Christmas gift ideas, for your loved ones, family members, friends or just getting prepared for the coming season that will soon be with us.
 
KKC Kart Components based at Whilton Mill, have some fantastic Christmas special gift ideas that could help with just this!
 
How about the ideal stocking filler - the Senzo Jet Driver, priced at just £17.95 + VAT this could be the ideal stocking filler that you're looking for, no more damaging carburettor Jets and not really knowing what size jet you are putting into your carburettor because of the damage that the screwdriver has done to this.

This tool eliminates the damage that so often occurs to the Rotax carburettor jet. It has a slim-line, smooth, smart appearance and even holds the jet in place prior to fitting into the carburettor, eliminating the jet "dropping out" of the Jet Driver. Available in either red or blue.

 
Click for larger image...Or, how about the Ultimate Present of all presents... the Senzo Complete Castor Box Kit, complete with DOT4 & DOT5 Castor Kits - giving you more grip and castor adjustment than the standard OTK Castor Kit, a set of the Neutral Castor Kits, giving 1/2 castor compared to standard OTK Castor kit of zero or full castor, a set of high quality, precision engineered Magnetic Castor Covers, discretely keeping that so important castor angle set up from prying eyes on the grid, and in addition to this also comes with the Senzo Castor/Bumper Tool which not only eases fitting of the castor kit at the correct angle, though additionally assists in the fitment and tightening of the OTK rear bumper washer.

Priced at £199.00 + VAT this is the present that will be most wanted on the special day and not only at Christmas too!

 
For those most important Christmas presents, please contact KKC on 01327 844320 or via www.kkckartshop.co.uk where we will be pleased to help.
 
All orders received by Friday 20th December will be despatched for guaranteed Christmas delivery by UPS Courier Service with prior communication.

[ Top ]

---

KR-Sport's Oliver Hodgson   (13/12)

Click for larger image...Oliver Hodgson won the Rotax Max World Championship in New Orleans and team-mate Tom Harvey came within half a lap of achieving an extraordinary double for KR-Sport on an unforgettable afternoon in the United States.
 
Drivers at the pinnacle of their sport earned the right to compete at the event by qualifying through various national championships. Each of the racers were competing on a level playing field with all of the equipment supplied by the organisers.
 
That left the results to be decided by talent, setup, determination, experience - and occasionally just a little bit of luck.
 
Click for larger image...For the spectators, both at the superb Nola Motorsports Park track, and the many thousands watching live streaming online it was an opportunity to watch 360 of the very best drivers bid to win the ultimate crown in an amazing karting spectacle.
 
NOLA Motorsports Park is a technically demanding circuit requiring driving skill and attention to the fine details of chassis setup.  With temperatures varying from below 10˚C to warm and humid conditions the drivers and teams were put to the test.
 
Hodgson threw down the gauntlet in practice, qualifying third just 0.003 off pole, and didn't look back. With second, first and third finishes in his three heats, blemish-free driving and great support and set up it was obvious he was going to be very hard to beat.
 
Click for larger image...Hodgson took the chequered flag in the pre-final over 3.5 seconds ahead of the next driver and he took his pole position for the final knowing it was the race that mattered.  Having retained the lead at the start it was a position he rarely surrendered and with an exemplary display of cool and determined driving he crossed the line to seal his place in history as a World Champion.
 
Meanwhile not to be outdone, Harvey was also cementing his place at the top in Junior Max with second place in qualifying and a superb victory and sixth place in his first two heats. His third heat was a display of brilliance in the wet conditions as Harvey opened up a gap and took a controlled victory.
 
Click for larger image...However joy turned to despair as that heat result was disqualified after it was determined there was an infringement following a rapid switch to wet tyres resulted in an incorrect rear wheel width.
 
Click for larger image...The disqualification made Harvey even more determined. He took the fastest lap in the pre-final driving from grid P24 to finish third, positioning himself superbly for the final.
 
Having started well Harvey took to the front and under immense pressure held off until the last lap where he fell back into the pack and crossed the line fifth. A very strong result against a world championship field but not the result that the team felt Tom deserved after a dominant display over the week's racing.
 
KR-Sports Ashley Orchard said: "We have worked with both drivers now for a number of years and it has been a pleasure to work with them again at this prestigious event.
 
"Conditions were tricky but we worked hard with the drivers and equipment and from our side there were no rushed decisions. It was a very calm week, however I must admit I wasn't so calm watching both the main finals.
 
"This result is further reward for our successful season back on UK soil and the team has a real buzz about it.
 
Click for larger image..."All of our drivers now want to follow in the footsteps of Oliver and Tom and they know they are part of something special - a World Championship-winning team.
 
Click for larger image..."This also put us into a strong position focusing on 2014 as the team will now expand into BNL and Euro Max events along with continued focus on our UK Championship and club championships. We only have a couple of spaces remaining for drivers in Mini, Junior or Senior Max in the UK."
 
With places limited with the team for 2014 interested parties are advised to discuss packages and options with Ashley Orchard for both UK and European events.
 
More information on the team is available at www.kr-sport.com or email ash@kr-sport.com or call Ashley on 07921 225680.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Record Breaker   (13/12)

Click for larger image...The last meeting of a busy year saw 75 karts, including Aixros and modified Pro-Karts, line up on the various grids for another fantastic day's racing.
 
Circuit owner James Clarke said; "It was amazing to have so many here for a December meeting and the atmosphere was brilliant. Friendly competitive racing is what we all want and we got it, the meeting ran without problems, so thank you everyone."
 
Lydd kart circuit will be open to owner/drivers on 27th, 28th and 28th December, so don't sit in front of the television and get bored, come on down for some practice/testing and a bit of fresh air!
 
Call the circuit on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895, or visit www.lyddkartcircuit.com for the latest news.
 
James Clarke added; "I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you all again in 2014."

[ Top ]

---

Super One Warm Up Event   (13/12)

Click for larger image...Super One Series Rotax Academy for MiniMax and Junior Max at the Winter Cup.
 
Super One's season warm up event will be held at PF International on 8-9th March for all classes except KZ1, including the MiniMax and Junior Max Rotax Academy with pooled engines.  Entries for the Academy class are coming in fast for the 2014 season and several of those have inquired if they could race at the S1 Winter Cup at PFI.  The good news is that JAG Engineering have agreed to provide pooled engines and separate trophies swill be awarded for drivers in MiniMax and Junior Max who are using the pooled engines.
 
Payment terms for the Academy are slightly different to the rest of the Super One classes. A deposit of £1000 is required on registration followed by stage payments through the season. Where space permits it will be possible for drivers to compete as a guest at individual meetings, so there is no need for these guys to commit to the whole season.
 
There should be no confusion over the cost of the Academy series. All registration and Entry fees, all dry race tyres, 2 sets of rain tyres, all fuel/race oil and a fresh pooled engine complete with all accessories are provided for the full season of 6 meetings for the sum of £5000 inclusive of VAT, quite a bargain price! The only extra might be for the optional Friday practice fee.
 
The Academy proper kicks off at Shenington on 29/30 March with further meetings at Rowrah, Glan y Gors, Larkhall, Rissington and PFI - see calendar on http://superoneseries.com. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at each of these meetings and a champion chosen from the results of the last Grand Final at PF International, but note that to be eligible a driver must have competed in a minimum of five meetings.  The minimum licence grade for the Academy is National B (not novice). 
 
To register please visit the Super One website and click on 'Register Online'.  Other forms you may need are on the Contact/Forms and then Downloads section, for instance a draft letter for your School to confirm any absences.  Book your competition number by registering, anything between 11 and 99, don't delay.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Perfect End To The Year   (11/12)

HTR finished the 2013 season off in top form last weekend at Rowrah with team drivers James Walker and Riley Banks qualifying with a 1-2 a whole second ahead of the rest of the field in extremely tricky conditions. The two HTR drivers then managed to work together extremely well to break the rest of the pack in the final, and then had a closely fought battle for the win with both drivers taking their turn of leading the race. James Walker managed to bring his kart across the line first closely followed by Riley Banks making it an HTR 1-2 in Honda.
 
Sam White also managed to put in an excellent performance in the Iame class after a tricky timed qualifying brining his kart home in 4th place.
 
HTR would like to congratulate Ewan Tindall for winning the NKF Championship in Iame, Matty Easton for coming 12th in Super 1, Sam White for winning the Rowrah Club Championship and Riley Banks for finishing 3rd in the Rowrah Club Championship despite missing rounds due to Super 1.
 
The team now looks forward to a promising and exciting 2014 season with some new signings. We do still have 2 spaces remaining in the team at Super 1 Rotax/Honda, NKF, Rowrah and PFI club championships with extremely competitive prices. For more information then please don't hesitate to contact Derrick on 07836248459 or email derrick@htrracing.com.

[ Top ]

---

Fifth Club Chooses TAG Heuer   (11/12)

Cumbria Kart Racing Club is the latest UK kart club to appoint the TAG Heuer timing solution for their race day events.

CKRC, based at the Rowrah Circuit, are upgrading to a complete timing solution supplied by Sports Timing Systems, the exclusive UK agent for TAG Heuer Professional Timing.

Cumbria Kart Racing Club's Competition Secretary, Marion Fell said: "After considering a number of different options to fulfil our needs for a professional solution, the club decided that the TAG Heuer timing system best provided us with the accuracy and affordability that we were looking for.

"Precision and reliability are important to the talented drivers that race on our track. We aim to match all the hard work they put into each event by providing the best possible facilities."

Cumbria KRC join the Super One British Championship, Trent Valley Kart Club, Hunts Kart Race Club, Shenington Kart Race Club and Whilton Mill Kart Club in choosing Sports Timing Systems and the prestigious TAG Heuer brand for their timekeeping solution.

Innovative timekeeping solutions are just a single string to the bow which Sports Timing Systems are bringing to the world of motor sport. Many new products are currently in design and production, all with the aim to increase safety, streamline race meetings, and enhance the racing experience for drivers, teams, and fans alike.
 
Click for larger image...Certainly one of these new innovations was released at PF International for the November race meeting of host club Trent Valley Kart Club. Working closely with TVKC, Sports Timing Systems have developed Digi Flag - an ingenious digital concept to instantly relay messages from the Race Director to the drivers on track.

So positive was the feedback from that very first trial that club chairman Nigel Edwards ordered the very first system for the UK market.

Following further enhancements the Digi-Flag solution was again winning total support from race officials and drivers at the December round at Kimbolton Kart Circuit.

Hunts Kart Race Club Chairman, Martin Chesterman said: "The last round of the 2013 HKRC Club Championship was again treated to another weekend supported by the Sports Timing Systems team who have fully supported the integration of the TAG Heuer timing system.

"The December weekend benefited fully from Sports Timing Systems new electronic flag system, Digi-Flag. The display added a clear dimension on which to communicate flags and script messages clearly, quickly and concisely to the drivers on the circuit.

"The club's race director benefitted enormously from the system's instant response when relaying flag warnings. HKRC have been so impressed by this addition that we have agreed with Sports Timing Systems to purchase a unit in readiness for our first race meeting in 2014."

For more information about TAG Heuer timekeeping solutions, contact Sports Timing Systems on 01782 561734 or email: info@sportstimingsystems.co.uk.

Visit the website: www.sportstimingsystems.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Turkey Trot A Success   (10/12)

Clay Pigeon Kart Club would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the Turkey Trot weekend a huge success.

Friday night saw the 2013 club championship Class winners being presented with their trophies by the clubs president Colin Clark and vice president Neil Hann. Alex Quinn was crowned club champion following his remarkable performances in 2013.

The AGM on Saturday evening saw the biggest attendance for some years with younger members of the club coming forward and volunteering to serve on the committee. 

Sunday saw some fantastic racing in constantly changing conditions, Clay Pigeons micro climate again helping to keep everyone busy.

A big thank you to Alpha Timing for all their support over the past few weeks while the club introduced the new Alpha Timing Club championship management system and race timing system.  This was the trial run of the new systems for 2014 and with the support from both Will's, it was a resounding success. 

The results from Sundays racing can be found at http://results.alphatiming.co.uk/cpkc/2013/tt.

Don't forget the circuit and the shop will be open for practice as normal on Saturday the 28th December.

[ Top ]

---

Comer C50 Homologation   (10/12)

Homologation of the Comer C50 has been completed ahead of its introduction as the sole Bambino kart class engine with effect from 1 January 2014.

Competitors who are already using the engine must have it validated in accordance with the homologation. The MSA has arranged for Zip Kart, the UK distributor, to carry out these validations for no more than £50 plus VAT per unit until 31 December 2013; validations will be carried out at Zip Kart's stated rates from then on. For further information visit http://www.zipkart.com/c50-engine-validation.

Rob Jones, Acting MSA Chief Executive, said: "Bambino is a popular first rung on the motor sport ladder for many youngsters, and we're delighted that the new sole class engine, the Comer C50, is now ready for introduction as planned from January 2014. The newly homologated unit will allow us to ensure equal and affordable equipment for competitors, and we look forward to working with Zip Kart in making the class a continued success."

The Comer C50 homologation fiche is available at www.msauk.org/karttech.

[ Top ]

---

New Dellorto Carb Prep Kit   (09/12)

Click for larger image...The new 2014 HRS Dellorto Carburettor preparation kit V2 is now available and is the perfect stocking filler for Mechanics and Dads this Christmas.
 
Make sure your carb is legal and prepared to perfection.
 
Contains tools for:-
- Removing and replacing Atomizer bush.
- Pin to set Atomizer bush height - 3.60mm
- More accurate Float Gauge 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3mm, 3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm and 4mm levels.
- Rotax style float check tool- to use as a guide.
- Pin set - 0.45mm to 1.50mm to check hole sizes as to Rotax regulation.
 
Available now for £135 plus VAT and delivery.
 
Visit our website at www.hrsracingengines.com or contact us on email hrsracingengines@gmail.com or call 07808 911088.

[ Top ]

---

TKM TAG Dominates   (09/12)

Click for larger image...TKM TAG engines dominated at the Clay Pigeon Kart Club Turkey Trot race meeting, bagging all three podium positions in the Senior Extreme class.
 
Michael Eastwell took the top step and the turkey, which on the back of recent performance in S1 rounds, confirms the crisp power output of the latest spec TKM TAG engine and Tal-Ko Veloce Chassis he has been using this year.
 
And close behind were Tom Hackett and the very experienced Charlie Bruce-White also using the touch and go version of the TKM BT82 engine.
 
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "These results underline the simple fact that the TKM TAG engine is every bit as fast as the direct drive engine. With the simplified electronics which we now use the engine combines good speed with great reliability."

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

[ Top ]

---

Hawkey Chooses Birel   (06/12)

Ethan Hawkey has made the switch to the new Birel C28 cadet kart for the 2014 season. The talented youngster has never been far from the eye of Birel since he started karting through Easykart Cadet at the age of 8.
 
Sole UK Birel Importer Andy Cox explains "We have kept a close eye on Ethan and his performances this year in the MSA Iame cadet class. The new 2014 Birel cadet has excelled in testing and we are confident that we now have a Birel kart that can now deliver a Cadet Championship title.
 
Now is the right moment for the Birel brand to enter the Iame cadet class seriously - and now we have a serious driver and contender in Ethan Hawkey. Eclipse Motorsport and now Ethan Hawkey has the whole Birel factory behind them and we will now work together to achieve our goals in 2014."
 
Click for larger image...Birel has chosen Eclipse Motorsport to run the Birel cadet marque as a satellite team for 2014. Eclipse Motorport is run and owned by Ollie Hrycak, the team is based at the PF International circuit making testing very convenient. Karting legend and multi British Championship ex driver Darron Gibbs oversees driver coaching in Eclipse resulting in a strong team combination of driving experience, kart preparation and on track performance.
 
Click for larger image...Hawkey and Eclipse Motorsport will contest the 2014 MSA Super One and the cadet club series the LGM.
 
The new 2014 Birel Cadet is priced at £1995.00 + VAT and comes fully loaded with extras as standard - Freeline rims, Freeline rear RPS pod, Freeline pods and HQ Birel HQ sticker pack, Birel Motorsport HQ steering wheel, Freeline chain guard, Freeline engine mount, Freeline HQ sinter brake system and Birel flat bottom seat!
 
If you would like to test the new Birel cadet with Eclipse Motorsport call Ollie on 07969 387099, or for more information on the Birel C28 cadet kart please call the ACR office on 01527 889595.

[ Top ]

---

Keep Your Engine Safe   (06/12)

Click for larger image...Grice Racing Engines can supply you with the ideal present for your favourite kart racer - or even yourself - if you're not satisfied with the usual chocolate, bath salts and socks!
 
The cases can be made in any size, with your own custom livery. As you can see from the photos, the design is integral to the case, it isn't just a sticker kit. These cases are the best way to keep your engines safe in storage or in transit.
 
If you need something to put in it, the X30 engine is shaping up to be the biggest thing to hit Junior and Senior karting since the Rotax Max, with the importers selling more engines at this stage in the year than they had of the IAME Cadet this time last year.

Grice have extensive experience with the entire IAME range and have had a successful 2013 in Cadets with Oliver York, Jack Armstrong and Herbie Grout at Fusion and Next-Gen. Dominic Bush and Matthew Graham have also been coming along brilliantly over the last season.
 
Cadet rebuilds cost £180 plus VAT and for the X30 £355 plus VAT.  To be totally prepared you can also rent time on one of the most advanced karting dynos in the UK. A dyno power test is £87.50 plus VAT and you can have your carb optimised with an ultrasonic set up for £60 + VAT.
 
Grice have a state-of-the-art Rotronics dyno with fully-automated software in an air-conditioned and temperature-controlled room, and are one of the only kart engine tuners to have installed a Sports Devices rolling road to complement the dyno, using transient and eddy current technology to assess the engine ancillaries and optimise the package as a whole. Time on these costs £450 for the day, £250 for a half day or £100 per hour.

For more information contact Ricky Grice at ricky.grice@virgin.net or call 01268 727847.  You can also visit our website at Griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

Junior Kart Champs Engines   (05/12)

For the 2014 MSA British Junior Kart Championship competitors will draw for two Vortex KF Junior engines to use at each round of the Super One Series.  The engines will be supplied by their UK agents, Strawberry Racing and they will all be checked for uniformity.  This initiative will dramatically lower the costs of competing in the most prestigious series for Junior drivers in the UK, with the British crown the ultimate accolade.  Drivers like Anthony Davidson and Paul Di Resta have this title on their CVs before becoming Formula 1 drivers.
 
Super One welcomes new partners for the class in McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team and John Surtees with associated prizes of McLaren Technology Centre VIP visits, sessions with their F1 engineers and fitness  coaches.  This will be associated with on-going advice on the driver's career and progression.  These join with Bridgestone and their supplier Zip Kart and new series title sponsor SSM Stevenage Sheet Metal. 
 
Click for larger image...It's estimated that the cost per round for KF Junior is £1800 per weekend, this is including dry and wet tyres, test tyres and fuel and unlike the other classes this includes the cost of two engine hires.  Compare that to other international KF Junior events and the difference is dramatic.
 
Strawberry Racing's Managing Director Paul Spencer said: "We are very excited to be part of this new initiative and are very sure it is a step in the right direction to cut the cost of competing in the Junior British Championship.  Engines will be prepared to a very high standard but importantly the specification will remain stable all through the year." The MSA has given their full backing to the pooled engine project as well as the major teams.  The class enjoys support from Ricky Flynn Motorsport, ZipKart, SWRD (Wright karts), Millennium Motorsport, Mick Barrett Racing, S8 Racing, AIM Motorsport and Forza amongst others.  Could you too follow in the footsteps of the like of Jehan Daruvala and Jake Dennis?
 
A breakdown of the costs of competing can be found on the registration form at available for download.

But remember the easiest and cheapest way to register is on line at the Super One website.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

PFI Christmas Opening   (05/12)

The PF International circuit is open on the following dates around the festive period...
 
20th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke  9-4 pm
21st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke  9-4 pm
22nd Dec - Pro-Kart Sprint / Big Guns Event
23rd Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
24th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke  9-4 pm
25th Dec - Closed
26th Dec - Closed
27th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale starts 7am **
28th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale continues **
29th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
30th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
31st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
1st Jan - Closed
2nd Jan - Pro-Kart Testing 4/Stroke 9-4 pm
3rd Jan - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
4th Jan - TVKC Testing
5th Jan - TVKC Race Day
 
The Circuit can be contacted on 01636 626424 option 2, and for the Shop option 1.

[ Top ]

---

2013 Turkey Trot Weekend   (04/12)

After another successful club championship year, Clay Pigeon Kart Club are holding their annual Turkey Trot Event on Sunday 8 December.  As in previous years, this is one time when drivers look forward to getting the "bird" courtesy of Colin Clarke who once again has kindly sponsored the event with a Turkey for the winner of each class subject to entries.
 
It promises to be a fun packed weekend starting with the annual dinner and the 2013 club championship prize giving on the Friday evening in the George Albert hotel. Saturday is sessioned practice followed by the club AGM and then the racing on Sunday where the format will be timed heats and an extended final.
 
Register online at https://cpkc.k1manager.co.uk/register or call Cathy Wellington on 01458 841100 or email comp_sec@claypigeonkartclub.com.
 
We hope to see as many people as possible over the weekend, whether they be racing, spectating or just coming along to enjoy a weekend with friends.

[ Top ]

---

Winter Testing In Southern Spain   (04/12)

Click for larger image...The winter has arrived in northern Europe. Don't let the snow, cold or rain be part of your test program.
 
Karting Campillos in the south of Spain offer you excellent testing possibilities during this winter. Our track is the venue of the annual Euro Rotax RGMMC Winter Cup, CIK approved. 1580m with high and low speed corners.
 
Every year the number of European teams that select Karting Campillos for winter testing is increasing!
 
Karting Campillos is open 7 day a week! From 10am to 6pm non-stop, this enables a high number of laps per day!
 
Do you have a race team with new drivers, new chassis, new engines, new mechanic, this is the opportunity to arrive well prepared to the start of the season!
 
For more information please contact Martin via email info@kartingcampillos.com  or visit our website at www.kartingcampillos.com

[ Top ]

---

BPKC Summer Champs   (04/12)

The final Round of the Summer Club Championship takes place on Sunday 15th December, with double points on offer for this round!

All ABkC non gear box glasses are welcome including Bambino and Subaru. The best 7 out of 8 Rounds count towards the overall Championship (best 6 out of 7 for Honda Cadet/Clubman).

As is traditional, special Christmas fayre will be awarded alongside the normal Club trophies.

Open Practice will be available on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December between 10am to 4pm.

For further details please contact chris@buckmore.co.uk or contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.

[ Top ]

---

TKM Super One Scholarship   (03/12)

Matt England has been named as the winner of the newly created TKM Super One Scholarship which will see him take part in next year's S1 series with backing from Tal-Ko, S1 and Maxxis Tyres.
 
Matt dominated the Junior class in last year's championship, not even needing to race in the last round. This year he stepped up to Seniors and put in strong performances in a learning year including a second place.
 
Announcing the winner TKM boss Alan Turney said: "Matt is exactly the quality of driver we were looking for. We wanted to launch a club level driver into our top national championship and help make that move a success. I have every confidence Matt is going to do very well."
 
The Scholarship was created this year by TKM and Super One with backing from Maxxis. The prize, worth more than £3000, includes free entry, fuel and tyres for the S1 series together with use of a Tal-Ko Veloce kart.
 
Super One organiser John Hoyle said: "We wanted to create a special opportunity for a driver to move into the UK's top championship. We look forward to seeing how he gets on."
 
Matt, aged 18 from Witney, gained a National Diploma in Motorsport Engineering and is now finishing an apprenticeship in ICT and Telecommunications.
 
He started karting at the Mr Karting corporate track in 2006 where he set a new lap record and won their championship. He started Formula TKM Junior MSA racing in 2009, and in 2011 won the Shenington TKM winter series and was second in the Rissington championship. 2012 saw his dominance of the TKM Club Championship and also saw him win the Shenington Superprix.
 
Matt's racing has always been as a family with father Malc in charge of preparation. And that's just how they will continue in 2014. Now Matt's aim is to win in S1 and the TKM Festival next year and then progress on to single seater car racing.
 
Matt says: "I am thrilled to win this scholarship and so grateful for all the help being given. I am looking forward to contesting the 2014 championship with Tal-Ko Racing. I race to win so I will do my best to be at the front."

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

[ Top ]

---

The New Pitwall Tees   Click for larger image...(02/12)

The new Pitwall Tees are now available in a range of fun and quirky prints - the perfect gift for any motorsports fan!
 
http://pitwall.co.uk/collections/pitwall-tees.
 
Take advantage of this great offer and treat someone this Christmas!
 
For more information please take a look at www.pitwall.co.uk or call us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page @pitwall_ltd for all the very latest offers and information.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Winter Championships   (02/12)

Click for larger image...It's that time of the month again and time to get your entry in (if you haven't already done so) for the 3rd round of the Lydd Winter Championships.
 
"After a busy 11 months we are looking forward to finishing the year on a record breaking high" said circuit owner James Clarke, adding "it's been a fantastic year's racing and we've been pleased to see many familiar faces returning to the circuit each month as well as welcoming many new members to Lydd who have gone on to become regulars themselves, so a big thank you to you all".
 
If you haven't yet experienced the fastest circuit in Kent and the camaraderie that exists amongst competitors at Lydd, come down this weekend and enjoy.  Practice/testing is available on Saturday with racing (non MSA) for all the usual classes that Lydd caters for on Sunday 8th December.
 
Call Lydd on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895 to reserve your place on the grid and visit www.lyddkartcircuit.com to keep up to date with all that is happening in karting in this part of Kent.
 
Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee!

[ Top ]

---

Prokart Endurance Racing   (29/11)

It has been a very long time since we last hosted owner/driver prokart racing at Buckmore Park. Those with long and fond memories will recall those Friday evening 3hr races. With up to 45 karts on track, the racing was exciting, equal and above all, economic.

Aren't those three things exactly what the kart enthusiast is looking for today?

After talking to a lot of drivers it seems the time is right to re-launch the series.

We already have owner/driver open practice on the third Friday of each month, so that evening is the ideal time to schedule the race. Teams can use the afternoon to practice and set-up the kart before the start of the official practice session.

The team event will comprise a practice/qualifying session followed by a three hour endurance race with compulsory stops for fuel/driver changes. This will be a non-MSA series run to a set of regulations to be published shortly.  The series will run in two classes, Clubman and Pro.

A typical itinerary (with exact details TBC)...
- 4:30pm Sign-on and scrutineering
- 5:30pm Safety briefing
- 6:00pm 30 minuate qualifying
- 6:45pm Start of 3hr race
- 10:00pm Presentation of awards

In addition, open practice will be available (at additional cost) from 10am to 4pm.

Further details, regulations, and team entry fee will be announced shortly.

We anticipate a good response as there is a strong resurgence of interest in prokart team endurance racing as an ideal way of keeping a lid on the cost of racing competitively, and we do hope that you will be able to join us on the grid at Buckmore Park in 2014.

For more information or to register your interest contact Chris Pullman at Buckmore Park on 01634 661604 or email chris@buckmore.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Shwartzman Just Misses Title   (29/11)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Forza Racing and Robert Shwartzman proved the old saying that it's 'not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog' with a terrific performance in the CIK FIA World Championship in Bahrain (23 November).
 
As he entered the last lap, the young Russian star was poised to become the 2013 KF Junior World Champion - but in the dramatic final moments claimed 3rd place overall.
 
"It was a hard race. Twice he (Robert) got himself into a good position. He caught Lando and passed him, but Norris was clever and attacked him right back which put Robert back to 5th or 6th I think. And then he fought back to 2nd and at that point, as he went into the last lap, we were World Champions," explained a philosophical Team Owner Jamie Croxford, adding: "I closed my eyes and Robert was a little bit nervous and didn't close the gap in the hairpin at the top of the hill. Nikita (Mazepin) closed and passed him. They touched a little, but only because there was no space. It wasn't the fault of either driver as two karts into one corner wouldn't work."
 
Despite being caught in the white heat of the fight for the world title, the Forza Racing driver sportingly ceded the advantage he gained by cutting a small section of the track. He crossed the finishing line in 4th place, but was later promoted to 3rd after Mazepin was given a ten-second penalty by the stewards for exceeding the track limits on his drive to 2nd place.
 
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...After his 3rd place at the opening round of the World Championship (held at Sarno, Italy on 3-6 October), Shwartzman was praised by Croxford: "To finish the season and be World Champions would have been great, but we've still pulled off a massive achievement. Robert is very fast and that helped us. He has a lot of natural ability and our personal approach helped him, as we can focus on his needs as an individual and give him the material to go out and show what he can do."
 
Jamied added: "We might be a new, small team but we are not daunted by taking on the works and big teams. We almost won the European title also. Again that came down to the last lap and we were 4th overall. We won the KF3 European Championship last year (with George Russell) and have a great team, with me, Cara (Russell), Shane (McFadden), Kyle (Moore) and the help of GFR Engines. It is a family environment and that works for us. The mentality of the driver is important and if he is in good condition, anything is possible. Fingers crossed, we will continue on this level next year."
 
The team and Robert are now considering stepping up to KF2 category for 2014, although Croxford is playing his cards close to his chest: "We'll go testing and see what happens. When we have some effective data, we'll make an informed decision and go from there."  
 
For more information and to discuss a race seat with the team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit www.forza-racing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Giovanni Cuna/CunaPhoto.

[ Top ]

---

JAG - Rotax At KartMania   (28/11)

JAG - Rotax will be exhibiting at Kartmania this weekend. All the latest products will be on display and technical staff will be on hand to answer any of your questions. We have recently returned from the Rotax World Finals, where UK drivers once again tasted success. Ollie Hodgson winning the Senior Max class and almost a UK podium lock out in the Juniors. Due to a last lap incident involving Tom Harvey we were only able to secure 2nd and 3rd.
 
For 2014 we have Junior and Minimax classes running at MSA rounds of the Super 1. This will be the all new Rotax Academy which is a full race package including pooled engines that are identically prepared to provide extremely close and competitive racing. The price of £5000 for the season includes all fees, tyres, fuel, oil, a fresh pooled engine and VAT. This concept has been very well received and registrations are already coming in. See us on the JAG or Super 1 stands at the show.
 
Also making a return at the Rotax Super 1 rounds will be the exciting DD2 class. The DD2 differs from the usual Max engine in that it has a 2 speed gearbox, 4 wheel brakes and a faster tyre. Those that want the ultimate adrenaline rush should give this a try. Again we have been asked to run the DD2 as there is more interest now than ever before. Some drivers are even going to do both classes, Senior Max and DD2. there is the opportunity to do the whole 6 round series with the ultimate prize of a drive in the 2014 Rotax World Finals.
 
At Kartmania this weekend, George Robinson will be giving a couple of "Workshop" presentations on each day. Please feel free to come along and heckle!
 
If you are reading this, as a final footnote, please pop out to the garage to make sure that your engine has Anti-Freeze in the radiator, it's going to be cold tonight!

[ Top ]

---

TWKC At Warden Law   (28/11)

Click for larger image...Don't forget the first round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club at Winter Series at Warden Law starts this weekend, with another round inbetween Christmas and New Year! Come and join us and race on a fantastic track with fantastic people!
 
TWKC Winter Series: The Tyne & Wear Kart Club and Karting North East will be holding a mini winter series with race dates being;
 
Sunday 1st December 2013 (normal circuit layout)
Sunday 29th December 2013 (surprise circuit layouts)
 
The race format will be ran as normal with practice, qualifying, 3 heats (Cadet/Junior/Senior) 4 heats (Prokarts) and a final. Signing on and scruitineering will be from 8.15 am and drivers briefing from 9am all drivers must attend drivers briefing.
 
Trophies will be awarded in each of the two rounds for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each individual class.
Junior (Cadet & Junior) driver of the day in each round wins a trophy and £20 KNE voucher.
Senior (Rotax & Prokart) driver of the day in each round wins a trophy and a £20 KNE voucher.
 
For more information call us now 0191 521 4050.

[ Top ]

---

KartPartsUK At KartMania   (28/11)

Kart Parts UK are pleased to be attending the annual Kartmania show at The Wing, Silverstone on 30th November and 1st December.
 
We will have on display many karting items with special prices for the two day event (whilst stock last).
 
You will be able to carry the items away with you and with the parking outside the venue this year what could be easier.
 
Come along and meet us all.
 
Also displaying with us this year will be Beta Tools, IPK and Kart Care.
 
If you cannot make the show all our products are available 24/7 on our web site www.kartpartsuk.com or call us on 01775 712633.
 
We stock a large range of genuine products, Rotax Max, Iame Gazelle 60, Gillard Racing Karts, OTK and OK1 / IPK. Beta Tools, Douglas Rims, the list is endless...
 
So why not give www.kartpartsuk.com a try.

[ Top ]

---

TKM Club Championships   (28/11)

Formula TKM will run two club championships for 2-strokes in 2014 after getting the green light from the MSA to expand on the successful pilot series started in the Midlands in 2012.
 
The existing TKM Midlands Club Championship will run again in 2014 at Kimbolton, Shenington, Rissington and Whilton Mill with a second series to be known as the TKM Northern Club Championship running at Hooton Park, Wombwell, 3 Sisters and Rowrah.
 
A delighted TKM boss Alan Turney said: "This is great news for drivers and clubs alike because it encourages club level racing combined with the challenge of running at other circuits which are not too far away.
 
"The series we established in the Midlands has been very well supported and we hope the Northern one will be popular too. Already we have drivers talking about one for the South in 2015."
 
Both championships will be running in Junior and Senior classes with the possible addition of the TKM Clubman class in the Midlands subject to numbers.
 
Adds TKM Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth: "These events are the perfect way for drivers to take the next step up from club level racing giving them fresh venues and new drivers to race against with very little extra cost."
 
Provisional dates for both championships have been arranged as follows:
 
TKM Midlands:
May 11 - Kimbolton
July 20 - Shenington
Sept 6/7 - Rissington
Sept 28 - Whilton Mill (Double header)
 
TKM Northern:
March 16 - Hooton Park
April 13 - Wombwell
June 22 - 3 Sisters
July 13 - Rowrah
August 24 - 3 Sisters
Sept 21 - Hooton Park
 
Full details of regulations, registration etc will be issued shortly by Tal-Ko, the parent company of TKM, at www.tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

Shark Motorsport   (27/11)

Shark Motorsport would like to announce that they have finalised every detail on the new 2014 Shark cadet kart, which will be launched on 5th December.
 
A comprehensive testing regime and re-design process has taken place over the last 18 months to produce a new kart for the Iame, Comer and Honda classes.
 
The new kart features a revised design and new braking system that has proved to be a favourite with drivers and mechanics. Each driver who has tested the latest design has commented on its exceptional performance in hot, cold and wet conditions.
 
Shark Motorsport team manager Mike McMahon has been heavily involved in the testing of the new kart... "We are really pleased with the performance gains we have seen on track together with exceptional consistency. I am really looking forward to 2014, as are all the drivers who have tested the new chassis."
 
Shark Motorsport owner Steve McMahon would like to thank everyone involved in developing the new kart... "We have had lots of drivers and mechanics put time into development work and I am really grateful for the support, we are very proud of the finished product. The new kart is of even higher quality and retains the durability and lightness seen in previous Shark karts."
 
Shark Motorsport will be launching the new chassis in full online via their website and Facebook page on 5th December. Full details will be announced at this time.
 
Pre-orders have already been taken following successful tests. For a limited period, karts can still be ordered for Christmas delivery.
 
For more information, please contact Shark Motorsport on tel 07979 806553 or email info@sharkmotorsport.com. You can also find us online at www.sharkmotorsport.com and facebook.com/sharkmotorsport.

[ Top ]

---

Fast-Track To Car Racing   (27/11)

Click for larger image...Organisers of the Michelin Clio Cup Road Series are to hold a special 'Clio Cup ARDS Test Day' at Rockingham in Northamptonshire next Thursday, 5th December, where graduates from karting and motorsport novices will be able to gain their racing licence before testing a competition-ready Clio Renaultsport 197.
 
Providing the best possible introduction to car racing for karters, complete rookies and trackday enthusiasts who wish to branch out into competitive action, the specially arranged day will feature cars supplied by Monster Sport Europe, SWB Motorsport and Jade Developments.
 
Priced at £700 plus VAT for the full day, attendees will be taken through their ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test during the morning and, on completion, will then be able to sample a race-converted Michelin Clio Cup Road Series car on Rockingham's National Circuit.
 
Following a five lap familiarisation of the 1.7-mile infield track, alongside a fully qualified instructor, each participant will embark on a brace of 10 lap runs at the wheel of a Clio Renaultsport 197 fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 road tyres. All drivers must be 16-years-of-age or older.
 
Teams operating cars during testing in the afternoon will require a fully refundable bond of £2,000 via credit card from each driver, which will be held against any potential damage. In the unfortunate event any damage is caused to one of the Clios, the cost of repair will be taken from the bond.
 
Bookings for the day are being taken now - either call Will Thomas at Rockingham on 01536 270143 or visit https://store.rockingham.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=131205.
 
"We really are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this special ARDS day to drivers eyeing a move into car racing in 2014", said Michelin Clio Cup Road Series promoter Simon North, "It's a fantastic, and rare actually, opportunity for a driver to gain their racing licence and then almost immediately get behind the wheel of a race-ready car.
 
"Rockingham is a great venue for a day like this and we're confident it's going to prove incredibly popular with karters, trackday enthusiasts and also those who perhaps have a desire to begin racing but who haven't yet accrued any form of circuit experience."
 
Michelin Clio Cup Road Series, which is administered by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), enjoyed a strong maiden season this year and grids are expected to significantly increase in 2014 when the category becomes a fully-fledged championship.
 
Designed to be the ideal entry point into saloon car racing, particularly with its cost-effectiveness, the Road Series has already proven its worth by propelling drivers into the sister Michelin Clio Cup Race Series. From there, competitors can remain part of the Renault 'family' by progressing into the blue riband national Renault UK Clio Cup which supports the British Touring Car Championship.
 
North added: "We established the Clio Cup Series this year with the intention of producing the perfect entry-level category, and we feel we've achieved that. Young karter Sam Randon became a race winner with us in the Road Series this year, as did Jake Honour who was a complete motorsport novice at the start of the season. It really is the perfect place to begin your saloon car career."
 
Along with headline sponsors Michelin and Protyre, the Clio Cup Series is additionally supported by Safety Devices, Mark Fish Motorsport and The Lubricant Consultancy.

Photograph courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography.

[ Top ]

---

Come And See Us   (27/11)

Come and see us this weekend at KartMania where we have our new 2014 Intrepid Raptor and race suit on show, as well a range of spectacular show offers and discounts available.
 
We are also unveiling our 2014 Race Team packages and much much more!  So come and see us at the show to find out more.
 
We would also like to announce our special kart packages and festive deals; It that time of year again when people start making their plans and buying their new Karts for the new season, why not grab yourself a great deal this the Christmas! Having had a successful end to the season and the positive re-launch of Intrepid and with its growing interest across the UK, we have some unmissable offers starting this weekend at KartMania and running over the festive period. We are pleased to announce our latest offer on complete kart packages including engines and tyres.
 
Offers start from as little as......
Rotax - £3400.00 + VAT
Iame X30 - £3400.00 + VAT
KGP - £3520 +VAT
 
With our some competitors starting their rolling chassis' at £2850 + VAT, why not buy our 2014 Intrepid Raptor with new engine and tyres for less than £1000 more!
 
These offers are valid from this weekend's KartMania and will run throughout the Christmas period ending on the 13th January 2014, We currently have Karts in stock so your kart could be delivered in less than 7 days! (*While stocks last).
 
For more information visit it us at KartMania or contact us on www.intrepidkartuk.co.uk, Email us IntrepidkartUK@gmail.com or by phone 07535 645730 or 07999 979812.
 
*If demand is high and karts become out of stock delivery expected within 4 weeks.

[ Top ]

---

Fusion Motorsport   (27/11)

Just one week after the announcement of the re-launch of the Fusion Junior Team, nearly all the spaces in the 3 classes have been filled! Interest has been unprecedented over the last 7 days, during which the team have successfully tested 5 drivers and have another 3 drivers lined up for tests in the next week.
 
The Junior Team, run in association with Fusion Motorsport / RL Racing Department, will be competing in Honda/Rotax S1, LGM IAME and selected club meetings, with the first official outing this weekend at Round 1 of the PFi Winter Series.  There is currently only 1 place remaining in the IAME line up, 1 place in Honda and 1 place in Mini Max, interested parties should contact Paul Munn on 07542 808154, paul.munn43@gmail.com or dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk for more details.
 
There are also just 2 places remaining in the Fusion Motorsport official team for 2014, competing in IAME LGM, S1 (British Championship), O Plate, Kartmasters GP and selected club meetings and test days.
 
For more information on joining the British Championship winning team or to arrange a test / evaluation day contact Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221 or danhazlewood@me.com.

[ Top ]

---

Champion Kart Services   (27/11)

After a successful inaugural year for the team we are now expanding and have vacancies moving into 2014.
 
CKS are experts in getting the most out of your kit and driver. We provide a friendly, professional service in a family atmosphere. This coupled with our fantastic work rate and attention to detail allows our drivers to deliver their full potential.
 
Click for larger image...The team will be competing at MSA S1, LGM, Wigan and PFI club championships.
 
We have vacancies in Iame Cadet, X30, Honda Cadet and Mini Max.
 
New for 2014 the team will be providing an all in one awning package that will include awning space, kart preparation, driver tuition, kart transportation/storage, Flat bed and access to all meetings/test days available with the team. This package will be provided at a flat rate for all drivers.
 
We will also continue to provide our competitively priced weekends with the team for drivers wishing only to compete at selected events but still achieve their full potential and goals.
 
If you are interested in joining the team or wish to enquire further please contact Ryan on 07718 234038 or ryan-cksuk@live.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

KartMania '13 Is Here   (26/11)

Last year's show at Silverstone was voted by everyone as 'the best show yet', the venue was ideal, and had the motorsport atmosphere due to the fact that we were at the Home of British Motorsport, so we're back!
 
This weekend November 30th/December 1st we return to The Wing for Kartmania 13, our seventh show dedicated to karting, all the major exhibitors with all you will ever need whatever your ability. The KartBoot will be there bigger than ever in the pit garages over the 2 days with many used parts available. A new dedicated information centre will be by the main entrance with the MSA, ABkC, ARKS and BKIA, all there to help and advise, also medicals can be done throughout the weekend by motor sport medics. On Saturday and Sunday there will be workshops on Rotax (George Robinson), Formula TKM (Tal-Ko), Tyres and how to look after them (George Robinson) and Honda engines and set up (Kelvin Nichols). As always both days are full of activities on the stage with 7 championship award presentations taking place.
 
Great news for this year's KartMania - we have James Calado visiting the show on Sunday between 11:00 - 12:00 to have a chat and answer any questions you might have. James started his racing career in karting and has this year had a brilliant drive with ART in GP2 finishing the season with a victory in Adu Dhabi to secure third place in the drivers championship. James has also been signed up by the Sahara Force India F1 team as third driver, so come along and find out how he did it at Kartmania the UK's premier kart show.

For more information on how to get there and opening times visit www.kartmania.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

GW Motorsport   (26/11)

GW Motorsport would like to congratulate Dean Hale on his recent success of winning both Little Rissington and Stars at Whilton Mill Senior Rotax Championships.  Both Dean and Jack Bartholomew were on a front row 'lock out' on their Wright Karts in Senior Rotax at the final round at Whilton Mill.  Congratulations also to Toby Payne on coming a well deserved 2nd place in the Stars at Whilton Mill Championship.
 
Due to the proven success of the Wright Kart, under the GW Motorsport team, we can offer tests in the following classes:- Senior Rotax, Junior Rotax, Mini Max, KGP Junior and Senior and the brilliant new X30 class.  New and second hand Wright Karts are available along with all spares.  If you wish to test a Wright Kart or be part of our winning team, please contact Gary on 07950 032519.

[ Top ]

---

IPKarting S.r.l.  (26/11)

Come along to the Kartmania show at Silverstone this Saturday and Sunday where we will be exhibiting our new range of Praga and OK1 karts for the 2014 season!
 
We are very proud to unveil the recently homologated, all new Cadet kart, which is available in both Praga and OK1 livery. Also on show will be the new Praga Dragon and the OK1 Cruiser M2.
 
Feel free to ask us about our special show discount rates on karts and parts at our stand which will be situated within KartParts UK.
 
For more information, contact 07760 888733 or 07957 879413.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Series   (26/11)

If you are visiting Kartmania at the weekend drop by and have a chat at the Super One stand, find out more about the series, and check out the true costs of competing.  That's probably less than you thought and more than likely within your reach!  You can see the costs involved on the registration form which is available here.
 
Super One hosts the three prestigious MSA British Championships for KF Junior, IAME Cadet and KZ1 gearbox classes are joined by the ABkC National championship for TKM Senior Extreme and Junior and the Formula KGP class in one series.  The other series hosts all the popular ABkC Rotax classes - MiniMax, Junior Max and Senior 125 Max as well as Honda Cadet and the MSA National Comer Cadet championship. For 2014 Rotax DD2, MiniMax and Junior Max Academy classes are joining the events.  The Academy classes an innovation offering pooled engines and a level playing field.  Also with pooled engines for 2014 is the KF Junior class, so that competitors need not worry any more about constant updates to their motors.  They will get the same spec engines all year, prepared to the very highest standard, and have two engines available per round, and so the costs are contained.  The Super One Series will also be announcing a brand new prestigious prize for the KF Junior class at the show.  406 drivers raced in the series in 2013, join them and get your choice of number now.
 
If you were not originally planning to go to Silverstone on 30th November or 1st December surely this is a good reason to visit, see www.kartmania.co.uk for all the details and to order tickets.  Talk to Super One, visit the traders and the boot sale and get your gear together then register for the 2014 Super One.  Get yourself on the extensive TV coverage available to millions world wide and on the bespoke Youtube channel.  Alternatively register on line here at http://superoneseries.com/registration/.
 
Registrations are available for what promises to be a massively exciting new Super One season in 2014. The calendar of events is here: http://superoneseries.com/calendar/.  The promoters welcome on board the new title sponsor SSM Stevenage Sheet Metal.

[ Top ]

---

Internet Fraud   (26/11)

Regrettably it has come to our attention that a fraudster has used the UK Karting Marketplace to defraud buyers.
 
There is some advice for sellers and buyers currently in the Market Place section of the website (www.karting.co.uk/MP/scam.html), but please be extremely careful when paying for goods.
 
The most recent case to affect the Market Place involved adverts placed by a person using the following names and contact details to advertise:  James Stafford e-mail jamesstafford81@fsmail.net; James in Kent and Matt in Scotland Tel: 07827275124 and Ben Meadows e-mail benmeadows@fsmail.net
 
If anyone has had dealings with any of the above and not received goods in return for the payment made please advise us at mail@karting.co.uk and contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report the fraud, or visit the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
 
Reporting these crimes has in the past has resulted in the successful prosecution of the individuals involved and a custodial sentence given, so please do report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

[ Top ]

---

Oli Is MiniMax Champion   (25/11)

Ambition & Robinson Sport would like to Congratulate Oli Ellis-Richardson on winning the 2013 FEKC Championship.

Paul Janes, Ambition Motorsport Team Principal "We have watched Oli's progression this season - he has impressed us with his overall attitude to karting, the level of feedback given and of course, his speed! We are very pleased that he will be racing as part of the team in 2014.

Having spent the last two years running in the very competitive Minimax class, Oliver has gained lots of experience and valuable set up data which we will continue to put to very good use under our awning next season, giving any new drivers joining the team a head start and a distinct advantage over the competition".

Oli said "Gaining sponsorship from JNL Engineering at the beginning of 2013 has had a dramatic effect on my performances this season, securing the championship with one round to go reflects this. Championships are won with consistent driving and kart reliability.  At each round we focused on delivering the right result and meticulous mechanical preparation. In the penultimate round with a few laps to go I decided to hold my position, knowing that I only needed to finish the race to secure the title. Recording a new lap record at The Southern Champs meeting earlier this year was the icing on the cake for me."  Oli achieved the fastest Minimax lap at FEKC since the introduction of the carb slide restrictor in January 2012 with a blistering 43.25s at the Southern Champs meeting in June 2013.

Ambition Motorsport would also like to congratulate all of the team's drivers, mechanics and tutors for all of their hard work throughout 2013.  Their success this season has already attracted new drivers for 2014 but not wanting to rest on their laurels, Team Ambition plan to increase upon this year's success and still have limited team places in most classes.

Ambition Motorsport are Southern Distributors for Project One Honda Cadet & Alonso karts.  We welcome and cater for all levels of experience and classes, including Bambino, Honda Cadet, Junior & Senior with new or used equipment available for all.

One to One Tuition is available after school for one or two hour sessions at our base at Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit, Sittingbourne, Kent. These will be held throughout the summer months during 2014 for Bambino and Honda Cadet drivers looking for that extra edge on the competition.
 
Visit our website at www.ambitionmotorsport.com or contact us to book your day/weekend with the team by email to info@ambitionmotorsport.com or telephone 07951 831236.

[ Top ]

---

Formula TKM At KartMania   (25/11)

Tal-Ko and its Formula TKM class will have a fresh new look to its stand at Silverstone's KartMania Show this weekend where class bosses Alan Turney and Grahame Butterworth will once again be providing classes for drivers looking to get the best from their racing.
 
Tal-Ko will be offering special show prices on all orders taken at the show from spares through to complete outfits. On display will be the latest 2014 specification Veloce kart designed specifically for the TKM class together with its current range of engines including the new TKM WTP80 engine.
 
At the show the winner will also be announced of the new TKM and S1 Scholarship which will see one club driver selected from the TKM Club Championship and Maxxis TKM Festival given a special gateway to next year's S1 national series with free entries, fuel and tyres, together with a Tal-Ko Veloce provided kart.
 
Says Alan Turney: "Choosing a winner has been a pleasure with such a wealth of drivers to choose from".
 
In addition to KartMania, Tal-Ko will also be at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in January.

[ Top ]

---

X30 Tests At PFi   (22/11)

For anybody interested in testing the latest chassis from Maranello Kart, full and half test days can be organised for all fixed gear engines such as Rotax, X30, Formula Blue and Formula KGP at Larkhall through our partners LPT Motorsport and at PFi with us, Maranello UK, at PF International or at Fulbeck circuit. Various packages are available from full arrive and drive to us just providing you with a rolling chassis and you bring your own engine and tyres. See www.maranellokarts.co.uk/testing-and-driver-coaching/chassis-testing/
 
For any more information please contact us on phone/text 07903 623 348 or email laury@maranellokarts.co.uk, or for LPT Motorsport - email: sales@lptent.co.uk or phone Martyn Philip on 01786 449 519 or Mobile: 07747 603 990.

You can also visit our website at www.maranellokarts.co.uk.
 
In other news, for 2014 the Maranello Kart factory team will be fielding a team of drivers in the ever popular Euro Max series. Exciting times lay ahead for us here in the UK and for the International teams using Maranello Kart.
 
Looking back over 2013, it has been a year where success on the UK and International tracks has not been in short supply. In hotly contested national and international championships, Maranello Kart have been battling at the front.
 
In the MSA Super One, Maranello UK have taken wins and podiums in Formula KGP with Denis Gorman taking a 2nd on the podium in Final 1 and the top step in Final 2 at Clay Pigeon and Matthew Booth has shown great pace and tenacity on track all year with the highlights being a P4 in qualifying at Glan-Y-Gors, P6 in the Final at Clay and a P2 in the pre-final at the Rowrah O Plate, incidentally just behind LP Tent Motorsport driver Fraser Wallace who took P1.
 
Scotland based LP Tent Motorsport have unarguably had the greater share of the success on the kart this year in the UK with their Formula Blue drivers. Ross Adamson took the Junior Blue O Plate in snowy conditions back in March at Three Sisters and went on to almost dominate the Junior Blue class over the year to take home the No.1 Plate at the grand finals at sunny Llandow in September. Keith Wilson in Snr Blue got faster and faster as the year went on, culminating in a fastest lap at the grand finals at Llandow and taking the No.8 plate overall. Stephen Philip stepped out of KGP Super One late in the season to concentrate on helping the rest of the LPT drivers achieve their success in Formula Blue. A job well done!
 
On the international scene, the Maranello Factory Team focused their efforts this year on the KZ gearbox categories. Consistent success was achieved by a whole brace of factory and privateer drivers spread among the CSAI Italian Championship (Super One equivalent), the WSK Euro Series and Master Series and the CIK European Championship. The RS10 and TM KZ10-B combination proved itself to be among the best chassis in this highly competitive and popular class.
 
In the CSAI KZ2 championship, Massimo Dante went into the last round as championship leader but narrowly missed out on taking the No.1 plate to be vice-champion.
 
In KZ2 in the WSK Euro Series, Marco Zanchetta has had similar luck, just missing out on the top honours due to his gear lever breaking in the pre-final at the last round. Despite a heroic drive in the final to try and salvage his championship he ended up in the runner up slot.
 
Here in the UK, we are looking forward to 2014 with a couple of exciting new classes being introduced, Iame X30 Junior and Senior and Junior Formula KGP and Formula KGP Clubman.
 
Maranello UK can also offer test days for any current or future Super One KZ1 and NKF KZ2 competitors at Fulbeck circuit.

[ Top ]

---

Join The HTR Team   (22/11)

HTR Racing now have vacancies for the 2014 season. The team will be competing in the Rotax/Honda/Comer Super 1, NKF, PF and Rowrah club championships.
 
We aim to empower young talented drivers, guide, support and educate them so that they can all reach their ultimate goal.
 
HTR the official North-East Tony Kart dealer have just two vacancies available for the 2014 season competing in all of the above championships with packages and pricing to suit all, whether it just be basic awning space right the way through to full arrive and drive packages in all classes. We can also provide the following services:
 
- Chassis straightening services.
- Rontronics engine dyno analysis enabling you to match your best engine/carbs/airboxes and exhausts.
- Kart preparation & transportation.
- 1:1 driver coaching.
 
If you are interested in joining the team in either Rotax/Honda/Comer or Iame then contact Derrick today to guarantee your sport for next year on 07836 248459 or derrick@htrracing.com.

[ Top ]

---

2014 Super One Series   (22/11)

Registrations are now open for what promises to be a massively exciting new Super One season in 2014. The promoters welcome on board the new title sponsor SSM Stevenage Sheet Metal. 
 
Early birds registering could get their choice of competition number and the series welcomes those outside the UK (subject to FIA and CIK regulations). The three prestigious MSA British Championships for KF Junior, IAME Cadet and KZ1 gearbox (shifter) classes are joined by the ABkC National championship for TKM Senior Extreme and Junior and the Formula KGP class in one series.  The other series hosts all the popular ABkC Rotax classes - MiniMax, Junior Max and Senior 125 Max as well as Honda Cadet and the MSA National Comer Cadet championship. For 2014 support races for Rotax DD2 and the MiniMax and Junior Max Academy classes - the Academy classes an innovation offering pooled engines and a level playing field.  Also with pooled engines for 2014 is the KF Junior class, so that competitors need not worry any more about constant updates to their motors.  They will get the same spec engines all year, prepared to the very highest standard, and have two engines available per round, and the costs are contained.
 
To make it easier to understand the costs involved they have all been laid out in a simple fashion on the 2014 registration form, available to download here.

Please study these, the cost to enter and race the Super One is probably less than you imagined, and compares well on a track time basis to top level club racing and is certainly the lowest cost of any major international championship.  The series has strict controls, including clutch loggers, control fuel and cameras for judicial decisions and has world wide live timing thanks to the TAG-Heuer timing system. There are also controls on the number of test tyres allowed, and in TKM only the race tyres from the previous round may be used for testing.  Register on line and remember that entries, tyre and fuel orders can all be placed and paid on line as well.
 
TV coverage is to continue on Motors TV in the UK and abroad, franchised to millions of additional viewers across the world.  The prize fund is in excess of £60,000 and the series counts as the qualifier for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals where the British have had such great success. Remember the Super One Series is the only championship awarding seeded numbers 1 - 10 for the British and ABkC National classes in the UK, so register now for 2014 to seal your place and chosen competition number without delay. Visit http://superoneseries.com/registration/.

[ Top ]

---

GoPro Hero 3 Cameras   (21/11)

Click here for larger image...Save up to 30% on GoPro Hero 3 Cameras!
 
Pitwall Motorsports are pleased to announce up to 30% off all GoPro Hero 3 cameras with free delivery on all orders. Black Edition £249.99, Silver £189.99 and White £179.99!
 
http://pitwall.co.uk/collections/gopro-cameras
 
Take advantage of this great offer and treat yourself this Christmas!
 
For more information please take a look at www.pitwall.co.uk or call us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page @pitwall_ltd for all the very latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand store opening in December with a special guest!

[ Top ]

---

New To Cadet Market   (21/11)

Click here for larger image...Birel to enter... the cadet market. Sole UK Birel Importer ACR is proud to announce the new Birel 2014 Cadet chassis.
 
The new Birel Cadet for IAME is currently having its MSA homologation 2014 finalised and subject to final MSA approval will then be released for sale to the UK market.
 
There will also be a reverse version of the Birel kart for use in Honda cadet.
 
The Birel Cadet rolling chassis will cost £1995 + VAT and has been tested and developed specifically for the Dunlop tyres used in the UK. The new 2014 Birel has been tested with top UK Cadet team Eclipse Motorsport who are based at PF International and has already shown immediate pace in both wet and dry conditions.
 
UK Birel importer Andy Cox is excited about the new venture... "It's clear that the market is now very strong in the cadet catagories and this is a very important and positive point for the very future of karting in the UK. We want young drivers to discover the Birel brand from the start in the cadet classes and develop and grow their careers with us. Our focus will be trackside support at MSA S1 and LGM, setup advice and a collaboration with Eclipse Motorsport as a satellite team for some Birel cadet drivers in 2014".
 
Click here for larger image...The Birel cadet comes fully loaded with extras as standard!

Birel Standard Specification: Freeline rims, Freeline bodywork, Freeline rear protection pod system, Freeline engine mount, Birel Motorsport sticker pack, Freeline HQ sinter brake system, Birel flat bottom seat, HQ Birel Motorsport suede steering wheel, Freeline HQ chainguard.
 
If you interested in test driving the new Birel cadet call the ACR office 01527 889595 or visit www.acrbirel.com or find us on Facebook.

[ Top ]

---

Fusion Motorsport   (20/11)

Click here for larger image...Fusion Motorsport are re-launching their popular and successful Junior Team for 2014; Under new management with some significant structural changes it will provide a variety of drivers from different classes the perfect opportunity to compete under the Fusion banner, receiving many of the benefits associated with the British Champions.
 
Working in conjunction with Fusion Motorsport (IAME) and RL Racing Department (Rotax), the Fusion Junior Team will be re-setup to help drivers progress from club level cadet karting, right through to Rotax Super One, under the guidance of two of the top teams in the country.
 
The FJT will be run and operated by experienced driver coach and team manager Paul Munn.  Having worked with some of the top drivers in the country in a variety of classes,  Paul is ideally positioned to take control of the Junior Team and make it an instant success.
 
The Junior Team will run at selected club meetings as well as Honda/Rotax Super One in 2014 and is open to drivers competing in Honda Cadet, Comer Cadet, IAME Cadet (club/LGM only) and Mini Max. 
 
Click here for larger image...There are also plans to announce scholarships for drivers to progress to Fusion Motorsport in the British Cadet Championship and RL Racing Department in the Rotax Super One Championship 2015 (full details tba soon).
 
FJT drivers will also receive team discounts on iZone driver training sessions, kart preparation and engine dyno sessions at the Fusion Motorsport HQ in Kimbolton.
 
Places in the team are limited, so interested parties are encouraged to get in touch asap with Dan Hazlewood on 077733 011221, danhazlewood@me.com or Paul Munn on 07542 808154, paul.munn@o2.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Clay Kart Shop Team   (14/11)

Clay Kart Shop race team rounded off their season with six championships under their belt.
 
In KZ2 James Glenister took the number one plate in the ABkC championship, using Clay Kart Shop prepared engines. James had the title won with a round to spare following some outstanding results.
 
In Junior Max James Moorcroft took a hat trick of titles. Winning his class in both the Clay Pigeon and the Dunkeswell championship, he was also crowned South West Champion following two days of hard fought racing at the Mansell Raceway.
 
Minimax driver Charlie Cudlipp also took the titles at Clay Pigeon and Dunkeswell following some outstanding drives throughout the year.
 
Other team drivers Ollie Holden, Mataeo Pearce and Cadet Oakley Pryer all showed good promise throughout the year with some strong results.
 
All the drivers would like to thank team principle Mike Kellard and mechanic Phil Howarth for the help and support through what has been a great year's racing.
 
For all your karting needs contact Clay Kart shop on 01935 83046.

[ Top ]

---

TWKC Announce Winter Series   (13/11)

The Tyne & Wear Kart Club and Karting North East will be holding a mini winter series with race dates being;

- Sunday 1st December 2013 (normal circuit layout)
- Sunday 29th December 2013 (surprise circuit layouts)

The race format will be ran as normal with practice, qualifying, 3 heats (cadet/junior/senior) 4 heats (prokarts) and a final. Signing on and scruitineering will be from 8.15 am and drivers briefing from 9am all drivers must attend drivers briefing. 

Trophies will be awarded in each of the two rounds for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each individual class.
Junior (Cadet & Junior) driver of the day in each round wins a trophy and £20 KNE voucher
Senior (Rotax & Prokart) driver of the day in each round wins a trophy and a £20 KNE voucher

Series Points will be awarded as per championship regulations and a £50 Karting North East voucher together with a trophy, will be awarded to every first place winner for each class. Second and third place will also receive a trophy. All drivers who complete both rounds of the winter series will receive a Karting North East goody bag. 
 
Entry costs are just £45 for Tyne & Wear Kart Club 2013 members, or £50 for non-members.  Plus, if you book and pay for both rounds by Wednesday 27th November you can save £5! Transponder hire is available at £10 for the day.

Call now to book on 0191 521 4050.

Warden Law Motorsports Centre - Hangman's Lane, Sunderland SR3 2PR.

[ Top ]

---

Cutting Edge Tech At PFI   (13/11)

Since the changes that have taken place on the start/finish straight at PFi, we have been looking for a solution to provide definitive signalling to drivers. 

The solution has been provided by David Jones (Sports Timing Systems, UK distributor for TAG Heuer timing products), with a full digital display.

The full graphics board was used for the first time at the Club's meeting on 3rd November where flags, words and driver numbers were clearly displayed.
 
The multi functional board takes TVKC to the forefront of kart race track technology and ensures we provide our Members with the best technological solutions the modern world has to offer.

For more information on TVKC visit www.tvkc.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Young Star Albert Carter   (12/11)

Click here for larger image...Young Star 'Albert Carter' wins IAME Trent Valley kart Club Championship.
 
Lucas Oil sponsored Cadet Racer Albert Carter has won the toughest club Championship in the UK - The Trent Valley Kart Club (TVKC) Championship.
 
Click here for larger image...The TVKC Championship is contested at the long and fast PF International Circuit in Lincolnshire and has seen 78 drivers compete during the season over a total of seven rounds.
 
Having won the last three rounds and been a close runner up at another three ten year old Carter was the deserved winner. This win sees him join such famous winners at TVKC as Lewis Hamilton who won it in 1996 and Oliver Rowland who won in 2002.
 
Les Downey MD of Lucas Oil UK and Europe commented, "Lucas Oil Products are very proud to be associated with Albert. He has gone from strength to strength, he works hard, looks right, has talent and has achieved so much for someone so young. We see a very bright future together with him."
 
Albert was quick to thank team sponsors and of course, his Mum Sarah, and Dad Andy Carter, himself an FIA European Champion driver. Andy Carter - 'The King of Europe' - won the European FIA Top Fuel Championship four times between 2001 and 2009.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Pitwall Motorsports   (12/11)

Click here for larger image...Pitwall are pleased to announce 10% off all GoPro Hero 3 Cameras, with free delivery on all orders. Take advantage of this great offer and treat yourself this Christmas!
 
For more information please take a look at www.pitwall.co.uk or call us on 08458 388666.

Keep an eye on our twitter page @pitwall_ltd for all the very latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand store opening in December with a special guest!

[ Top ]

---

Next-Gen Motorsport   (12/11)

Click for larger image...British champions looking forward to 2014.
 
Next-Gen's British championship winning season comes to an end, in only its second year of competition Next-Gen completed their goal of becoming British champions. Kiern Jewiss's dominant season showed the teams ability to carry forward his favourite status and win the Super One championship with a round to spare. The team finished with 4 Honda drivers in the top 10 of the Super One championship underlining its champions status.
 
Click for larger image...Next-Gen also enjoyed great success in IAME with multiple LGM victories, Podiums at S1, Kartmasters and lap records. There is much unfinished business in IAME and the team will do everything possible to add another British Championship to the Honda one gained this year.
 
In 2014 the team will be streamlined into two 4 driver line-ups, 4 IAME drivers and 4 Honda drivers. These limited places are almost filled and we are delighted to so far announce the following drivers, IAME - Kiern Jewiss and Joe Turney. Honda - Matthew Hopcraft, Keaton Samra and Klaas Kooiker. 
 
More drivers to announce soon, watch this space.
 
To get in touch with Next-Gen telephone 07525 741401 or e-mail: dbc_11@msn.com.

[ Top ]

---

Another Successful Year   (11/11)

Click for larger image...4G Racing take TVKC Senior Max Championship for the second year running!
 
Following last year's title winning performance 4G Racing have again taken the honours in TVKC's 2013 Senior Max Championship. Connor O'Brien in his first year of Senior Max racing sealed the championship with a measured 4th place drive at the final round in November. Team mate Matthew Hirst took the Vice Champions place in his first season with the team.
 
The team proved itself throughout the year against all drivers that attended the UK's premier facility, with only two finishes between the two drivers outside the top 10 and six top three finishes, two of them being outright wins.
 
Team Principal Matt Rooley had this to say about the teams' successful 2013 season. "I am thrilled to win the Championship again this year, last year we did it with Josh Gardner and it was very close. This year both Connor and Matt hit the ground running taking 1st and 2nd at the opening round, we didn't really look back from there. During the year we worked really hard to improve the kart, having over 10 years' experience with Tony Kart certainly helped that. We also pushed the drivers performance and scrutinised everything, because of that effort we had good showings at the Super One guest round and Kartmasters with Matt Hirst."

"Of course none of our success would have been possible without the support of our engine supplier Ogden Motorsport. A big thank you to Steve, Richard, Dave & Dan who have worked really hard for us all year to make sure we have the power to be at the front. I am really looking forward to next season it's going to be a big year for us, I have every confidence in our team! We have some new things in the pipeline one of which is a brand new awning. I have a heavy schedule over the winter period working both on track and on the engine side of things to ensure we deliver our very best for all our customers."

 
4G Racing are now planning next season, not only will we be attending the usual Club events at PFI and Wombwell but a second team will enter the Rotax Super One Championship. Anyone interested in a quotation to join the team for 2014 should contact Matt either through 4G's Facebook page or on 07976 350 089.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Snakebite Racing   Click for larger image...(11/11)

Click for larger image...Snakebite Racing would like to congratulate Will van Es on winning the TKM Extreme Super 1 Championship.  Will who claimed the title with a round to go, had driven magnificently throughout the whole series.
 
At Clay, Will scored maximum points on his way to the title and would have achieved the same at Larkhall if not for the chassis cracking part way through the second final.
 
Snakebite owners said, "Will has been a tremendous asset to Snakebite Racing in the years he has been running with us". Paul Wilde who also mechanics for Will said "It is a true pleasure to run Will.  He is a very focused and determined individual and I was confident that will would be crowned TKM Extreme Champion this year."
 
Click for larger image...Snakebite Racing are now looking forward to a successful and challenging 2014 with Will moving class and new drivers looking to compete in the Championship next year.
 
If you would like further information in running in a Championship Winning Team then please contact Paul Wilde on 07540 277655 or Steve Sanders on 07904 879091.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Kart Circuit   (11/11)

What an amazing day it was at Lydd on Sunday with nearly 200 people in attendance and 80 karts lining up on the various grids.
 
Not even the weather could dampen the good atmosphere and spirits amongst the kart racers involved in this highly successful November club meeting.  The popular monthly Lydd meetings saw all the usual classes run but this time needed two grids for the 18 Bambinos that were at Kent's fastest circuit.
 
On a fantastic day's racing James Clarke said "I want to thank everyone that came along to race on Sunday, driving standards were again generally high and this helped towards another enjoyable day with no major issues adding to the meeting's smooth running.  We look forward to seeing you all again for our next meeting on 7th/8th December."
 
Call the circuit on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895 now to reserve your place on the grid for December.

[ Top ]

---

Last Chance To Book   (11/11)

Click for larger image...If the kit's bang on the pace but the driver lacks 'waft', then you need RL Racing Department's Winter Training Camp!
 
Starting from 6th December, the programme is designed to make you faster and get you fully prepared for the 2014 season. Just five places now remain.
 
"The circuit we go to, Gran Karting Lanzarote, has been chosen because it is an ideal training facility," says RL Racing Department owner Steve Armstrong. "It has a great variety of different corners that test your fitness and ability to hit the right apexes each time. The weather is also a big advantage. Whilst other drivers are struggling in the wet, wintery conditions at home - which you tend not to get during the height of the summer racing season - we'll be able to take advantage of the warm and sunny climate and give our customers the benefit of being able to do up to 300 laps a day."
 
Click for larger image...The first camp runs between 6th and 22nd December, with a second from 3rd January to the 10th.
 
Steve adds: "The daily schedule consists of a large amount of seat-time and we devote a lot of time to analysing and coaching the driver whilst also teaching them better set-up techniques. I genuinely believe the training camps make our customers faster, fitter and better prepared for the new season."

With just five places remaining, each space is available on a first-come, first-served basis so call Steve now on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
 
For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

[ Top ]

---

Super Shwartzman   (11/11)

Click for larger image...Forza Racing completed the WSK season on top of the podium after its young Russian star, Robert Shwartzman blew away the opposition at Castelletto di Branduzzo (3 November).
 
Jamie Croxford's posting on his Facebook page showed the immense pride he took in seeing the diminutive St. Petersburg teenager take the chequered flag well clear of his nearest rivals: "WSK Final Cup Champions 2013!! Absolutely fantastic result for Forza and Robert Shwartzman!! Shows you that in the end, hard work pays off!!! Massive thanks to all my team!"
 
Facing a field of 66 other competitors in the KFJ class always meant that Forza and Shwartzman faced stiff opposition - but the 2012 European Championship-winning team proved more than a match for its rivals.
 
Robert posted the 2nd-fastest lap overall in timed qualifying and went on to win the first of his four heats. However, he was unable to finish higher than 14th in the following race, due to an opening lap crash, despite again being the 2nd-fastest driver on the track.
 
Click for larger image...A 2nd in his third heat - in wet conditions - was followed by a comfortable win in his fourth. With a penalty point awarded for each place lower than 1st, Shwartzman had accumulated 16 points, putting him 3rd overall in the intermediate rankings. This put him in a great starting grid position for Pre-Final A - the first of two races to determine who would make the cut for the main final.
 
Click for larger image...A hard-fought race concluded with the Forza driver crossing the finishing line in 4th position, with his team satisfied that he was amongst the pace-setters: "The pre-final was very difficult for us because Robert's wet tyres had done one more heat than his immediate competition," explained Jamie. "Our aim was to finish in the top three to five, which would put us in a strong position for the main final. The start was difficult, due to starting on the outside of the grid, however Robert did a solid job to finish 4th and that put him 8th on the grid for the main final."
 
During the initial stages of the final proper, Shwartzman maintained a watching brief as four drivers took turns to dispute the lead. As the race entered its second half, Robert saw his opportunity and seized the initiative with a series of incisive passing manoeuvres. With the nose of his Tony Kart breaking into clean air, the Russian set about putting clear daylight between himself and the Romanian Petru Florescu and the hugely experienced Alessio Lorandi. With Florescu unable to match the leader's pace, and Lorandi even further back, Shwartzman was able to reel off the final laps with over three seconds in hand over the chasing pair.
 
Click for larger image..."Robert had a good start and it was obvious that our pace was very strong, as he managed to cut through the pack. He got into 3rd, maintained very strong pace and managed to reel in (Daniel) Ticktum and (Enaam) Ahmed. A couple of very decisive manoeuvres got him into the lead. From there Robert showed maturity to keep his focus and pull away from the rest of the pack."
 
Croxford added: "We've put in a lot of hard work to get Robert to where he is now. He's always had the speed but channelling his raw pace into results has been our main focus.  To get this result with him is a fantastic achievement, for both him and the team. We now head to Bahrain in 3rd place in the CIK FIA World Championship (23rd November) and, hopefully, we can at least hold our position, if not improve!"
 
For more information, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit www.forza-racing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Giovanni Cuna/Cuna Photo.

[ Top ]

---

Knott A Chance!   (11/11)

Senior Max newcomer Luke Knott blew the opposition away as he blazed to victory last weekend (3 November), with his RL Racing Department team-mates also enjoying a good day at the Lincolnshire venue.
 
When it came to the Senior Max final, none of the 31-strong field had a real answer for the youngster's pace and consistency. Having started from P2 on the front row, Luke dropped to 3rd but hit the front on lap five and once ahead, reeled out a string of fast laps leaving his rivals to fight over the remaining podium places. Such was his dominance that the RL Racing driver took the chequered flag over three seconds clear of the field.
 
In the Mini Max final, Hugo Bentley-Ellis led the second half of the race, but was denied the win just four corners from the finishing line. Jack Martin went from 22nd at the start to 11th with a terrific drive, further highlighting his tremendous development during recent months. Rory Hudson marked his RL Racing Department debut and maiden race in the class with a fine drive to 13th. Fellow Mini Max first-timer Herbie Grout impressed with 5th in the second heat, but an off at the start of the final put-paid to his chances of repeating his earlier impressive performance and he crossed the line in 23rd spot.
 
New signing Will Shaw started the Junior Max final from p4 and was up to 3rd on the second lap. Sadly, a racing incident was deemed to be his fault and the move saw him black-flagged. The always rapid Scot Sandy Mitchell had also been running 4th before moving into 3rd spot. He was pushed back to 4th and was lining up another bid for 3rd but was knocked off the track, dropping him down the order to an eventual 8th place. His fastest-lap some recompense for his sterling efforts that were denied greater glory.
 
Another new signing, Jordan Baines, had qualified for the main race via the B Final and then thrilled the crowd with a stunning drive. The latest talent to emerge from the Baines karting dynasty started from the back row (having won the repecharge), before carving his way up to 10th.
 
"It was another great weekend across the board for RL Racing Department," observed team owner Steve Armstrong, adding "Hugo looked assured of the Mini win and I thought 3rd and 4th in Junior was the least we could expect in Junior. Things didn't quite go our way but it was total domination in Senior Max. I'd like to say a big 'Well done' to all the team's drivers, especially to new signing Jordan Baines, who narrowly missed out on the club championship by a single point. This is a great team, with great people and together, we're achieving some great results."
 
There are just five places remaining on the RL Winter Training Camp, book yours now by calling Steve on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk and get ready to turn those missing tenths into trophies in 2014.

For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

New From Tillett   Click for larger image...(08/11)

Tillett seat sizing foam kits come in 5mm and 10mm and isolate the three critical areas on the side of the seat. Each set comes with six separate pieces which are self-adhesive and closed cell.
 
By using a mixture of both sets it is possible to get the leg, hip, and chest areas a perfect fit, which is important for protection of the ribs and hip bones - even if you have a rib protector!

For further information contact Tillett Racing Seats on 01795 420312, email info@tillett.co.uk or visit our website at www.tillett.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Matchams Kart Club 2014   (07/11)

Non MSA racing is set for a boost as Matchams Kart Club returns for 2014!
 
To be organized and managed by Matchams Karting Ltd whose owners have a lifetime of Karting and motor racing experience at the highest levels.
 
The aim is to create a friendly, fun, competitive and cost effective way to go Kart racing! Classes to be run are Cadet Libre (to include Honda, Comer and Iame) Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Max (incorporating 177 & Masters) and Senior 4 Stroke (to include World Formula and Honda Pro Karts) All classes will run to MSA regulations with some leniency towards equipment. For instance older style side pod bars will be permitted, as too will the older style air intake box for the Rotax classes. Safety equipment such as motorcycle crash helmets will also be allowed - all in an aim to keep costs down.
 
A full website will soon be live where you will be able to see a full break down of supplementary regulations.
 
For now check out the dates and please register your interest as classes will be subject to minimum numbers come the 1st round in March.
 
Go to www.matchamskartclub.co.uk for dates and fill in the form to express an interest in racing in 2014.

[ Top ]

---

FEKC Sign With Aplha   (07/11)

Forest Edge Kart Club have signed up to move forward in 2014 with Alpha Timing software.

"It was key for us to support our members and look for a best of breed timing software system that had as little financial impact to our competitors as possible and means that we do not have to force them to buy a new transponder," stated Colin Wright from Forest Edge Kart Club.

"With Alpha we are hugely impressed with the software, the compsec package and the ability to run to any smartphone or internet enabled device, having a UK based development team gives us huge confidence that anything a club needs is written into the program quickly. Also for a club it made strong financial sense to use our existing hardware and not have to replace for little tangible impact."

"We are excited about the changes that Alpha will deliver to Forest Edge and its members and looking forward to the enhancements coming in 2014 that look to make this software so useful for club and driver alike."

Will Tew from Alpha Timing said "We are delighted that Forest Edge Kart Club have chosen Alpha Timing. It is not just a sensible decision from a financial point of view but also an exciting one for the club and the drivers as we have some fantastic never seen before innovations in the pipeline that we cannot wait to deliver in time for the start of the new season in 2014."

For more information on Forest Edge Kart Club and the fantastic Barton Stacey circuit visit www.fekc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

BPKC Summer Series   (07/11)

Round 7 of the BPKC summer series takes place on Sunday 17th November.

All non gearbox ABkC classes are welcome including Bambino and Subaru. Honda Cadet drivers will be racing for the prestigous Henry Surtees 'H' trophy.

Practice will available on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th November.

The BPKC are pleased to announce that the Super 1 Rotax and Honda Cadet Series will be returning to the circuit in 2014 over the weekend of 17th and 18th May.  The club has been awarded the ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' plate again in 2014 (date tba).

Other major championships that will be returning to Buckmore next year include Easykart and the NKRA with more to confirm.

For further details please contact chris@buckmore.co.uk or contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.

[ Top ]

---

Test A KGP   (06/11)

UPDATE: Due to a clash with some club races on the same weekend of the November 16th, with some Junior drivers busy trying to settle their current club Championships we have decided to re arrange the planned KGP taster at Whilton Mill.   The KGP taster will now be in the New Year on Sunday February 9th at Whilton Mill. We will also be allowing existing KGP owners to have a shake down test on the same day in different sessions. Those drivers that have already made a booking will be contacted and we will continue to take bookings from drivers who want to try out the KGP Formula's either Junior or Senior.
 
KGP UK will have the newly MSA-homologated KGP Junior available to test on either a Birel or Tonykart chassis.
 
The KGP Junior class is for 13 to 16 year olds, however a Junior aged 12 years old and in the year of their 13th birthday with an MSA National A licence can race KGP Junior. KGP Junior is eligible to race in MSA club events from January 1st 2014.
 
The weight limit is 145kg and the KGP Junior class uses the same engine as the senior versions of KGP but with a CIK KFJ exhaust, Tillotson fixed jet carburettor and KGP inlet carburettor restrictor.
 
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Also available to test at Whilton Mill will be the Senior versions of KGP Clubman or, as raced in the S1 series, KGP Pro. Again, both will be available to test on either a Tonykart or Birel Chassis.
 
Test sessions will be approx 15 minutes long and will cost a pre-paid fee of £25.00 for one arrive and drive session.
 
All test must be pre-booked and paid through the KGP office on 01527 889595 (select option 2). Multiple sessions can be booked, but are subject to availability. 
 
Drivers testing must hold a valid MSA kart licence and be a minimum of 12 years old to test KGP Junior and a minimum of 15 years old to test a KGP senior and have their own crash helmet, suit and boots and gloves.
 
For more information on KGP classes visit www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or find us on Facebook Kart Grand Prix UK.

[ Top ]

---

New: Engine Flight Cases   Click for larger image...(06/11)

Grice Racing are pleased to announce the availability of a new range of flight cases for your race engine.

Keep your motor safe and security in transport or for storage.

Any size can be supplied along with custom liveries.

For more information and pricing email ricky.grice@virgin.net or call 01268 727847.  You can also visit our website at Griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

DHR Win Another Title   (05/11)

The Rotax International Open contested at the famous Spanish circuit of Zuera has become the European season's last major race. With a quality international field of drivers attracted by last chance Rotax World final tickets the race carries big prizes for the winners.

With some strong driver additions to the team in Junior Rotax it was DHR's Estonian driver Ralf Aron who led most of the grand final. With the usual last couple of frantic laps it was DHR regular Dave Wooder who crossed the line victorious. Wooder who was fastest throughout made his move at the perfect moment to claim victory. Aron was out dragged to the line and just missed out on a much deserved podium on his team debut. DHR's other new recruit Lars Lamborelle of the Netherlands also featured in the top few places but fell to 7th at the flag after some minor electrical issues.

In Senior Rotax DHR's latest signing former KF2 British and European champion Jordan Chamberlain was looking good having led and controlled the pre final from mid distance to the last lap until a last corner manoeuvre took him out of contention. Although the offending driver was penalised for the over ambitious manoeuvre it didn't change the result.

So Wooder takes his much deserved World Finals ticket, with Aron and Lamborelle already qualified. In senior the team have Pierce Lehane of Australia, Philip Morin of Sweden and South African Nathan Parkins. DHR's DD2 efforts are represented by the British duo of Sean Babington and Barrie Pullinger which complete the strong line-up for the Rotax Grand finals in New Orleans next weekend.

Double British and European champions DHR are looking ahead to the 2014 season and have team places available in Mini, Junior and Senior Max for the UK Super 1 series and relevant testing and club events. Also for those looking at Euro Max or International Rotax events the team will be racing the Winter Cup, Euro Max Series, International Open, along with the Florida Winter Tour and the BNL series. For any drivers interested please contact Dan for more information on 07960 047810 or email dan@danhollandracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Winter Championships   (05/11)

Click for larger image...The second round of Lydd's winter championships takes place this coming Sunday 10th November at the fastest kart circuit in Kent.
 
Last month's meeting saw a good turnout of drivers despite the wet and windy weather and we were pleased to welcome some more new faces to Lydd. We are expecting the November meeting to be well attended and are hoping for rather less wind and rain.  May we remind all drivers that practice is available on Saturday.
 
All the usual classes will be running at our non-MSA meeting - Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax, Senior Rotax 162 and 177 and ProKarts, but we welcome karts from other classes and will always find a grid for you to race with.
 
Come and join us this weekend for some friendly but competitive racing. Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee.
 
Keep up to date with what is happening at Lydd by visiting the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com or if you wish to call the circuit, phone 01797 321747 or 01797 321895.
 
We look forward to seeing you.

[ Top ]

---

Pitwall Motorsports   (01/11)

Click for larger image...Pitwall is a new motorsports retail company providing a brand new outlet in Ampthill, Bedfordshire along with an online outlet at www.pitwall.co.uk.
 
Conveniently situated just five minutes from junction 13 of the M1, Pitwall is ideally located to supply everything any motorsports enthusiast could need. All too often motorsports clothing has been tucked at the back of a showroom, but by focusing solely on clothing and accessories, Pitwall bring a welcome level of skill and expertise to the marketplace.
 
Combined with their online outlet, drivers and riders alike can easily access a full range of clothing and accessories from leading manufacturers including Arai, Dainese and GoPro - and with stocks and suppliers increasing weekly, adding the website to your favourites is a must.
 
Expert staff are available to assist with all purchases and provide accurate and honest advice, and with some superb opening special offers it's well worth taking time to call in and meet the team.
 
For more information please take a look at www.pitwall.co.uk or call us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page @pitwall_ltd for all the very latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand store opening in December with a special guest!

[ Top ]

---

Grice Racing Update   (01/11)

Grice Racing would like to clarify the press release issued earlier this week... (further updated on 06/11/13)

"It has come to our attention that due to an oversight our customers may be confused by our last update. To clarify, we are still under suspension from sealing Rotax engines and therefore cannot carry out any work on Rotax engines."

For further information or if you have any questions, please contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847.

[ Top ]

---

Club Champion Switches   (31/10)

TKM Club Champion Lewis Outten switched to a new Tal-Ko Veloce kart for last weekend's Whilton Mill club meeting and notched up a string of wins at the circuit where he sealed his title.
 
Lewis won all his heats and then won the final by 2 seconds. Afterwards he said:" Having been on a Tonykart for the past two years, Alan Turney  gave me this great opportunity to try the Veloce, which after a session or two I found to be good on the practice day. Never realised that I would go out and win the three heats and the final! I am now looking forward to my next race at Kimbolton on the Tal-Ko Veloce."
 
Lewis took this year's TKM club championship with three wins and a second place and was on the podium at the Maxxis TKM Festival where he took the Bernie Turney Trophy for an outstanding performance.
 
Said Tal-Ko's Alan Turney: "Lewis has great potential and I am delighted with his result at Whilton Mill last weekend which once again proved the ability of our latest Veloce kart."

For more information on the Tal-Ko kart range visit www.tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

Full/Part Time Engineers   (30/10)

Full Time and Part Time Engineers required at Daytona Milton Keynes for an immediate start.
 
As an Engineer you with be required to carry out all aspects the day to day maintenance of our kart fleet.
 
The successful candidate must:-
- Have mechanical skills within the corporate / race kart or motorsport sectors.
- Be flexible and able to work evenings & weekends in addition to weekdays.
- Be able to follow instruction quickly and effectively.
- Be highly motivated and work well in a team.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Ensure that the karts are maintained to the highest standards of safety.
- Be able to work unassisted and ensure all targets are met without fail.
- Have excellent problem solving abilities solving problems quickly and efficiently.
- Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date on a daily basis ensuring it is filled out correctly.
- Have excellent mechanical and engineering skills.
- Have own tools and/or be willing to purchase any tools required to carry out daily maintenance on the karts.
 
You must ensure all target expectations are met. You will report and fully communicate to Head of Engineering on a regular basis and ensure the workshop is tidy and hazard free at all times.
- Full training will be given in all areas of the role.
- Flexibility with working hours is essential to meet customer needs.
 
All applicants please send a covering letter and a current CV to the following email address: - recruitment@daytona.co.uk. Please use ref number: - ENGMK2013 when applying for the position.

[ Top ]

---

PPiK/Ginetta 24hr Spectacular   (29/10)

Click for larger image...One November 15 & 16th, two Yorkshire-based motorsport giants will host a spectacular event in aid of BBC Children in Need as Leeds' Pole Position Indoor Karting (PPiK) and Ginetta Cars get together once again to host the UK's largest indoor 24 hour endurance karting event, the 'PPiK Ginetta 24'.
 
Up to eighteen teams of four to twelve drivers will take on this grueling challenge with as much team work and strategy in play as you would see on a Formula One pit wall. Ben Hyland, Event Organiser said; "Teams take this very seriously, with driver shifts and pit stops all worked out well in advance. We have a vast mix in ability and experience, from professional racing drivers & World Champion kart racers to in-house corporate teams such as Asda and Call Credit Group."
 
Last year PPiK Ginetta 24 raised over £14,000 for BBC Children in Need, through entry costs, raffle prizes, games and PPiK and Ginetta donating a further 10 pence for every lap each team completes, with over 40,000 laps completed during the 2012 event.
 
Headline event sponsor Ginetta Cars will be once again entering a team of employees from their headquarters in Garforth. The race car manufacturer, who run some of the most well-known and exciting race series in the country use the event as a great end of year celebration and team bonding session.
 
Lawrence Tomlinson, Ginetta Chairman said; "The PPiK Ginetta 24 Hour kart race is a great way to raise money for charity, whilst celebrating what Ginetta do best - making things go as fast as possible! Endurance racing is one of the most testing forms of motorsport out there, and we anticipate another immense level of competition for 2013."
 
Each team to enter will receive their own kart, personalised in their unique race livery, as well as a private area in which to get some sleep when fatigue hits through the night.  Sixteen teams are already confirmed, with two team spaces still up for grabs; with last year's winners  'Teams CFT Services' back to defend their title but under a new team name 'Niche Tax Solutions'. Other teams and companies involved include SICL, Reforma Motorsport Graphics, Pickard Event Services, Coast to Coast Event Productions, Campeys of Selby, Pickard Events, Riverside Recoveries and Adaptive-Iconics.
 
Managing Director of Adaptive control, and Team Boss of Adaptive-Iconics Racing - Richard Armitage, back once again this year hoping to improve on last year's result said; "This brilliantly organised event allows everyone to take part in something they are passionate about whilst generating a huge amount of money for this worthy cause. We can't wait to get out on track again and have had a year to perfect our race strategy!"
 
The race starts at 7pm on Friday 15th November 2013, finishing at 7pm on Saturday 16th - with live entertainment and performances from local bands and talent both at the opening ceremony and after party. Local companies wishing to get involved may do so by donating funds to the event Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/PPiKGinetta24-2013 or offering raffle prizes to help with the proceeds.
 
Any teams wishing to take part can still do so, by emailing their interest to 24hr@ppik.net. Event updates, news and results will be posted on both PPiK and Ginetta websites.

[ Top ]

---

Top Ten Ginetta Debut Finish   (29/10)

Click for larger image...Northamptonshire's Ashley White made his racing debut in style last weekend, after bringing home a top ten finish in the final round of the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge at Donington Park; his prize for securing the top spot in the want2race competition in September.
 
The 19 year old made his inaugural appearance in the British GT supporting championship in a brand new Ginetta G40 race car which was supplied by the Leeds based manufacturer as part of the £6,000 race package prize which saw him beat 200 racing hopefuls for a place on the Ginetta grid.
 
His success saw White fully kitted out in Ginetta race wear, including a new helmet, suit and boots. Not only that, but want2race arrange for White to complete his ARDS test, leaving White to simply turn up and race, with full team support and driver tuition also included.
 
Want2race offered the chance for novice drivers from across the UK to take part in initial karting sessions at a local circuit, followed by on track experience in real Ginetta racing G40 cars alongside BTCC and Ginetta Supercup instructors Adam Morgan, Jack Goff and Rob Boston.
 
The top 30 drivers were selected and brought back to the final, which included more intense circuit sessions and an interview with the judging panel. Chief Judge Mark Hales commented on the experience; "It is nice to see such a genuine and professionally run competition such as want2race available for drivers out there, who may not have the knowhow or budget to be able to start racing. We had a difficult decision choosing the finalists, but in the end Ashley proved to us all that he had serious raw talent and pace. It was an easy decision on the day, with Ashley crowned as the deserved winner. He proved himself, and luckily our judgement, this weekend out at Donington in the G40. Well done!"
 
Grids for the final round of the championship were the biggest yet, with no less than 30 cars on track. White took to qualifying like a seasoned racer, putting his car a very respectable P16. Whilst a number of on-track issues hindered the racing on Sunday 6th October - with one race abandoned entirely - White managed to keep clear of all issues and finished P16 and P10 respectively.
 
Ben Hyland, want2race organiser said; "What a result for Ashley, I am so proud of him as he's proved that we are able to take a novice and successfully get them on the grid and on the pace ! Ashley was calm and collected all day and drove extraordinarily well. He had additional pressures from media and all the other competitors looking at him to see how he performs, and so I think it makes the result even stronger."
 
White, an ex 2 stroke go karter, has competed only at karting level but did include some Super 1 Rotax events. He said;  "We never had much luck in karts, and so I'm really pleased that my first car race has gone so well. I was nervous at the starts but as soon as the lights went off I went for it, even managed to recover from a 360 spin and still finish both races. I loved the experience and now am hoping I can return to race more Ginetta's next season. Thanks to everyone involved!"
 
Ginetta have for many years offered the successful junior scholarship, with want2race now sitting alongside as being a fantastic opportunity for drivers over the age of 16 to experience the race cars, learn from instructors and have an opportunity to race.
 
Details of the competition can be found on the website www.want2race.co.uk.

Photograph courtesy of Jakob Ebrey.

[ Top ]

---

Mercedes Motorsport Van   Click for larger image...(29/10)

Click for larger image...Fusion Motorsport have their 2007 Merc Sprinter for sale. 120,000 miles, MOT July 2014, Tax Jan 2014.
 
Fully kitted out with; tyre/engine racks, exhaust rack, awning storage (Linea style), worktop with storage below, Teng Tools 7 drawer roll cab, spotlights, electric hook up, battery charger.
 
Perfect for small team of privateer. £POA.

For more information contact Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221 or email dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Maximise Your Potential   (28/10)

If you need to get your engine sorted after the season or you're starting to get organised for next year, Grice have the expertise, equipment and experience to get you up there with the best.
 
Ricky Grice, Marc Dawson and Tom Grice have experience with almost every engine used in the UK and can offer a full Rotax strip and rebuild which includes all labour, and parts except conrod, balance shaft and reed petals for £355 plus VAT. A dyno power test is £87.50 plus VAT and you can have your carb optimised with an ultrasonic set up for £60.
 
Click for larger image...Grice have a state-of-the-art Rotronics dyno with fully-automated software in an air-conditioned and temperature-controlled room, and are one of the only kart engine tuners to have invested in a Sports Devices rolling road to complement the dyno, using transient and eddy current technology to access the engine ancillaries. Time on these costs £450 for the day, £250 for a half day and £100 per hour.
 
Engines prepared by Grice benefit from an individual rather than mass-market approach, which enables precise tolerances, and this approach continues with the dedicated trackside support, where any engine can be rebuilt at the track.
 
This season the IAME engine has revolutionised Cadet racing and Grice have seamlessly added the unit to their portfolio, drawing on their vast experience with it's big brother, the 100cc Parilla Swift JICA engine, the predecessor to KF3. A full rebuild for the IAME Cadet engine costs £180 plus VAT.

For further details please contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847, email ricky.grice@virgin.net or visit www.griceracingengines.com

[ Top ]

---

Coming Up On Motors TV   (28/10)

Motors TV have just confirmed the transmission times of the 48m show made from their recordings at the recent BPKC 50th Anniversary meeting.
 
Monday 4th November - 01:18
Monday 4th November - 18:23
Tuesday 5th November - 14:44
Thursday 7th November - 11:06

[ Top ]

---

Experienced Track Manager   (28/10)

An opportunity to play a lucrative key role in this new venture.
 
Salary: GBP 23000 - 26000 annual salary
Career level required: Manager (Manager/Supervisor of staff)
Experience required: 3yrs+ in Track Management
Education required: HND/HNC or equivalent
Job type: Permanent
Job status: Full Time
 
Wight Karting is looking for an experienced, determined, professional in motor sports.
 
Currently we are looking for a Track Manager for a new outdoor Kart centre opening in Ryde, Isle of Wight.
 
We are a small team of business persons who are looking for the qualities of dedication and integrity in a professional partner to share our new venture.  We will be relying on your people skills and passion to find us a highly talented workforce with an abundance of enthusiasm and passion for our product and the service. You will develop your team to deliver a diverse workforce with a strong corporate identity and commitment.
 
Click for larger image...Personal Profile - applicants will need to:
- Be able to recruit, develop and inspire a diverse workforce.
- Be highly professional and well presented to customers, colleagues and strategic partners presenting the best face of the business at all times.
- Have excellent IT skills to utilise specialist industry software and Office packages to ECDL advanced standard or equivalent.
- Be flexible and dedicated to work long hours in high season on an annual hours contract.
- Be highly organised and experienced with current MSA and H&S requirements.
- Be able to programme business development and training into your weekly routine and aim to exceed monthly budget targets with your Team.
 
In return we are able to offer a competitive salary with performance related bonus and share options. A relocation package is available to the right candidate. Apply by Letter and CV to info@wightkarting.co.uk, employment commences February 2014.

[ Top ]

---

Honda O Plate At Buckmore   (25/10)

Myles Apps continued his winning ways at Buckmore Park's 40th anniversary meeting last weekend by picking up the ABkC Honda O Plate on his Zip Lightning kart. Apps dominated the weekend and was the fastest in all conditions. He started the main final from the front row and quickly moved into the lead and took the win by a significant margin becoming the 2013 ABkC O Plate Champion.

Apps felt his knowledge of Buckmore Park had helped him in the terrible conditions saying "I know the track here well and the new kart was fantastic all weekend. I just knew that if I wanted to win, I had to hit the front ASAP due to the spray from the wet track. I am really pleased to have won the O Plate and especially here at Buckmores 50th anniversary meeting with such a strong grid of quality drivers".
 
Matthew Hopcraft also enjoyed a good weekend on his Zip Honda with David Bellchamber's Next-Gen team. David commented "Matthew probably should have finished second in the main final but I think that Hudson just caught him out halfway through the main final. Hudson held his line well until the end and there was nothing they could do about Apps who was too far ahead. Matthew has driven really well and I'm really pleased with his performances and results since joining us on his Zip kart this year". Matthew collected 3rd place in the final meaning that Zip Kart had taken 1st and 3rd on the podium and continued their great run of results.
 
Zip Kart have used the second half of the season to develop parts for the new 2014 kart and are very pleased with the results achieved so far. The new Zip Honda will be available from mid-November for testing at various circuits around the UK. Please contact Zip Kart to book your test on 01327 855310 or email info@zipkart.com.

[ Top ]

---

Junior Touring Cars   Click for larger image...(25/10)

The BARC are delighted to have the opportunity to take over the reins of the very competitive 2014 Junior Touring Cars Junior Championship for 14 to 17 year olds.
 
On the 1st November  you are invited to a Junior Touring Cars Live event, the event is being organised to give this year's potential drivers aged between 13 to 17 the opportunity to experience the performance and thrill of a race-prepared Citroen Saxo as raced in the Club's Junior Touring Cars Championship. The Junior Touring Cars live event will take place at Blyton Park www.blytonpark.co.uk.
 
Fancy a change from karting? Then Junior Touring Cars Live is for you, you will drive in race prepared Junior Touring Car at Blyton Park race circuit, you will get a dedicated Clio Cup driver/instructor to guide you around the 7m wide circuit.
 
To book a place please email info@sportdevices.co.uk or call 0800 6126977.
 
Click for larger image...The Championship takes place at major UK motor racing circuits including Brands Hatch and Silverstone and is run with other BARC championships at its race meetings there will be 13 rounds over 7 weekends in 2014.
 
Call 0800 6126977 for further info.
 
For a dedicated Junior Touring Cars test day or 1-to-1 tuition see www.Teamdynomite.co.uk or call 07817 416293 email keith@teamdynomite.co.uk arrive and drive available.

[ Top ]

---

2013 Henry Surtees Challenge   (24/10)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...The best of British young motorsport talent came together at Buckmore Park circuit to compete in the Henry Surtees Challenge for a career enhancing range of prizes to aid them in their race programme preparation for 2014. 21 year old David Pittard, current Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge racer and BRDC Rising Star, won the event amongst some extremely tough competition.
 
The event, organised by former F1 world champion John Surtees OBE, brought together drivers from all classes of motorsport in their 16th year and over who hold an MSA licence, are a member of Club100 or are a Buckmore Park Elite driver.
 
Damon Hill OBE officially opened the event by taking to the drying Buckmore track in one of the superb Club100 Birel karts for a few laps. Following a thrilling day of extremely competitive racing, the top six drivers were presented with a prestigious Henry 'H' trophy and the ten top finishers had the choice of some the best career enhancing prizes ever offered at a UK kart meeting.
 
David Pittard, Winner, 2013 Henry Surtees Challenge chose the simulator pre-test in the UK plus GP3 test with Carlin Motorsport in Abu Dhabi as his prize. David also receives a full set of Puma SE race wear and a pair of tickets to the 2013 Autosport Awards (donated by Haymarket Publications) plus a career profile feature in Motor Sport magazine.
 
Paul Janes, runner up, chose the pair of VIP weekend tickets to the British F1 Grand Prix 2014, including Paddock entry, donated by Bernie Ecclestone. Paul also receives two pairs of Puma SE footwear.
 
Jack Aitken, third place, chose the visit to Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes with simulator time and evaluation by an F1 race engineer, donated by Christian Horner. Jack also receives a pair of Puma SE footwear.
 
Click for larger image...The 'Fastest Lap' Award was presented to Jack Aitken who received a Henry 'H' trophy and a choice from the new HSF clothing range after securing the accolade by 0.001 sec from Paul Janes.
 
The 'Hard Luck' Award was presented to Simon Rudd who received a Henry 'H' trophy and a choice from the new HSF clothing range after being knocked out of a top 10 position in the 'A' Final race and following consistently competitive results throughout the event.
 
The 'Over 80Kg' Award was presented to Scott Malvern who received a Henry 'H' trophy and a choice from the new HSF clothing range.
 
Click for larger image...David Pittard - winner of the 2013 Henry Surtees Challenge said: "A massive thanks to John and the Henry Surtees Foundation for organising such a fantastic event. I had a great race out there today; I qualified well in mixed conditions and made a good start which allowed me to pull a gap and I could put my head down and control the race from there. There were some big names here and I feel like a little bit of a small fish, so to come out and beat these guys has given me a huge confidence boost and I hope it's a massive step for my career - exactly what the Henry Surtees Challenge is for - so again a huge, huge thank you."
 
Damon Hill, OBE, commented: "I am absolutely delighted to support the Henry Surtees Challenge. If I can assist in generating a little bit more coverage and bring people to the incredible event that John has created here, then it is a very positive thing in all directions. It raises money for a good cause in the Henry Surtees Foundation and also gives young, competitive drivers an opportunity to shoot for something too; helping to develop talent in the sport we love."
 
John Surtees, OBE, said "Today has been changeable from the way the weather has treated us! But it has provided added challenge for the drivers and showed the quality of the field we had here, because we didn't have any mishaps at all. We had extremely competitive racing and I think that it augers well for the future that we can build on this, not only helping The Foundation, but also helping youngsters in this stage of developing their career in the motorsport world in preparing their motorsport programmes for the new year."

For more information on the Henry Surtees Foundation visit www.henrysurteesfoundation.com.

Photographs courtesy of Jakob Ebrey photography.

[ Top ]

---

Formula TKM Weight Changes   (24/10)

Formula TKM will have changes to the weights in the Senior Extreme category for 2014 which will give drivers greater flexibility and make it easier for lighter drivers to race without carrying excessive lead.
 
Following a review of driver weights in conjunction with the MSA the first rule change is that in the main 152kg category the minimum driver weight will drop from 68kg to 60kg.
 
The 146kg category with blue 22mm carb restrictor will now have a minimum driver weight of 50kg. And a new 132kg category has been created with no minimum driver weight which will make use of the black 19.5mm carb restrictor.
 
Explains Alan Turney, boss of Tal-Ko which runs the class: "By making these changes we will now be able to accommodate virtually any size driver into the class and know that they are not carrying excessive lead on their kart. At the same time we have created more flexibility for those wanting to be in the main 152kg sector.
 
"We have listened carefully to driver requests and discussed at the MSA these changes and I hope they will meet with wide approval. The use of different minimum weights and carb restrictors in the Junior class has been very successful and safe and it seems entirely logical to expand the Senior category in the same way."
 
MSA planned changes to ages in all Junior and Senior classes have been dropped for 2014 pending further discussion after considerable protest from many drivers and parents.
 
Other regulation changes for TKM in 2014 are very minor tidying up and clarification of current regulations. There will also be an updated engine fiche. All changes come into effect from January 1, 2014. The new regulations will be posted on the www.tal-ko.com website in November.

[ Top ]

---

2013 IAME Cadet O Plate   (22/10)

Trent Valley Kart Club will be hosting the very first ABkC IAME O Plate at PF International kart circuit on 2nd & 3rd November 2013.

Come and race and be part of UK Karting history - challenging for the inaugural title of ABkC IAME Cadet O Plate Champion!

The two day meeting will consist of Practice, Timed Qualifying and a Heat on Saturday and then a Heat, B Final (top 6 to go through), Pre Final and the Grand Final on Sunday.  If you want to enter the Club Championships as well - this is no problem as you can enter both!

Want to enter?  Simply visit www.tvkc.co.uk  to enter online and download copies of the tyre and fuel order forms and the Supplementary Regulations. NB:  Entries for this event will close on Sunday 27th October. 

The prize list for this event has just been announced and includes an IAME X30 Junior Engine, IAME Engine Vouchers, an XBOX ONE (brand new from November 2013), Playstation 4 (brand new from November 2013), iPad Mini, LLC Helmet Visor, Lucky Design Helmet Bag, Selection of IAME Clothing, 2014 TVKC Membership, Set of Dunlop Tyres as well as a Trophy & Flowers.  Prizes are courtesy of JM Engineering, TVKC, PSR and Andersons.

So be sure to join us for this prestigious event and remember to visit TVKC's 'Trick or Treat' race control!

For more information, please contact Danielle Short at compsec@tvkc.co.uk or 07545 131099.

[ Top ]

---

Fireworks For Buckmore's 50th   (22/10)

Click for larger image...With great racing on circuit and with Formula 1 star and Buckmore old boy Johnny Herbert in attendance, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit's 50th year celebrations over the weekend was a great success despite best efforts of the British weather.
 
Many of the kart circuit's old boys came back to in join the celebrations and also John Surtees OBE, the only man to win the World Championships on two and four wheels and a great supporter of the venue for many years popped in during the day as part of his work for the Henry Surtees' Foundation Charity set up by John in memory of his son Henry who was killed in a freak motor racing accident at Brands Hatch.
 
Johnny Herbert was the star of the show demonstrating a restored 135cc Cobra/Komet which he used to win the British Karting Championship in 1982 (pictured left).  The Kestrel/Cobra kart brand was manufactured by circuit owner Bill Sisley in the 70s and 80s and was one of the most successful karting brands winning the British Championship for 10 consecutive years.
 
Click for larger image...Also joining in on the day was Indian Formula 1 star Karun Chandhok who actually started his motor racing career at Buckmore as a youngster.  Further kart demonstrations during the day included circuit owner Bill Sisley a kart champion himself in the 60s and 70s, and his son Tom, a multi-kart and car champion in the 90s who demonstrated the prototype 1959 'Yellow Peril' go kart, the first ever machine to be built in the UK (pictured right).  Further demonstrations included a high speed demo by the current Under 18 Karting World Champion Henry Easthope, using the very latest 100 mph KZ1 125cc international equipment karting equipment and a display by the British Historic Kart Club of machinery from 1961 - 1982.
 
Click for larger image...Apart from the demonstrations the on track action included the ABkC IDD Contracts Honda Cadet 'O' plate event for drivers aged 8 - 12, which effectively was a one day British Championship for drivers from all over the UK including Northern Ireland. After 42 drivers had raced wheel to wheel in a series of heats and pre-finals, victory finally went to Dartford's Myles Apps. 
 
Buckmore Park is the circuit where many current and past Formula 1 drivers learnt their trade, including Johnny Herbert and World F1 champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton (who was discovered by Ron Dennis in the 1996 Champions of the Future Event held at Buckmore Park).  Recent F1 graduate Max Chilton also started his career at the circuit as did Mercedes F1 reserve driver Sam Bird.  The circuit also played host to Princes William and Harry who made their debut in 1992.
 
Buckmore boss Bill Sisley commented:  "It's was a fantastic weekend and I am really grateful to Johnny for spending so much time here and to all the other Buckmore 'old boys' who came back to see us.  I'm also sure that one of the young drivers that we saw over the weekend in the Honda Cadet race will be in Formula 1 in 10 years time."

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

[ Top ]

---

RL On Top In Autumn   (18/10)

Click for larger image...At the finale of the Euro Max Challenge, held at Salbris (6/8 September) Lando Norris blazed to victory in the Junior class. Two weekends later, Hugo Bentley-Ellis took a convincing Mini Max win at Whilton Mill in the 7th round of the Northamptonshire circuit's club championship.
 
Bentley-Ellis' form throughout August and September was electrifying, but not without incident. Using a Shenington Kart Club race (18 August) as preparation for the concluding round of the Super One championship the following month (29 September), Hugo had taken the chequered flag in first place, but was later denied the win by the officials - who gave the RL star a five-place penalty.
 
He set the record straight with a fine victory in the first final at the Super One event and led three for quarters of the 21-lap second final but was knocked off the track on the penultimate tour. His promising team-mate, Sandy Mitchell was 5th and 7th respectively, completing an impressive maiden Mini Max season since graduating from Honda Cadet.
 
Click for larger image...The RL pair will head to Autosport International, held annually at the NEC, Birmingham in January, to collect their seeded number plates having earned numbers 5 and 7, respectively. Sandy would surely have finished higher in the points table were it not for two problematic rounds, due to circumstances beyond his control, leaving his team boss convinced he was a shoo-in for a top five placing overall.Click for larger image...
 
Luke Knott was also on the podium for Steve Armstrong's team.  Luke claimed a fine 3rd place in the first Super One final at Shenington, signing off his Junior career with  a prized single-number seeding - 8. 
 
Buoyed by these results, the drivers starred on their return to the team's home circuit on 6 October. Bentley-Ellis starred in a thrilling Mini Max final and eventually finished 3rd in a nail-biting dash to the chequered flag.
 
Having overseen his Junior drivers take pole position and p12 on the grid for their final, Steve Armstrong was delighted to see his new signing Will Shaw finish 4th with Sandy stepping up from Mini and finishing 6th on his debut in the class.
 
Luke astounded the crowd at the Lincolnshire venue by taking pole position and then beating his far more experienced rivals to first place in the final.
 
Click for larger image...More success followed at Kimbolton (13 October). Bentley-Ellis enjoyed a lights-to-flag victory and crossed the finishing line four seconds clear of his pursuers. Shaw topped the Junior podium, with Mitchell setting the joint-fastest lap on his way to 4th in the same final. Click for larger image...
 
"The boys have been driving superbly," said the justifiably proud Armstrong. "We've played our part, by dialling-in the equipment for each different circuit and the prevailing conditions, and the drivers have then gone out and demonstrated just how good the kit is. Consequently, the awning is buzzing right now. It's a really happy, positive place to be." 
 
2014 race seats are now available. For more information, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Racebox (Lando Norris - kart 52) and Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Kartpartsuk   (17/10)

Kartpartsuk would like to make everyone aware that we have recently added around 100 new products to their already vast product range on the website www.kartpartsuk.com. They vary from hubs to chassis protectors to the fantastic range of karting tools which are manufactured in-house, such as trolleys, pit tables and bead breakers.
 
Kartpartsuk.com would also like to remind everyone that we offer free delivery on all orders to UK Mainland addresses (see website for details). Kartpartsuk have one of the widest stock choices available in the UK and with free next working day delivery, what are you waiting for. We stock everything from complete karts to Arai helmets and are constantly adding new products.
 
Kartpartsuk are agents for Gillards including the superb cadet kart, Tonykart and OK1 karts, including a full range of spares. On top of our fantastic prices which we won't be beaten on by any other kart shop, we also offer further great prices in the quantity discounts section.
 
If you would like information on any of the products, or any of the 1,000's of spares we have in stock, please contact us on 01775 712633, email info@kartpartsuk.com or visit www.kartpartsuk.com which shows the entire range.

[ Top ]

---

Winter Training Camp   (16/10)

Click for larger image..."Winter Training Camp will make you fitter, faster and better prepared for 2014"
 
We've all been there - a bitterly cold and wet British kart track, desperately trying to find those missing tenths. Everything's been tried; the camber and castor, front bar in, out, exhaust flex lengthened and shortened, umpteen different carbs and jet settings, different engine. You name it you've tried it - but still no improvement.
 
If this is an all too familiar story, then it's time to reserve your place on RL Racing Department's Winter Training Camp. It will improve you as a driver and make you faster.
 
Organised by Steve Armstrong and his hugely experienced and successful team, the camp is a unique opportunity for kart racers to enjoy unlimited testing at a superb venue.
 
Click for larger image...The first camp runs between 6th and 22nd December at Gran Karting Lanzarote and returns to the Canary Island on 3rd January and runs until the 10th.
 
Click for larger image..."We've selected Gran Karting Lanzarote not just for the terrific winter weather but also the different features and benefits it offers to us and the driver," says Steve. "The track has a nice variety of corners and offers long laps. This presents drivers with a series of technical and physical challenges. Also, the much better weather is an obvious advantage, as the dry conditions create the opportunity for a greater and more consistent number of laps, in which to fine tune the driver and their equipment."

He adds: "The daily schedule consists of a lot of seat-time - up to 300 laps per day - plus we devote plenty of time to detailed analysis of the driver and their kit. I genuinely believe that the RL Racing Department training camp makes you fitter, faster and better prepared for the new season."

For more information, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

New Kart World Record   (16/10)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Lloyd de Boltz-Miller drove into the history books when he set a new Guinness World Record at PFi on 8 October following a gruelling 24 hours at the wheel.

The freelance motorsport consultant first hit the headlines in 2009 when he set a new British and European record before going on to claim the World Record the following year. However, America's Trey Shannon pushed the distance to 845 miles in 2011, sending his English rival back to the drawing board.
Two years were devoted to planning this latest assault, with de Boltz-Miller determined to bring the record back to Britain.

"We'd planned to run an aggressive strategy, as I wanted to be the first through the 1000 mile mark," said de Boltz-Miller. "With Trey having covered 845, we'd need to push it but also create a good buffer. However, it came to light that a disputed claim of 1,054 miles (set in 2012) may have still stood. As we couldn't talk to Guinness we needed to adjust our strategy to break this and Trey's record. This meant that for the entire 24 hours I was going to have to consistently lap the circuit in less than 34 seconds and that my pit stops couldn't last more than four minutes each time. My fastest lap on low fuel and new tyres in testing was 30 seconds dead. This meant I had to drive the entire record like a sprint!"
 
Despite their communications equipment failing before the attempt had begun, prompting Lloyd's support crew to invent a range of interesting hand signals to 'talk' to him from trackside, everything was going to plan during the opening few hours. De Boltz-Miller survived some exciting moments during his fourth stint when his water bottle holder broke, leaving his drinks container to empty its contents at the first corner, which made for a couple of interesting moments.
 
"Throughout, the package - CRG Black Star chassis and IAME X30 engine - worked flawlessly," Lloyd said. "We had a single issue with a sticking throttle cable but my mechanics, Shaun and Russell Carter, replaced it in just 3 minutes during my ninth stop."
 
Click for larger image...As the hours rolled on, keeping de Boltz-Miller focused and informed without a radio led his team to try some interesting experiments, as Lloyd explains: "They tried to make life a little comical. I would come out of the last corner to find them gesturing, dancing, building human pyramids and even spelling words with their bodies on the gantry over the track. One of the film crew wrote a sign and held it out to me. It said "Make History" and this served to really put the bit between my teeth." 
 
The physical toll also began to have its effect: "Whilst the circuit had been chosen for its pace, its physical demands were very much of an unknown over distance, but soon revealed themselves. Because of the high-speed, sweeping corners and minimal opportunities to rest, it meant that after around 10 hours the effect on my mind and body was similar to that which a very high aero car exerts on a driver. I'd have to hold my breath before entering Turn One as I was loaded with the effects of G-force for around eight seconds plus. But this is what I wanted - the ultimate test!"
 
To further keep him focused on his task, friends joined Lloyd out on the circuit in their own karts and creating new competitions: "Riki Christodoulou joined me for three stints and it was a real tale of cat and mouse as we traded lap times. Olly Walker also came out and the rivalry saw me bang in my fastest time of the event a 29.61 after around 20-21 hours of running." This tactic almost had a catastrophic effect on the challenge though, as Lloyd reveals: "I was broken though. My team had to lift me out of the kart for the last five stops, but I continued to smash the time sheets! I also had an 'off' 40 laps, during which I dropped half a second off pace due to agonising stomach cramps. Going into my penultimate stint I couldn't grip the steering wheel and decided to stop using the front brakes, which are operated by a lever by the steering wheel which you need to pull firmly. Despite all my aches and pains, my speed was still good and my final stop sent me out with just over an hour to go. With fifty minutes remaining I started to crank up the pace and finally broke the record with 38 minutes remaining."
 
Click for larger image...Although he had achieved his goal, Lloyd used the remaining time to put the record beyond doubt: "I wound on the pace and was lapping within a hair's breadth of my fastest lap, every lap! I was going Hell for leather. It was my chance to make history and put the record out of reach. I was 100% dialled and the clock was ticking. I really feel this was the drive of my life!"
 
Lloyd's new world record is 1081.66 miles. As a key part of his 24 hour challenge, he is also raising money for Cancer Research UK. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/24hrWR.

Lloyd could not have achieved his goal without the support of a dedicated team of friends and family, plus factory assistance from CRG SPA, IAME and Strakka Racing.

For more information and updates you can follow Lloyd on Twitter, just go to @deBoltzMiller or visit his website, www.lloyd-miller.com.

Photographs courtesy of Lou Boileau.

[ Top ]

---

Awning Space & Test Drives   (15/10)

It's the end of the season and ST Racing have had another successful one!
 
In the NKF championship Stuart Middleton retained the teams Junior Max title after winning it in 2012, Stuart has impressed massively this year with a lot of race victories and his commitment to his racing.
 
In Senior Max the team finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th in the championship, Kearn Tsang getting second in his first senior year, Spencer Scaife third also in his first senior year, Antonio Gagliasso in fifth after some unlucky heats through the year but always came good in the finals, and Matthew Dickinson in sixth after missing a round but a job well done after his big jump up from Junior TKM.
 
In Minimax Jae Dale is coming on very well and ended the year in the top five, looking forward to next year with him!
 
In Super One John Stewart ended the year 5th in the Senior Rotax championship, that's his 7th year in a row inside a top ten seeded position, John also won the British Open championship earlier in the year for the second time after winning it in 2011, he also grabbed the track record at PFI, Junior Max driver Chad Little was unlucky just to miss out on a seeded number after a tough year it's onto seniors now for him.
 
Thank you to all of our customers for your support this year we look forward to many more.
 
We have awning space available for next year in all classes in NKF, Super One and most club meetings, there are also test drives available for the Gillard TG14 call John on 07500 958789 or email us at stracing@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Team Openings With KR-Sport   (15/10)

KR-Sport now has openings within their successful race team for Club events and major UK competitions for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014.
 
2013 has demonstrated once again the team's commitments and dedication to excellence with dominant performances in Mini Max, Juniors Max and Senior Max at the highest level in the UK.
 
The team now have openings for Drivers at both Club level competitions and Drivers looking to settle into a new team in preparation Super One and European events in 2014.
 
With a number of packages available the team are able to offer the same services that have guided their drivers to success at the highest level this season with 8 Final wins and over 13 Podium finishes across the three major Rotax categories at Super One along with Senior Rotax GP Plate winners and Junior GP plate runners up.
 
With team support available at Whilton Mill, Shenington and PF International Club meetings we can help drivers looking to develop under the guidance of a top flight team, to drivers looking to fine tune and find extra performance and consistency with added benefits of access to race winning equipment and data analysis.
 
To find out more information on the team or to discuss your options contact Ashley Orchard on 07921 225680 or email ash@kr-sport.com.
 
For further information on KR-Sport, Tonykart Products and Cream Racing engines visit www.kr-sport.com.
 
It may be the best move you ever make!

[ Top ]

---

New TKM Scholarship   (15/10)

Tal-Ko and Super 1 have joined forces to create a unique £3000 scholarship to help a club driver make it into the UK's top karting championship for Formula TKM.
 
The winner will be selected from club level drivers in both Junior and Senior Extreme competing at the Maxxis TKM Festival and within the TKM club championships.
 
He or she will get free entry into all rounds of the 2014 TKM Super 1 series, a free set of Maxxis slick tyres for each round, a set of wets at the first round, a 10 litre can of race fuel for each round and free use of a works supplied Tal-Ko kart. Together the prize is worth around £3000
 
Announcing the scheme TKM boss Alan Turney said: "We know that many talented drivers would love the opportunity to compete in the S1 series but do not have the budget.
 
"What we have done here is to make that step up very much easier and even backed with Tal-Ko technical support."
 
And added John Hoyle, who organises the S1 series: "We want to encourage more drivers through to our series which is quite simply the top level of karting anywhere in the UK. This award will encourage more drivers to aim at the top and we look forward to making a final choice on the first winner."
 
The scholarship will be valid for just one year and is only valid in the TKM Junior or Senior classes. A decision on a winner for 2014 will be announced shortly.

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

[ Top ]

---

Litchfield Motorsport   (14/10)

Dave Litchfield would like to congratulate Dino Lee and Charlie Bruce-White for winning the main finals respectively in the Junior and Senior TKM classes at the last round of the S1 championship both drivers were on Tonykarts with Litchfield prepared engines.
 
Litchfield Motorsport will be racing at PF International, Kimbolton and Shenington through the winter months and preparations are now starting for the 2014 S1 season.

If you would like to race with a winning team, have your engine prepared by Dave, or try either the Tonykart EVK in Junior/Senior KGP /X30 or the Tonykart TKM Viper Dave would love to hear from you and can be contacted on 07789 177977.

[ Top ]

---

Wight Karting   (14/10)

Wight Karting is looking for experienced, determined, professional in motor sports:
 
The Isle of Wight attracts 900,000 holiday visitor a years, and has 140,000 local residents. The only karting centre on the Isle of Wight is to open in April 2014 and is looking for a dynamic, personable and capable track manager to lead the final stages of the site set-up and staff recruitment in readiness for business. This new attraction will be open all year and Wight Karting Ltd aim to deliver excellent service and maximise customer retention from its purpose built clubhouse and out-door 460m track. This facility will provide a twenty first century karting experience for clients of 12 years upwards.
 
This opportunity comes with a relocation package available to the right candidate - someone with proven track record and excellent references.

Please e mail a letter and cv to info@wightkarting.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Buckmore Announce Upgrades   Click for larger image...(11/10)

Buckmore boss, Bill Sisley, has announced a major circuit upgrade today, to take place over the forthcoming winter period.  A new 144 seat competitors grandstand will be installed at the Kentish venue near the entrance to the existing Parc Ferme, with a connecting bridge to the paddock area. This will enable teams and drivers to view virtually the whole circuit for the first time during races. In addition a completely new pit lane will be constructed, starting on the outside of the Esses section of the circuit (before the beginning of the downhill Symes sweep).
 
Other improvements include the widening of the Paddock on part of the woodland side, to create a new flat area to accommodate larger team vehicles and to increase the Paddock area in general (planning approval pending).  Bill Sisley says, "Over the last few months I have been canvassing the opinions of promoters, teams and drivers, and I have taken note of their comments.  We have already created more run off on turn 1 (Conways), and also on the exit of the Paddock bend, and we will be installing some Recticel barriers on high impact points, from March next year".  The upgrades are scheduled for early January 2014 (Pit Lane construction) and late February 2014 (Grandstand and Paddock extension). All improvements will be in place in time for the BPKC summer series in April. 
 
Click for larger image...The upgrades are only the start of the long term plans here, and these investments alone come to over £100k. I believe that it is very important not to lose the basic integrity of the venue, with its natural gradients, twist and turns, and Kentish woodlands. We need a mixture of all types of circuits in this country, you have to remember that Buckmore was originally built in 1963, and is one of the most demanding circuits to drive.
 
It has only been possible to agree this first tranche of re-development with the support of John Surtees OBE, who of course now owns the land that we hold the leasehold interest on.  He has also purchased an additional 90 acres of woodland around us. John has been very supportive and, of course, has his own dream for the venue including an educational centre, and further circuit developments in memory of his son, Henry, via the Henry Surtees Foundation. 
 
For information on Buckmore Park visit www.buckmore.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Four Out Of Six   (10/10)

2013 has yet again proven successful in many different ways for Tooley Motorsport, in both club events and national events.

After being crowned British Champions last year, the team wanted to set their sights high, but they knew it would be a hard year.  The team recorded seeded numbers 3, 6 and 9 in Mini, and 6 in Junior Max.

Team Principal Andrew said "I'm really pleased from a team point of view this year, we didn't win the British championships, but we did have 4 drivers get seeded numbers out of the 6 we ran this year at S1. We also had success in other areas such as numerous club wins, British open champions and Vice British kart grand prix champions."

The team ended up with 3 drivers in the top 9 in the Mini Max category. Number 3 for Dan zelos, who only narrowly missed out on number 2, Dan also claimed the O plate. Cameron Roberts earned 6th in his first year of mini max and Josh Skelton getting 9th again in his first year. Jordan Brown Nutley was the only mini driver not to claim a seeded number, Jordan has come on leaps and bounds throughout the year which was proven when winning a final at Larkhall S1.
 
In Junior max Nathan Aston and Greg Mckenzie represented the team throughout the year, Greg showing his pace once again but a little consistency to improve on and Nathan Aston proving his talent and achieving number 6 after a few bad rounds. Nathan showed his potential towards the end of the year when having podiums at each of the two last rounds, narrowly missing out both times finishing 2nd.

The drivers now move onto next year with winter testing for all, all of the mini max from Super 1 will graduate to mini max, Mckenzie will stay junior max and Aston will move into the senior max category. Macpherson and Paylor are also considering S1 next year after gaining experience throughout 2013. There will also be two extremely promising additions to the team coming out of cadet.

We would like to thank all involved in this years Super One asssault, a great team effort by all. To the drivers, mechanics and the parents.

For more information on Tooley Motorsport visit www.TooleyMotorsport.com or call on Andrew on 07851 228619.

[ Top ]

---

Win For Myles Apps   (10/10)

Click for larger image...Myles Apps's win at last weekend's TVKC meeting on his Zip/RPM Honda was the latest great result for the kart that has been breaking lap records and Scoring podiums at the highest level over the last Month. Apps drove a faultless weekend with 2 heat wins and then a win in the final with a full grid of 34 drivers, the racing was fast and furious but the Zip driver had the pace to dominant the meeting and lead from the front throughout.
 
The weekend before it was Next Gens Matthew Hopcraft setting the pace on his Zip during the final round of super one at Shenington. Matthew was on the front row after qualifying and didn't look back from his front row position, Matthew collected his first Super one final win later that afternoon ,with his team mate Keaton Samra coming home a great 6th in Final 2!
 
The Zip /RPM  Karts latest results include:Click for larger image...
Super One Rd 6: 1st Place Matthew Hopcraft, 6th Place Keaton Samra
TVKC October: 1st Place Myles Apps 
Buckmore park: 2nd Place Myles Apps
Shenington September: 1st Place Matthew Hopcraft
Kimboulton September: Lap Record Matthew Hopcraft, 3rd Place Harrison Huggan
Rissington Midland Champs: 1st Place Keaton Samra
 
Well done to all the Zip/Honda drivers!
 
Zip kart would like to thank RPM Engines, Next Gen Motorsport, Lucas Racing and Zip All Stars.
 
Should you wish to arrange a test on the Zip then please feel free to contact the office on 01327 855310 or email info@zipkart.com to arrange a suitable time and place. Full race hire is also available at selected events this year.
 
Zip Kart's 2014 kart will be available for testing very soon - please contact us for details.

[ Top ]

---

EPKC Non-MSA Event   (10/10)

Click for larger image...Open to both members and non-members, round 11 of the EPKC is on the 19th October 2013.

This will be a non-MSA event, run to MSA guidelines along with MSA timers and Scrutineers.
 
Open to all classes! IAME, Super cadet, Comer/WTP, Honda Cadet, KF classes, Mini Max, Junior max, Junior TKM 2/4stroke, Senior Max, Biland, Pro karts (Twin GX160's, twin GX200's and single GX200's), senior TKM and Swiss auto.  
 
The cost for this one-day event is £45.00 for members (membership is £20.00) or £55.00 for non-members.  A late entry fee of £10.00 will apply after 14th October and transponder hire is £10.00 if needed.
 
The event format will start with 8am sign-on, 830am until 1130am scrutineering, 9am drivers brief, 930am practice in 4 groups (Cadets, minis/Juniors, Seniors, Pro Karts) Practice laps can be timed if you have your transponder on. At 12pm timed qualifying starts - 10 minute session + 1 lap for each class/group, followed by heats (2 x 10 minute + 1 lap) and finals (14 minutes + 1 lap).
 
You can enter in online by clicking on 'book online' on our website www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk  or pop us an email with all your details and we will call you back for payment.
 
Email enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, call 01502 717718.
 
Our cafe will be open all day from 730am serving tasty food which is all locally sourced!
 
Come and join us at Ellough Park for a great Saturday's racing!

[ Top ]

---

Pooled Engines Tender Request   (10/10)

The promoters of the Super One Series invite tenders for the supply of pooled engines for the MSA Junior British Kart Championship from 2014 - 2015 with the possibility of an extension to the end of 2017, subject in part to the engines being replaced by a current CIK homologated model.  The MSA has given its approval to the concept.
 
1. There are six weekend rounds per annum in the series, usually between April and October, but the contract may be extended by mutual agreement to facilitate the supply of pooled engines at other major annual events such as the ABkC 'O' Plate.
2. The engine supplied must be a currently homologated CIK KF Junior engine and use the Tillotson HW23 homologated carburettor.
3. All parts except the radiator must be supplied including wiring loom, complete exhaust system, battery, carburettor, airbox etc.  The competitor will supply his or her own chassis with radiator.
4. Each competitor will receive two identical engines per weekend, issued on Thursday evening or Friday morning for the weekend use.  Engines will be issued by a random draw.
5. Engines must be tested and confirmed equal power output and dyno curves on each occasion.
6. The minimum number supplied per event will be 20 (10 competitors) but it is expected that the average entry will be between 15 and 25, however this cannot be guaranteed.  If the entry for a meeting falls below 10 the promoters reserve the right to suspend the operations until the entry proves sufficient.
7. The supplier must have available a minimum of four spare engines per weekend.  The number of engines required per weekend will be given one week in advance (Thursday).  The number registered for the series will be given three weeks before the first round, note there can be guest entries.
8. The successful tenderer must be able to guarantee relevant supply levels and be fully supported by the manufacturer of the engines. Either the manufacturer or a UK agent may tender in their own rights but agreements between them must be shown.
9. The supplier must provide full technical support to the series and the competitors and provide initial set up information for gearing, carburettor etc.
10. Damage to engines will be at the expense of the competitor at normal retail spare parts prices.
11. The exhaust systems and wiring looms must be affixed with a unique seal to prevent tampering, and the seal must have a bar code.
12. The engine bottom end and cylinder must be sealed with a unique seal number and bar coded engine but it must allow for the cylinder head to be removed for inspection by the competitor.
13. The supplier or UK Agent of a manufacturer supplying the engines must not have any involvement or be associated with any competitor in the class, they must not be 'running' any competitors.
14. The tender must include the price per two engine package per weekend hire (showing whether this includes VAT or not), remembering that only one exhaust, airbox and loom will be needed but two carburettors.
15. The tender must also have a price for the outright purchase of an engine, in case a competitor wishes to purchase an identical engine for private testing.
16. Annual increase must not exceed UK CPI as know at 1st November of the preceding year.
17. A homologation fiche must be supplied in order for eligibility checks (and for each competitor).
18. The successful tenderer must have insurance as follows:
i) public liability insurance in the minimum amount of £5million sterling for each event thereunder and,
ii) professional indemnity insurance in the minimum amount of £1million sterling for each event thereunder (copies of policies to be provided before contracts signed) and,
iii) product liability insurance in the minimum amount of £5million sterling for each event thereunder.
19. The tender opens immediately and closes at 1700 hours on Monday 21st October.  Tenders must be delivered in a sealed envelope, enclosed in another envelope with covering letter, to Mr John Hoyle, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire, WA6 0PF, tel +44 (0)1928 740090.
20. The Super One promoter has no obligation to accept any tender nor to enter into any agreement with anyone that submits a tender.  Further, the tender process is subject to a written agreement being entered into with the successful tenderer.

[ Top ]

---

Karting Magazine   Click for larger image...(09/10)

Lodgemark Press, the publishers of Karting magazine, have decided to cease publication of the monthly magazine on kart racing with immediate effect. The 'November' edition, issue number 692, published in early October will be the last ever issue unless another publisher takes over the title.
 
Karting magazine's publisher Mark Burgess commented: "It's a very sad day but we can no longer continue to publish Karting which started way back in March 1960. For a small independent magazine to have notched up over half a century of continuous publication is quite remarkable. Hopefully another publisher will take the magazine under its wing and they can continue to cover the wonderful sport of kart racing for another 50 years.
 
I'd personally like to thank Mary-Ann Horley and Vivien King for all their hard work on the magazine, our contributors, advertisers and of course our many readers."

[ Top ]

---

Ginetta Shot For Easykart Drivers   (09/10)

As part of Ginetta Cars support of the Easykart UK Championship, two Easykart UK Junior drivers - Jordan Sanders and Esmee Hawkey have been awarded wild card entries to this year's Ginetta Junior scholarship!

Jordan Sanders was runner up in this seasons Easykart Junior Championship and produced a race win and podium finishes throughout the season. Esmee Hawkey finished the 2013 Championship with ever improving results with a podium and culminating with a win for her at Ellough Park in the last round. Both drivers have been involved with Easykart UK from an early age and have graduated from Easykart Cadets to Easykart Juniors - Ginetta Juniors could be their next step!

The 2014 Ginetta Junior Scholarship will take place at Bedford Autodrome on the 28/29/30 October 2013. The prize for the winner is a fully funded season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship.

This prize includes...
- The use of a Ginetta G40 Junior Race Car
- Championship Entry Fee
- Championship race suit
- All official Championship tests
- A team to run the car
- Season supply of race tyres
- Season supply of race fuel
- Test and race day insurance

Drivers will have to attend one of the two qualification days, either the 28th or 29th October, where entrants will be assessed on their driving and media skills, along with their overall fitness.

The top drivers from each qualification day will then go through to the final, where they will undertake further driving and more in depth media assessments.  After which, the winner of the coveted prize will be announced.

For more information visit www.ginetta.com/junior_scholarship.

[ Top ]

---

Edgar's Hyundai Super One   (09/10)

Click for larger image...As we approach the last round of this amazing Super One season, all three MSA British Championships are still to be settled, plus the champion for Formula KGP.

In Formula IAME Cadet, the battle is continuing between Alex Quinn and Oliver York as it has been all year.  The MSA Junior British title will almost certainly go to one of the RFM team, but whether it be the Sahara Force India supported Jehan Daruvala or Daniel Ticktum is very much in doubt.

The Junior and Senior TKM titles were put beyond reach by Matt Davies and Will Van Es at the previous round, congratulations to them both.  In fact Van Es has entered the senior MSA British Championship class for KZ1, the massively quick 125cc 6-speed gearbox karts.  They have around 29 gear changes a lap to contend with and accelerate to 60mph in 3s, with a top speed of 90mph.  Since all three rounds count the title could go to any of the top half dozen drivers in the class, including Lucas Orrock, who said after the previous round:  "I think the wet conditions helped, I've always had more of a natural ability to drive in the wet, so whenever it clouds over and the rain starts falling, I know I'm more likely to be capable of a good result. However I wasn't expecting to win both the KZ1 finals at Glan y Gors, and I certainly wasn't expecting to win them both by over 4 seconds! But I knew as soon as I drove out for the first final and got a feel for the conditions that I could win, and once I got to the front it was just a case of driving within my limits to make sure I didn't make a silly mistake! Personally I feel my first win in the KZ gearbox class will go down as one of my best results, having not driven in the class very long and up against some very good drivers, I'm enjoying the new challenge of driving in the gearbox category and I'm looking forward to the final round at Shenington, one of my favourite tracks."

 
The evergreen Bobby Game is in pole position for the Formula KGP title with another former British Champion Mark Litchfield and the young Danny Keirle snapping at his heels, waiting for any slip up.
 
The timetables and entry lists are available on the Super One website under 'Entries' / 'MSA/TKM Race Entries'.  Shenington is located near Banbury, Oxfordshire, full details on www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk where admission on Saturday is free, and on Sunday is only £5 per car.
 
Full details on http://superoneseries.com with live timing from TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning: www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.  During the last finals look out for the innovative virtual championship points, showing the standings in a real time basis.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

TAG Heuer & Super One   (09/10)

Click for larger image...The final round of the ABkC Rotax and Honda Cadet National Championships, including the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship held at Shenington on 28th - 29th September saw more innovation come from the TAG Heuer and Super One partnership.
 
For the first time the live timing page also included a Virtual Championship showing the top 10 places which would be the ranked drivers for 2014.  As drivers overtook one another on circuit the championship standings and points totals would change, any drivers name shown in green indicated that they had gone forward and any driver shown in red had dropped down the championship table.
 
"The Comer Cadet final was amazing, as York, Wood and Quinn fought for position on track you could see them swapping places in the overall championship.  During the race all three drivers were heading the championship at some stage, it really couldn't have been any closer" explained Ian Rogers, Championship Timekeeper, "we are looking to run the Virtual Championship again at the last round of the MSA, TKM & Formula KGP series on 13th October."

Graham Smith, Secretary of the ABkC, comments around this latest innovation were succinct: "The dynamic live championship points during the finals was stupendous".
 
Another new feature was the addition of a new field on the live timing page showing how many positions a driver had gained or lost from their starting grid position.  The arrows shown in red or green also have a number beside them to quickly identify how many places a driver has gained or lost.
 
As always the direct link to the race circuit would ensure any warning or technical flags issued to drivers were displayed online in real time, a service we have now become accustomed to with TAG Heuer.
 
For further details of the TAG Heuer timing solution or just to view live timing from Super One, Trent Valley Kart Club or Hunts Kart Racing Club visit www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Winter Series   (08/10)

Click for larger image...Race this coming Sunday 13th October at Lydd Kart Circuit in the first round of their Winter Championships. Practice will be available on Saturday.
 
Besides all the usual classes that Lydd caters for, this month's meeting will also see 100cc karts competing on Kent's fastest kart circuit. A few more new faces could be seen in the paddock last month and we look forward to welcoming you again this weekend as well as all our regulars. Why not bring a friend along for some fast friendly racing?
 
Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee!
 
Keep up to date with what is happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
 
Should you wish to call the Circuit, our numbers are 01797 321747 or 01797 321895.

[ Top ]

---

More Reasons To Race...   (07/10)

There are now even more reasons to come and enjoy fantastic racing at Clay Pigeon in October and November.

Any driver who has not competed at Clay Pigeon this season will get 1/2 price entry at both meetings and dont forget that all Rotax drivers have the opportunity to win a set of Mojo tyres courtesy of Jag Engineering. The circuit has open pit lane practice on Fridays and sessioned practice on Saturdays.

So why not come along to Clay Pigeon and race at one of the fastest and friendlist circuits in the UK.

For entry details and more information about CPKC and Clay Pigeon Raceway, go to the club website at  www.claypigeonkartclub.com, and make sure that you come and talk to us at Kartmania in November.

[ Top ]

---

Jack Saffery Comes Close   (03/10)

Click for larger image...Jack Saffery proved that he is now one of the top drivers in the country by dominating both finals at the last round of the Rotax Max Super One Series at Shenington finishing second after leading right until the end.
 
Jack's performance throughout the weekend shows the progress he has made under Protrain's guidance. From first practice on Friday Jack was setting the fastest times and he continued this throughout the meeting. Timed qualifying was a messy affair with drivers constantly slowing and blocking the track. To get a lap in Jack had to do the lap by himself and on his last lap without any aid from another driver he was still fast enough for 4th overall.
 
Saturday's racing at Shenington Super One was shocking to watch, drivers driving round the inside of the track next to the white lines made it impossible to race and to his credit Jack had to just sit in the long train of karts to gain third position in his first heat.  After strong clerking by Alan Bryant, who should be congratulated on his stance of penalizing drivers who defended or blocked, there followed on Sunday, one of the best days racing for many meetings.  Jack was now able to show his speed and ability. In his second heat he quickly overtook for the lead and won by many seconds.  That qualified Jack on grid two for the first final.  Initially there was a magnificent battle between 5 drivers for the lead. Never out of the top three Jack lead most of the laps but the lead was lost with just a few laps to go for him to finish second.
 
The main final was just as open but from grid two Jack quickly took the lead and this time Jack proved for most of the race to be just too elusive and was out of reach of the battling championship contenders behind. Finally with four laps to go Jack fell back to second but despite the proposed penalties the leader defended the rest of the final and left Jack no opportunities to regain his deserved lead.    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Click for larger image...Gary Chapman said afterwards "Congratulations to Jack he deserved to win but second is a fantastic result and I am so pleased for him, one of the nicest guys in the pits. I have to give a huge thanks to all the team, particularly Adam Leftley and Ian Boucher for their efforts in maximizing Jack's performance and I am sure that this will be a springboard for even greater success in the future for Jack. It shows the level that Protrain operate at and we are pleased to finish the year on a high which justifies our movement back onto Tony Karts."
 
Fellow Protrain driver Charlie Turner matched Jack Saffery throughout testing but suffered whenever race tyres were used, fastest in warm ups was no consolation.
 
Over from Romania Vladimir Simion in Junior Max continues to progress and will be looking for a strong championship next year building on this learning year.

Protrain thank all their drivers for their great Championship performances in 2013 and we look forward to a fantastic 2014.

Contact us on 01280 814774 or visit our website at www.protrainraceteam.co.uk. You can also find out more about Protrain driver training at www.protrainracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (02/10)

Congratulations to the 2013 champions - Sean Babington who has retained his senior Max title, Guan Yu Zhou who adds the UK National Junior Max title to his European one, Connor Hall and Kiern Jewiss in MiniMax and Honda Cadet respectively who put their titles out of reach at the previous round, and Oliver York in Comer Cadet.

An innovation during the last finals was to see the virtual championship points live on the TAG Heuer Apex web timing page, changing sometimes lap by lap as the race progressed. The radio controlled helicopter with camera was again in action to supplement the Motors TV coverage and the weather was sunny and warm. The drivers were given warnings about not blocking and mostly they took this to heart, which greatly improved the racing. Numbers held up well with 195 entries and 170 showing up to race.Click for larger image...

Visit http://superoneseries.com for all the points standings.
 
Honda Cadet ABkC National Championship
It was Mark Kimber who topped the timed qualifying over Matthew Hopcraft, Tom Canning and Kiern Jewiss who was still racing despite being champion-elect. Hopcraft won both his heats and Rory Hudson the other putting them on the front row for the first final. Hopcraft took up the lead until Myles Apps roared up from fifth to relieve him, Hudson falling back a bit at the time. But Apps was hung out to dry at the Stratford hairpin, and then he fell to the back. With the lead changing sometimes twice a lap, the racing was incredibly exciting as it swung between Hopcraft, Matthew Hayden, and Kimber. Eventually Hopcraft regained the front for the win, chased by Tom Canning, Hudson, Hayden and Kimber.  "Kiern kept pushing me to help me win," said Hopcraft. A rejoining Kimber after a track excursion put Jewiss down to 15th. Chris Lulham was excluded for driving standards. After a red flag stoppage at the start of the second final to check on those involved in a crash, Hopcraft took up the running once more with Hudson and Kimber helping to gap the rest. Hudson managed to dart ahead of Hopcraft, saying later: "I just wanted us all to get away from the rest, then took the lead on the second last lap." Jewiss finished fourth, won the title, and will now concentrate on IAME Cadet.
 
Click for larger image...Comer Cadet MSA National Championship
Tom Wood equalled William Pettitt's time for the top of the timed qualifying table, Jonny Edgar next. But it was Olli Caldwell who took the first heat, Edgar the second and he lined up second to Pettitt at the front of the first final. Pettitt hung onto the lead for the first half of the race, repelling a nearly successful move in the chicane by Caldwell. Alex Quinn and Tom Wood towed their way up to the leading trio, Quinn reaching second then shuffled to a distant sixth. On the penultimate lap York darted ahead, Pettitt dropping to fifth, with Wood and Edgar the beneficiaries. Quinn was quite upset, thinking his title hopes were over, whilst York was happy. "I got a good start, worked with Will Pettitt, then I dropped back but with two laps to go I passed Will then defended," he said. York took the lead of the second final with Pettitt protecting his rear once Edgar and Wood had been put behind. But Wood, still in contention forged ahead, the virtual live championship points showing the title swinging between York, Wood and Quinn. When Quinn moved into second he went briefly ahead in the points, Wood was dropped to fifth and would be third in the series with York ahead. Pettitt picked off his rivals all the way to the front, putting York into second and equal on points with Quinn.  But the tie break of the best of the dropped rounds made York the champion. "I had a good race and it will be MiniMax for next year," he said.
 
Click for larger image...MiniMax ABkC National Championship
Luke Wooder and Dean MacDonald were at the top of the combined qualifying table, whilst Tushar Viekananan who topped the first session was only tenth. Six drivers had five place penalties in the first heat, including Cameron Roberts, Josh Smith, Stefanos Charalambous and MacDonald was excluded. That all left Dan Zelos with the win, and MacDonald went onto win the second heat, Wooder the third. That all put Zelos on pole for the first final, Vivekananan alongside, with MacDonald on 23rd. A lot of drivers came off at the start as Zelos led  a challenging Tom Gamble. The latter made a move stick for the lead, whilst Zelos and Alex Sedgwick clattered over the chicane kerbs losing many places. The lead battle was now between Gamble, Sandy Mitchell, Hugo Bentley Ellis and Charalambous, all chopping and changing until the second group joined in. In the end Bentley Ellis prevailed with a move on the recovered MacDonald, he having stormed through almost the whole grid. "There was no defending or blocking, it was a really good race and I just saw the gap was there for the win," said Bentley Ellis. The start of the second final was quickly red-flagged to attend to the crashed Adam Smalley and on the restart Bentley Ellis took up the running from Gamble. Josh Smith was next to forge ahead, he traded first place with Harrison Thomas but Thomas and Luke Wooder clashed pushing Bentley Ellis into a spin. That let Smith roar ahead with Thomas managing to hang onto second over MacDonald, whilst Gamble's ninth was still good for the championship runner-up by two points from Zelos.
 
Click for larger image...Junior Max ABkC National Championship
Josh Price was quickest over his main rival Guan Yu Zhou in the combined TQ table but Price's hopes were dashed with a meeting exclusion for verbal abuse of a fellow competitor. His appeal to the Stewards was not successful and he would fall all the way to seventh in the points. Tom Harvey won the first heat whilst Dave Wooder and Josh Price were excluded. Zhou won the second and Brett Ward the third, Price getting his meeting exclusion and so taking no further part. Zhou managed to hold the first final lead almost all the way to the end, but Brett Ward had other ideas and sliced up the inside at the Stratford hairpin on the last lap for the win. "To be honest he was just quick enough to stay ahead but when he defended on the last couple of laps I had just enough in my pocket to attack," said Ward. Nathan Aston had been on his own for third place until Tom Harvey and Knott both overcame him, that battle swinging back and forward to the end. Knott prevailed over Harvey and Aston. Ben Hingeley was not showing enough pace to challenge Zhou for the title, and his 18th and 14th were only just enough to keep the runner up spot over Harvey by one point. Initially fighting for the lead of the second final with Ward and Aston, Zhou gave up halfway through and settled for a safe fourth place.  Philip Hamprecht had come to join the party an took third, Ward winning once more. Jai Nijjar stormed up from grid 24 to take fifth. Zhou is already booked for the Grand Finals at the Nola track near New Orleans, so the two places allocated to Super One go to Hingeley and Harvey.
 
Senior Max AbkC National Championship
Click for larger image...Oliver Hodgson took the fight to Sean Babington but only a disaster could stop Babington cruising to his consecutive title. Hodgson and Kyle Fowlie were fastest in their respective timed qualifying sessions but it was Hodgson over Babington before Fowlie in the combined times. Hodgson, Babington and an impressively fast Jack Saffery won the heats, Hodgson only eighth in his other heat after a five place penalty and so only on the third row of the first final grid.  Babington had pole over Saffery with Harry Webb and Oliver Myers behind them. James Singleton also had bad heats, he won the repechage. Babington and Saffery traded the lead of the first final, until Fowlie came through.  He fell to Saffery but by then Hodgson was in place to go ahead. That changed once more in favour of Saffery but Hodgson prevailed over Saffery, Fowlie and Babington. Defending vice-champion Charlie Eastwood fell from his grid 12 starting point to 18th and would have even less luck in the second final. "I just had to be patient and be in the right place at the right time as you can only defend on the last lap now," explained Hodgson. The first start in the second final was immediately red-flagged so the Clerk could tell the drivers to drive more sensibly, several karts being damaged including Eastwood's. Fowlie had a puncture, Thomas Arme also went in for repairs and Harry Webb also stopped. Hodgson led the race with Babington challenging but Saffery going ahead. Myers was just about hanging onto these three but was gradually dropped and eventually Babington played safe and watched Hodgson win over Saffery. "I just wanted to get some consistent finishes, I only had to be better than ninth so I looked behind and saw I had a gap," explained Babington.  He already has his DD2 ticket to the Grand Finals, and so does Fowlie, so the four places (two for DD2) will be offered to Hodgson, Webb, John Stewart and Arme as Eastwood is another to have already earned a place.
 
Click for larger image...Results

Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 2 Jack Saffrey (Tonykart); 3 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 4 Sean Babington (Alonso); 5 Oliver Myers (Tonykart); 6 Andreas Backman (Tonykart). 
Final 2: 1 Hodgson; 2 Saffrey; 3 Babington; 4 Myers; 5 Kieran Gifford (Kosmic); 6 Adam Glear (Kosmic). 

Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Brett Ward (Kosmic); 2 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 3 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Nathan Aston (Tonykart); 6 Morgan Rose (Tonykart). 
Final 2: 1 Ward; 2 Aston; 3 Philip Hamprecht (Kosmic); 4 Zhou; 5 Jai Nijjar (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker (Kosmic).Click for larger image...

MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Hugo Bentley-Ellis (Tonykart); 2 Dean MacDonald (Kosmic); 3 Harrison Thomas (Tonykart); 4 Luke Wooder (Alonso); 5 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 6 Josh Smith (ART).
Final 2: 1 Smith; 2 Thomas; 3 MacDonald; 4 Charalambous; 5 Jordan Brown-Nutley (Tonykart); 6 Sandy Mitchell (Tonykart). 

Comer Cadet
Final 1: Oliver York (Zip); 2 Tom Wood (Zip); 3 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 4 Oli Caldwell (Zip); 5 William Pettitt (Zip); 6 Alex Quinn (Zip). 
Final 2: 1 Pettitt; 2 York; 3 Quinn; 4 Caldwell; 5 Wood; 6 Edgar.  Click for larger image...

Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 2 Tom Canning (Project One); 3 Rory Hudson (Project One); 4 Matthew Hayden (BRK); 5 Mark Kimber (BRK); 6 Ollie Hall (Project One). 
Final 2: 1 Hudson; 2 Hopcraft; 3 Kimber; 4 Kiern Jewiss (Project One); 5Hayden; 6 Keaton Samra (Zip).

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' Plate   (01/10)

Competitors for the televised ABkC 'O' plate for Honda Cadet - sponsored by IDD Contracts - at Buckmore Park on 20th October are reminded that the closing date for ordering fuel and tyres is the 4th October 2013 and the closing date for entries is Monday 7th October. The BPKC has managed to arrange a special deal with the fuel supplier to allow competitors to share fuel to reduce costs.  A list of the superb prizes is available on the Buckmore Park website.

The 'O' plate is incorporated into round 6 of the BPKC summer championship and the 50th anniversary meeting of the Buckmore Park Kart Circuit.

Special attractions on the day include Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert demonstrating the 1982 Cobra/Komet that he won the 135 championships on,  a demonstration by the British Historic Kart Club, a high speed demo by Henry Easthope of the latest KZ1 machinery and a demo lap by Bill and Tom Sisley of the 1959 'Yellow Peril', the first prototype kart ever to be built in Britain, a hog roast is also available.

Spectators are welcome at £5 per adult (£4 if booked and paid for in advance), under 14s free.

Practice on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October.

For more details contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.

[ Top ]

---

NJL Racing At Whilton Mill   (30/09)

NJL Racing, who already race in the British Super One Series and in Club Championships around the UK, are to compete at Whilton Mill, Northamptonshire from October.

Any drivers - experienced or non-experienced - interested in racing at Whilton in Rotax, TKM and Cadets should contact the team for more details on the services available.

Experienced team, NJL Racing, have spaces available and are now talking to drivers who wish to compete in club championships in all classes including Rotax, TKM, Cadets and the new KGP Club and Juniors, X30 and all Classes in the British Super One series for 2014. Awning Space and Testing is also available.

NJL Racing Team Services offer:
- Full Professional Team support
- Kart Storage and transportation facility
- Full Preparation of Kart
- Driver management/coaching/analysis
- Driver PR & Sponsorship services
- Awning Space: includes use of team's exclusive awning, team equipment, and use of hospitality area.
 
Driver Programme packages available, full team support or just awning space. For more information and your requirements contact us on 07774 891435 or email nick@njlracing.com.

[ Top ]

---

H-Tech Racing Brake Pads   (30/09)

Click for larger image...The distributors for H-Tech brake pads would like to congratulate all drivers using our brake pads this year. H-Tech are now the choice of many and have become very popular in the paddock. There have been many Super One wins using our products and are sold worldwide.
 
Why not try a set for yourself and save some money?
 
Available from all good karting stores.
 
Our pads are suitable for Tonykart, Alonso, Kosmic, Expirit & Redspeed. The VEN05 pads will fit Maranello, Lewis Hamilton, Zanardi, DR Kart, Tal-Ko, Formula-K, GP Kart, Maddox etc for all karts using the VEN05 brake system. Other chassis makes to be added soon.

[ Top ]

---

Mallory Park   (30/09)

It is with great regret that Mallory Park Motorsport Limited has today announced that the company has been put into Administration.  Motorsport fans will know that Mallory Park has been operating as a motorcycle, car race and long circuit racing venue for many years and has much history attached to the circuit.
 
In 1985 a highly restrictive Noise Notice was attached to Mallory Park Motorsport Limited ('MPML') embracing all circuit activities but, significantly, a number of the provisions within the Notice were very much open to interpretation.
 
MPML has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council ('HBBC') over the years and a level of understanding had been established to work within the 1985 Notice. Regrettably, however, this arrangement was placed under scrutiny by local residents some of whom were new to the village, who made representations to HBBC to apply the rigid interpretation of the 1985 Notice.
 
MPML and the local authority worked extremely hard with the residents to find a compromise solution but, unfortunately, the council decided to prosecute MPML on five charges of the Notice during 2012. Following the Court case, MPML immediately implemented the highly restrictive conditions of the 1985 Notice, thus effectively reducing the circuit activity to two days per week. Significant losses were being incurred which no business can sustain. It was clear that a more dynamic approach needed to be taken to overcome the significant hurdles and two weeks ago MPML developed an innovative three stage Recovery Plan to take Mallory forwards which would hopefully meets the wishes of the residents and form the basis of a viable business.
 
Very constructive dialogue was held with the Leader of HBBC and senior officials and we were receiving very encouraging reactions from them to the Plan. A fundamental component of the Plan was the agreement of the Land Owner to reduce the annual lease rental, which had risen by over 40% over the last eight years and had reached untenable levels. Very regrettably, despite intense work by the MPML board, the Land Owner - Titan Properties Ltd - refused to make a substantive offer to allow the Recovery Plan to proceed.
 
British Automobile Racing Club were keen to support MPML (and did so up to the final race meeting yesterday by paying for certain essential supplies allowing the meeting to place) and indeed would have supported MPML to ensure all its trade creditors were paid. To that end, it needed the support of the Landlord with a sustainable rent but, regrettably, this was not possible to achieve.
 
Accordingly, having no firm visibility into 2014 and beyond, MPML directors had no option but to place the company into Administration.

[ Top ]

---

Iztech Kart Seats   (27/09)

Click for larger image...Iztech Kart Seats would like like to congratulate Will Van Es on his first S1 Championship win!

Following very dominant recent form, Will Van Es went to the penultimate S1 round at PFI on a high.
 
Here he put his Martech Tony Kart Viper on pole position, smashing the lap record in the process. He duly won the first heat, but was excluded from the second heat for an exhaust failure.
 
This left him last on the grid for the first of Sunday's finals, where he produced a superb fighting drive to win it. Will drove the grand final flat out, to win it by a huge margin, celebrating his securing of the S1 Senior TKM Championship with one round to spare.
 
Will's trusty Iztech IZ3 seat is making a trip to Rowrah soon for a day's testing on a 125 Gearbox KZ1 Tony Kart running a TM10 engine, as his comfort is key to facing this new challenge. Test results pending, he may compete in this class at the last S1 round at Shenington, supported as always by Dad Roel and of course his mechanic Paul Wilde of Snakebite, without whom none of this would have been possible.

For more information on the Iztech IZ3 kart seat, as well as Iztech's other products, visit www.iztechkartseats.com.

[ Top ]

---

Pro-Kart Team Endurance   (26/09)

Are you interested in owner driver pro kart team enduro racing at Buckmore Park again?

In 2014 Buckmore Park are looking to resurrect their monthly Friday evening owner driver Pro Kart Team Enduro series starting in March if there is sufficient interest.

This is a series that Buckmore ran for many years incorporating clubman and pro classes and at its peak attracted over 45 entries each round. If there are enough teams interested, Buckmore will run the series again next year starting in March.

Contact Chris Pullman if you are interested or for more details at Buckmore Park on 01634 661604 or email chris@buckmore.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Edgar's Hyundai Super One   (25/09)

Click for larger image...With two titles already settled in that Connor Hall is the ABkC National Champion in MiniMax and Kiern Jewiss in ABkC Honda Cadet, all the others are going to be fought out at the Midlands track near Banbury (www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk). Alex Quinn and Oliver York will contest the MSA National Comer Cadet series with Tom Wood waiting for any slip ups.  Ben Hingeley, Josh Price and EuroMax champion Guan Yu Zhou are in with Junior Max chances.  In the senior Max it is Oliver Hodgson, Sean Babington and Kyle Fowlie who are fighting for the champion's spot and from the class four drivers will be selected to go to the Grand Finals in New Orleans, two will race in DD2.  Two will go from Junior Max as well.
 
The timetables and entry lists are available on the Super One website under 'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.
 
Full details on http://superoneseries.com with live timing from TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning: http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming
 
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Super One MSA Championship   (25/09)

The penultimate round of the series that hosts the MSA British Kart Championships also held the try-out of a pooled engine class, for MiniMax. The dozen competitors had a draw for their engines on Friday morning and all they had to supply was their own kart.  The entry fee of £800 covered the engine, fuel and tyres. It was judged a great success and will be offered in MiniMax and Junior Max in 2014. Summer returned for the event with hot, sunny weather. It was perfect weather for the new helicam addition to the TV coverage, using a Radio controlled DJI S800 Hexacopter.  Watch the results on MotorsTV, syndicated world wide.
 
MSA British IAME Cadet Championship Class
Click for larger image...William Pettitt had a good weekend, a very good one.  Although only third in timed qualifying behind Alex Quinn and Oliver York who topped their respective sessions, he earned himself pole for the first final from two heat wins.  Albert Carter won the other after Lewis Thompson was found with squish out of tolerance in his engine and excluded.  He would win the repechage. So Pettitt set off in the lead of the first final with Quinn tucked up behind and trying to push them clear of the rest. Tom Wood had started sixth but was storming up to the front and had the pace to close the gap and join the leaders.  York, from the outside front row, didn't have the best of starts and never really recovered, embroiled in the battle to finish sixth. Sean Butcher had been shuffled back from fourth leaving Kiern Jewiss and Tyler Chesterton trying in vain to stay clear of the sixth place battle. Wood took Quinn at the second hairpin but the latter regrouped to retrieve the place and briefly went ahead. Jewiss and Chesterton were now trading fourth with York, at the flag it was Jewiss, Chesterton, York an Tom Douglas.  As the laps ran down Pettitt was once more in the driving seat leaving Wood and Quinn to fight for second, finishing in that order.  Matthew Graham was excluded from the meeting after the race as his engine seal had found to be tampered with. Pettitt was quick to regain the lead from Wood over the bridge at the opening corners of the second final, Wood hung out and falling to sixth as Quinn and Chesterton slotted in behind the leader. Wood wasted little time in coming back to trade third with Jewiss but in the end Thompson had worked his way up from the back of the first final to take fourth behind Wood.  Chesterton had not been able to stick with the leaders and fell to twelfth after being hung out over the bridge. Quinn looked for a gap on the last laps but settled for second, saying: "I was thinking more of the points than taking a risk."  He now moves into the lead of the series.
 
Click for larger image...Junior TKM
Click for larger image...Daniel Baybutt showed his pace in the timed qualifying although the heats didn't quite work out for him as he lined up sixth on the first final grid.  It was Matthew Round-Garrido and Stephen Letts who took the heat wins and they formed the front row for that first final. Kyle Hornby was quick to leapfrog Letts for the lead but was soon put back by Round-Garrido.  Baybutt was on the move, soon picking off Matt Davies and the rest to demote Round-Garrido, Davies soon to follow. "We made lots of changes overnight," revealed Baybutt. Round-Garrido re-grouped, caught Baybutt but had his nose rudely chopped at the second hairpin.  That lost him ground and he fell to Davies. Amongst the close bunch behind, Hornby speared off into the barriers, whilst Alex Forward caught and passed Davies. The latter also succumbed to Round-Garrido who challenged Forward hard over the last lap. There was yet another thrilling second final with Baybutt not making a great start as Letts took Round-Garrido for the lead.  Baybutt leapfrogged both until Forward took over at the front, Baybutt falling to the back of the five kart queue, Forward similarly demoted a little later. Baybutt moved back up to run side by side with leader Letts, then suddenly he pulled off with a thrown chain. Hornby had a massive recovery drive from near last and was now in contention for the lead, slicing past new leader Round-Garrido with Dino Lee nipping in behind, and won.  Matt Davies in fifth celebrated exultantly over the finish, he was just ahead of his main rival Letts and had won the championship with a round to spare. "I had to come in no more than four places back from Stephen but it's been a mad year with winning the O Plate and Super One," said Davies. 
 
Click for larger image...TKM Extreme
Will Van Es had a setback in Heat 2 after topping qualifying and winning the first heat.  His exhaust manifold cracked and when he did not come in immediately he faced exclusion putting him last on the first final grid. John Hogan won the heat and took pole with Kyle Sproat alongside. Hogan took the lead but Jack New was at least as quick and they were soon energetically trading first place with Ryan Stronach and Kyle Sproat in close attendance. Meanwhile Van Es was slicing through the pack, soon reaching fifth and closing on the lead group. His task was eased when Stronach and Sproat collided, the latter later excluded along with Charlie Bruce-White. A couple of swift moves and Van Es led, although having to defend hard against New on the last lap. Luke Graver didn't quite manage to make a move for third on Hogan stick. Graver made a great start in the second final whilst Van Es lagged and even dropped to third behind Hogan momentarily. Meanwhile Stronach came off, and Bruce-White didn't go far either. Van Es went ahead with Hogan nearly 7s in arrears by the chequer flag. "I've won the championship now and I just wanted to see how far ahead I could get if I pushed," said Van Es. Graver was a more distant third over Douglas Hayford.
 
MiniMax AcademyClick for larger image...
A dozen excited youngsters queued at 7am on Friday morning for the draw for their engines, then set off to mount them on their karts. Only one was a S1 regular, the rest thrilled to be part of the premier series.  Ayrton Simmons had come over from Spain, he was the MicroMax winner at the last Grand Finals. Cameron McLoughlin was quick but in timed qualifying he was found to have broken the seal on his wiring loom and used his own and was promptly excluded from these results.  Lewis Brown was fastest over James Gee Coates and Elliot Harvey, the latter winning the first heat whilst McLoughlin came through to win the second. A good fight ensued at the front of Final One between Harvey, McLoughlin and Brown.  Scott Symons and Ryan Luscombe had fun dicing for fourth until Symons fell back and was later excluded. Brown and McLoughlin were still trading first place until Harvey went between them and tried for a switchback on leader Brown.  Unfortunately he left the door open for McLoughlin to regain second.  Simmons by then was in fourth.  For the second final Harry Carter surprised Harvey at the first hairpin whilst Brown was already in the lead.  Harvey tried to get back in line but tangled with McLoughlin, the latter losing some places then receiving a black flag and later excluded. Harvey restarted last and set about catching the pack. Carter had forged ahead to lead over Simmons and Brown, the latter soon back up and trading first with Carter. Carter fell to third and at the end succumbed to Ryan Luscombe whilst Brown held off Simmons to the flag. "I think it is a really good idea because it makes for very close racing," opined Brown.
 
Click for larger image...KF Junior MSA British Kart Championship
Daniel Ticktum had the edge on the rest over the weekend, starting with timed qualifying where he was quickest over his RFM team-mates Enaam Ahmed and Jehan Daruvala.  Ticktum had a setback in the first heat with a technical issue, Daruvala winning, but won the second so Daruvala was on pole for the first final with Max Fewtrell alongside, Jamie Caroline and Ahmed behind. Ahmed surprised Daruvala with a good pass on the second lap at the second hairpin for the lead, and he held it until Ticktum roared up from this mid grid starting position. Billy Monger tried to keep with Ticktum on the way through, but lost ground.  So Ticktum took Daruvala over the Suzuka style bridge, then a few laps later sliced under Ahmed at the second hairpin, Ahmed putting up little resistance. Ticktum then proceeded to pull out another 2.5s.  Ross Martin had come up to fourth after passing Daniel McAuley, the latter fading behind Dean MacDonald. The second final was much of a repeat in the result, but this time Ticktum leapt ahead from pole and stayed there throughout, with only a slightly bigger margin at the end. Daruvala and Ahmed traded second for much of the race, the Sahara Force India supported Indian driver getting the upper hand at the end, and Ross Martin again fourth.  Manuel Maldonado -brother of the Williams F1 driver - returned to the series for his first race at the track and came in 14th in both finals.
 
Click for larger image...Formula KGP
Click for larger image...The Croatian driver Martin Kodric guested in the KGP class and demonstrated his top class. Croatia has just joined the EU so of course he is now eligible for points unlike when he used to be a regular in KF3 in the series. "It's a bit harder without the front brakes and a bit less power than KF but a good class," opined Kodric. Despite not having raced in the class before he topped qualifying, albeit by only 2 hundredths of a second over Toby Sowery, and went on to win the first heat.  Local driver Mark Litchfield won the other but Sowery had an exclusion for contraversion of flag signals. Danny Keirle lined up third on the grid behind Kodric and Litchfield and nipped past Litchfield on lap three, Dan Stocks following.  Meanwhile Kodric was extending a lead at the front.  Litchfield regrouped, swiftly redressing the balance and soon back to second place.  Bobby Game took Stocks at the hairpin but positions reversed later at the same spot. Danny Cruttenden was the fastest mover, vaulting into third place and demoting and blocking against Keirle on the last lap. Game moved back past Stocks for third, Stocks then falling to Denis Gorman.  Litchfield tried very hard to take Kodric on the last lap, a mere half a tenth down on the line. As Kodric took the hole shot at the start of the second final, Game nipped past Litchfield for second but a couple of laps later Litchfield took a tight line up to the bridge and regained the place. Cruttenden lost a couple of places, leaving Keirle to attack Game, unfortunately once past Game cut back and tore off Keirle's rear bumper forcing a pit stop. Gorman and Stocks crashed heavily at the entrance of the dummy grid after Gorman's plug cap had come off, bringing out the quarter full yellow pace flags.  Once Gorman had been helped away the racing resumed with Litchfield intent on winning. Sowery was embroiled in a battle with Cruttenden and Game and came out third. Litchfield then chanced his luck on the last lap diving inside a defensive Kodric but pushing him wide according to the camera evidence. The karts rubbed round the next turn, Kodric having to give way but Litchfield later losing the win with a five place penalty.  He appealed the decision but failed to have it rescinded.
 
Results

Iame Cadet
Final 1: 1 William Pettitt (Zip); 2 Tom Wood (Zip); 3 Alex Quinn (Zip); 4 Kiern Jewiss (Zip); 5 Tyler Chesterton (Zip); 6 Oliver York (Zip).
Final 2: 1 Pettitt; 2 Quinn; 3 Wood; 4 Lewis Thompson (Zip); 5 Jewiss; 6 Teddy Wilson (Zip). 
 
Junior TKM
Final 1: 1 Daniel Baybutt (Jade); 2 Alex Forward (DSG); 3 Matthew Round-Garrido (Tonykart); 4 Matt Davies (Tonykart); 5 Stephen Letts (Tonykart); 6 Alex McRoberts (Jade).
Final 2: 1 Kyle Hornsby (DSG); 2 Dino Lee (Tonykart); 3 Round-Garrido; 4 Shea Pearce (ARC); 5 Davies; 6 Letts. 
 
TKM Extreme
Final 1: 1 Will Van Es (Tonykart); 2 Jack New (Tonykart); 3 John Hogan (Tonykart); 4 Luke Graver (Tonykart); 5 Douglas Hayford (Tonykart); 6 Ryan Stronach (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Van Es; 2 Hogan; 3 Graver; 4 Hayford; 5 Joe Forsdyke (Tal-Ko); 6 Michael Eastwell (Tal-Ko). 
 
MiniMax Academy
Final 1: 1 Lewis Brown (Tonykart); 2 Cameron McCloughlin (Tonykart); 3 Elliot Harvey (OK1); 4 Ayrton Simmons (Octane); 5 Ryan McLeish (Wright); 6 Harry Carter (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Brown; 2 Simmons; 3 Ryan Luscombe (Kosmic); 4 Carter; 5 Charlie Lamb (Tonykart); 6 Morgan Porter (Tonykart).
 
KFJ
Final 1: 1 Daniel Ticktum (Alonso); 2 Jehan Daruvala (Alonso); 3 Enaam Ahmed (Alonso); 4 Ross Martin (Wright); 5 Dean MacDonald (Kosmic); 6 Billy Monger (Tonykart). 
Final 2: 1 Ticktum; 2 Daruvala; 3 Ahmed; 4 Martin; 5 Monger; 6 MacDonald. 
 
KGP
Final 1: 1 Martin Kodric (Alonso); 2 Mark Litchfield (Kosmic); 3 Danny Cruttenden (Birel); 4 Danny Keirle (Jade); 5 Bobby Game (Alonso); 6 Denis Gorman (Maranello).
Final 2: 1 Kodric; 2 Toby Sowery (Tonykart); 3 Game; 4 Cruttenden; 5 Joe Porter (Tonykart) 6 Litchfield.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Podium Lockout At PFi   (24/09)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...At the 5th round of the S1 at PFI Litchfield prepared TKM engines came 1st 2nd and 3rd in both the Junior and Senior TKM classes. Dave would like to congratulate Mat Davis for winning the Junior TKM S1 with a round to go on a Tonykart with Litchfield prepared engines. And Will Van Es winning both finals at PFI he has also won the Senior TKM championship with a round to spare on a Tonykart and Litchfield prepared engine making it the 5th year running that Litchfield engines have won the senior S1 championship.
 
In the KGP class engines prepared by Litchfield were 1st and 2nd in qualifying and the main final of the day making it a great weekend.
 
If you would like your engines prepared by Dave or would like more information on the Tonykart products Dave can be contacted on 07789 177977.

[ Top ]

---

Back-To-Back Club Meetings   (24/09)

TVKC Club Championship - Round 5 on 29th September and Round 6 on 6th October. Last chance to enter for this weekend!
 
Following a hectic Summer programme at PFi, TVKC are back on course with their 2013 Club Championship. Normally racing on the 1st Sunday of the month, the September Club meeting is a little different in 2013 and will take place this weekend (5th Sunday) instead due to the CIK-FIA World KF Championships clashing at the venue on 1st September. Round 6 of the Championship will follow close behind and will resume the calendar back to the normal 1st Sunday of the month (6th October).
 
If you haven't yet entered for this weekend - Entries close imminently. To get yourself racing this weekend, you'll need to either enter online here or complete an Entry Form and send it off asap.
 
The Club Championship will climax on Sunday 3rd November at the seventh and final round of the 2013 Series. This meeting will also celebrate the third running of  PFi's Continental Cup and will showcase the first ever ABkC IAME Cadet O Plate.

[ Top ]

---

Grice Racing Engines   (23/09)

As the season draws to a close, Grice Racing would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their continued support.
 
We have been preparing motors since 1975 and during this time have had the pleasure of working with current stars such as Paul DiResta, Jamie Green, Mike Conway and Alex Lloyd, who all enjoyed British and European championship success in Jica - a piston-timed engine with exactly same requirements as our now popular Iame Cadet class.

Click for larger image...Our presence can now be seen in the Iame Super1 teams including Next-Gen, Fusion, Eclipse and Lee Kellett's recent team.

If you would like to discuss your Iame requirements for 2014 call us on 01268 727 847 or 07768 047 253. As well as servicing, engines are also available to hire or buy.
 
Likewise, our Rotax experience is unrivalled with Jason Parrott becoming one of the first Junior Max champions on a Grice prepared motor back in 2001. 12 years of Super1 competition, giving our customers an all important edge!
 
We are still running our popular full rebuilds special offer at unbelievable prices.

For full prices on rebuilds and engine hires please visit our website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

North East's Karting Talent   (20/09)

The Tyne and Wear Kart Club and Karting North East wish to congratulate past and existing members on their fantastic performance at the NKF Hooton Park Circuit on Sunday 8th September 2013. Seventeen drivers in total graduated from cutting their teeth at Warden Law, a favourite kart track of now F1 star Lewis Hamilton.

It's great to see the progression of North East talent and our travelling members, we hope it continues!

Come and learn on one of 'the' most technical tracks in the UK.  Our next race meeting is Sunday 6th October 2013 with the final round on Sunday 3rd November 2013.

Email us at kartclub@kartingnortheast.com or call 0191 521 40 50.  You can also visit our website at www.twkartclub.com or visit the circuit...

Tyne & Wear Kart Club - Warden Law Motorsports Centre, Sunderland, SR3 2PR.

[ Top ]

---

Buckmore Celebrating 50 Years   (20/09)

Click for larger image...The iconic Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exceptional race meeting on 19th and 20th October 2013.
 
There has been a kart track at the Chatham site since 1963 when it existed as an army engineering exercise. The track was used by a wider range of people in the 1970's including visitors from the Buckmore Park Scout Centre and the Rochester Motor Club, but fell into disrepair in the 1980's.
 
After extensive restoration and resurfacing under new ownership in 1985, events started to take place again, with the first RACMSA event taking place in 1989. The circuit was extended in 1994 and in 1999 with a new £1.23m clubhouse built in 2003. The circuit has plans to continue development with upgraded facilities and this year saw John Surtees Ltd completing the purchase of not only the freehold land that Buckmore Park holds the leasehold interest on, but a further 90 acres of land adjacent to the circuit which will allow the site to be developed further.
 
Click for larger image...Buckmore Park is the circuit where many current and past Formula 1™ drivers learned their trade, including Johnny Herbert and champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton (who was discovered by Ron Dennis in the 1996 Champions of the Future Event held at Buckmore Park). It also played host to Prince William and Prince Harry when they made their karting debuts in 1992!
 
The 50th anniversary meeting starts with unofficial practice on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October. The racing starts on Sunday 20th October at 10.30 a.m. and spectators are very welcome to come along to enjoy the action. Visitor entry is only £5.00 on the day, but is pre-bookable at a discounted rate of £4.00 per person. (under-14's go free, car parking is included, however, dogs are not permitted).
 
Along with wheel-to-wheel racing by some of the best junior and senior kart racers in the country (incorporating the IDD Contracts, 2013 ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' Plate), there will be special lunch time displays (Sunday 20th only) including ex-F1 driver and Buckmore 'old boy' Johnny Herbert demonstrating a restored 135cc Cobra/Komet kart which he used to win the British karting Championships in 1982. 
 
Further demonstrations include a high speed demonstration by the current Under 18 World Champion Henry Easthope, using the very latest 100 mph plus 125cc international equipment and a display by the British Historic Kart Club of machinery from 1961 - 1982. 
 
Last but not least circuit owner (since 1985) Bill Sisley, a kart champion himself in the 60s and 70s, and his son Tom, a multi-kart and car champion in the 90s will demonstrate the 1959 'Yellow Peril' which was Britain's first prototype go kart.
 
The fun-filled, adrenaline packed race day will also feature parade cars and grid girls, a karting simulator and a sumptuous Hog Roast plus much more.
 
For more details please contact the circuit at Buckmore Park Karting Ltd on 01634 661626, visit www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk or email sales@buckmore.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Formula TKM Festival   (19/09)

Click for larger image...The DVD featuring action from this year's Maxxis Formula TKM Festival at Kimbolton has just gone on sale.

The DVD shows finals as well as other action and interviews.

It also features - as described by the man in charge of filming virtually all top level kart racing on UK TV - as the best kart race he has ever seen with the Junior Elite TKM final.

The DVDs are realistically priced at £13.80 inc VAT or £15.72 inc post, packing & VAT, and are available from Tal-Ko Racing on info@tal-ko.com or 01767 682020.

[ Top ]

---

Tony Kart Products   (18/09)

HTR Racing is now pleased to announce that they have been chosen by Strawberry Racing to become the official North-East agent for the Tony Kart product. You will now be able to purchase new and used karts from the team catering for all budgets along with all OTK parts and clothing.
 
HTR have now been established for 10 years and is one of the most well known teams in the paddock. For 2014 the team will again be competing in all National events, PF and Rowrah club events specialising in the Honda, Iame and Rotax classes. We can supply everything from a full arrive and drive package to basic awning space at an extremely competitive rate, along with providing an excellent service.
 
For all further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Derrick on 07836 248459 or email derrick@htrracing.com.

[ Top ]

---

DHR Settle In At Whilton Mill   (18/09)

Click for larger image...The DHR team and official Alonso distributors have now settled in to their new, trackside, state of the art workshop at Whilton Mill Kart Circuit after a successful summer's racing throughout the UK and Europe. After an intense and busy schedule of races the British and European championship winning team are now pleased to offer the following services:
 
One to one driver training days
Come and develop your driving skills with one to one management from team managers Dan and Shaun. Fine tune racing lines, kart control, race craft and more with expert tuition and guidance. Prices start from just £150!


Rotax experience days
For new drivers to the class, novices to karting or just for fun! Come and try our Rotax high spec fully race prepared Alonso karts. Prices start from just £295!


Kart Jig and Chassis Straightening Service
Come and check your chassis on our bespoke kart jig with laser alignment and straightening service available. Prices start from £30!


Kart Preparation and Storage
Professional kart preparation, strip and rebuild service available. Safe and secure trackside location to store all your karting equipment. Prices start from just £10 per week for storage!


Workshop Space
For test or race days workshop space and work stations available for hire, fully lit and heated with power and air included. Prices start from just £50 per day!

 
For more information on any of the above services please contact Dan direct on 07960 047810, email dan@danhollandracing.co.uk, or visit our website at www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
 
We look forward to hearing from you!

[ Top ]

---

Big Smiles At Clay Pigeon   (18/09)

Click for larger image...Following a fantastic days racing at Clay Pigeon, 4 lucky Rotax drivers were each presented with a set of Mojo tyres courtesy of Jag Engineering. Every Rotax driver on the grid had the chance to win the tyres as the winners were drawn from the start list.

There are more Mojo tyres to be won at the next round on Sunday the 13th of October where CPKC are also offering all drivers who have not raced at Clay Pigeon this season, a half price entry.

So why not come along to Clay Pigeon and race at one of the fastest and friendlist circuits in the UK. For more entry details and more information about CPKC and Clay Pigeon Raceway, go to the club website at www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

Honda Cadet 'O' Plate   (17/09)

The superb prizes on offer for the televised IDD Contracts ABkC 'O' Plate Honda Cadet meeting at Buckmore Park on 20th October 2013 have been confirmed and will feature...

Honda Cadet 'O' Plate:
1st: Mini Max engine from JAG, SuperOne entry for 2014, Scalextric set, £125 Dartford Karting vouchers, Kartmania family ticket, Oils and lubricants, ABkC Honda Cadet perpetual trophy, Trophy, Buckmore Park Jacket & Hat & Gold Garland
2nd: V2CMR Helmet from V2sport, Scalextric set, £50 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore Park Hoody & Hat, Silver Garland
3rd: Formula Stars made to measure race suit, Scalextric set, £25 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore Park T-Shirt & Hat, Bronze Garland

Honda Cadet Clubman:
1st: Project One Chassis with RPM Engine, Scalextric set, £125 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore Park Jacket & Hat, Gold Garland
2nd: Tillett Kart Seat, Scalextric set, £50 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore Park Hoody & Hat, Silver Garland
3rd: £70 Pro Kart Engineering voucher, Scalextric set, £25 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore Park T-Shirt & Hat, Bronze Garland

Other Prizes:
Mountain Bike
Scalextric sets

Competitors are reminded that the last date for ordering fuel and tyres is 4th October and the closing date for entries is 7th October.  To further reduce costs an arrangement has been made with the fuel supplier to allow competitors to share fuel.

For further details please contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604. 

[ Top ]

---

MSA Confirms Bambino Tyres   (17/09)

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is delighted to announce that it has selected the Le Cont MSA 04 intermediate as the Bambino kart class tyre, with effect from 1 January 2014.

The tyre will be homologated by the MSA. The announcement follows a tender process launched in August 2012 to find a supplier for the Bambino tyres and another for the engine. The engine has already been confirmed as the Comer C50.

Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive, said: "The Le Cont MSA 04 tyre will help us to take the Bambino kart class forward and build on its solid foundations as a popular first step into motor sport. Combined with the Comer C50 engine, the new tyre should ensure a bright future for the class, with parity of performance in all weather conditions for a fair cost."

Dan Parker of Zip Kart, Le Cont's UK distributor, said: "We have worked closely with the Le Cont during this tender process to produce this brand new all-weather tyre . In testing the tyre has delivered very consistent behaviour in both wet and dry conditions as well as great durability. We feel this is a fantastic tyre for the new class allowing drivers one tyre for all conditions."

[ Top ]

---

Piet Klaassen   (16/09)

Rissington Kart Club would like to announce the sad passing of our Club President, Mr Piet Klaassen, who died on the evening of Thursday 12th September.  Piet was an enthusiastic member of our club, not only taking on the roles of President, Clerk & Scrutineer, he was also a keen mentor to the young and old within the sport, but definitely enjoyed watching, coaching and supporting the young cadets with him often involving you with his view that they could be our next Formula 1 stars.
 
Piet and his late wife Marge, had been active members of our club from the very early 70's, setting a precedence to those  entering the sport, enforcing standards but giving equality and fair sportsmanship.  The karting world has lost an amazing gentleman, but his memory within the sport will definitely live on.   Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

[ Top ]

---

Hobzie Motorsport   (16/09)

Click for larger image...Hobzie Motorsport would like to congratulate Robbie Gallier on winning the Junior Max BNL championship this year. Robbie has now earned a place at the World finals in New Orleans in November. Being only one of two drivers to win a final at each event and under immense pressure at the final round it was a tense last final in wet/dry conditions that secured the championship. Robbie had to finish within the top eight and his closest challenger for the championship had to win so his eventual cruise to third place was enough to take the top spot.
 
Robbie achieved this being run by Hobzie Motorsport using Revolution Racing Engines, Talon sprockets, Kart Genie measured jet sets, Kart Genie prepared bearings and H-TECH brake pads. Many thanks to his sponsors PIAA and Eurocams.
 
Hobzie Motorsport will again be competing in the BNL & BMC championships in 2014 with only limited spaces left. To register your interest please contact us now by e-mail to jhobzie@aol.com.

[ Top ]

---

TKM Welcomes MSA Decision   (16/09)

Formula TKM have welcomed the decision of the MSA to put on hold changes to the ages for Junior kart racing which had been due to come into effect in 2014.
 
The changes would have allowed Juniors into a senior class from 14 years old and taken a year off the top age of Junior karting. They had received strong opposition from TKM and others and sparked a barrage of concern from competitors, parents and trade alike.
 
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "We applaud this change of heart from the MSA and welcome their commitment to fully explore the issue of ages and weights within karting during 2014. Our thanks go to all those who took the trouble to make their feelings known over this matter."

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

[ Top ]

---

Karting Ages Unchanged   (12/09)

In the course of this week's meeting of the Motor Sports Council, it was confirmed that the proposed changes to age limits in junior karting will be postponed until 2015.

The Kart Committee requested Council's agreement to withdraw the regulations that had been approved in June 2013 that would have amended the ages at which karters could move up between classes. This followed a review which had highlighted a number of safety concerns and unintended consequences that would have resulted from the implementation of the proposed regulations.

The Kart Committee will take the opportunity not only to review the proposed ages, but also to consider other factors that should be considered when determining an individual's suitability to compete in each category. This will result in a structure that will be based not only upon the age of the competitor but also on a 'triple lock' system that considers the experience, competency and weight ratio of the karter. Consequently a review of driver weight ratios will also take place.

Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive: "This is a very pragmatic approach from the Kart Committee. The intention of the original regulation was very clear: to reduce the age at which an experienced competitor can transfer up to a Senior Class and to ensure that young karters are on track with appropriate competitors. However, it became apparent that in order to achieve the desired result, there were other issues that also needed to be addressed. This 12 month delay will allow time for that work to be completed and will provide immediate clarity for all kart competitors for 2014."

[ Top ]

---

Strawberry Racing   (12/09)

Click for larger image...Strawberry Racing, together with Cream Racing Engines, achieved a remarkable feat in the Euro Max Challenge at Salbris last weekend (7/8 September), with 1st and 2nd-place finishes in the Junior and Senior classes.

China's Guan Yu Zhou has been involved in a season-long tussle with team-mate Connor Hall for overall supremacy in Junior Max, and even after the two-stroke infused exhaust smoke had long dispersed, only a tie-breaker could separate them.

Not to be over-looked, Jai Nijjar stormed through to 3rd in the points, locking out the championship podium for the Tony Kart team. Darren Keane claimed 9th overall, marking him as one of America's most exciting prospects in recent years.

As has been the case for most of the season, Hall and Zhou were virtually inseparable after the heats at Salbris. Both had taken heat wins, but it was the Chinese star who put his kart down on P1 ahead of the pre-final, with Hall alongside. Nijjar started from fourth, Juri Vips and Thomas Issa claimed 8th and 9th respectively. Keane went from P13, whilst Finlay Hutchison and Omar Ismail were also automatic qualifiers by virtue of their 21st and 25th positions in the post-heats rankings.

Click for larger image...A terrific drive from Jai produced his best result of the campaign with a fine 2nd place. Hall claimed 3rd ahead of Zhou in 4th. Hutchison and Keane crossed the line in 12th and 13th but Issa, Vips and Ismail were all sidelined by racing incidents or mechanical issues.

The main final saw Guan Yu turn the tables on Connor, as he led his team-mate home for a Strawberry two-three finish on the road, but sealing the championship victory. Darren earned 4th with a superb drive, pipping Jai in 5th. Having started 30th, Thomas passed sixteen karts on his way to 14th, ahead of Finlay in 17th and Omar sneaking into the top twenty in 19th. Sadly, Juri was black-flagged for missing out a section of the track.

"The whole season has been a battle between the two drivers, Connor and 'Joe' (as the team call Guan Yu) which has led to some ups and downs throughout the season," said team manager Warwick Ringham, adding: "To be honest we had all miscalculated the points situation and thought that Connor only had to follow Joe home to clinch the championship. After the flag both drivers experienced the highs and lows of winning and losing all in the space of five minutes."

Click for larger image...Reflecting on the performances of Jai, Darren, Omar and Thomas he said: "All the other drivers have improved significantly over the year, which has also been encouraging. It was fantastic for Jai to clinch 3rd in the championship. His battle over the weekend was different to Connor and Joe's, as there were a few drivers fighting for 3rd position. Really, I can't believe we have achieved a 1,2,3 in the championship! It makes all the hard work we have put in at the workshop and testing worthwhile."

If their Junior counterparts had laid-down a benchmark, then Charlie Eastwood and Kyle Fowlie were more than up for the challenge.

Click for larger image...Charlie led the way in timed-qualifying, setting the pole position time. He retained P1 status after the heats, to give himself the advantage as the pre-final got underway. With fellow title protagonists Harry Webb (P4) and Kyle Fowlie (P6) nearby, everything was to play for.

Although he finished 3rd, Eastwood was able to put one hand firmly on the trophy after Webb was disqualified following an over-optimistic challenge for 4th place. With Harry prevented from contesting the final, only Kyle could possibly stop Charlie's march on the title.

Eastwood is a wily campaigner and knew that he had the pace to avoid trouble at the start of the final and go with the equally rapid Fowlie. Second place would clinch the title for the Ulsterman, whilst victory would put the Scot into the vice-Champion's position.

Keeping clear of the first corner melee and subsequent scrap for the minor placings, they soon broke away and having established a comfortable margin, cruised to an historic one-two finish. Understandably, Ringham was overjoyed.

Click for larger image..."Charlie really stepped up this weekend and showed his class and desire to win. To achieve what he has in the last ten months is really quite amazing; Rotax world champ, winning the Florida Winter Tour and finishing it off with being European champion is pretty spectacular. He still has the Super 1 series to finish off and had it not been for a bit of bad luck, he would be challenging for title that as well.

"As for our double winner on the day, Kyle, if you had watched him six months ago you would never have believed he could have been so dominant on a European track. His improvement since the start of the year, especially in the European racing with front brakes, has been amazing. He has had to change his driving style to adapt to what we wanted him to do, rather than what he wanted to do. It took some time but i think he got it all sorted just in time. He has, without doubt, been the biggest surprise for us this season."

Warwick's delight for Charlie and Kyle was tempered by the misfortune of his other young star, Harry: "We feel terrible that Harry came away from Salbris without anything to show for his efforts. One mistimed overtaking manoeuvre put-paid to his championship. But for Harry's black flag we could of been looking at a 1,2,3 in Senior as well, and that would have been really impressive."

Click for larger image...In DD2, Andreas Backman faced an uphill struggle after struggling in qualifying - posting the 24th-fastest time. However, the young Swede showed his mettle with a positive series of performances in the heats, turning adversity into a form of triumph by qualifying on the fourth row of the grid ahead of the pre-final.

All his good work was undone when he had a bad start dropping back to 22nd then after overtaking 10 people had a crash while trying for 11th position and he was classified down in 26th place. Throughout the season, Andreas has developed a reputation for possessing outstanding pace and he unleashed it in the main final. A terrific drive netted a commendable 9th at the chequered flag, highlighting his improving racecraft.

"At the moment, Andreas never seems quite able to put all the elements together over a race weekend. When he does, I think he will be able to drive away off the front of the grid. What he did do this weekend was overtake better than he has ever done before, which was great to see."

Warwick concluded: "Strawberry Racing would like to thank everyone that has worked so hard this year to achieve the results. At our Sheffield base; Sue, Paul, Tom S, James, plus Tim and Peter in the Cream 'waft' department. And huge thanks to our over-worked mechanics Jack, Harry, Mark, Taavi, Jim, Tom F, Toby, Steve, Ed, Joe R and Joe P and Duncan. I really hope I have not missed anyone out!"For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kiligis.

[ Top ]

---

European Title Joy   (11/09)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Charlie Eastwood completed an historic quadruple by adding the Euro Max Challenge title to his Grand Finals, Irish Karting GP and Florida Winter Tour crowns.

The Irishman's greatest threat at the fourth and final round, held at Salbris (7/8 September) came from his own team-mates; Harry Webb and Kyle Fowlie both stood strong chances of snatching the overall victory from Eastwood, should he stumble at the final hurdle.

"Salbris proved to be very exciting, as my closest rivals were all Strawberry drivers", Charlie explained. "It was all very tense and competitive, but we were team-mates after all, so you needed to remain professional and focused on delivering the right result for the team, as well as for yourself."

Eastwood struck an early psychological blow by setting the fastest lap during timed-qualifying and went on to claim pole position for the first of Sunday's two finals. However, with Webb and Fowlie close behind him on the starting grid, in 4th and 6th respectively, everything had to go to plan.

"At this point, Harry was my closest rival and I knew I had to do well in both races. If I won the two finals and Harry was 2nd, then that would be enough for me to win it. However, in the first final, he was black-flagged and in those circumstances, the rules state that a driver cannot contest the main final."

Click for larger image...He put one hand on the trophy after taking third place in the Pre-Final, but still couldn't relax. Fowlie had won and with victory came a good haul of championship points. This meant the Scot had a chance of causing a major shock should Eastwood falter in the title-deciding showdown. "In some ways [Harry's disqualification] took the pressure off and yet put it right back on," Charlie explained.

Some frantic number-crunching showed what needed to be done. In order for Charlie to achieve his goal he had to finish second, or higher: "I didn't want to risk an accident with Kyle and undo all our hard work," he said. "So my plan was to stay calm and push away from the chasing pack with him. We both knew that if he crossed the line first and I was second, then I would be champion and he would move up to second in the points table. Initially, I pushed Kyle hard through the opening stages but once I saw that the rest of the field was too busy fighting each other to trouble us, we eased up and made sure it was a calm run to the chequered flag." He added: "It's a great feeling. The world championship is held over just one race meeting but the Euro is a multi-round championship, so winning it shows that I can rise to the big, single-occasion events and perform consistently over a season."

Eastwood now has his sights set on the finale of the British Super One championship. He is currently fourth after two mechanical failures earlier in the season put-paid to his chances of claiming yet another major triumph: "I've had some misfortunes previously, so I'm out of the frame to win overall. However, a top three is very much a reality and, given the circumstances and what I've achieved so far, I'd be happy with that." Keep up to speed with Charlie by following him on twitter - @ce_racing_ncc - and via his Facebook page.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kiligis.

[ Top ]

---

The UK's Premier Kart Show   (10/09)

KartMania 2013 is rapidly taking shape, and early indications are that it will be the best show we have ever had!

Following a successful show last year in the "The Wing" at Silverstone we will be returning to this iconic venue for 2013, but with even easier access this year as parking will be right outside the Kartboot area - no more busses!

For the 2013 show we will be welcoming the MSA who will be making up part of the information base with ABkC and ARKS, ready to provide help and advice. They are also running workshops throughout the weekend featuring some big names including Mills Engineering with the new Iame, Zip with the bambino karts, Rotax with news and views, Tal-Ko with the TKMs, and others to be confirmed - a complete list will be published before the show.

We'll be welcoming back some of karting's biggest names as well as introducing some new exhibitors including Intrepid, CRG, Easykart UK, KGP UK with the new KGP Junior, Iame, KartpartsUK, KKC, Protrain, plus many more. We'll be updating the exhibitor page on www.kartmania.co.uk as the list becomes more complete in the run-up to the show.  On the website you can also check out the Grid Girl competition and vote for your favourite - the finals are on Sunday.

Whether you're competing at national level, a club or more casual racer, or simply thinking about taking your first steps onto the racing ladder, make sure you visit KartMania - the UK's premier kart show - on 30th November and 1st December at Silverstone.

[ Top ]

---

The Kart Shop At Buckmore   Click for larger image...(09/09)

As well as providing full Kart prep and repairs, together with Rotax & Tonykart spares, we offer full dyno testing and evaluation for both Rotax 125 and Honda cadet engines. In addition we can also carry out chassis checking and alignment for all adult OTK Karts produced since 2010 and the new OTK  Cadet Kart, which is done on our custom made jig.

The shop is introducing a pre-order service for, via phone or email, for parts, spares, tyres etc. In advance of monthly owner driver club meetings at Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows and Lydd. To take advantage of this, orders must be placed by 10.00am of the Thursday prior to each meeting which will start with the September Buckmore meeting. Our on-line service is due to be upgraded in the near future but orders can still be made via our website.

Click for larger image...With affect from Buckmore's owner driver club meeting a loyalty card for individuals is being introduced for tyres purchased via or in the shop. Details will be given out at Saturday's practice.

We are starting to formulate our owner driver training and race calendar for 2014 to include all classes & would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you your requirements and plans for next year. Various packages are available including one to one driver coaching.

Click for larger image...Tonykart's superb Cadet rolling chassis, manufactured to the normal high standard expected with an OTK product, specifically designed for use in the very popular Honda Cadet class, can be viewed at our  shop. The rolling chassis is competitively priced at £1,920 (inc vat).

For further information about any of the above please contact us on telephone 01634 672256, email sales@thekartshop.co.uk.

You can also visit our website at
www.thekartshop.co.uk
.

[ Top ]

---

Buckmore Park Kart Club   (06/09)

The 5th round of the BPKC summer championship for all non-gearbox ABkC classes including Bambino and Subaru is scheduled for Sunday 15th September.  The meeting incorporates the final round of the sixth round Kent Kart Championships.

As this is the last race meeting before the ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' plate/50th anniversary meeting on 20th October, bumper grids are expected in all classes.

Practice is available on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September. For more details please contact Sheila Rose on 01634 661604.

[ Top ]

---

Kart Racer's Climb   (06/09)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Kart racer Michael Pollard will soon attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, a challenge in itself, and even more so as a Type 1 diabetic.
 
With just under 2 weeks until Michael boards the plane to Tanzania to conquer Mt Kilimanjaro here is a short update to show how he has been getting ready for the trip.
 
The North Downs in Kent have been my training ground. There are a number of routes which I have chosen to bed in my boots and walking with all my hiking gear on, and mainly managing my insulin routine and levels. This has been the tricky bit, but I think now I have pretty much got it manageable, and to a point where I can walk for hours with weight on my back without having a hypo. I found an isotonic drink supplement to add to water that keeps me going, it's amazing!
 
I attended an information day in London where I was told about the route I would be climbing, the temperatures I would be experiencing and the food situation... I hope I like Goat! I was also told about some medication called Diamox that can be taken to try and subside the effects of the altitude sickness so this weekend I will be heading to Boots to try and get some!

The temperatures was probably my most surprising information, on day 4 - the Summit climb, I will experience temperatures in excess of -15 degrees with the wind chill factor on top of that! So this has caused me to go out and purchase even more base layers to keep me as warm as possible.
 
With 1 weekend to go before I head to the lake district for 1 final training push I still have a few items to buy but I have got myself a good selection of camera equipment to document the trek itself. I plan on keeping a video diary each evening with updates of each day's adventures and struggles.
 
I have had fantastic support from JDRF and my local Diabetes Centre in preparation for this and I can't wait to pay them all back by reaching the summit and proving that diabetes won't stop me achieving anything in life.
 
To help support Michael's efforts in raising funds for JDRF (the world's leading charitable funder of Type 1 diabetes research) please visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/MikesKilimanjaroChallenge, as every £1 helps drive research into this lifelong condition.  Type 1 diabetes currently affects over 400,000 people in the UK, including almost 30,00 children and is increasing at a rate of 4% annually.

[ Top ]

---

IPK Announce New Agent   (06/09)

Italian kart manufacturers, IPKarting S.r.L. have announced a new agent for their brands in the UK.

Benjy Russell of Intrepid (UK) Limited who has been the sole distributor for the last three years has decided to leave karting due to family commitments.

In the meantime, Steve Russell will be responsible for the sale of all IPK products. Their flagship brands, Praga and OK1, will be exclusively marketed by IPKarting and their appointed UK agents.

For further information about IPK products please visit www.ipkarting.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Steve Russell on 07760 888733 or via email info@ipkarting.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Race Services Available   (05/09)

Following on from great success in Cadets, Milestone Motorsport have upgraded our facilities which now feature a larger awning and more advanced software for practice and race analysis. We have spaces available for all classes, and can accommodate racers from club to national levels. Full team drives are also available.
 
With over 8 years' experience competing in the highest levels of karting, Milestone Motorsport are able to offer a package that suits you, from awning space to full race support.
 
Please call, email or visit our website at http://milestone-motorsport.co.uk for more information.
 
Telephone 07770 921479, or email John at john@milestone-motorsport.co.uk or Ryan at ryan@milestone-motorsport.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Rotax Academy Pooled Engine Class   (05/09)

Since the announcement of the new pooled engine initiative in the Super One there has been lots of interest and the entries are now rolling in. Just look at the comments from the Dads: "When you add it up it's the closest you will every get to a karting bargain at S1," and "This is a very good deal, especially for dad and lad teams."  So don't delay, be part of this bargain offer, entries close soon.
 
The Super One Series and Trent Valley Kart Club invite entries to the MiniMax class for the innovative Rotax Academy with pooled engines. As a precursor to 2014, this event is a low cost and controlled cost race for 11 to 15 year olds, where all costs are met with one single fee except for the provision of the driver's own kart.  Engines, race slick and wet tyres, race oil and fuel will be supplied by the promoters and entry and official practice costs met by the single fee for the two days. The entry fee is £800 and the entry form is on the Downloads page on the Super One website - Rotax Academy Entry Form.  Entries to be sent to JKH, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire WA6 0PF (Tel 07774 646784) with SAE for confirmation.
 
This Academy is modelled on the CIK-FIA Academy to control costs and to permit drivers to compete on a level playing field no matter their personal funding.  It is expected to strongly appeal to drivers and parents who find the cost of competing in the National and British Championships prohibitive, and to encourage the 'Dad and Lad' team.  At the same time by being part of Super One, these families will experience the whole atmosphere of a professional premier level series and be able to mix with the top kart drivers of the era.  The Rotax Academy welcomes all non-novice drivers.
 
The Super One Series thanks JAG Engineering who will supply the pooled engines and technical staff.
 
In summary:
- Rotax Academy for MiniMax (Junior Max class to follow in 2014)
- Maximum of 30 drivers per class
- Minimum licence grade is National B, no novices
- Single entry fee of £800 including VAT
- Fee covers pooled engine supply, race slicks and wets, S1 fuel, oil and entry fees
- Driver provides his or her own kart
- Strong links with participating clubs in 2014 to encourage sponsorship of club member
- Competitor supplies own tyres for practice periods, Friday practice optional at usual cost
- Engines will be issued on Friday morning, full regulations available shortly
- Each engine will be pre-tested for equality
- Technical staff available for support
- Final will be televised for Motors TV
- Entries close on 14 September, but be quick, limited number accepted.
 
Further information on http://superoneseries.com.

[ Top ]

---

Race Rotax For Free   (04/09)

There are still a few free places for all rotax classes to race at Llandow KC on Sunday 8th September. Places are on a first come first served basis and the grids are filling fast - don't wait too long and expect to enter at the last minute - you might be disappointed.

There will also be classes for Cadets, Prokarts and TKM, however these will be at the normal entry fee. Practice is available for the whole of Saturday as usual for only £40 (£35 if pre-booked) and £35 for LKC members (£30 if pre-booked). To secure your grid place for this wonderful offer go to www.llandowkartclub.co.uk and follow the links to our on line entry system - it's as easy as that!

This is a great opportunity to have a free day's racing at one of the UK's top circuits - too good to miss!

All drivers must be a current MSA licence holder and be a member of an affiliated ABkC club. Llandow KC are currently seeking sponsors for the remaining classes for future events.

For any further information email Colin at llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk or call 07817 449617 - evenings are best.

[ Top ]

---

Last Call For Entries...   (03/09)

Don't forget that every Rotax competitor who enters the CPKC September meeting this coming Sunday has the opportunity to win a set of Mojo tyres, courtesy of JAG. There is one set of tyres for each Rotax grid. The lucky winners will be drawn from the start lists and will be presented with their tyres at the prize giving.
 
Clay Pigeon Raceway is one of the fastest and friendliest kart circuits in the UK. For those who haven't been to Clay Pigeon before, there is open practice for Cadets every Monday to Thursday, Friday is open pit lane for all classes with sessioned practice for all classes on Saturdays.
 
Facilities at the circuit include an on-site shop which also offers workshop services and engine services including full Rotax engine support. ARKS testing is also available by arrangement with the circuit reception.
 
If you have never been to Clay Pigeon, come and race at one of the fastest and friendliest S1 kart circuits in the UK. If you haven't raced at Clay for some time, we would love to see you back. Late entries for this weekend will still be accepted.
 
We cant guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee great racing.

For more information visit www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

Race This Sunday In Kent   (02/09)

Click for larger image...Don't miss this one, it's the final round of the Lydd Summer Championships with a full day's racing this Sunday, and practice available on Saturday 7th.
 
In addition to all the usual classes that are run, this month's meeting will also feature Lydd's annual one-off Aixro grid, so if you have an Aixro be sure to get down to Kent's fastest circuit.  Entries can be made right up to 09:30 on race morning with no late entry fee, or do without the rush and enter online at www.lyddkartcircuit.com - just go to the Race Entries tab and click on the link.
 
Whatever class of kart you race come along and we will find you a grid to race with. We welcome karts from classes other than our usual Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax, Senior Rotax 162 & 177, and ProKarts.
 
Should you wish to call the Circuit, our numbers are 01797 321747 or 01797 321895, or keep up to date with what is happening by visiting the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com.

[ Top ]

---

Henry Surtees Challenge   (02/09)

Click for larger image...In its third year the Henry Surtees Challenge maintains its aim to bring together the best of young motorsport talent to compete for a staggering range of prizes that will aid them in their race programme preparation for 2014.

The Challenge will take place at Buckmore Park, Kent, on Wednesday 23rd October 2013, using the superb Club 100 Birel karts.

The Challenge, created by former F1 World Champion, John Surtees OBE, seeks to attract young drivers from all classes of motorsport, who are in their 16th year and over.

The top six drivers will be awarded the prestigious 'H' trophy; and at least the top six finishers will have a choice of the best career enhancing prizes ever offered at a kart meeting! Prizes for fastest lap, the most unlucky driver and a heavyweight prize for 80kg or above will also be awarded.

A full range of prizes, including test drives in national and international Formula will shortly be announced.

Drivers wishing to take up the Challenge should contact Sharon Bowness: sharon@henrysurteesfoundation.com.

An entry for the meeting costs £500 and will showcase a broad spectrum of motorsport talent. Drivers from single-seater formulas, touring, sportscar classes, karting and motorcycling will share the track in the all comers event. Drivers must hold an MSA National B licence and be in their 16th year or above or be a member of Club 100 Premier & Clubman Spirit members or a Buckmore Park Elite driver. Some prizes will be reserved for MSA licence holders only.

[ Top ]

---

"Best Ever Kart Race"   (29/08)

It's been described by the man in charge of filming virtually all top level kart racing on UK TV as the best kart race he has EVER seen. Now this incredible Junior TKM battle is about to air on TV as part of coverage from this year's Maxxis TKM Festival.

All the action is great but this one final - for the Junior Elite title - was an amazing race which had 16 different leaders and 56 overtakes recorded. Says Alan Taddei, who also runs Motors TV coverage for the S1 series: It was simply the best kart race I have ever seen. We have so much fantastic material it has been a problem editing down for the show."

That race and all the other coverage from the Kimbolton Festival will appear for the first time in an hour long special on the event starting at about 7pm on Monday, Sept 2. There will be repeats on Motors TV and after the event will be available on You Tube and in a DVD on sale from Tal-Ko. Check for exact running times of the programme in your TV Guide.

Says Tal-Ko's Alan Turney: "We always have good racing but this year's Festival saw some truly epic races It will make great TV."

Keep an eye on www.tal-ko.com for details on availability of the forthcoming DVD.

[ Top ]

---

TAG Heuer Partner With F1 Film   (27/08)

TAG Heuer is partnering with Ron Howard's upcoming F1 movie Rush, reinforcing TAG Heuer's legitimacy in Motorsport and showing our deep involvement  in F1 in the 70's.
 
In 1971, Enzo Ferrari was looking for a leading timekeeping company to equip his private track of Fiorano (Maranello/Italy). He chose Heuer and, for the next decade or so, the Swiss watch company was to serve as Official Timekeeper for the Scuderia Ferrari.
 
It was responsible for installing 45 photocells around the test track, so that Ferrari engineers could monitor the performances of each car on the track.
 
This involved not only the speed but the braking and accelerations, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the overall dynamics and behaviour of the car thanks to a pioneering system heralding breakthroughs in modern telemetry.
 
This revolution significantly contributed to Scuderia world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1979 with Nikki Lauda and Jody Scheckter.
 
This period saw a number of significant developments initiated by the technological collaboration with Formula 1's Scuderia Ferrari, such as the introduction of the famous Le Mans Centigraphe 205 in 1972 and the Microsplit 820 in 1973, the first pocket quartz stopwatch to be accurate to 1/100th of a second.
 
Other developments focused on the photocells and speed calculators, such as the famous "Heuer speed-calculator". These years were very important, as electronic components provided the possibility of reaching an unprecedented level. With the help of TAG Heuer's know-how in timekeeping, it was natural to offer some very innovative devices such as the Speedmeter able to measure the speeds of F1 cars with absolute precision.
 
In 1973, for the first time ever, the German TV reserved a camera, installed in front of the LED display of the Speedmeter, to provide live transmission of the speeds of the F1 cars during the Nürburgring German Grand Prix on TV screens around the world.
 
In the mid 1970s, Heuer developed an entirely automatic system which could record the times of all cars, even when several crossed the finish line at the same time.
 
The idea was to equip each car with mini-transmitters (transponders) which were detected by a receiver (antenna) placed on the finish line. Each car transmitted on a different frequency, thus enabling easy identification and time calculation.
 
In 1976, Heuer presented this unique Automatic car identification timing (ACIT) system to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in Belgium (at the Grand Prix held in Nivelles). The way was thus paved for future applications and the development of these mini transmitters, which have become the famous transponders now used.
 
To learn more about the movie and better understand at a glance why TAG Heuer has decided to be part of it, please visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/?ref_=sr_3 and take a look at the trailer under at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rHaSFugqXI.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Series: Round 4   (27/08)

Click for larger image...Round 4 of the Edgar's Hyundai MSA/TKM Super One Series took place at Clay Pigeon on 24/25 August.

After a long break the MSA series returned to action at the hill top circuit in Dorset, where the sun failed to shine until late in the afternoon.  There was even a brief rain shower for the last morning heats.  It's the shortest circuit visited, only a 33s lap for the fastest class, so the pressure on the drivers was unrelenting.


Click for larger image...IAME Cadet MSA British Cadet Championship
Alex Quinn led much of the first final, briefly succumbing to Tom Wood until a frantic last lap.  Whilst those in front over-defended, William Pettit picked four karts off for a magnificent win over Jonny Edgar and York.  Wood had a five place penalty elevating Alex Quinn.  Wood then had an excursion at the start of the second final, whilst Pettitt was delayed by a spinner leaving Quinn with a large lead.  Despite a broken seat stay, York hauled in the leader and won with Kiern Jewiss up to third. "Alex defended hard at the first turn and didn't get a good run down the hill so I got him and defended to the end.  A big thank you to my Dad and Rocky." said York.

Results Final 1: 1 William Pettitt (Zip); 2 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 3 Oliver York (Zip); 4 Alex Quinn (Zip); 5 Teddy Wilson (Zip)
Results Final 2: 1 York; 2 Quinn; 3 Kiern Jewiss (Zip); 4 Wilson; 5 Zachary Robertson (Zip)

Click for larger image...Junior TKM ABkC National Championship
Under slight pressure at the beginning of the first final Stephen Letts eased away from Matt Davies whilst Daniel Baybutt slipped past Dino Lee at the horseshoe. Davies faded fast towards the end and only just avoided relegation to third by Baybutt on the finish line, with Kyle Hornby chasing Lee. Letts was under unrelenting pressure from Baybutt in the second final, the pair trading the lead twice until Baybutt over-shot the exit of Billys Blind corner by over defending the inside line. That dropped him to fifth, with Matthew Round-Garrido well placed to pick up second over Lee and Davies.

Results Final 1: 1 Stephen Letts (Tonykart); 2 Matt Davies (Tonykart); 3 Daniel Baybutt (Jade); 4 Dino Lee (Tonykart); 5 Kyle Hornby (DSG)
Results Final 2: 1 Letts; 2 Matthew Round-Garrido (Tonykart); 3 Lee; 4 Davies; 5 Baybutt

TKM Extreme ABkC National Championship
As the dominant Will van Es powered into the first final lead Luke Graver tried to cut into the train for third but was tipped into a spin, Paul Monks also losing places. Simon Vercoe took up the chase but was put back by Charlie Bruce-White.  That was until Jack New picked both Vercoe and Bruce-White for second place.  Van Es had it all his own way in the second final as well, despite New almost managing to snatch the lead at the start but running wide. New leapfrogged Vercoe on his recovery and set off after Bruce-White, relieving him of second on the penultimate lap.  They swapped places twice but New prevailed and Douglas Hayford thrust his nose ahead of Bruce-White over the finish.

Results Final 1: 1 Will Van Es (Tonykart); 2 Jack New (Tonykart); 3 Charlie Bruce-White (Tonykart); 4 Simon Vercoe (Tal-Ko); 5 Douglas Hayford (Tonykart)
Results Final 2: 1 Van Es; 2 New; 3 Hayford; 4 Bruce-White; 5 VercoeClick for larger image...

KF Junior MSA British Junior Kart Championship
Jehan Daruvala scored two great wins despite having a heat non-finish due to a broken exhaust and is well placed to challenge Daniel Ticktum for the British title. Ticktum lost his early final one lead and several places to Jamie Caroline, but Daruvala then carved his way to the front, pulling out 3.5s.  Ticktum came out on top of the second place battle but Caroline was excluded for driving standards from fourth, and Philip Rawson had a five place penalty. In the second final Daruvala eased away as Rawson recovered to second over Ticktum and Ross Martin.  Enaam Ahmed and Caroline came up from the back to fifth and sixth.  "It was all about consistency," said the Sahara Force India backed winner.

Results Final 1: 1 Jehan Daruvala (Alonso); 2 Daniel Ticktum (Alonso); 3 Ross Martin (Wright); 4 Dean MacDonald (Kosmic); 5 Billy Monger (Tonykart)
Results Final 2: 1 Daruvala; 2 Philip Rawson (Tonykart); 3 Ticktum; 4 Martin; 5 Enaam Ahmed (Alonso)

Click for larger image...Formula KGP National Championship
Initially chased by Toby Sowery, Mark Litchfield eased clear for the first final win as Sowery faded.  Championship leader Bobby Game was mired in mid field after being excluded under weight in a heat, his radiator having lost all its coolant. Sowery was helpless to resist the challenges from Denis Gorman and Danny Keirle whilst Game finished ninth. Although Litchfield got away well at the start of the second final his pace slowed as he suffered tyre degradation. Stefan Di Resta was on the move, but Dan Stocks came off in the hairpin during the pass for fourth. Gorman had leapfrogged Sowery  and ran cleanly up the inside of Litchfield's kart for the lead and the win, soon followed by James Gornall as Litchfield faded to seventh, just ahead of Game. "I've been hiding in the shadows looking after my tyres," quipped Gorman.

Results Final 1: 1 Mark Litchfield (Kosmic); 2 Dennis Gorman (Maranello); 3 Danny Keirle (Jade); 4 Toby Sowery (Tonykart); 5 James Gornall (Intrepid).
Results Final 2: 1 Gorman; 2 Gornall; 3 Sowery; 4 Stefan Di Resta (Alonso); 5 Keirle.

For more informaiton visit http://superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Race Rotax For Free   (23/08)

The LKS Rotax Cup will take place on Sunday 8th September 2013 at Llandow Circuit, South Glamorgan, CF71 7PB.

Free entry is available to all MSA Rotax classes on a first-come first-served basis, up to maximum per class of 30 starters. The rotax classes are being sponsored by Llandow Kart Shop (LKS).

The racing will be under the normal club format of practice, 3 heats and a final and will count as a round of the Llandow KC Championship for members.

There will also be classes for Cadets, Prokarts and TKM, however these will be at the normal entry fee. Practice is available for the whole of Saturday as usual for only £40 (£35 if pre-booked) and £35 for LKC members (£30 if pre-booked). To secure your grid place for this wonderful offer go to www.llandowkartclub.co.uk and follow the links to our on line entry system - it's as easy as that!

This is a great opportunity to have a free day's racing at one of the UK's top circuits - too good to miss!

All drivers must be a current MSA licence holder and be a member of an affiliated ABkC club. Llandow KC are currently seeking sponsors for the remaining classes for future events.

For any further information email Colin at llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk or call 07817 449617 - evenings are best.

[ Top ]

---

Midland Championships   (23/08)

There is still time to enter one of the best meetings of the year.

Rissington have a long history hosting the Midland Champs and this year it will be over 3 days with practice on the Friday 30th and then 2 days of racing.

To add even more excitement, Rissington will host round 3 of the TKM Interclub Championship, so bumper grids, F1 Simulator, wide open spaces - Rissington is the place to race!
 
You can still enter online or via a postal entries, and some pit spaces also available.  Visit www.rissykartclub.com for more information.

[ Top ]

---

MSA/TKM Kart Championship   (21/08)

Click for larger image...It's time to consolidate on previous good results and try harder for those catching up as with three rounds to run, all is still to play for in the MSA/TKM/ KGP and IAME Cadet series. This weekend's event for Round 4 is being held in Dorset at the Clay Pigeon race track, located between Dorchester and Yeovil just off the A37 road. See www.claypigeonkartclub.com for details.
 
Daniel Ticktum has consolidated his lead in the Junior KF class with the Sahara Force India backed Jehan Daruvala now 13 points in arrears but chasing hard.  Dean MacDonald has stormed up to third place, as Philip Rawson had a lot of bad luck in Scotland.  Alex Quinn has carved into Oliver York's lead in the IAME MSA British Cadet Championship class as York struggled and Tom Wood took both wins.  He is in a strong third place. Two fantastic wins for the 40 plus year old Bobby Game has put him back in the Formula KGP championship standings lead, over Arden backed youngster Danny Keirle.  Will van Es is racing ahead in TKM Extreme, Charlie Bruce-White now 44 points in arrears with Luke Graver snapping at his heels.  No one seems able to catch Matt Davies in the Junior TKM category, although he settled for second in the last race at Larkhall he is still a massive 52 points ahead of Stephen Letts with Daniel Baybutt a further ten points behind.
 
As always live timing and results is available from the link on the Super One website with instant results on the TAG-Heuer site http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/results/2013/s1msa/2013.08.24. The remaining rounds are being held at PF International on 21/22 September, and Shenington near Banbury on 12/13 October.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

MSA Confirms New Classes   (21/08)

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) will introduce three new kart classes on 1 January 2014, for an initial three-year period: Formula KGP Junior; IAME X30 Senior and IAME X30 Junior.

The new classes have passed initial on-track testing and will be introduced at club and regional levels only, with no national or British championships during their initial three-year homologation period.

These classes will be homologated for the next three years - subject to final verification - in accordance with new-for-2013 regulations designed to ensure stability in karting; no further new junior or senior non-gearbox kart classes will be introduced until at least 2017, when the next homologation period begins.

Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive, said: "The MSA's new three-year homologation procedure for new kart classes is an important development, ensuring stability and consistency while allowing the sport to evolve. These new classes have met all the necessary requirements to date and we look forward to seeing them in action for the first time in 2014."

Andy Cox, Managing Director of KGP UK, said: "We have already demonstrated engine parity and realistic racing costs in the senior version of KGP. Now a 'junior' can use the same KGP engine, with some power restrictions, and have continuity of equipment from Junior to Senior KGP. We think this is a real positive for a junior competitor and it keeps their costs lower for the future."

James Mills of JM Engineering, IAME's UK distributor, said: "We are extremely privileged to have been given this opportunity to bring the X30 to the UK market. Our goal is to bring an affordable and reliable engine built for one purpose - kart racing - giving the competitor, whether they are a leisure or professional driver, the utmost enjoyment, knowing they're using a dedicated kart racing engine."

[ Top ]

---

Rotax Academy Class   (21/08)

The Super One Series and Trent Valley Kart Club invite entries to the MiniMax class for the innovative Rotax Academy with pooled engines. As a precursor to 2014, this event is a low cost and controlled cost race for 11 to 15 year olds, where all costs are met with one single fee except for the provision of the driver's own kart.  Engines, race slick and wet tyres, race oil and fuel will be supplied by the promoters and entry and official practice costs met by the single fee for the two days. The entry fee is £800 and the entry form is on the Downloads page on the Super One website - Rotax Academy Entry Form.  Entries to be sent to JKH, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire WA6 0PF (Tel 07774 646784) with SAE for confirmation.
 
This Academy is modelled on the CIK-FIA Academy to control costs and to permit drivers to compete on a level playing field no matter their personal funding.  It is expected to strongly appeal to drivers and parents who find the cost of competing in the National and British Championships prohibitive, and to encourage the 'Dad and Lad' team.  At the same time by being part of Super One, these families will experience the whole atmosphere of a professional premier level series and be able to mix with the top kart drivers of the era.  The Rotax Academy welcomes all non-novice drivers.
 
The Super One Series thanks JAG Engineering who will supply the pooled engines and technical staff.
 
In summary:
- Rotax Academy for MiniMax (Junior Max class to follow in 2014)
- Maximum of 30 drivers per class
- Minimum licence grade is National B, no novices
- Single entry fee of £800 including VAT
- Fee covers pooled engine supply, race slicks and wets, S1 fuel, oil and entry fees
- Driver provides his or her own kart
- Strong links with participating clubs in 2014 to encourage sponsorship of club member
- Competitor supplies own tyres for practice periods, Friday practice optional at usual cost
- Engines will be issued on Friday morning, full regulations available shortly
- Each engine will be pre-tested for equality
- Techncal staff available for support
- Final will be televised for Motors TV

- Entries close on 14 September, but be quick, limited number accepted.
 
Further information on http://superoneseries.com.

[ Top ]

---

Win A Set Of Mojo Tyres   (19/08)

Clay Pigeon Kart Club are offering all Rotax competitors who race at the Sept, Oct and Nov rounds of the club championship, the chance to win a brand new set of Mojo tyres, courtesy of JAG. There will be one set of tyres for each Rotax grid at each of the remaining club championship rounds. The lucky winners will be drawn from the Start lists and presented at the prize giving. You do not have to be a CPKC member to be entered in the draw.

For those who haven't been to Clay Pigeon Raceway before, there is open practice for Cadets every Monday to Thursday, Friday is open practice for all classes with sessioned practice for all classes on Saturdays.

Clay Pigeon Raceway is one of the fastest and friendliest kart circuits in the UK. The circuit has an on-site shop which also offers workshop services and engine services including full Rotax engine support. ARKs testing is also available by arrangement with the circuit reception. So why not come along and race in Sunny Dorset at the circuit where F1 champions began their dreams.

[ Top ]

---

SYKC Forthcoming Events   (19/08)

We are looking forward to hosting the next round of the Kartmania Championship on Sunday 8th September, entries look good and we welcome new competitors.

Sunday 13th October is when we hold the annual 'Cock of the North' event. This is usually a busy event where we see some fantastic racing.

We would love to see TKMs back at the circuit and we have some TKM drivers chomping at the bit to get back out on track, so if you haven't been before get your entries in and come along to join in the race to become the 'Cock of the North'.

Race entries are available at www.sykc.co.uk or contact Donna for further information at dbaines20@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Buckmore Park Open Practice   (16/08)

The circuit has added one additional open practice days on Thursday 22nd August between 10 am and 4 pm.  All non gear box ABkC classes welcome including Bambino.

£50 per kart per day for non members, £5 discount for BPKC and F6 members on production of membership cards.  Class sessions will be run.

For further details contact the circuit on 01634 201562.

[ Top ]

---

New From Iztech Kart Seats   Click for larger image...(15/08)

Iztech have been working on these latest additions to their race-winning seat range for the last few months and are pleased to be able to offer their Bambino seat in two different sizes.
 
As you will see from the picture one Bambino seat is narrower and taller than the other thereby catering for the taller young driver.
 
The dimensions are as follows, from left to right:

IZB1: 25cm, 23cm, 32.50cm.
IZB2: 26.50cm, 25cm, 32cm.Click for larger image...

Measurements taken from widest point at top to narrowest point in the middle to widest part at the bottom.
 
Iztech are also pleased to offer what we believe is the world's smallest karting rib and chest protector to fit size 54-60cm chest. These are again made exclusively for Iztech kart seats by the world famous Forcefield body armour specialists.
 
For more details please contact Kevin at Iztech kart seats on 01908 511000.  You can also visit our website at www.iztechkartseats.com.

[ Top ]

---

RL Drivers So, So Close   (15/08)

It was a case of 'so near and yet so far' for RL Racing Department at the recent Kart Masters (2/4 August). Team owner Steve Armstrong watched his talented squad of youngsters deliver a string of fantastic individual performances - but once again, crashes robbed his UK-based drivers' chances of greater glory.
 
In Mini Max, Hugo Bentley-Ellis and Sandy Mitchell had starred in the preliminaries, with the former taking pole position for the pre-final, with his team-mate 4th. They were joined by KFJ driver James Pull, who qualified in 19th place - just three places ahead of the ever-improving Jordan Cane.
 
After finishing in 4th place in the first final, Hugo went on to lead the Grand Prix only to be "annihilated" as his team boss put it on the last lap, when a driver pushed him onto the grass at the first hairpin. Sandy was also a victim of poor driving standards. After making three places up in the opening two laps he was smashed off the Lincolnshire circuit and dropped to 24th place. This cued a brief fight back, but on lap twelve he retired. James had been making steady progress until, at three quarter distance he lost several hard-fought for places but scrapped his way back to 16th at the finish. Jordan made his Kart Masters debut and acquitted himself well, putting in another solid shift behind the wheel of his Tony Kart EVK.
 
Russia's Nikita Mazepin was using the annual Kart Grand Prix meeting to gain vital experience ahead of the CIK/FIA World KF Championships (28 August/1 September).  Despite this being his debut appearance at PFi, he finished in a creditable 13th position, two behind RL regular Luke Knott.
 
Luke had carved his way up to 4th in the Junior Max Grand Prix but, just as happened to Bentley-Ellis previously, he was barged onto the grass as the race reached its zenith. In contrast, Nikita was able to show that he had adjusted superbly to the unfamiliar Rotax engine and surroundings by picking his way to 5th at the chequered flag.
 
"I'm both gutted and yet proud that we've proved a point," said Steve. "Luke was driving superbly but was simply driven off the track with two laps to go. Nikita was doing a one-off race with us, to learn the track for the KFJ race in September. He races in the official Tony Kart team and is mentored by our old friend, 2005 World Champion Oli Oakes. He had an exclusion in one heat and duly drove from p24 at the start of the pre-final to 5th in the Grand Prix! Just awesome!" 
 
He added: "Hugo was again the class of the field, along with Sandy during timed qualifying. Both boys took pole position for their heats, in which they drove really well.  I feel gutted for Hugo after he led the bulk of the Grand Final, only to be to be annihilated with one lap to go. Sandy also suffered. It was great to see James performing similar heroics to Nikita against a very tough Mini Max field. Jordan was fast throughout the weekend and gained more hard racing experience." 
 
The multiple-championship winning RL Racing Department team is now taking enquiries for its 2014 driver line-up. For more information, please call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

TKM Reject Age Change   (14/08)

Formula TKM have totally rejected a new MSA regulation change which would have allowed Juniors to move into the Senior class a year earlier at the age of 14 years and a day. This age change will not be applied by TKM.
 
In the words of TKM boss Alan Turney: "We are not changing our age regulations. It is simply crazy to let such youngsters out in Seniors. We have made our feelings very clear to the MSA and indeed asked them to re-think the whole issue.
 
"I have already had parents on the phone telling me they will withdraw their child from karting because they don't want them racing with adults on safety grounds."
 
The issue was first raised early in 2012 when TKM along with others made it clear to the MSA they thought the suggestion was totally illogical. However despite opposition the regulation change was finalised late last year to apply from the beginning of 2014 potentially for all classes.
 
However just because the MSA have created the rule it does not mean that classes have to follow it and TKM Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth is adamant they will not change.
 
He said: "The TKM classes will stay exactly as they are on age. It is not clear why anyone would think this change a good idea. The CIK do allow younger ages but there is already a rule in place which allows drivers to take part within this and then switch back to UK rules.
 
"Some in the MSA are saying that the rule change went through the normal procedure to be passed, however others there clearly have concerns. And it is interesting to note that virtually no-one I have spoken to is aware of the potential change.
 
"How anyone can regard a 14-year-old as fit to race against adults defies all logic. And it comes just at a time when the MSA are voicing concerns over the amount of lead which has to be carried by smaller drivers. What crazy double thinking.
 
"We would like every Junior or Senior driver that is against this change to email the MSA and voice their opinions. If you are against the scheme please send a brief email of complaint to Kart@msauk.org.

[ Top ]

---

IAME At The London Cup   Click for larger image...(09/08)

This year's London Cup will see IAME racing at Rye House Kart Raceway. Top 3 prizes are IAME vouchers to the value of £150, £100 and £50, F1 Tour, F1 memorabilia plus much more. 
 
Hoddesdon Kart Club is pleased to announce that this year's London Cup will be on the 1st September 2013 and will incorporate Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.

Entry fee is £105 for non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timings sheets for all sessions and will be uninterrupted. Entry forms will shortly be available at
www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup
.
 
Come along for a great weekends racing and some fantastic prizes, Including a chance to Win a fully Funded Season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta race day tickets to get up close to the action. Plus more to be announced, Watch this space!

If you require any further Information or to book pitbays please email Jason Robinson on
pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk, alternatively call on 07984 495158.

[ Top ]

---

MSA Selects Bambino Engine   (09/08)

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is delighted to announce that it has selected the Comer C50 as the Bambino kart class engine, with effect from 1 January 2014.

The Comer C50 will be homologated by the MSA; competitors already using the engine must have theirs validated in accordance with that homologation. The MSA has arranged for this to be carried out by Zip Kart, the UK distributor, at a cost of no more than £50 plus VAT per unit (not including any parts or labour deemed necessary to achieve validation) until 31 December 2013.

The announcement follows a tender process launched in August 2012 to find a supplier for the Bambino tyres and another for the engine. The MSA also expects to announce the successful applicant for the supply of tyres for the Bambino kart class, with effect from 1 January 2014, in the near future.

Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive, said: "MSA Bambino time trials are very popular among youngsters taking their very first steps into competitive motor sport, and as with racing the MSA wishes to ensure parity of equipment and performance at a realistic price. We are confident that the Comer C50 will help us to achieve that goal, which we will work towards in conjunction with Zip Kart."

Zip Kart's Dan Parker said: "As the sole UK distributor for Comer, Zip Kart will be working closely with the MSA and the ABkC kart clubs around the UK to promote the Bambino class in the coming months. We are committed to making Bambino an enjoyable and cost effective class for all, offering a safe and controlled environment for young drivers to enjoy the sport for the first time."

[ Top ]

---

Formula KGP Clubman & Masters   (07/08)

Click for larger image...Within the existing technical regulations of KGP there are already versions of KGP called "Clubman and Masters".
 
These sub divisions of KGP use the same BMB engine as the KGP "Pro" version which races in the S1 series but they use the harder compound Vega XH slick (aka Vega Green).
 
For 2014 the MSA has approved that KGP "Clubman" and "Masters" can use a fixed jet Tillotson carburettor instead of the KGP Tryton adjustable 2 jet carburettor used in S1 in the KGP Pro.
 
For 2014 KGP Pro will continue in the same specification Vega XM slick tyres and the Tryton KGP carburettor in the S1 series, Kartmasters and PFI and Shenington and Wigan club meetings etc.
 
"As a natural evolution of the class we want to offer KGP at all levels of karting from the S1 National Championships to club level all across the UK. A harder tyre and a carburettor that is easy to set up will be easier for a club driver to use in KGP- especially racing as a privateer", says KGP UK boss Andy Cox.
 
"We have very good experience from the Tillotson fixed main jet carburettor that we use in Easykart - it's reliable and easy to use and straight forward to maintain. In our track testing we have found a good reliable performance when using it on the KGP engine. With the harder Vega XH tyre and the Tillotson fixed jet carburettor the lap time is slower than KGP Pro but around the same lap time as Snr Max. All three KGP divisions Pro, Clubman or Masters can race on the same grid at Club level"
 
We will be holding some KGP taster test days in the coming months for drivers to try out KGP.
 
Formula KGP - Class overview 2014...

KGP "Pro":
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the year of the 16th birthday .
Tryton 2 jet KGP carb - min driver/kart weight 162Kgs : Vega KGP XM slick tyre : Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
 
KGP Clubman:
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the year of the 16th birthday .
Tillotson fixed jet carb- min driver/kart weight 162Kgs : Vega KGP XH slick tyre : Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
 
KGP Masters:
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the year of the 16th birthday .
Tillotson fixed jet carb- min driver/kart weight 175Kgs : Vega KGP XH slick tyre : Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
 
Call us on 01527 889595 or visit www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

[ Top ]

---

Comeback Kid Reilly   (07/08)

Click for larger image...Kart Masters, the self-styled British Grand Prix of karting, is renowned for the fierceness and high-calibre of its racing. Its winner-takes-all nature means that every competitor raises their game in a bid to win the coveted 'GP' number plates.
 
So it would be understandable for a driver to select a lesser event at which to return to racing. Not Joe Reilly, though. The former Junior Max Super One champion and Formula Renault BARC star-turned mechanic with Strawberry Racing, made a stunning comeback at PFi last weekend (3/4 August).
 
The Londoner posted the 6th-fatest time in qualifying, which saw twenty nine drivers separated by less than a second. His 8th, 3rd and 5th place finishes in the heats gave Joe a respectable 11th place on the grid for the pre-final.
 
The 2007 'O' Plate Junior Max champion and Euro Max runner-up showed that retirement had not dented his natural speed or talent as he charged up to 2nd place at the chequered flag.
 
At the start of the Grand Final, Reilly was shuffled down to 4th but was still within striking distance of the race leader. As the fight intensified, he lost two further places. By lap three, the race lead had changed and Reilly was on the move back up the order. A lap later, he was 3rd and pressing for 2nd place.  By mid-distance, little more than two seconds covered the top ten, but Joe was under pressure from behind. With 30 seconds to go, Reilly snatched the lead, but in the space of two corners was pushed back to 5th.  A thrilling last lap saw Joseph able to claw his back into 3rd, which he held to the finishing line, to complete a superb performance throughout the meeting.
 
Click for larger image...Strawberry Racing team manager Warwick Ringham was both delighted and quite shocked by Joe's success: "Prior to the event, he had tested the kart just seven times. Joe decided to enter as a bit of fun and hasn't really driven a kart since he went to cars in 2009. To come back and lead the Grand Final was pretty amazing. Will he make a full time return to karting? I don't know - but I suspect he's quite keen now!"

Jai Nijjar was the team's only other entrant to the event, competing for Junior Max honours. He qualified in 8th spot following timed qualifying and the heats. Like Joe, he turned on the style and picked his way through to an excellent 3rd place at the finish of the pre-final.

Sadly, his hopes of another podium, or indeed of victory, were dashed in the Grand Final. Jai held his starting position as the field plunged into the opening sequences of bends. He held station for several further laps, but as the combatants tripped over one another, Nijjar lost out and dropped back to an eventual 11th.

"That's the nature of Kart Masters," Warwick observed. "Everything has to go perfectly and you need a massive dose of good luck too. Jai drove really well in the first final, but made some mistakes in the second one, which cost him. Some of the other drivers weren't racing cleanly and in those circumstances, it is always going to be hard. Still he learned a lot and gave a great account of himself, and that's all you can ask for."

For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

 

[ Top ]

---

Positive 6 Months For DR   Click for larger image...(06/08)

Since its return to England towards the end of 2012, the DR kart has come back into the UK through Richard and Ryan Green. The latest s97 chassis is designed for versatility and has proven this through being competitive in both KGP and TKM since its arrival.
 
It's not just success in the UK though, the works team, under the guidance of 5 time karting world champion Danilo Rossi have dominated KZ2 in all competitions. Riccardo Negro won the WSK Euro Series and Emil Antonsen won the CIK European Championship. Together proving that the 2013 S97 chassis is a cut above the rest in KZ2.
 
DR UK now have a very busy August scheduled including Kartmasters, the TKM Festival and MSA Super One. If you're moving up to seniors or are interested in moving into KGP for 2014, then come and see us for an informal chat.Click for larger image...
 
Furthermore we are interested in helping to develop the club racing scene for KGP, please contact us if that also interests you.

Email drkartuk@gmail.com or tweet us @drkartuk.
 
Also check out the DR website at http://www.drracingkart.it/en.

[ Top ]

---

S1 Mini Max Crown   (06/08)

Click for larger image...Connor Hall's domination of Mini Max looked under fire as his rivals staged a fightback at the beginning of last weekend's (27/28 July) sixth round of the Super One championship. By Sunday evening however, it was normal service resumed and the Strawberry star is now the 2013 champion in waiting.
 
Connor topped the times-sheets in the first qualifying session, but found himself down in 12th place overall when the second session proved to be quicker. Finlay Hutchison fared marginally better in 11th, whilst Darren Keane wasn't far behind, having posted the 15th-quickest time.
 
Once the heats had been dispensed with, Hall qualified for the first final in 10th place, with Keane 11th and Hutchison 16th.

As the race had got underway, Connor wasted little time carving his way up to 2nd and looked to have accepted the position - but found himself promoted to the top of the podium when the original winner was handed a five-place penalty. The rain added plenty of extra drama and controversy, during which Darren could finish no higher than 19th with Finlay, competing in his 'home' race - disappointed with his 23rd.
 
Click for larger image...When the rain abated, the rapidly drying track created some set-up headaches for the field, but Hall suffered no worries as he led the bumping, jostling pack into the first corner. As has become a frequent sight this year, he controlled the race from the front and cruised to another lights-to-flag victory, provisionally sealing the title with a round to spare. In contrast, Hutchison's frustrating conclusion to the weekend was compounded by finishing a lap down. Keane was a spectator after parking up just five laps into the race.
 
Click for larger image...Recent signing Jai Nijjar enjoyed his best qualifying performance of the season with pole position in Junior qualifying. Title protagonist Guan Yu Zhou was 3rd with Omar Ismail 26th. With the top ten separated by just a tenth of a second, the successive racing was always going to be close. Following the heats, Jai claimed 5th on the grid for the first final, whilst Guan Yu qualified in 8th spot. Omar found himself in 26th position, but clearly making the cut for automatic passage into the two finals. In the tricky, wet conditions Guan Yu finished in the same position he started, 8th, with Jai dropping to an eventual 15th. Omar was the only Strawberry driver able to make real progress and was 19th at race end.
 
Just as it had done for the main Mini Max final, the Summerlee Raceway tarmac had dried for the return fixture. Again, penalties were handed out for overly robust tactics, which shuffled the finishing order post-race. Zhou had become embroiled in a fierce scrap for 2nd place and did his title hopes no harm with 3rd at the chequered flag.  Jai crossed the line in 4th but was found 'in contravention of flag signals' after storming up from midfield. Omar repeated his previous top twenty finish, bringing his Tony Kart EVK across the line in 19th.
 
Click for larger image...Harry Webb's latent speed was evident at Larkhall, as he landed pole position in qualifying with a time four tenths of a second faster than his nearest challenger. Fellow title challenger Charlie Eastwood ranked 5th overall, with Kyle Fowlie and Andreas Backman also going well in 7th and 10th respectively. Wins in both his heats ensured that Harry claimed P1 for the first final. Excellent results at his home race saw Kyle start directly behind his team-mate, in 3rd spot, with Charlie alongside him. Andreas' strong form in the heats gave him a fifth row starting position.
 
Webb initially maintained his advantage from pole position but Kyle, racing on home soil, sensed he too could win. Three laps from home, Fowlie committed to his move and Webb gave him room, whilst also now having to fend off an attack for the second step on the podium. He succeeded, setting up A Strawberry 1-2. Eastwood salvaged 10th with Andreas pushed to 13th.
 
As had been seen in the Mini and Junior races, uncompromising driving and disobeying of the rules were met with equally forceful stewarding. Exclusions and penalties abounded, leaving Fowlie awarded 2nd place. Webb had been pushed from 5th to 16th during the race, but was fortunate to take home valuable points. Andreas and Charlie were both classified in 24th and 25th spots but in reality, were non-runners at the finish.  This ensures that the title-decider will be at the last round of the series, at Shenington next month (28/29 September).  For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Summer Championship   (05/08)

Click for larger image...The Summer Championships at Lydd are nearing their peak, with round 5 of the 6 being held on Sunday 11th August. Practice is available on Saturday, with many drivers no doubt searching for that elusive tenth or so that might improve their chances of a good points finish on Sunday.
 
Following another bumper month last month, where the racing was as hot as the weather, we look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to our fast and friendly Circuit. It was nice to see several new faces around the paddock last time - hope to see you again this month. Why not bring a friend as well?
 
We will be running our normal classes - Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax, Senior Rotax 162 and 177 and the ProKarts. However, we always welcome karts from other classes and will find a grid for you to race with.
 
Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee.
 
Keep up to date with what is happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com
 
Should you wish to call the Circuit, our numbers are 01797 321747 or 01797 321895.

[ Top ]

---

South West Championships   (05/08)

The 2013 South West Championships will be hosted by Dunkeswell KRC at the superb Mansell Raceway in Devon on the 24th & 25th August 2013.

There will be timed practice on the Saturday with a full race programme on the Sunday. Cost for the weekend is £85 and includes a Hog Roast meal for drivers. There will be children's entertainment There will be separate SW plates for 4 stroke and 2 stroke cadets with the possibility of awarding Comer & IAME plates if there are enough entrants. Grid sizes are limited to 34 for each class.

Check out www.dunkeswellkartclub.co.uk for more details as they are confirmed.

Entries opening soon!

[ Top ]

---

KartForce Annual Fundraiser   Click for larger image...(02/08)

Click for larger image...We're holding our big annual fund raiser race on Sat 5th Oct at Whilton Mill - it's a 4hr team endurance race in Prokarts.
 
Race Entry Fee is £200 plus £135 for tyres. Full info and race entry forms can be found on our web site - www.KartForce.org.
 
If you don't own a Prokart, for £450 we can supply your team with the rental of a competition Prokart (not a corporate kart) with trackside support, tyres and fuel - just "Arrive & Drive".
 
All funds raised will go towards getting more injured troops karting. Come and find out if you have what it takes to beat the KartForce lads!

[ Top ]

---

Additional Open Practice Days   (01/08)

As there is no race meeting at Buckmore Park in August the circuit has added two additional open practice days on Tuesday 6th August and Thursday 22nd August between 10 am and 4 pm. All non gear box ABkC classes welcome.

£50 per kart per day for non members, £5 discount for BPKC and F6 members on production of membership cards. Class sessions may be run.

For further details contact the circuit on 01634 201562.

[ Top ]

---

At A Loose End This Weekend?   (31/07)

The next round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club championship, held at Karting North East, Warden Law, Sunderland, is on this Sunday 4th August.

We aim to provide a safe and fun event for all, with grids for cadets, rotax, tkm & prokarts. Our facilities include an onsite kart shop and cafe, plus overnight parking is available, so whether you are new to Warden Law or haven't raced for a while, come and join the excitement and see what our challenging 1.2 kilometre circuit has to offer.
 
No race license is required, plus day membership is available, so just turn up and race (a discount is available for advance bookings)!
 
For further details visit the club website www.twkartclub.com, email kartclub@kartingnortheast.com or ring the circuit on 0191 521 4050.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series Review   (31/07)

The British summer ended abruptly with heavy rain on the Sunday morning at the Scottish circuit, although the track dried up for the later second finals in the afternoon. Thus a good wet weather set up was essential to stay at the front of the pack.  With a round to spare, Honda Cadet has a provisional champion with Kiern Jewiss, and MiniMax with Connor Hall. Many congratulations to both.
 
Click for larger image...Honda Cadet
Kiern Jewiss made a great start from fifth on the grid to lead with first Matthew Hopcraft, then Tom Canning following. Poleman Chris Lulham was clinging on in the top six but Matthew Hayden from the outside of the front row was falling back, to finish thirteenth. Mark Kimber was another with a great set up, from starting eighteenth he had quickly stormed into the leading group, displacing Myles Apps and quickly taking advantage of Canning's pass on Jewiss to follow through for second. Jewiss leapt into the lead of the second final over Canning whilst Perry Cooke briefly ran third, from his seventh place start, but fell to ninth as Kimber recovered from his outside starting position. Ben Karpeczak stormed up from ninth to fourth and when Kimber took Canning, Karpeczak was soon to follow for third. Jewiss succumbed to the hard charging Kimber who pulled out almost 3s for the win. Jewiss second place was good enough for an unassailable position in the points table.
 
Click for larger image...Comer Cadet
Alex Quinn, who had been on the front row for the first final was unfortunate to have his kart throw its chain on the formation lap, so Sean Butcher leapfrogged Olli Caldwell to follow poleman Tom Wood then pick up the lead at half distance. That put Wood back to third behind Oliver York. Matthew Graham was another out on the first lap, and Caldwell slipped back to eleventh in the wet conditions. Alex McDade found a good setup to move up from grid 11 to fourth, displacing Jonny Edgar. Once ahead, MBR's Butcher pulled a 3s gap on York. With a track just beginning to dry for the second final, Quinn gambled on slicks, the only one to do so, and reached fourth from the back. Wood enjoyed a lights to flag victory but Butcher pushed him hard once clearing York and McDade.  These latter two both succumbed to the attentions of William Pettit and finally Quinn.
 
Click for larger image...MiniMax
Connor Hall was quickest in the first timed session but dropped to twelfth with the other session being faster, Tom Gamble, Sandy Mitchell and Dean MacDonald (now on a Kosmic) all at the top of the table. So Gamble won through to pole for the first final alongside MacDonald, whilst championship leader Hall was only on grid ten. Gamble took the hole shot, with Jordan Brown-Nuttley quickly displacing Harrison Thomas and proving too fast for Gamble.  Hall stormed through to second, not quite managing the pass for the win but picking it up anyway when Brown-Nuttley was penalised five places, as was MacDonald from sixth.  Earlier Alex Stott had been black-flagged in and excluded. Gamble hung on for third, which became second. With the track now drying fast, Hall could control the race from the front and with a round to spare speed to the provisional championship position.  He will probably guest as a Junior Max at the final round. Gamble recovered quickly from falling to fifth at the start, to chase Hall, whilst Cameron Roberts headed MacDonald, Thomas and Cameron McClauchlin only to be excluded for a technical non-compliance.
 
Click for larger image...Junior Max
Jai Nijjar enjoyed topping the Saturday dry timed qualifying over Josh Price and Guan Yu Zhou but after qualifying through to grid five for the first final, he came off at the start.  He would reach fifteenth.  Nathan Aston converted pole to the lead, chased hard by Lando Norris but opening a good cushion until he slid wide at a corner.  That left the door open for a win by Norris, Aston still clear of Price, Tom Harvey and Jake Walker. Ben Hingeley had gridded fourth but slipped back in the wet conditions to thirteenth, and Zhou could only manage eighth, after Philip Rawson was excluded for driving standards from that spot.  With the track almost dry for the second final, Price leapfrogged Norris and eased away for a 4s victory. Norris had fallen to seventh and would have finished ninth until he was given a five place penalty. Brett Ward headed what became a massive battle for second in a long train of karts, Zhou going much better in the dry and clinching third.  Some were too exuberant, Jai Nijjar excluded from fourth for contravention of flag signals after storming through the pack, and Aston for driving standards after a clash with Walker.
 
Click for larger image...Senior Max
Harry Webb and Philip Morin topped the first timed practice session, but Morin's Sunday did not go to plan.  In the second Shane Daly pipped James Singleton and Sean Babington, and it was Webb and Daly's names at the top of the combined list. Jack Saffery did not get a time. Webb won the first and third heat and Babington the second for the first final front row whilst Daly and Sam Snell suffered exclusions, Snell for technical. Webb converted pole to first, chased by Kyle Fowlie, James Singleton and Kieran Gifford, the latter about to be taken by Oliver Hodgson.  But Babington had come off and had to recover to fourteenth from the back, Charlie Eastwood also dropping places and only managing tenth on the wet track. Fowlie nipped past his Strawberry team-mate Webb at his local track with three laps to spare, and Webb was hounded by Singleton to the line. Josh Collings had to obey a mechanical flag signal, but would score ninth in the second final, which was an acrimonious affair. Oliver Myers, from fifth on the grid, slotted in behind Singleton and Fowlie and leapfrogged both to what he thought was his first senior win, albeit by a fraction over Hodgson.  But he had been seen passing on a yellow flag and was excluded from the race. Hodgson had been following him through on the now dry track, and thus inherited the win over what would have been Singleton.  The latter driver had also contravened flag signals and was also excluded leaving Fowlie second.  And then the next on the road Gifford was underweight, so that put a recovering Babington up from sixth to third, Saffery next. Harrison Wignall was another with an exclusion for driving standards whilst Webb had fallen out of fifth to near the back, and Eastwood stopped with a technical issue. Hodgson is now top of points standings but not when dropped scores are taken into account so there will be all to play for at the final round at Shenington at the end of September.
 
Click for larger image...Further information on http://superoneseries.com.

Results

Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Tom Canning (Project One); 2 Mark Kimber (BRK); 3 Kiern Jewiss (Project One); 4 Myles Apps (BRK); 5 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 6 Chris Lulham (BRK).
Final 2: 1 Kimber; 2 Jewiss; 3 Ben Karpeczak (Project One); 4 Canning; 5 Hopcraft; 6 Matthew Hayden (BRK).
 
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Sean Butcher (Zip); 2 Oliver York (Zip); 3 Tom Wood (Zip) 4 Alex McDade (Zip); 5 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 6 William Pettitt (Zip).Click for larger image...
Final 2: 1Wood; 2 Butcher; 3 Pettitt; 4 Alex Quinn (Zip); 5 York; 6 McDade
 
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart); 2 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 3 Harrison Thomas (Tonykart); 4 Max Bird (Tonykart); 5 Josh Skelton (Tonykart); 6 Jordan Brown-Nutley (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Hall; 2 Gamble; 3 Dean MacDonald (Kosmic); 4 Thomas; 5 Cameron McLauchlin (Gillard); 6 Bird.
 
Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Lando Norris (Tonykart); 2 Nathan Aston (Tonykart); 3 Josh Price (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Jake Walker (Kosmic); 6  Brett Ward (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Price; 2 Ward; 3 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 4 Jack Bartholomew (Tonykart); 5 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 6 Dave Wooder (Alonso).Click for larger image...
 
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 2 Harry Webb (Tonykart); 3 James Singleton (Tonykart); 4 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 5 Oliver Myers (Tonykart); 6 Kieran Gifford (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Hodgson; 2 Fowlie; 3 Sean Babington (Alonso); 4 Jack Saffery (Tonykart); 5 Connor Jupp (Alonso); 6 Thomas Arme (Kosmic).

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

 

Tattershall Kart Centre   (31/07)

Click for larger image...Over the August Bank Holiday weekend (24th, 25th & 26th August) Tattershall Kart Centre is holding a 3 day event with one days practice on Saturday and racing on Sunday and Monday.
 
The Kart Club at Tattershall normally race on the 2nd Sunday of each month (apart from January) but at this August Bank Holiday event, although an extra meeting counting towards the Championship, everyone is welcome!
 
During this meeting there will be various activities raising funds for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air ambulance. A whole weekend's racing at this non-MSA circuit is £80.00.
 
If you wish to bring your own meat there will be a BBQ available to cook it on in the evenings, possible entertainment too, and anyone is welcome to stay over Saturday and Sunday evenings if you have your own caravan, etc. The emphasis will be on a family friendly fun weekend!
 
Click for larger image...Around lunchtime on Monday 26th at this special August Bank Holiday meeting we are running an all-comers event charity demonstration, for anyone not wanting to race but would like to have a go!  Corporate karts will be available, or bring your own as any kart of any size (providing it has raced in a class during its life) can be entered and 1st, 2nd & 3rd trophies will be awarded for the best presented karts. For this we are asking for a £20.00 donation for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. We are also planning other events to raise money for the Air Ambulance such as: a raffle, possibly a cake stall (so bring a cake to sell or money to buy one), bouncy castle & massages, plus hopefully many other exciting activities.
 
At Tattershall we pride ourselves on running any class of karts, so dust off your karts and come and join in the fun. We look forward to meeting you!
 
Put this on your calendar of events and contact Tattershall on 01526 344566 or send an e-mail via the Tattershall Kart Centre website.
 
Please note: Tattershall now use yellow (My Laps) transponders.

[ Top ]

---

Forthcoming Events   (30/07)

11th August - IAME Summer Challenge:
Just to remind you that as part of the August Club Championship meeting we are offering IAME Cadet Competitors the opportunity of racing for £500 worth of cash prizes.
 
This meeting is two weeks before the MSA Super 1 Championship round here at Clay and gives all IAME drivers the opportunity of using it as a Shakedown Event.  Of course, all other Super 1 MSA Championship classes can do the same.  The event is open to all National B Licence holders and the regulations can be downloaded from the Club's website.
 
24th/25th August - MSA Super 1 Championship:
In conjunction with Super 1, we are organising a Honda Cadet Challenge.  This will enable all Honda Cadet Competitors to taste the atmosphere of the National and British Championship Meetings.  The format of racing will be the same as the Championship Classes - timed qualifying, 2 heats and 2 finals.  The entry fee for the two days will be £100 and practice on Friday will be £45.  This Challenge will be televised and will be run under a Clubman Permit and is, therefore, open to ALL our Club drivers.
 
For more information on forthcoming events visit www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

Mechanics Required   (30/07)

Click for larger image...Racing Perfection specialise in a range of team services and driver development programs across the South of England. Due to continuing expansion Racing Perfection are looking for several additional mechanics to join the team.

The appointed mechanics will assist at Forest Edge meetings and elements of the team's testing program.
 
Experience with either Honda Cadet or Junior Rotax Max is required.

Applications should be sent to Steve Bell of Racing Perfection at steve.bell@racingperfection.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Connor Hall Is British Champion   (29/07)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Connor Hall arrived at the Larkhall circuit in Scotland having only ever been there a couple of times before, and only ever in the dry. He missed out on valuable testing at the race meeting the week before due to European championship commitments.

For qualifying he was fastest in the first group but the second group was always faster by around 3 tenths due to the first group going out straight after the cadets. This meant that most of the second group went faster than Connors time and he ended up 12th overall. For the heats he was starting on the outside of row 4 in 8th place and at the start of the first heat was hit off the track and only managed 16th place. He ended up 3rd in the last heat which secured him 10th for the pre-final.

As it was wet it was Connor's first time at the track in wet conditions. He soon found the grip and picked off the drivers one at a time and soon closed in on the leader with a few laps to go Connor decided to stay where he was and came home in 2nd as knew he only needed a few points to secure the title. The race winner was given a 5 place penalty after the race which promoted Connor to pole for the televised final.

Click for larger image...By the time of the Main final the track had dried enough for slick tyres although there were still alot of damp patches off line. At the start Connor came under pressure from a number of drivers but held his nerves to edge away. At the end the front 2 drivers had a healthy advantage as the rest of the field started scrapping for positions. This has secured Connor and Strawberry Racing the Super 1 title!

Click for larger image...Connor now has a few weeks holiday before heading to Salbris in France for the last round of the European championships where it will go down to the last race to decide the title, as although Connor is leading the championship on drops he is even with his team mate Guan yu Zhou.

Connor would like to say a massive thankyou to Paul Spencer, Warwick Ringham, Tim Ezard and all at Strawberry Racing for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream racing engine. Even more so Connor would like to thank the kart mechanic of the year Harry Cockill for his exceptional hard work so far this season. And last but certainly not least his Mum and Dad Cath and Craig, and his sister Chloe and brother Lewis - known in the paddock as the pro golfer - for their support.

You can keep up to date with Connor's progress at www.connorhall.co.uk and www.strawberryracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Midland Championships 2013   (26/07)

The Midland Championships, Rissington's biggest and most prestigious event of the year, will take place on 31 August and 1 September,with open practice on Friday 30 August.

This year, the Midland Championships will be a 'double header' event. This means a full meeting of 3 heats and a final on Saturday and another full meeting on Sunday! Both meetings will count for Club Championship points (rounds 8 & 9) and trophies will be awarded each day.

However, the coveted Midland Championship awards will be presented on the aggregate scores for the Finals on both days. In other words, the points scored in each Final will be added together to decide the Midland Champion in each class. Trophies will also be awarded for 2nd & 3rd in the Midland Championships.

Drivers can enter just one of the days if they wish, but to be in the running for a Midland Championship award, you need to enter both days. Non-members are of course very welcome!

If you enter both days, then special entry fees apply - £95 for members (i.e. £47.50 per entry) and £105 (i.e. £52.50 per entry) for non-members. Practice on Friday will be at normal rates.

Plus, use our successful online entry system to enter and pay for the August race weekend and you will be in the draw for a free weekend of practice and racing at this year's Midland Championships worth over £130!
 
The Midland Champs weekend will also see the third round of the TKM interclub championships, so get booked in for the August  meeting come and get some practice ready for another great weekend at Rissington and  you could be racing in the Midland Champs for free. 

There will also be lots of other attractions, including a Formula 1 Simulator and Historic Karts.

For more information check out the Rissy web site at www.rissykartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

The London Cup 2013   (25/07)

Hoddesdon Kart Club is pleased to announce that this year's London Cup will be on the 1st September 2013 and will incorporate Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.

Entry fee is £105 for non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timings sheets for all sessions and will be uninterrupted.  Entry forms are available at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup.
 
Come along for a great weekends racing and some fantastic prizes, Including a chance to Win a fully Funded Season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta race day tickets to get up close to the action.  Plus more to be announced, Watch this space!

If you require any further Information or to book pitbays please email Jason Robinson on pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk,  alternatively call on 07984495158.   

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series Preview   (25/07)

After a month's break which was filled by some with racing in the UK round of the Rotax Max Euro Challenge, the series moves to Summerlee Raceway at Larkhall in Scotland (www.wskc.co.uk), just off the M74 and easily accessible from the south.  Although only 852m in length the circuit presents a strong challenge to the driver with several overtaking opportunities available.  The event is for the ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship. 
 
Click for larger image...Sean Babington, fresh from victory in the DD2 two-gear Rotax class at the Euro Max event, leads the senior Rotax in the ABkC National Championship by one point only from Oliver Hodgson.  Kyle Fowlie and Charlie Eastwood are snapping at their heels.  Ben Hingeley has a healthy lead in Junior Max for those in their 13th year up to 16 plus. The driver from Shanghai, Guan Yu Zhou is coming up fast to challenge Josh Price.  Connor Hall has such a substantial lead in MiniMax for 11-15 year olds that another good event could easily see him take the crown with a round to spare. Dan Zelos is nearest with Cameron Roberts, Hugo Bentley Ellis and Tom Gamble all close together for third place. Rory Hudson, Myles Apps and Matthew Hayden could all quite easily challenge Kiern Jewiss' position at the top of the ABkC Honda Cadet standings.  Similarly Oliver York and Rookie Tom Wood could put Alex Quinn's current first place position in the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship in danger.
 
There is an optional day's practice on Friday, more practice on Saturday morning which is followed by timed qualifying sessions then heats.  The remainder of the heats and the last chance races are taken on Sunday morning before the all important two finals each class on Sunday afternoon.  All the races count for points, so one slip up or exclusion can hit very hard. The timetables and entry lists are available on the Super One website under 'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.  After this the next and last round will be at Shenington near Banbury on 28/29 September where the 2013 champions will be crowned, if no-one sews up the series in Scotland.
 
Full details on http://superoneseries.com with live timing from TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning: http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

RL Racing Drivers Impress   (25/07)

Click for larger image...All four of RL Racing Department's squad took their Euro Max Challenge bows at last weekend's third round of the championship, held at PFi (20/21 July).
 
Temperatures had reached 36 degrees centigrade during the build-up to the race weekend, with Sandy Mitchell, Jack Martin, Zachary Claman DeMelo and Luke Knott all setting excellent times during the official tests.
 
However, matters didn't quite pan out for the quartet in timed qualifying, with Mitchell 25th-fastest and his team-mate Jack Martin 33rd overall in the Juniors. Claman DeMelo echoed Martin's place in the Senior class, with Knott 35th.
 
Strong performances in the heats saw Sandy qualify for the pre-final in 11th spot, with Jack joining him after taking 4th in the Second Chance heat.
 
Click for larger image...An inspired drive, amongst the frequent crashes, moved Sandy up the order and he crossed the finishing line in 5th place. Jack also survived the dramas to move from the back of the field to 25th at the chequered flag.
 
Click for larger image...Mitchell duly capped a fine first taste of European competition with a creditable 6th place in the main final. Martin improved to 24th a t the finish, delighting RL Racing Department owner, Steve Armstrong: "A huge 'well done' to Sandy for taking 5th in final 1 and 6th in final 2 and on both his Junior and European debut! Also congratulations to Jack for qualifying via the repecharge and racing hard in his first Junior and European event."
 
Canada's Claman DeMelo emerged from something of a baptism of fire to earn Armstrong's praise after the Senior heats: "P19 for the pre-final! What a great day for Zachary. He set the fastest lap in two of his four heats. On top of that he was second-fastest in one and inside the top five in the other. Despite a tough qualifying, we showed that the speed was definitely there and I really believed that a podium was possible in the finals. We were pushing hard for that result."
 
In what became something of a crash-fest, Zachary claimed 15th in the pre-final, with Luke making up ten places on his way to 25th.
 
Click for larger image...Sadly, the team's buoyant optimism could not deliver the results it believed were deserved or possible. Knott parked his kart with three laps to go and Claman DeMelo had to settle for another 15th-place finish.
 
"It was a hard day for all the drivers, especially Zach and Luke. Their pace was very good but the final tuned into one of those races where you can only shrug your shoulders and say it was a case of 'close but no cigar!' Still, I'm encouraged by all four of the lads' performances and I'm sure they took a great deal from the experience."

The multiple-championship winning RL Racing Department team is now taking entries for its 2014 driver line-up. For more information, please call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Rotax Team Openings   (24/07)

Rotax Specialists KR-Sport are now taking enquiries for the 2014 season for Mini, Junior and senior rotax classes, Limited spaces will be available as the team look to welcome on board new team members ready to start a detailed testing plan after the 2013 Super One calendar comes to an end.

Team principle Ashley Orchard explained "We like to start testing as soon as possible with our new drivers and especially with cadet drivers making the step up to the mini max class so we will look to be out straight after the major championships are finished."

The KR-Sport team is well known for producing champions and their current performances would indicate they are the team to be part off. The team welcomes you to visit them at Larkhall Super One or at PF International for the Kart Masters event for an informal chat.

Contact team manager Ashley Orchard on 07921 225680 to discuss your plans, e-mails can be directed to ash@kr-sport.com.

More information on the team can be found at www.kr-sport.com.

[ Top ]

---

Clean Sweep For Strawberry   (24/07)

Click for larger image...Last weekend's (20/21 July) third and penultimate round of the Euro Max Challenge at PFi saw Strawberry Racing's drivers take podiums in the DD2, Senior and Junior classes.

Andreas Backman - the team's sole representative in the DD2 category - gave a great account of himself by taking 3rd in the main final. It marked his best result in the championship this year and comes off the back of a string of excellent performances in the BNL series.

Andreas built on a terrific qualifying performance, in which he posted the 2nd-fastest lap time, to claim 6th and 2nd-place finishes in his two heats. Such is the closeness of the standard in DD2, that this was only good enough to earn him p13 on the grid for the pre-final.

Demonstrating the pace he'd shown throughout the preliminaries, the Swede went on to finish 5th before going on to claim his maiden Euro Max podium in the main final.

Whilst it made for spectacular viewing to the large crowd and TV audience at home, much of the racing in Senior Max was marred by incidents. "It was all a bit crash, bang, wallop" observed Ringham. "Many of the drivers were using their front brakes to go in hard and late on their rivals, rather than the corners."

Click for larger image...The inevitable melee in the final put-paid to the team's chances of adding to their encouraging heat and pre-final results. Harry Webb had topped the intermediate ranking and netted 3rd in the pre-final, with team-mate Charlie Eastwood 4th. Kyle Fowlie had made up ground to go from 13th on the grid to 7th, setting him up for another strong race in the second final.

In contrast, Harry and Charlie would complete the weekend as spectators - victims of crashes. Max Aitken's debut as a Senior was also frustrated by a DNF.

Lifting the team's spirits was Kyle's richly deserved runner-up finish in the main final. "He likes to make you sweat a bit", joked Warwick after Kyle had set himself an uphill task following qualifying and the heats. "We gave him a bit of a talking-to and that fired him up for the finals. He certainly saved the best 'til last and drove really well."

Click for larger image...Guan Yu Zhou led Connor Hall home for a Strawberry 1-2 in the Junior final. The pair had been in fine form throughout, but Connor was given a scare in the pre-final, recovering to 15th after being knocked off the circuit. Jai Nijjar enjoyed an impressive two days of competition with the Tony Kart team to figure well inside the top ten at every stage. He capped his weekend with 4th in the final. Thomas Issa narrowly missed out on a top ten finish with his eventual 11th with Finley Hutchinson and Darren Keane crossing the finishing line 14th and 15th respectively. Juri Vips earned Warwick's praise, but was unable to finish higher than 22nd in the main final. Argentina's Nicolas Dapero European debut showed just how tough the competition in the heartland of Max racing is, but he gained valuable experience with the championship leaders. Omar had shown real speed, but was another victim of the frequent crashes.

Summing up the team's fortunes, Warwick said: "I'm happy but it could all end in tears at the final round (in Salbris 6/8 September). Connor and Guan Yu are tied at the top of the table, if you consider dropped rounds, so it will be 'winner-takes-all' in France. Similarly, I think Charlie and Harry are first and second when dropped scores are considered, so there's every chance it could all be fantastic or go horribly wrong. For now though, we've had a good haul of results really and with Andreas' podium, we have to be satisfied with our achievements."

For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

---

Persistence Motorsport   (22/07)

Persistence Motorsport are a new Tonykart race team based in the North East of England. Significant financial investment sees the team providing facilities as good as any major team in the UK.

The team prides its self on a professional approach to each and every race, operating the team from a renowned Linea Tende awning, providing  electric, air, kart washing facilities, OTK and Rotax spares, full chassis alignment and trackside support. All of this along with valuable driver tuition and the use of the high end data acquisition Pi data logger and software will maximise the potential of any mini, junior or senior driver.

We pride ourselves on our approach to each and every race, immaculate equipment, meticulous planning. Attention to detail is essential for creating the platform for success. Nothing is left to chance.

Persistence Motorsport will not only provide everything you expect from the best teams at your fingertips but at a much lower cost and have the full technical backing of ST Racing.

Team manager Darren recently worked as Mark Litchfield's mechanic at round 3 of the Rotax Max Euro Challenge where they came away with both Pre-Final & Final wins in the senior max category.  Mark spoke out and said "I cannot thank Darren enough, he is a top mechanic and I certainly couldn't have won Euromax without him. I would recommend him to anyone at club or international level and I know he will make a quality race team."

We will be looking for drivers in any of the rotax categories to join our team for the 2014 campaign. We will be competing at all NKF rounds, PFi club rounds, O Plate & Kartmasters.

Karting is not a business to Persistence Motorsport - it is their passion. For more information contact Team Manager Darren Brown on 07850 977818 or daz1186@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

August Charity Bonanza   (19/07)

The club that has some of the biggest grids in the UK and who usually run an annual charity event for Help For Heroes will this year run for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance at its August meeting.

Anyone who has been to the club for the H4H events will understand the great fun over the weekend, auctions for the charity, great racing and an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere.

Over two years the club exceeded £22,500 for Help for Heroes, as the Air Ambulance has been so many kart meetings throughout the years the club is proud to be supporting them, get your entry in for a great weekend.

As if that is not enough for all 177/Masters it will be the third running of the John Fleming memorial cup, John was tragically taken at aged 21 three years ago and this event celebrates John's life and he love of karting. If you want to race for one of the best trophies around and to honour John put Barton Stacey on your calendar for August!

And watch out for a celebrity or two!

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

[ Top ]

---

Racking Up The Podiums   (18/07)

Following the success of the first few Super 1 rounds the Tooley Motorsport team have carried on hauling in the results, collecting numerous wins and podiums every time out. The team has also welcomed another youngster in mini max, Arron Bass. He has only done a few races in Britain following his success in America, and recently competed with Tooley motorsport at a PF club meeting, getting a top 15 out of a whopping grid of 40+!

The last round of S1 was at PF, where the team warmed up for the event using the club meeting the week before. The team had 3 mini max out and one junior, Paylor was representing the teams junior outfit and Brown-nutley, Skelton and Roberts headed the mini max outing. Paylor showed his progression by putting in very good lap times but was unlucky to be for the radiator to break in the final! On the other hand the mini max trio put up a stern effort nearly recording a 1-2-3 , with Roberts leading for the first half to then be taken by his team mate skelton, finishing that way. Brown Nutley put in a great performance being in 3rd on the second to last lap but being taken out by another competitor, making it a 1-2 for Tooley Motorsport.

Super one also brought mixed fortunes, the team for this outing were Mckenzie and Aston in junior max, Zelos, Brown-Nutley, Roberts and Skelton in mini max. Mckenzie put in a stunning drive from last in the main final to 10th, proving him self to be a contender for a top seed. Aston bagged some good points getting 5th in the main final after battling throughout in the lead pack. Zelos proved himself once again getting two 2nd places in the finals after leading numerous times and being fastest by a few tenths, keeping him 2nd in the championship. Roberts also was battling in the lead pack and was 4th on the last lap, but after a mistake he ended up 9th costing him vital points leaving him in 5th in the championship on drops, but 3rd without drops. Skelton bagged some vital points having a 6th which is his 2nd top 6 finish in the last 2 rounds. Brown Nutley had to drive his 'socks' off in both finals, the first final he drove from the back to 6th but sadly got knocked off, putting him last for the main final, but again he drove through to get a top 15 finish.

The team then ventured back to PF for another club meeting, Bass' first meeting with the team, Roberts, and Brown Nutley competing in both mini max and Junior max.  Bass put in a great drive from 25th to 12th position, being his best performance to this date in Britain. Arron was pleased with the weekend and enjoyed working with the team, team principal Andrew says ''Both me and Dave are looking forward to working with Arron, and cannot wait to see the progress he makes in the next few months''. Roberts once again kept the consistency and put in a solid performance finishing 4th, after dropping from 3rd due to kart problems. Brown-Nutley rose above the expectations in junior max and poled it for the final, battling throughout for the lead but narrowly missing out and ending up 4th. In mini max he also battled for the lead, and also getting the fastest lap, but ending up 2nd just missing out!

Next, was Rowrah. With a small outing of 2 mini max's the team were looking for good results, with both Josh Skelton and Michael Macpherson in mini max.  The expectations were not let down, Josh won every heat and was fastest in 2 of them , with Michael being fastest in the other. Both of them looked dominant and it proved to be a close final, with Josh leading all the way but Michael slotted through on the last corner winning the race to josh by just 0.02 seconds! Another 1-2 for Tooley Motorsport in mini max.

The team are next out at Larkhall this weekend getting ready for S1 the week after, for any more details on Tooley Motorsport please visit the website www.TooleyMotorsport.com.

We are now open for enquires for next year, don't miss your chance to be with the British championship winning squad! To ring call Andrew on 07851228619.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net and New Image Photography.

[ Top ]

---

KartCart Update   (17/07)

Click for larger image...KartCart have now added a range of products - the EVO range.

We are developing specific products designed to offer kart racers excellent quality and value for money across a range of the most popular items such as axles, hubs, rims, track rods etc.

The first item available is the KartCart Evo axles.

Currently available in 1020mm length which provides excellent performance in any kart combined with a professional black finish, the KartCart EVO Axle will help keep you at the front of the pack.

The ultimate in reliability and cost EVO axles are available in three different grades soft, medium and hard the providing the required grip in any condition.

These axles are only £37.50 ex vat/delivery!

For more information or to order visit http://www.kartcart.co.uk/kartcart-evo-axles-456-p.asp.

Fully tested in race conditions by our team drivers these axles have proven quick and reliable.

The KartCart website has recently undergone multiple changes to allow you to navigate round the products easily with less hassle and fuss. Our website now has a new modern design, updated pictures and information regarding all of the Karting products we sell.  See for yourself at www.kartcart.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Kart Masters & TKM Festival   (16/07)

NJL Racing Kart Team Services offered at the TKM Festival and Kart Masters GP.
 
NJL Racing has over 18 years of experience in Motorsport and with over three years' experience racing in the BTCC we have the full infrastructure in place ready to compete at the highest level. With our vast experience in the racing industry from Karting to the British Touring Car Championship, NJL Racing Kart Team for 2013 are able to provide exceptional service and packages in their purpose built awning for the Kart Masters GP on the  1/2/3/4 August and the TKM Festival at Kimbolton on the 9/10/11 August.
 
Click for larger image...NJL Racing Team Services offer:
Full team support.
Kart storage and transportation facility.
Full preparation of Kart.
Driver coaching/analysis.
Driver PR & sponsorship services.
Awning space, to include use of team's exclusive awning, team equipment, and use of hospitality area.
 
Packages available: Just Awning Space or Full Team Support.
 
For more information and your requirements contact Nick Leason on +447774 891435 or email nick@njlracing.com.

[ Top ]

---

20 & 21 July EPKC Meeting   (16/07)

Rounds 7 & 8 of the Ellough Park Kart Club take place this Saturday and Sunday (20th/21st July) and with grid sizes growing by the meeting now is a great time to come and join in for a fun and friendly weekend of karting.
 
MSA licences are not required but karts must comply with current MSA regulations, scruiteneering is conducted by qualified personnel.
 
Each day comprises of 4 x 10 minute practice sessions for each class followed by a 10 minute qualifying session, 2 x 10 minute + 1 lap Heats and a 14 minute + 1 lap Final. Non-members race entry fee is £55 per day including practice.
 
Classes catered for include Comer Cadet, IAME Cadet, Honda Cadet, Minimax, Junior Rotax, Junior TKM, Senior Rotax and Biland. Other classes can be included, please ask for details.
 
To be part of this ever growing club please contact Ellough Park to book your place on 01502 717718 or by emailing enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk and quote 'UK Karting'.  Online booking and race entry forms are also available at www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk

[ Top ]

---

Shenington Extra Test Day   (16/07)

Shenington Kart Racing Club regrets that the special test day on Wednesday 24th July for a TV documentary on motor racing and karting has had to be postponed due to the late notice unavailability of the key talent person.

Thank you to all who booked a place, our apologies to all involved. The production company also sends its sincere apologies.

Please keep a look out on here for a new date. Those that completed a form with their CV will not need to repeat the process, it is all just on hold.

[ Top ]

---

Intrepid Returns To The UK   (15/07)

DND Motorsport are pleased to announce that we have been appointed the new UK importer for Intrepid.  At this point we must stress that Intrepid is a completely separate kart and company to IPK and the OK1 and Praga karts.

After a few months out of the UK it is with great pleasure that we can announce its return, and with recent good results in Europe and around the world we look forward to its arrival back in the UK. The chassis is called the Intrepid Raptor and is a 30mm frame and is suitable for all Rotax, KGP, KF and TKM classes.

We have test days available from the end of the month and we have put together some great introductory offers and packages.
 
With Kartmasters just around the corner we also have a range of packages available for the weekend contact us for more details.

For more information about any of the above don't hesitate to contact us via email at DNDMotorsport@gmail.com call us on 07535 645730 or visit our website www.DNDMotorsport.com.

[ Top ]

---

Strong Home Form For RL   (15/07)

RL Racing Departments Hugo Bentley-Ellis capitalised on his team's home advantage to put himself in the mix for overall title honours at PFi (29/30 June).

Hugo Bentley-Ellis and Sandy Mitchell were in excellent form in the team's home race, posting the second and third-fastest times in qualifying. Rookie Jordan Cane stunned the field when he posted a time just four tenths off pole position, to go eighth overall. Jack Martin ended up the 25th-quickest of the 41 runners.

Two runner-up finishes in the heats put Hugo onto the front row of the grid for the pre-final. Taking a brace of sixth-place finishes put Sandy on the fourth row of the grid, with Jordan impressing again - in only his second Super One meeting in the Mini Max class - and automatically making the cut for the two finals, in 23rd place.

Jack attempted to join his team-mates via the repecharge but, despite a valiant effort, it was not to be on this occasion.

Bentley-Ellis grabbed the lead at the start of the first final, yet it was to be short-lived. Something of a melee ensued and Hugo found himself shuffled back to 5th, where he would complete the race. Similarly, Sandy could fare no better than 11th, in a frustrating race, in which many drivers defended even minor placings. Jordan again chalked up valuable top-flight experience to complete the top twenty.

'Bentley-Dog' had looked like a likely contender for a deserved podium, having led the race on numerous occasions as the leaders seemingly swapped places for fun. Hugo was a firm contender for the win until the frantic, last moments of the second final he was pushed back to 4th in the bridge-section of the circuit. Jordan was the next-best RL runner home, crossing the line in 21st place - another strong result for the inexperienced Sussex driver. Sandy, who expected so much more from the weekend, was one of several drivers side-lined by questionable driving standards before the race had begun in earnest.

The multiple-championship winning RL Racing Department team is now taking entries for its 2014 driver line-up.

For more information, please call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

[ Top ]

---

Evening Open Practice Session   (11/07)

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit has added an additional evening open practice session between 6.45 pm and 9.45 pm on Tuesday 16th July.

10 min sessions will be available throughout the evening for cadet, junior and senior.  Please book and pay in advance via the Buckmore Park Kart Shop on 01634 672256.  The cost is £50 for the whole evening.

The fourth round of the BPKC summer championships incorporating a round of the Kent Kart Championships and a round of the National Little Green Men championship takes place on Sunday 21st July with practice available on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th July.  All non gearbox AbKC classes are welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino.

Overnight parking is available.

As all classes are expected to be oversubscribed, please enter early for this meeting to avoid disappointment.  For further details contact Sheila at Buckmore Park Kart Club on sheila@buckmore.co.uk or 01634 201562 ext 210.

[ Top ]

---

PF S1 Podiums For KR Sport   (10/07)

With momentum strongly in their favour KR Sport once again left no stone unturned ensuring they had the best possible driver, equipment and management package as they arrived at PF International for round four of Rotax Super One championship.
 
First to throw down the gauntlet was MiniMax driver Adam Smalley with pace to match his growing capability. Rising star Smalley joined KR at the start of this season for his maiden season both in Minimax and Rotax S1 and has already finished in the top five in three of the six S1 finals. With real determination Smalley once again showed his talent taking yet another Super 1 podium with a well-deserved third place in Final 2.
 
In the Junior Max category Team drivers Tom Harvey, Will Shaw and new signing William Tregurtha all impressed, Harvey having already won the main final at GYG in a display of total dominance very capably added another two with a superb clean sweep of final victories.
 
The KR drivers continued to show their strength in the Senior Max category with Oliver Hodgson topping the times in group and overall for the second round running, team mates Harrison Wignall and Darius Kabarley enjoyed the same performance with Wignall 5th and Karbaley 7th.

Hodgson went on to claim pole and the final 1 victory and second in the main final, Wignall was caught up in an accident ending his challenge and Karbaley drove a storming race from the back after damage in final 1 up to 12th at the flag.
 
Team owner Ashley Orchard said "Round three was fantastic for the team winning finals in both Junior and Senior and 2nd in Mini Max, we have gone away and worked hard again and placed our drivers right at the sharp end with Victory and three more podiums in the three categories showing the results of immense dedication from team and drivers."
 
KR would like to thank Strawberry Racing for the OTK products and a special thanks to Tim at Cream Racing Engines.
 
KR Sport is known for their attention to detail and prides itself on the quality of service it provides, if you are looking for a team achieving success at the highest of level in Rotax give Ashley a call in complete confidence on 07921 225680.

[ Top ]

---

Shenington Extra Test Day   (09/07)

Shenington Kart Racing Club has organised an extra test day on Wednesday 24th July which will be used for an exciting TV documentary for a well known brand.  The documentary is about aspiring racing drivers and we need a good number of kart drivers with their parents and mechanics present on the day to be part of the filming.  Some drivers may be interviewed for the documentary and many will be featured driving on the track or in the pits. Those that attended the last Shenington meeting had the opportunity to complete questionnaires to include the CVs and aspirations.

The club is only going to charge £25 per kart for the day's testing, from 1000 to between 1600 and 1700 hrs but since numbers are limited it is essential to pre-book. Also please note that there will not be the usual catering so bring your own food and drink.  However there will, as always at Shenington, full ambulance and paramedic cover.  There may be short breaks during the test day for the television camera requirements on track. Track details on www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk.
 
If you would like to have a low cost day's testing with the possibility of being included in the TV documentary for this important brand name, please email your name, class, age and contact phone number to the Shenington Secretary, Graham Smith, on secretary@sheningtonkrc.co.uk or phone 01926 812177 and leave these details.

Please note all drivers will have to sign a release form for the TV production company and the brand to use their image.

[ Top ]

---

Cancer Research UK Challenge   (09/07)

The weather forecast for the weekend is fantastic - dry, sunny and hot.  Don't forget your sun cream.
 
We have a good entry (including Rotax classes), but if you want to come and race continental style in glorious 'Costa' weather the club are keeping entries open until FRIDAY MORNING the 12th July 2013.  Trophies, cash prize funds and special offers for Rotax classes.  Barbecue Saturday night, but unfortunately the Formula 1 simulator has let us down.
 
Two separate meetings - you can enter either or both.  Open practice for competitors on Friday.  You can enter on line or contact 01458 841100 before Thursday, or 01935 83713 Thursday and Friday.
 
For more information on forthcoming events visit www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

MSA/TKM Super One Series   (08/07)

Passing the halfway mark for the series at an immaculately presented Larkhall circuit in Scotland, the KZ1 gearbox class was absent, having only three rounds this year.  It will return at the Shenington last round. Hot sunshine was the order for Sunday's racing, too hot for some.

Click for larger image...KF Junior (MSA Junior British Kart Championship)
Daniel Ticktum dominated the Scottish round of the series, topping timed qualifying and winning both heats and both finals.  His RFM team-mates Jehan Daravula and Enaam Ahmed were always the closest to him but Jamie Caroline suffered a five place penalty whilst Philip Rawson went to the back in the first heat.  Josh Smith only managed one lap but made fourth in the second heat whilst Caroline, Harrison Newey and Rawson all fell to the back. Will Stowell took an exclusion for his driving.  In a curiously static first final Jehan Daruvala and Enaam Ahmed followed Ticktum all the way with Ross Martin remaining fourth.  Josh Smith capitalised on the fight between Dean MacDonald and Harrison Newey to snatch fifth on the last corner.  Caroline and Daniel McAuley had an on track clash, neither finishing. Ahmed was swift to depose Daruvala at the beginning of the second final, the Indian driver not quite close enough to counter-attack but still some 8s clear of Martin and MacDonald. Ticktum just held Ahmed at bay on the last lap.

Results Final 1: 1 Daniel Ticktum Alonso, 2 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 3 Enaam Ahmed Alonso, 4 Ross Martin Wright, 5 Josh Smith ART, 6 Dean MacDonald ART
Results Final 2: 1 Ticktum, 2 Ahmed, 3 Daruvala, 4 Martin, 5 MacDonald, 6 Smith
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Daniel Ticktum 454, 2 Jehan Daruvala 441, 3 Dean MacDonald 403, 4 Ross Martin 399, 6 Philip Rawson 394
 
Click for larger image...IAME Cadet (MSA British Cadet Kart Championship)
Tom Wood had a clean sweep in Scotland whilst championship leader Oliver York could only manage a tenth and seventh.  Although Wood was only tenth in the timed qualifying he won a heat to line up third on the first final grid behind Kiern Jewiss and Alex Quinn. A good start put him second, immediately leap-frogging Jewiss for a lead he would keep until the chequer.  Behind him Sean Butcher and Alex Quinn traded second until Herbie Grout - storming up from grid 12 - split them at the flag. Grout then slipped into second at the start of the second final but soon Wood had to work hard when Butcher relieved him of the lead twice, the last time with eight laps to run.  Lewis Thompson had not even started as his kart let him down on the formation lap and William Pettit stopped with five laps to run. Butcher had fallen to ninth at the start so did well to come back to the front. Wood retrieved the position with a couple of laps in hand, Quinn deposing Butcher at the end as Grout ran wide at the last corner. Edgar fell back to tenth with a slipping clutch.

Results Final 1: 1 Tom Wood  Zip, 2 Sean Butcher Zip, 3 Herbie Grout Zip, 4 Alex Quinn Zip, 5 Jonny Edgar Zip, 6 Jack Armstrong Zip
Results Final 2: 1 Wood, 2 Quinn, 3 Butcher, 4 Grout, 5 Graham Matthew Zip, 6 Teddy Wilson Zip
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Oliver York 448, 2 Alex Quinn 437, 3 Tom Wood 417, 4 Kiern Jewiss 378, 5 Teddy Wilson 378, 6 Alex McDade 375
 
Click for larger image...Formula KGP National Championship
Although Danny Keirle took top spot in the timed qualifying despite suffering from food poisoning, from there on in Bobby Game dominated, winning both heats and both finals. Roy Johnson and Toby Sowery received setbacks in the second heat with technical non-compliance exclusions for slipping clutches.  Keirle was still handily placed on grid 3 for the first final after being unceremoniously nudged out of the second heat lead by Game.  Denis Gorman fell to fourth at the start from the outside front row of the first final but soon leapfrogged Robbie Dalgleish.  Thereafter the top three remained with Game unchallenged whilst Keirle had to hold off Gorman.  Stefan Di Resta's fourth place was soon taken away with a brilliant driver through half the field from Dan Stocks, whilst Sowery stormed up to briefly take fourth, having to settle for fifth.  As Game had to work hard to maintain his lights to flag victory, Mark Litchfield was slicing through from the back after a final one non-finish due to an engine failure.  Once in touch he leapfrogged all but Game.  Keirle snatched third over Sowery after a lunge on Litchfield lost him momentum.  Johnson, who also after a final one DNF, took fifth when Davis lost the place with an exclusion for driving standards.

Results Final 1: 1 Bobby Game Alonso, 2 Danny Keirle Jade, 3 Denis Gorman Maranello, 4 Dan Stocks Tonykart, 5 Tony Sowery Tonykart, 6 Stefan Di Resta Alonso
Results Final 2: 1 Game, 2 Mark Litchfield Kosmic, 3 Keirle, 4 Sowery, 5 Roy Johnson Tonykart, 6 Gorman
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Bobby Game 417, 2 Danny Keirle 396, 3 Toby Sowery 381, 4 Stefan Di Resta 369, 5 Mark Litchfield 365, 6 Joe Porter 356

Click for larger image...TKM Extreme (ABkC National Championship)
From being fastest in timed qualifying, through winning both the heats, Will Van Es capitalised on his first final pole for the win by 4s.  Rory Pringle and Joe Forsdyke had been closest in the time trials, each taking a heat second place.  Pringle lost second to Forsdyke in the first final, then Luke Graver stormed into second although Pringle retrieved third from Forsdyke by the flag. A massive battle ensued for the second final win with Van Es, Graver and Pringle all trading the lead in a six kart train. After two brief spells in front Pringle succumbed to Graver, who held on until the chequer, whilst Forsdyke snatched second at the end. Van Es continues to hold the top of the points table from Charlie Bruce-White, the latter having a very subdued round with an eighth and sixteenth.

Results Final 1: 1 Will van Es Tonykart, 2 Luke Graver Tonykart, 3 Rory Pringle Tonykart, 4 Joe Forsdyke TKM, 5 Andrew Lawrence Tonykart, 6 Douglas Hayford Tonykart
Results Final 2: 1 Graver, 2 Forsdyke, 3 Pringle, 4 Van Es, 5 Lawrence, 6 Hayford
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Will van Es 459, 2 Charlie Bruce-White 415, 3 Luke Graver 408, 4 Paul Monks 402, 5 Joe Forsdyke 399, 6 Andrew Lawrence 371
 
Click for larger image...Junior TKM (ABkC National Championship)
The record shows Matt Davies and Stephen Letts sharing the victories, but Davies is still roaring away with the championship lead. He topped timed qualifying over Letts and Tom Owen whilst Daniel Baybutt was taken off and when weighed without some of his race kit was underweight, so having to come from the back of the heat grids. Davies and Letts shared the honours in these, but Baybutt had showed his pace for second in the first one.  Letts didn't finish that first heat, whilst Cameron Sharpe was excluded for driving standards.  With Letts and Baybutt starting the first final on grid 9 and 10, Davies had a fairly free run to the chequer as the fast pair stormed up behind but 6s adrift. Baybutt grabbed the second final lead and held it for 18 of the 24 laps, succumbing to Letts with Davies and Alex McRoberts soon following when Dino Lee and Baybutt clashed.  Lee stopped soon after whilst Baybutt had to be content with tenth. McRoberts closed the gap to Davies and Letts right down, but the front pair were in no mood to leave any gaps in their strong defence. 

Results Final 1: 1 Matt Davies Tonykart, 2 Stephen Letts Tonykart, 3 Daniel Baybutt Jade, 4 Dino Lee Tonykart, 5 Alex McRoberts Jade, 6 Arran Mills Tonykart
Results Final 2: 1 Letts, 2 Davies, 3 McRoberts, 4 Kyle Hornby DSG, 5 Ryan Edwards Tonykart, 6 Lewis Taylor Jade
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Matt Davies 472, 2 Stephen Letts 420, 3 Daniel Baybutt 410, 4 Alex Forward 399, 5 Tom Owen 377, 6 Alex McRoberts 349

For more information on the championship visit http://superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Summer Championship   (05/07)

Click for larger image...Lydd Kart Circuit is looking forward to another bumper meeting, as round 4 of their Summer Championships takes place on Sunday 14th July.
 
Following last month's record-breaking racing, where 4 new lap records were set, and with the series moving into its second half, the action is hotting up at Kent's fastest kart circuit as the drivers go in search of vital Championship points.
 
We welcome all classes and hope to see more new faces as well as all our regulars - come along and enjoy the friendly family atmosphere which continues to prevail around the paddock, as we seek to put the fun and enjoyment into Club Racing.
 
You can keep up to date with what is happening at Lydd by visiting the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com and look out for a fresh new look to the site in the next couple of weeks.
 
Entries can be made online via the website by clicking on the link on the Online Entries tab, or at the Circuit on the Saturday or Sunday of the meeting - we will accept your entry even on the day up to 9.30am and we don't charge for late entries!

[ Top ]

---

Kart Parts UK   (05/07)

Kartpartsuk are now a main UK agent for the R3 laser products. On our website - www.kartpartsuk.com - there is the full range of all the R3 products from the full alignment system through to a steering wheel lock. As a main agent we can also offer these to the trade so any enquires are more than welcome.
 
Kartpartsuk.com would also like to remind everyone that we offer free delivery on all orders to UK Mainland addresses within Zone 2, so on any of the products there is no charge! Kartpartsuk have one of the widest stock choices available in the UK and free next working day delivery, what are you waiting for. We stock everything from complete karts to Arai helmets and are constantly adding new products.
 
Kartpartsuk also stock Gillard, Tonykart and OK1 range of karts. On top of our fantastic prices which we won't be beaten on by any other kart shop, we also offer further great prices in the quantity discounts section.
 
If you would like information on any of the products, or any of the 1,000's of spares we have in stock, please contact us on 01775 712633, email info@kartpartsuk.com or visit www.kartpartsuk.com which shows the entire product range.

[ Top ]

---

MSA/TKM Kart Championship   (03/07)

The Super One circus travels north to Scotland for the third round of the MSA/TKM series, which incorporates the MSA British Junior and Cadet Championships. The senior MSA British Championship KZ1 class is having a rest until the last round at Shenington.

Click for larger image...Daniel Ticktum is now leading the Junior KF class with the Sahara Force India backed Jehan Daruvala only 4 points in arrears with Philip Rawson waiting for any mistakes.  Oliver York continues to be the standard in IAME Cadet, now 33 points to the good over Alex Quinn with Lewis Thompson lagging in third whilst Jonny Edgar has dropped away from the leading drivers.  Wins in Formula KGP for Danny Keirle and Toby Sowery has advanced Sowery past Bobby Game in the championship standings, with Luca Hirst and Jack Partridge closing. The earlier main protagonists Bobby Game and Stefan Di Resta had less then best races in Wales.  Will van Es has now accrued more points than Charlie Bruce-White in senior TKM Extreme, and Paul Monks has passed Luke Graver for third.  Matt Davies only missed out on one win at the Glan y Gors track so leads Daniel Baybutt by a huge 29 points in Junior TKM. Alex Forward is only one further point in arrears.
 
The Larkhall circuit is very accessible being just off the M74 main route into Scotland.  So with the weather set to be fine some very exciting racing is in prospect. The postcode is M9 2UL.

As always live timing and results is available from the link on the Super One website with instant results on the TAG-Heuer site.
 
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

See The World's Top Drivers   (02/07)

Want to come and watch the top kart drivers from all over the world compete at PFi this Summer? TVKC members qualify for free tickets!

This Summer will witness two of the biggest International kart race meetings to be held on UK soil in a very long time...

RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge - 17th to 21st July.
CIK-FIA World KF Championships - 28th August to 1st September.

Attracting the top drivers from all over the World, there's bound to be plenty of action to watch at both of these high octane karting events at PFi.

Trent Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that all current TVKC members qualify for a free ticket to come and watch these events! Members will be able to claim one free admission ticket per event when they are accompanied by a full paying adult ticket that is purchased in advance.

To claim your free ticket, simply fill in the relevant form(s), tell us which day you'd like to come, how many tickets you need and where to post them to - simple!

Please note:  Free tickets must be applied for in advance (they won't be available on the gate) and the deadline for applications is 7th July (Euromax) and 12th August (World Champs).

Download your application forms on our dedicated websites at www.tvkc.co.uk/euromax and www.tvkc.co.uk/cik

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (02/07)

Thrilling races excited the crowd at Britain's premier circuit, at 1.382km it is the longest the series will visit. However driving standards were poor, especially in MiniMax, and many penalties were issued, some appealed with a little success. Clerk of the Course Alan Bryant warned the drivers, saying: "The driving standards are unacceptable, penalty points need to come back in my view." The entry list was swelled to over 190 by several foreign guests, taking the chance to prepare for the upcoming EuroMax round at the circuit. And for once the British weather was kind, with two gloriously warm sunny days.
 
Click for larger image...Honda Cadet
Although Rory Hudson topped the first timed session, he only came out ninth overall for the heat grid classification as Myles Apps and Kiern Jewiss were much faster. Hudson's day got worse with a 5 place heat penalty, as did Thomas Pegram, whilst Morgan Porter was excluded along with Apps.  But Apps had his penalty downgraded to 5 places on appeal, so lined up third on the first final grid behind Jewiss and Hayden. All three had enjoyed a heat win. The first final was a classic thriller as Jewiss, Hayden, Harry Thompson, Hudson and Apps all had turns to lead. Jewiss outbraked himself at the second hairpin letting Hayden into second, and a pass on Apps sealed the win for Hayden with Hudson, Jewiss and Apps behind whilst Thompson had clattered back to twelfth. Mark Kimber and Morgan Porter vied for the second final lead, at one time being in an eighteen long kart train headed by Jewiss. He defended vigorously but Hudson found a gap at the second hairpin and set about defending his lead. Matthew Hopcraft helped his Next Gen Motorsport team-mate to push both past Hudson for a one-two, Apps fourth.
 
Comer Cadet
Click for larger image...Tom Wood led over both finish lines but an exclusion left him with only one win.  He had nabbed pole for the heats with fastest in timed qualifying over Zachary Robertson and Alex Quinn then won both heats over that same team-mate Quinn. Alex McDade and Sean Butcher shared the second row of the first final grid whilst Jonny Edgar was languishing in sixteenth. Owen Byatt was last on the grid after a heat exclusion. Wood and Quinn enjoyed a mighty advantage on the first lap, and by the finish were over 3s to the rest.  Although Quinn tried hard looking for a pass on the last lap it was too risky. Oliver York and McDade were often at the head of the second group, each shuffled back into the pack but then re-grouping. In the end it was McDade who beat York over the line.  Edgar fought his way through to sixth. In the second final Quinn emerged from the lead, with Edgar leapfrogging Wood then assuming the lead over the bridge. Defending and heading a long train, Edgar found himself pushed off with Wood receiving the blame as he and Quinn traded the lead. McDade had battled back after a poor start, and relieved Wood of the lead at the second hairpin, only to have Wood just edge him on the finish line.  Once Wood was excluded for his misdemeanour it left McDade with the win over William Pettit, York, Robertson and Quinn.
 
Click for larger image...MiniMax
With its 41 starters for once MiniMax was not the biggest class, Junior and senior were both larger, but it still needed a repechage. Connor Hall came out on top of Hugo Bentley Ellis in the timed qualifying, Hall going onto win both his heats, Harrison Thomas the other. Rory Smith and Max Bird both had heat exclusions for driving standards and whilst the poleman in the repechage, Jack Harwood, broke down, Bird won from Stefano Charambolous, Lewis Brown and Darren Keane, Smith was going no further with sixth. Bentley-Ellis snatched a short lived lead at the start of the first final, Hall soon ahead until Dan Zelos came hunting. Hall skittered over the grass and lost three places only to reel in Tom Gamble and Zelos once more. A couple of good passes put him in the driving seat for the chequer, Zelos and Gamble behind. All the action further back resulted in exclusions for Jake Anderson, Alex Sedgwick and Sam McKenzie, whilst Thomas and Josh Smith were both sidelined at the back. Battle re-commenced at the front of the second final between Zelos and Hall, until the O Plated Zelos was shuffled back to fifth.  A good recovery brought him within touching distance of Hall at the flag, whilst Bentley-Ellis was elbowed back over the bridge, with Gamble caught out by Zelos at the end.  This let Adam Smalley onto the final podium position.
 
Click for larger image...Junior Max
Whilst Josh Price and Alana Taylor beat Tom Harvey to the TQ pole, winning his two  heats snared the more important first final pole position for Price.  Harvey and Brett Ward won the other heats whilst Taylor fell to grid 22. International KF Junior ace Lando Norris was well in touch on grid 5. Price roared away at the start of the first final, Ben Hingeley briefly taking Norris for second before falling to a distant fifth. Harvey took charge of the dash to reel in Price and the pass put Price back to fourth.  Guan Yu Zhou inherited second but left the door wide open for a recovering Price to snatch second, Harvey in charge. For the second final Price, Harvey and Brett Ward forged ahead of Zhou then Harvey was shuffled back to sixth, to start yet another comeback drive. Price fell back, Ward and Zhou traded the lead until Harvey sped into the lead coming over the bridge and defended to the flag. Price retrieved the final podium spot from Ward, Nathan Aston coming fifth but championship leader Ben Hingeley was a lowly 14th. 
 
Click for larger image...Senior Max
Oliver Hodgson was easily fastest in the combined timed qualifying, over Harry Webb and Sean Babington whilst the joint championship leader Charlie Eastwood languished in thirteenth. He would only make tenth on the first final grid, where chain off added to his woes.  There were no such problems for Hodgson with two heat wins to Babington and Connor Jupp's one each set them all up for the front rows of the grid, James Singleton in fourth. Hodgson enjoyed a magnificent lights to flag victory, whilst Babington quickly took Jupp but found Hodgson too far distant. Jupp had fallen back to fourth, defending against Singleton, but regrouped to take Thomas Arme for third. In the second final Babington and Jupp ganged up on Hodgson, the latter retrieving second and now only a point down on Babington in the points. Eastwood was quickly up to mid field but his progress stalled for eleventh. Harry Webb made a late charge to secure fifth behind Kyle Fowlie.
 
Further information on http://superoneseries.com.

Results

Click for larger image...Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Matthew Hayden (BRK) 15 laps in 17m08.69s; 2 Rory Hudson (Project One) +00.06s; 3 Kiern Jewiss (Project One); 4 Myles Apps (BRK); 5 Morgan Porter (BRK); 6 Chris Lulham (BRK).
Final 2: 1 Jewiss 14 laps in 16m15.56s; 2 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip) +00.04s; 3 Hudson; 4 Apps; 5 Charlie Lamb (BRK); 6 Connor Grady (Project One). 
 
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Tom Wood (Zip) 15 laps in 16m57.12s; 2 Alex Quinn (Zip) +00.05s; 3 Alex McDade (Zip); 4 Oliver York (Zip); 5 William Pettitt (Zip); 6 Jonny Edgar (Zip). 
Final 2: 1 McDade 15 laps in 17m05.86s; 2 Pettitt +00.13s; 3 York; 4 Zachary Robertson (Zip); 5 Quinn; 6 Olli Caldwell (Zip). 
 
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart) 16 laps in 16m35.55s; 2 Dan Zelos (Tonykart) +00.20s; 3 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 4 Cameron Roberts (Tonykart); 5 Hugo Bentley Ellis (Tonykart); 6 Samuel Pooley (Tonykart). 
Final 2: 1 Hall 16 laps in 16m35.46s; 2 Zelos +00.27s; 3 Adam Smalley (Tonykart); 4 Bentley Ellis; 5 Samuel Gerrard (Tonykart); 6 Josh Skelton (Tonykart). 
 
Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Tom Harvey (Tonykart) 16 laps in 16m06.77s; 2 Josh Price (Tonykart) +00.07s; 3 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 4 Brett Ward (Kosmic); 5 Ben Hingeley (Tonykart); 6 Luke Knott (Tonykart).  
Final 2: 1 Harvey 16 laps in 16m06.91s; 2 Zhou +00.56s; 3 Price; 4 Ward; 5 Nathan Aston (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker (Kosmic). 
 
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart) 17 laps in 16m32.01s; 2 Sean Babington (Alonso) +03.02s; 3 Connor Jupp (Alonso); 4 Thomas Arme (Kosmic); 5 James Singleton (OTK); 6 John Stewart (Tonykart). 
Final 2: 1 Babington 17 laps in 16m34.78s; 2 Hodgson +01.23s; 3 Jupp; 4 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 5 Harry Webb (Tonykart); 6 Arme.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Eye Catching Motorsport Artwork   Click for larger image...(01/07)

From bespoke commissions to a wide selection of Motorsport based prints, why not let KartArt brighten up office & workshop walls with vibrant artwork?

This digital artwork can be used as attention grabbing imagery for sponsorship proposals, or a framed print would be a great way to show gratitude to an existing sponsor or family member for their vital support. Why not treat yourself to a personal piece of art to celebrate a successful year or just remember your racing career in years to come?

All work is painted from scratch on Photoshop. Once completed, this work can be printed numerous times across a wide selection of mediums to suit your needs. Commission start from as little as £50.

We also have a selection of F1 & MotoGP prints for sale at extremely reasonable prices, all of which are limited to an exclusive run of prints.

Click for larger image...Prices start at £25 for the print alone and £50 for your chosen print mounted and framed in a 16x12inch frame as seen in the examples. Prices include P&P within the UK. 


Existing prints can be ordered online at http://aartvark.co.uk/portfolio.aspx?user=jonnyculkin.

For commission work, contact Jonny Culkin at jonnyculkin@gmail.com for further details.

[ Top ]

---

Clean Sweep For Connor   Click for larger image...(01/07)

Click for larger image...Connor Hall and Strawberry racing took another clean sweep at round 4 of the Super 1 series.

After a bit of a scrappy qualifying with all drivers blocking and slowing down, Connor eventually managed to put his Strawberry Racing Tonykart on pole position for the heats. Starting at the front certainly helped as both heats saw incidents at the start which allowed Connor to break free and win both fairly easilly.

It was to be different for the 2 finals as a number of front-running drivers had bad luck in qualifying but managed to secure a decent spot for the start of the pre-final. Again, Connor was in the best position but after making it around the first lap had a real battle on his hands as he did not manage to break free, with a number of drivers behind well-placed to make a move for the lead. Mid-way through the pre-final Connor found himself back in 7th spot, but composed himself well and slowly picked them off one at time. Going into the penultimate lap Connor was in 2nd and with a fantastic switch back move, dived into the lead and a defensive last lap secured a well deserved win.

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...It was much of the same in the main final with Connor managing to maintain the lead throughout, despite having a few challenges and almost getting hit off the track. Once again a great defensive drive on the last lap secured Connor the win, and extends his lead in the championship with 2 rounds to go.


Connor would like to that Warwick Ringham, Paul Spencer, Tim Ezard for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing engine to enable this great result.  Plus a massive thank you to Harry Cockill for great work on the spanners!

Connor now has a few days testing at Larkhall and PFI before round 3 of the Euromax series which he is also leading. You can keep upto date with his progress at www.connorhall.co.uk and www.strawberryracing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Clay Pigeon Kart Club   (28/06)

Over the next two months we have some interesting and challenging events for you to enjoy at Clay Pigeon...
 
13th / 14th  July - The Cancer Research Challenge
This event will offer you two separate days of racing with Continental Format Racing on the Saturday, with the entry fee as our normal club race meeting.  There will be trophies for this meeting and, if required, upgrade signatures for novice drivers and others.
 
On the Sunday we will run our Club Championship meeting with normal entry fee, points and trophies and again giving you the opportunity of a second upgrade signature.
 
The Cancer Research Challenge Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the competitors finishing highest in the combined results over both days. On the Saturday night there will be a barbecue and, hopefully, a F1 simulator for you to enjoy.
 
For all Rotax classes
If you compete in both days of racing you will be entitled to a half price entry for our August meeting!

 
11th August - IAME Summer Challenge
As part of the August Club Championship meeting we are offering IAME Cadet Competitors the opportunity of racing for £500 worth of cash prizes.
 
This meeting is two weeks before the MSA Super 1 Championship round here at Clay and gives all IAME drivers the opportunity of using it as a Shakedown Event.  Of course, all other Super 1 MSA Championship classes can do the same.
 
24th / 25th August - MSA Super One Championship
In conjunction with Super 1, we are organising a Honda Cadet Challenge.  This will enable all Honda Cadet Competitors to taste the atmosphere of the National and British Championship Meetings. The format of racing will be the same as the Championship Classes - timed qualifying, 2 heats and 2 finals.  The entry fee for the two days will be £100 and practice on Friday will be £45. This Challenge will be televised and will be run under a Clubman Permit and is, therefore, open to ALL our Club drivers.

For more information on forthcoming events visit www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

Get Ready For Midland Champs   (28/06)

This year prestigious Midland Championship at Rissington in September is going to be a great weekend of racing. Held over 3 days with practice on Friday 30th August  and then 2 full days of racing it will be a bumper weekend. We know that the numbers will be up and along with over a 100 TKM drivers racing the 3rd round of the TKM Interclub series, it's going to be busy weekend but the committee and the circuit will be ready for all the drivers and visitors. Gates will open midday on the Thursday 29th August  keep watching the Rissington web site for more details as the event nears at www.rissykartclub.com.
 
If you're not able to come and practice on the Friday why not come along to the July meeting (6th & 7th) or August (3rd & 4th).  Practice on Saturday usually has at least 7 sessions some great racing on the Sunday on one of the best tracks in the country. To enter could not be simpler you can go online and enter and pay for both practice and race (you could even win a set of tyres). With a large open paddock area, free overnight parking, great track and always a warm welcome - come to Rissington.
 
If you're race regular, new to karting or just haven't been for a while come and see just why Rissington is the place to race.

[ Top ]

---

FIA Latest Karting Decisions   (28/06)

At its meeting on 28th June 2013 at Goodwood, UK, the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA made the following decisions on the basis of the proposals of the International Karting Commission:
 
Amendments to the Sporting Regulations
Academy Trophy, Articles 20, 21 and 23:
- Removal of the Final "B" and extension of the scoring scale for the 34 drivers who are now allowed to participate in each race the finals.
- Tyres: The Manufacturer chosen after the tender will provide the slick tyres with barcode and wets to each specification in exchange for a voucher presented by the competitor. The tyres will be drawn and labeled with the competitor number. Unmarked and non-unpacked rain tyres will be taken at the end of meeting.
- The measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the surface of the tyres with a device MiniRAE Lite, from qualifying to the finals, should not exceed 15 ppm.

Immediate application.
 
Specific requirements:
Article 20 on "Ties between Drivers' has been modified to be consistent with the different Championship formats. The greatest number of first places in Race 1, Race 2, or Finals, according to the corresponding format, will decide any tie. If necessary, the second largest number of places, the third, etc ... will make the difference. If there is still a tie, the highest number of first places (or second, or third, ...) in the pre-finals will be used. If the tie remains perfect, the highest place in the last final of the last event will be decisive.

Immediate application.
 
Amendments to Homologation Regulations
Racing overalls for drivers, section 8.11:
The approval of overalls for kart drivers is the subject of a new procedure corresponding to the introduction of the new N2013 standard and leading to a new label. Overalls can be used for up to five years from their date of manufacture.
The materials used for making overalls (leather or textile) must comply with ISO and EN standards currently in force concerning their resistance to various stresses (tear strength, abrasion, heat, cleaning, dyeing, safety components, comfort ... ) and ensure quality and protection higher than in the past, with a classification by activity, level 1 for leisure and level 2 for competition.

Date of mandatory implementation of the new standard: 01/01/2014. Production of overalls according to the old standard will not be allowed from 01/02/2014.

Amendments to the Technical Regulations
General requirements for Karts in Group 1 and Group 2, sections 4.2.3 and 5.2.1 respectively for KZ1 and KZ2 engines: adding inserts in the pipes is now an unauthorized change. Article 12 covers KZ1 and KZ2, the crankcase must consist of two parts. Only inserts for crankshaft bearings and fastening elements (thread, the centering pin) are allowed.

Date of application: 01/01/2014.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (27/06)

Click for larger image...With no less than 193 competitors enrolled for the fourth round, it is a busy month for the Rotax-Honda-Comer competitors. This round is at Britain's best equipped circuit, the PF International in Lincolnshire between Grantham and Newark (visit http://tvkc.co.uk/beta/ for all the local details) and is bound to be a real corker.  It is also one of the longest UK circuits at 1.382km.

The event is for the ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship where Alex Quinn's lead is being cut into by Tom Wood and Oliver York.  In the other class for the youngest drivers from age 9 to 12, Honda Cadet, Kiern Jewiss' lead over Rory Hudson had been cut to 18 points so all is still to play for.  In MiniMax for the slightly older youngsters Connor Hall is still well clear of Dan Zelos, with Cameron Roberts a further 41 points adrift. The Chinese driver has lost a lot of ground in Junior Max and hands over the series lead to his biggest rival Ben Hingeley.  Josh Price is just a few points further back. Likewise Charlie Eastwood is now tying on points at the top of the Senior Max table with the 2012 champion Sean Babington, and Oliver Hodgson only a further 2 points adrift making it the most closely contested class. There will be fierce competition, not to be missed!
 
After this round, the drivers have a month's respite until the Scottish round. There is an optional day's practice on Friday, more practice on Saturday morning which is followed by timed qualifying sessions then heats.  The remainder of the heats and the last chance races are taken on Sunday morning before the all important two finals each class on Sunday afternoon.  All the races count for points, so one slip up or exclusion can hit very hard. The timetables and entry lists are available on the Super One website under 'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.
 
Full details on http://superoneseries.com with live timing from TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning: http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.

Photographs courtesy of Hayden Media.

[ Top ]

---

Grice Racing News   (26/06)

As weather is now warm and your engine is working overtime, have you wondered why you are just not as fast as you would like to be?
 
At Grice, we can offer our Rotronics dyno facility to analyse the power from your motor. We can also offer the full facility of our Sports Devices rolling road to help you identify how good your ancillaries are as these can easily hold back the performance of your engine.
 
Half day costs are £250, full day £450.
 
We are still running our special offer rebuilds for those on a budget. All motors are catered for and full details and costs are available from our website.
 
For the new Iame drivers, we are able to offer a free test drive on one of our fully prepared race engines.
 
Lastly, our congratulations to the ART Asia team for their third successive win in the Malaysian champs for Senior Max. During the first 2 races in Malaysia, ART struggled, but after our preparation of their motors and carbs, their dominance has been noticed with new drivers coming on board at each new race.
 
If you want to discuss your individual requirements, please call us on 01268 727847 (workshop) or 07768 047253 (mobile).  You can also email Ricky.grice@virgin.net or visit our website at Griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

Maxxis TKM Festival   (26/06)

Entry forms and regulations are now available for the Maxxis Formula TKM Festival, the top rated event in the karting calendar which takes place at Kimbolton on August 9-11.
 
The event will follow its usual path with timed qualifying, three heats, pre-final and final - so loads of racing for everyone and an equal chance for every driver from novice to superstar to stand on the top step.
 
A bumper entry is expected this year with a full range of 2-stroke and 4-stroke classes. The Clubman class will run separately as will the Masters class for drivers 35 and over or weighing 80kg plus.
 
Mandatory Maxxis control tyres at a special discounted rate will be used for all classes, except Clubman, which will have the choice of the new control tyres or their existing old ones.
 
Adding to the event this year will be demonstrations of historic karts and engines which have been supplied or made by Tal-Ko over its 50 plus years involvement in UK kart racing.
 
Rounding it off will be a Saturday night BBQ, disco etc at the circuit as well as full coverage on Motors TV. There are gifts for every driver and entry into a draw for £1000 worth of TKM vouchers.
 
Full details, entry forms and regulations are now available on-line at www.tal-ko.com or www.hkrc.co.uk.
 
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "We are expecting a big entry and I'd underline to drivers the importance of entering before the closing date of July 27. We look forward to another great event."

[ Top ]

---

Clay Pigeon Kart Club   (25/06)

Following the excellent weekend last year, Clay Pigeon Kart Club is holding a  double header again over the weekend of 13th & 14th July in aid of Cancer Research, it's the biggest club event of the year at the Clay Pigeon Raceway.
 
Separate meetings on Saturday and Sunday will require separate entry forms, so enter now online at www.claypigeonkartclub.com or call the Competition Secretary on 01458 841100 to make sure of your place on the starting grid at this popular weekend.
 
All Rotax drivers entering both days will be eligible for half price entry to the August club meeting, and all Novice drivers seeking licence upgrades will get 2 signatures if entering both Saturday and Sunday race days.
 
With two different race formats and a cash prize fund it will be a fantastic weekend!  Don't miss it, enter now!

[ Top ]

---

Bambino Festival   (25/06)

Llandow Kart Club are holding a Bambino Festival on September 29th at the South Wales Karting Centre.

The event will run alongside the NKRA Grande Finals, which Llandow KC are proud to be hosting in 2013. This prestigious event, the first if its kind, is open to Honda and Comer Bambinos with great prizes for both classes.

The entry fee for this event will be only £35 per kart for whole days event - great value at a great venue. We also have Bambinos karts for hire and drivers will need an MSA licence to take part.

To ensure that you won't be disappointed get your entry in now, email Colin at llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk for further details or call 07817 449617.

[ Top ]

---

Super One MSA/TKM Series   (25/06)

Glan y Gors, set in the hills of north Wales, proved to be a tough test for man and machine at the second round of the British and ABkC Championships. A Saturday punctuated with showers had the mechanics busy choosing the right tyres, then on Sunday it never really dried at all, wets were the order all day. And sometimes these wheels refused to stay fixed to the karts, several flying off.Click for larger image...
 
MSA British Kart Championship: KZ1
Shaun Slavin had narrowly beat James Glenister to the heat poles, but it was the latter who took the first heat from a rejuvenated Sam Webster, complete with new engine.  Joe Charlton won the other heat. The wet conditions on Sunday suited Lucas Orrock perfectly as he hammered up from grid 6 and relieved Daniel Borton of the lead. The reigning Max 177 champion proceeded to pull out 8s at one point before easing down to the chequer.  Borton and Shaun Slavin argued over second, whilst polesitter James Glenister was flagged in with a broken rear bumper.  Orrock had command once more in the second final, as national champion Matt Dittman cruised into second but was later relegated by Borton. Newly crowned ABkC O Plate champion Henry Easthope, fourth in the first final, was given the mechanical flag for a bumper that came loose almost from the formation lap, whilst Glenister's luck failed to return with a DNF. F3 ace Hywell Lloyd had his first kart race in a while and came fifth.
 
Results Final 1 - 1 Lucas Orrock Tonykart/Vortex, 2 Daniel Borton BRM/TM, 3 Shaun Slavin CRG/Pavesi, 4 Henry Easthope Sodi/TM, 5 Joe Charlton CRG/TM, 6 Jamie Rush Formula K/Modena
Results Final 2 - 1 Orrock, 2 Borton, 3 Matt Dittman Tonykart/Vortex, 4 Ash Davies Energy/TM, 5 Hywell Lloyd Energy/TM, 6 Slavin
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Daniel Borton 304, 2 Lucas Orrock 289, 3 Henry Easthope 278, 4 Joe Charlton 275, 5 Matt Dittmann 271, 6 Shaun Slavin 257
 
MSA British Junior Kart Championship: KF Junior
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Daniel Ticktum took to the twisty track with the one long uphill straight immediately, topping timed qualifying over Enaam Ahmed and Dean MacDonald and did his championship hopes a whole lot of good with two wins.  But he had to fight back after non-finishing the first heat, Jamie Caroline winning and snaring pole for the first final. Ross Martin's big lead in the second heat was stymied with retirement due to a wheel falling off his kart, Ticktum the winner. Soon after the start of the first final Dean MacDonald relieved Philip Rawson of the lead whilst poleman Jamie Caroline was out of position at the back due to working on his kart on the grid. He made fourth at the flag. After losing the lead, an incident dropped MacDonald out of contention, whilst a good start from eighth on the grid propelled Ticktum to the front for the win.  Jehan Daruvala, only twelfth on the grid after mixed heat results and some wrong tyre choices, had a fine recovery to third. Ticktum was in command for the whole of the second final, whilst Daruvala picked off Caroline and Rawson for second, both the latter falling back.  McDonald made a great recovery drive for fourth behind Scottish compatriot Ross Martin, whilst Rawson suffered with not having new tyres, falling to tenth.
 
Results Final 1 - 1 Daniel Ticktum Alonso, 2 Philip Rawson Tonykart, 3 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 4 Jamie Caroline ART/TM, 5 Daniel McAuley Alonso, 6 Ross Martin Wright/TM
Results Final 2 - 1 Ticktum, 2 Daruvala, 3 Martin, 4 Dean MacDonald ART/TM, 5 Enaam Ahmed Alonso/Vortex, 6 McAuley
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Daniel Ticktum 294, 2 Jehan Daruvala 290, 3 Philip Rawson 280, 4 Dean MacDonald 267, 5 Ross Martin 259, 6 Harrison Newey 252
 
MSA British Cadet Kart Championship: IAME Cadet
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Oliver York continued his winning ways in the second round whilst Jonny Edgar sadly languished in the finals.  Zachary Robertson and Tom Wood topped the two timed sessions, Robertson faster but suffering badly in the first heat, won by Wood.  Lewis Thompson took the second and York the third but Albert Carter had an exclusion for driving standards, and Owen Byatt and Tyler Chesterton non-compliances.  Many of the engines were stripped for checks on Saturday evening.  Gordon Mutch, Jack Armstrong and Lewis Thompson were all excluded for various driving issues from the third heat, relegating some to the repechage.  That was won by Joe Turney, from Byatt, Chesterton and Wesley Brown.  York took the first final lead from poleman Tom Wood at the start.  Despite the close attention of Wood and Alex Quinn, York held on until the chequer. With a fantastic recovery drive, Byatt headed the second train of karts over Lewis Thompson and William Pettitt.  After briefly falling to third in the second final, York leapfrogged Quinn and Byatt and threw off a mid race challenge by Quinn.  Once back in front he maintained a tiny gap over Quinn to the flag.  Byatt lost touch with this duo, needing to be aware of Thompson and Teddy Wilson's approach.
 
Results Final 1 - 1 Oliver York Zip, 2 Tom Wood Zip, 3 Alex Quinn Zip, 4 Owen Byatt Zip, 5 Lewis Thompson Zip, 6 William Pettitt Zip
Results Final 2 - 1 York, 2 Quinn, 3 Byatt, 4 Thompson, 5 Teddy Wilson Zip, 6 Kiern Jewiss Zip
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Oliver York 319, 2 Alex Quinn 286, 3 Lewis Thompson 263, 4 Tom Wood 259, 5 Alex McDade 258, 6 Teddy Wilson 249
 
Formula KGP National Championship
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Toby Sowery and Danny Keirle showed their potential by leading the timed qualifying session, but Sowery's engine blew up in the first heat, Jack Partridge winning over Roy Johnson. Fraser Wallace was found to be underweight.  Keirle took the second heat from Joe Porter and Sowery but the former British Champions Mark Litchfield and Bobby Game appeared to be struggling somewhat, the latter also losing a wheel in the first final. So all that had earned Johnson the first final pole, and he led until succumbing to James Gornall. Once Keirle got into his stride, he proved faster, taking the lead whilst team-mate Jack Partridge gave Gornall a slight nudge for second.  That later earned him a five place penalty, so Gornall inherited second over Sowery, Johnson and Litchfield.  Phil Smith and Cameron Leason also had five place penalties, and Jamie Flynn was excluded. Sowery took command of the second final once he had leapfrogged Keirle and Gornall, for a 3s win, the track now starting to dry out.  Keirle looked safe in second until the last lap when his engine cut out with an electrical problem, the second time it has occurred. That elevated Partridge - who had stormed back through despite his penalty, Litchfield and Gornall but Game's progress stalled at tenth. 
 
Results Final 1 - 1 Danny Keirle (Jade), 2 James Gornall (Intrepid), 3 Toby Sowery (Tonykart), 4 Roy Johnson (Tonykart), 5 Mark Litchfield (CRG), 6 Stefan Di Resta (Alonso)
Results Final 2 - 1 Sowery, 2 Jack Partridge (Jade), 3 Litchfield, 4 Gornall, 5 Luca Hirst (Birel), 6 Jonathan Davis (Praga)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Toby Sowery 267, 2 Bobby Game 257, 3 Luca Hirst 255, 4 Jack Partridge 263, 5 Danny Keirle 250, 6 Roy Johnson 246
 
ABkC National Championship for TKM Extreme
Click for larger image...James Ogden made the best of the conditions for the timed qualifying, over Will van Es and Douglas Hayford, whilst Joe Forsdyke did not take part. Whilst Van Es won the first heat over Jack New, Luke Graver and Andrew Lawrence were both excluded for driving standards. Lawrence went onto win the second heat but Forsdyke had no times due to not fitting his transponder.  So Van Es took pole for the first final over local expert Paul Monks who beat Van Es off the start, the pair trading the lead and pulling well clear of Charlie Bruce-White in third.  Van Es held the lead over much of the race, Monks coming back near the end to win. Kyle Sproat missed out part of the track, and was put down a lap. Forsdyke and Graver came through to fifth and sixth, behind New.  The second final was punctuated by a red flag stoppage for a multi-kart crash, New, Ryan Jones, Hayford, Lawrence and Andreas Gutzold not taking part in the new race.  Bruce-white launched himself into second to chase Monks to the flag, Van Es having to settle for third this time.

Results Final 1 - 1 Paul Monks (TKM), 2 Will Van Es (Tonykart), 3 Charlie Bruce-White (Tonykart), 4 Jack New (Tonykart), 5 Joe Forsdyke (TKM), 6 Luke Graver (Tonykart)
Results Final 2 - 1 Monks, 2 Bruce-White, 3 Van Es, 4 Forsdyke, 5 Graver, 6 Simon Vercoe (Tal-Ko)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Will van Es 305, 2 Charlie Bruce-White 298, 3 Paul Monks 288, 4 Luke Graver 254, 5 Joe Forsdyke 251, 6 Simon Vercoe 251
 
ABkC National Championship for Junior TKM
Click for larger image...The timed session had Cameron Clarke topping the list over Matthew Round-Garrido and series leader Matt Davies whilst Daniel Baybutt was seventh, but speared through to win the first heat over Stephen Letts. Jake Campbell-Mills was excluded. Matt Davies took the second heat from Kyle Hornby and Letts so putting himself pole for the first final. Although Davies enjoyed a big lead at the start, Baybutt hauled him in, and with a couple of minutes to run assumed the lead.  A long way back was Hornby and Lewis Taylor. Alex Forward, who had to have a new kart after a practice crash, took sixth behind Letts and Campbell-Mills made it up to seventh. Davies quickly leapfrogged Hornby and Forward in the second final to forge ahead.  Only Forward could stay with him, although Hornby appeared ahead briefly having missed out part of the track.  He gave the places back but was still put a lap down.  Campbell-Mills was black-flagged and excluded.  Baybutt suffered a little with his tyres, but hung onto Letts for fourth, with Lewis Taylor on his tail.

Results Final 1 - 1 Daniel Baybutt (Jade), 2 Matt Davies (Tonykart), 3 Kyle Hornby (DSG),  4 Lewis Taylor (Jade), 5 Stephen Letts (Tonykart), 6 Alex Forward (DSG)
Results Final 2 - 1 Davies, 2 Forward, 3 Letts, 4 Baybutt, 5 Taylor, 6 Alex McRoberts (Jade)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Matt Davies 315, 2 Daniel Baybutt 286, 3 Alex Forward 285, 4 Stephen Letts 281, 5 Tom Owen 248, 6 Shea Pearce 230

For more information on the championship visit superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Superprix Success   (24/06)

Click here for larger image...Mixed conditions greeted the drivers for the Superprix weekend at Shenington kart circuit in June with a record entry for the O Plate championships as well as the sixth round of the club championships.

In a packed Protrain awning the atmosphere was superb as the team and drivers spent valuable time on Saturday morning maximising set up for the afternoon's first heat.

With weather conditions changing constantly the day was filled with frantic last minute grid tyre changes but the team got it just right with mimimax drivers Kieran Wragg and Sean Rudge setting the early pace with Wragg taking fastest lap finishing 2nd and Rudge 4th. Cadet Joe Turney also dominated with a fastest lap and first place in his first heat.

Sunday was a bit kinder to everyone with a broadly dry day and the momentum of Saturday being carried forward. Wragg and Rudge continued to finish in the top six in each heat giving Wragg pole for his final and Rudge grid 4.

Wragg drove an excellent race taking the lead right from the start and not surrendering it as Rudge moved into second but dropped to fourth before moving up again to complete a 1-2 for Protrain and making Kieran Wragg the Minimax Superprix Champion 2013. These first year minimax drivers continue to dominate their class.

Meanwhile Turney was not to be outdone and having won all his heats with fastest laps in every one duplicated the performance in his final leading from start to finish and totally deserved his recognition as Iame Superprix Champion 2013. Joe has not been beaten in his last eight races, an impressive run.

Honda Cadet Thomas Bennett also enjoyed a great weekend of racing and was delighted to take second place reinforcing his high position in the club championship.

With two Superprix Champions in the awning it was a great end to a very good weekends racing.

Jack Saffery, away at Super One in Glan Y Gors was also enjoying success in Senior Max with an excellent sixth place finish in both finals one and two.

The Protrain team is known for developing drivers and our success is revealed on track. Are you achieving your potential? Give us a call on 01280 814774.

[ Top ]

---

Rocco Racing   (21/06)

Click here for larger image...Rocco Racing is the UK's cheapest custom racewear retailer, and one of the first manufacturers in the world to provide customers unlimited design possibilities on race suits, boots and gloves. Rocco Racing prides itself on offering unrivaled customizability on its products, whilst delivering them to the highest quality, yet at an Unbeatable price. Rocco Racing brings you the most personalized racewear on the market, and provides it at a fraction of what the big names charge.
 
'Who said premium quality had to come at a premium price?'
 
Rocco Racing was founded in 2012 by David Harrison, "the suit price and quality speaks for itself, we custom design suits, boots, & gloves" said David. They are all FIA/CIK licensed.

The suits can be made to standard racing suit sizes, or if the customer wishes to have a fully fitted suit made to the exact measurements this can also be done at no extra cost! Yet again another fantastic offer to our customers that other companies will charge for. We also make fully customised Nomex suits with the current FIA 8856/2000 MSA licence.Click here for larger image...

Our vision combined with our design skills has opened the eyes to many racing drivers to see what can be achieved at an affordable cost. We have designed and manufactured suits for Karters, Autograss, MSA rallying, Charity events & the London to Rome rally event.
 
Our mission is to provide a unique service never to have been seen nor done before, offering custom one-off designed racewear to individuals and teams the world over.
 
Rocco Racing - "Stand out from crowd"
 
For more info on our products and services please go to www.roccoracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Connor Hall and Strawberry   Click here for larger image...(21/06)

Click here for larger image...Connor Hall and Strawberry Racing made it 3 out 3 at Super One, despite a tough weekend at the Glan y Gors circuit in North wales.

After being seriously ill in the week building up to round 3 of the championship, Connor had lost nearly 3 kilos of body weight and had actually only started eating on the Friday test day. As a result of this he only managed half of the practice sessions before taking an early night to gain valuable strength.

For Saturdays qualifying he only managed 20th overall, but thankfully he was not in the first heat and once again made use of the time by eating and taking valuable rest. In his only heat on Saturday he forced his way to the lead, leaving his rivals fighting over 2nd place.

Click here for larger image...Sunday's race day was soon upon us and for his 2nd heat Connor managed to get to 6th from 12th place, securing him 3rd for the pre final. With a few set up issues mainly due to lack of seat time on Friday, he found it hard against the very competitive field and was demoted to 6th at the flag. This is where he started the main televised final.Click here for larger image...

With a number of changes to the kart by Strawberry Racing he soon carved his way to the front and was able to control the race to the flag. Connor now extends his lead in the championship but is fully aware that there is a number of drivers in the championship that are improving meeting by meeting and the last 3 rounds are certainly not going to be easy. Connor would like to thank Strawberry Racing for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing Engine, and especially Connor's mechanic Harry Cockill for putting up with him on a weekly basis!

Check out www.connorhall.co.uk for for further information and updates.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (20/06)

For the third round and approaching the half way point of Britain's Max Challenge qualifier and ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship the series moves to Wales. With much of the circuit very tight and twisty, but also having a long uphill straight, Glan y Gors is a challenging circuit for the competitors and set up engineers.Click for larger image...
 
Dropping to third place after the first lap Rory Hudson forged ahead before the halfway point of the first Honda Cadet final to keep in front of Myles Apps and Morgan Porter. Apps had suffered from being on the outside at the start, falling behind but soon storming back with a great recovery. In the second final there was a great battle between the top half dozen karts, with Hudson, Morgan Porter, Kiern Jewiss and Matthew Hayden all having turns at the front. But in the end Hudson pipped Jewiss on the last lap with Hayden following through. Jewiss keeps his championship lead by 18 points over Hudson.
 
Oliver York and Jonny Edgar shared the winner's spoils in the MSA Comer Cadet class. From pole position in the first final, York was in front all the way to the chequered flag whilst Edgar had only qualified seventh on the grid during a tricky Saturday punctuated by heavy showers of rain.  In contrast Sunday was bright and reasonably sunny, as Edgar worked his way up to fifth behind Matthew Graham, never reaching the top trio of York, Tom Wood and Alex McDade.  In the second final York succumbed to the attentions of Alex Quinn, who had only been eighth in the first one, with Edgar following through.  And then Edgar nipped into the winning position on the very last lap, whilst York had to be content with third some 3s down the road, just holding off Wood and Graham. With his consistent results, Quinn maintains his championship lead at the halfway stage, but will soon come under threat when the dropped score is taken into account.Click for larger image...
 
Connor Hall's winning run came to an end in the MiniMax first final as he lost out in the last couple of laps, but only temporarily. Polesitter Tom Gamble plunged down the order at the start, with Samuel Pooley going ahead, chased by Sandy Mitchell who took over the lead after a few laps. When Pooley retrieved the lead, Mitchell fell to the back of the group and Hall inherited second, only to lost out in the frantic dicing over the last few laps as Mitchell made a great recovery for second ahead of Hugo Bentley Elis, Josh Skelton and Adam Smalley. Cadet British Champion Dean MacDonald was one of several coming off at the start.  In the second final Hall soon picked off his rivals and relieved Pooley off the lead in a less frantic race. Pooley fell back to fourth behind Smalley and Dan Zelos but was excluded for a flag infringement. That elevated Mitchell and Ellis.
 
Click for larger image...Ben Hingeley controlled the first Junior Max final with a lights to flag victory over Josh Price, Guan Yu Zhou Jai Nijjar and Jack Bartholomew in a remarkably static race. Jake Walker was holding sixth for many laps but fell to the back, Max Aitken capitalising for this position. Although the new Welsh Champion Tom Harvey fell back from his eighth place start in the second final, he had clearly found some more speed as he stormed through to third place. Josh Price had grabbed the lead at the start with Hingeley soon back into second and tracking him closely in amongst a major five kart scrap.  Hingeley assumed the front position with six laps to spare, and just as it looked like he would cruise to victory Harvey, having displaced Price, pounced at the top of the circuit to pull off a staggering win. Zhou was black flagged after a few laps for taking off Max Aitken so Hingeley has extended his points advantage over his Chinese rival, with Price not far behind. Click for larger image...
 
As Oliver Hodgson enjoyed an uninterrupted run to victory in the first Rotax Max final over Kyle Fowlie and Sean Babington, previous winner Charlie Eastwood crashed out at the start. Hodgson was shuffled back to third in the second final as Fowlie went ahead chased by Babington in a major battle. Josh Collings surprised Hodgson with a late pass to demote the first final winner to fourth. Eastwood did well to storm back through the order to seventh place and now ties with Babington in the points table with Hodgson only two points in arrears.

For more information and full race results visit http://superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Hayden Media.

[ Top ]

---

Historics At Kimbolton   (20/06)

Tal-Ko are expanding the opportunities for drivers of historic karts to take part in displays at its prestigious Maxxis TKM Festival being held at Kimbolton in August.

Originally drivers of any kart powered by a TKM or Hewland Arrow engine were invited to take part and there has been a strong response. Now as a result of requests, any Tal-Ko manufactured TKM kart may also take part whatever brand of engine it is fitted with.

Explains Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney: "We have been approached by drivers with our older Tal-Ko produced TKM karts that use other engines and it seemed only right and proper to let them also take part. Of course that would also include the original Get Kart and the legendary Voo Doo kart both of which were manufactured by Tal-Ko in the late fifties and sixties.

The displays will take place on Sunday, August 11. There will be a static display and then under agreement with the MSA governing body, on-track displays during lunch and pre-final breaks.

Drivers must use full safety wear and have kart racing experience, but MSA race licences will not be required.

It is hoped to let drivers have at least four five lap sessions on the Kimbolton circuit where racing started back in 1959.

As usual the TKM Festival will be covered for Motors TV and the historics will be expected to appear as part of that adding a touch of nostalgia to the highly competitive nature of the annual event.

Says Martin Chesterman, Chairman of the Hunts Kart Club which runs Kimbolton: "This circuit has such a long history stretching back to the very earliest days of karting so it will be great to bring some old names and equipment back to the track."

Drivers who would like to take part should send written requests with full details of the kart, engine and driver experience to alan.turney@tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

RL Drivers In Fine Form   (20/06)

Click for larger image...Fresh from its success in the shakedown event prior to last weekend's (15/16 June) Super One round at Glan Y Gors, the RL Racing Department team was again a potent force in rural Wales.
 
Hugo Bentley-Ellis had won the preceding club event's Mini Max final and so travelled to Cerrig Y Drudion in buoyant mood. Similarly, Junior Max front-runners Luke Knott and Ollie Pidgely were feeling confident after taking 2nd and 6th at the warm-up meeting.
 
Bentley-Ellis channelled his earlier form into a positive showing in timed qualifying by setting the 3rd-fastest lap. Team-mates Sandy Mitchell, Jack Martin, Tushar Vivekanandan and new signing Jordan Cane experienced differing fortunes but would fare much better in the coming heats. So much so, that Sandy qualified on p4 of the grid for the first final, with Hugo going from the sixth row. On his Super One debut, Jordan was delighted to make the cut for the finals and started from 22nd.
 
Due to dramas in their heats, Jack Martin and Tushar would attempt to join the grid via the repecharge but sadly were not able to progress further.
 
Click for larger image...Brilliant drives in the first final netted Sandy 2nd and Hugo 3rd at the chequered flag. Jordan finished where he started, gaining valuable experience.
 
A close and hard-fought second final saw Mitchell maintain his title aspirations by bagging 4th, with Bentley-Ellis also keeping himself in the title hunt with 5th. Another battling performance from the inexperienced Cane earned him 23rd.
 
Click for larger image..."Sandy did the lion's share of the leading but due to the nature of the circuit, his speed advantage was negated in the infield section, because his pursuers were able to take advantage of the slipstream effect, whereas he had no one to work with. This prevented his planned breakaway, but he fought back brilliantly to 2nd, having been demoted to 5th at one stage", said RL Racing Department team owner, Steve Armstrong. He added: "Hugo scythed his way through to 3rd from p12, showing the speed he'd had in the heats. All in all it was a great show from the lads.
 
Final 2 proved harder and with everyone equalising on set-up throughout the day, it was a much more static affair and once positions were settled after 8-10 laps the order remained pretty much the same. On the whole it was a cat and mouse affair, rather than a spectacle."
 
Click for larger image...Luke Knott emphasised his pace and potential by setting the second-fastest time in Junior Max qualifying. Ollie Pidgely was 7th-quickest overall and would go on to take a brace of top ten finishes in his heats.
 
Knott's 3rd and 2nd place results in his heats put him on the front row of the first final, with Ollie starting from 11th spot. A bruising and, at times, chaotic race concluded with Luke pushed down to 15th at the chequered flag and Ollie out on the opening tour.
 
A storming performance in the second final saw Knott claim vital championship points for 8th place with Ollie also making a decent fist of it, rising from almost last place on the grid to 14th, as Steve explains: "Despite neither of the Junior RL drivers able to attend official testing on Friday due to exams, their pace in the first qualifying session on Saturday morning was good enough to place them 3rd and 10th overall. In all fairness to Ollie, he didn't get a real shot at showing his true speed due to an incident in Heat 1, he came back to 7th but was shunted off again in the two races after that. In the second final 2 he had to come from P30! Luke was also denied a podium, after starting from the outside row in Final 1 he was shoved backwards at the start and finished 15th. In the next final he did a great job getting back up the order thanks to a prolific drive."
 
For more information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

MSA/TKM Kart Championship   (19/06)

Click for larger image...Round 2 of the Edgar's Hyundai MSA/TKM Kart Championship takes place at Glan y Gors on 22-23 June.

After some surprises at the first round in Cumbria, the series moves to north Wales for the eagerly anticipated second round. In the premier KZ1 geared class for the MSA British Kart Championship title the FIA-CIK U18 World Champion Henry Easthope stunned the regulars by pulling off two wins.  Since then he has bagged a championship title in the class, the ABkC Open, and therefore can sport the number zero on his kart. Despite his two wins, Daniel Borton's consistent heat results puts him two points ahead.  The picture shows Easthope on his way to O Plate glory. For the MSA Junior British Kart Championship the Sahara Force India driver Jehan Daruvala and Philip Rawson shared the wins, with Daruvala some 5 points to the good over Daniel Ticktum and Rawson.  Oliver York came out on top of two hard fought MSA British Cadet Championship finals in the IAME class and enjoys a 14 point lead over Lewis Thompson with fast rising star Jonny Edgar in third. The former multiple British champion Bobby Game shows he still has what it takes despite being over 40 years of age, as he lead the Formula KGP despite the attentions of a more recent multiple British champion Mark Litchfield, and the O Plate winner Stefan Di Resta.  In fact both of them will hope to do much better as it is Phil Smith and Josh Waring who trail Game at the moment.

That leaves the economy TKM classes, where Matt Davies is on a roll in the Junior category with two dominant wins and an O Plate victory so far.  Alex Forward and Daniel Baybutt are nearest to him, albeit Forward with a 18 point deficit. Charlie Bruce-White leads the senior TKM Extreme with a miniscule advantage over Will van Es with Luke Graver 9 points further back. Although Van Es won both finals his poorer heats left him 1 point behind in the standings.

 
The circuit is set in rural farmland and has a long straight plus some extremely twisty corners, so a good overall setup is important. The 1100m track is situated near Cerrigydrudion, post code is LL21 0RU. The final corner is notorious for a last gasp change of position.
 
As always live timing and results are available on the Super One website or on the TAG-Heuer site http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/?page_id=350.

Photograph courtesy of TSR Productions.

[ Top ]

---

Bumper Shenington Entry   (18/06)

More than 100 Formula TKM karts swelled the entry for the Shenington Superprix which saw round two of the 2013 TKM Club Championships and some more ultra close racing.
 
In Juniors Joseph Reeves-Smith battled with the UK's top two Junior TKM drivers - Matt Davies and Stephen Letts - to cross the line within a blink of second place overall and claimed the fastest lap of the race as well as the club champs win. Lewis Outten, leader after round 1, was second in the club champs with James Ireland third.
 
With Reeves-Smith having a bad first round it leaves Lewis Outten leading the championship from James Clarke and James Ireland. Reeves-Smith is in 6th place.
 
In Senior Extreme Jason Wilson made it two wins out of two events followed by Matthew Harris, Lee Harrison and Joe Stockford in a race that saw the first seven karts cross the line within 2.5 seconds.
 
So Jason Wilson heads the points table from Joe Stockford, Lee Harrison, Michael Green and Matthew Harris with just 11 points separating them.
 
Next round in the TKM Club Championships is at Rissington on August 31/Sept 1.

For more information on the championship visit www.tal-ko.com/icc.

[ Top ]

---

OK1 Success   (13/06)

Click for larger image...Team IPK, the importers of the OK1 and Praga chassis, were at the Anglian Trophy at Kimbolton last weekend. With new driver Ellis Hanks on board for his first time on the OK1 and with the team, it was always going to be a challenge.
 
Ellis took to the kart and immediately showed his pace in practice setting some of the fastest times of the day against a strong mini max field. With some great finishes in the heats Ellis was right at the sharp end for the final. However, the start didn't go his way and he had to settle for third place on race day one. On the second race day on a different Kimbolton circuit layout, Ellis showed again that he was getting to grips with the kart well. Due to the nature of the circuit used on Sunday with less corners, it really highlighted Ellis' lack of power. He still managed to come over the line in third place.
 
William Tregurtha, 13, hasn't been in Junior Max long but looking at the way he handled the Kimbolton circuit you would think otherwise. William kept himself out of trouble all weekend and made his way through the field on Saturday to qualify on grid three for the final. William found himself fighting for third place, which allowed the leaders to pull away. He soon managed to pull away from the pack and finished a comfortable third. On race day two, William showed again that Saturday wasn't by chance and repeated his performance to bring his OK1 chassis home in third place and finishing third in the championship.
 
New Honda driver, Ben Thomson, showed real pace on practice day but suffered a slight illness on race day. Despite this he soldiered through and managed to bring his orange kart home in ninth place out of a strong full grid of Hondas.
 
Other drivers on the chassis included Rob Wallace, qualifying on pole in Senior TKM and Ollie Graham who drove extremely well and found himself fighting in the lead pack of the final.
 
For more information on the team or chassis, please contact us via our website www.ipkarting.co.uk or call us on 01133 222795.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

TKM Club Championship   (13/06)

Click for larger image...TKM Club Championship drivers meet up at the Shenington Superprix this weekend for round two of the 2013 series.
 
With 50 drivers competing for the first round at Kimbolton last month (see photo) more bumper TKM grids are on target for this weekend.
 
In Juniors Lewis Outten leads from Owain Rosser and Andrew Rush. In Seniors Jason Wilson heads the field chased by Joe Stockford and Michael Green.
 
The next round is at Rissington.

For more information on the championship visit www.tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

Another Great Month For Vision   (12/06)

Click for larger image...Its been yet another great month for the south west's Kosmic distributor Vision Motorsport. The team has been putting in some consistent results at every circuit.
 
The May meeting at Dunkeswell saw Brandon Patrick put in a great drive to finish a well deserved 2nd in Mini Max after being pushed down the grid at the start. Pete Griffin in Junior Max also finished a strong 2nd whilst setting the fastest lap.
 
The June meeting at Forest Edge was to be a two day meeting for the prestigious SC plate. Mini Max driver Fletcher Trueman put in a great performance and took the win on both days and made it 2 years on the trot for winning the southern championship. His team mate Ryan Luscombe had a great first time at the circuit on the Saturday and joined Fletcher on the podium making it a Vision 1, 2.

In Senior Max Levi Coombs made a last minute return after not having been in the seat this year. With only a couple of practice sessions on the Saturday to get back into the swing of things Levi put in some consistent results in the heats on the Saturday giving him great points going into Sunday. Levi went on to put in a great drive in the final taking the win and the prestigious SC plate.
 
Click for larger image...Last weekend's great weather certainly had a great effect on the teams' Mini Max drivers.

Brandon Patrick had a brilliant weekend at Llandow taking all 3 heat wins and the final. Harry Carter also had a clean sweep at Clay Pigeon, making it two meetings on the trot that Harry has taken all the heat wins and the final. It wasn't made easy as Harry Gooding was pushing hard throughout the 17 lap final to keep the pressure on. Great drive from both Harrys making it a Kosmic 1, 2.

Fletcher Trueman had a mixed weekend at the Anglian Cup at Kimbolton. With a strong grid of 31 drivers to contend with Fletcher came away with a well deserved 5th overall for the two day meeting.
 
The team would like to again thank Steve at Aim Motorsport and George and Rob at Robinson Sport for their continued support.
 
For information about joining the team or any queries regarding the Kosmic chassis range please contact Daryl Burgess on 07792 749566 or email Dazkartburgess@hotmail.com.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (12/06)

For the third round and approaching the half way point of Britain's Max Challenge qualifier and ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship the series moves to Wales.  Glan y Gors is set in a rural hill farm location. The twisty track with a long straight is a challenging circuit for the competitors and engineers. As always TAG-Heuer with Apex will supply the live timing and results service so all followers can keep in touch with the developments.
 
In the Senior Max class the northern Irishman Charlie Eastwood had a great run at the previous round whereas first round double winner and defending champion Sean Babington failed to deliver.  Consequently Eastwood has opened up a 34 point advantage over Babington with Harry Webb narrowly holding onto third place from Oliver Hodgson.

The Junior Max wins are so far shared by Ben Hingeley and Guan Yu Zhou, with the British domiciled Shanghai youngster holding the upper hand, 13 points ahead. Now that the heats as well as the finals count for points, this is still a narrow lead. Jake Walker and Josh Price are further behind, vying for third.

The largest class this year is for the 11 - 15 year old MiniMax, where Connor Hall has so far been unbeatable. Out to get him this time will be points standing runner up Dan Zelos, only 23 points adrift, and the on form Welshman Harrison Thomas.

Honda Cadet grows bigger year on year, this no exception, with Kiern Jewiss currently in command with 318 points to Rory Hudson's 284. Jewiss has always managed to forge to the front in the four finals already held with a plethora of runner-ups behind. Matthew Hopcraft, Myles Apps and Mark Kimber are only separated by a point each for the third place in the standings.

Alex Quinn opened his Comer Cadet account at Three Sisters with two wins, then Jonny Edgar took first at his local track, Rowrah but an engine failure stopped him competing in the second final. That was won by Oliver York, which consequently drops Edgar to fifth in the standings. So Quinn leads by twenty points over Tom Wood and York.

 
After an optional day's practice on Friday, more practice on Saturday morning is followed by timed qualifying sessions then heats. The remainder of the heats and the last chance races are taken on Sunday morning before the all important two finals each class on Sunday afternoon.
 
As always full details on http://superoneseries.com whilst live timing will be on this link from Saturday morning: http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.

[ Top ]

---

Need Some Inside Knowledge?   Click for larger image...(12/06)

That's the offer RL Racing Department is extending to competitors looking to make the most of the Euro Max Challenge's round at PFi in July (15-21) 2013.
 
The team won last year's Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-supported Formula Kart Stars championship with Lando Norris, and guided him to victory in the opening round of this season's European Rotax championship at Genk in April - and now you can benefit from the same level of preparation and expertise that helped Lando and countless other drivers achieve so much.
 
Team boss Steve Armstrong says "We're based right here at the PFi circuit, so we can offer a home from home to visiting drivers. On top of that, our knowledge of the track and set-up data is second to none, so it makes perfect sense for us to offer that support to competitors who want to take the absolute maximum from their experience here."  
 
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...From awning and garage space, to running as a full RL Racing Department driver, Armstrong has a range of packages designed to help drivers get to grips with the challenging circuit.
 
He added "The Euro Max Challenge hasn't been here for nearly a decade, which means that UK-based drivers will automatically have an advantage, as we race here so often with our championships. If international karters want to make the most of our insider knowledge, then they are most welcome."  
 
For more information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
 
For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

BPKC Summer Champs   (10/06)

The third round of the BPKC summer championships takes place on Sunday 16th June with practice available on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June.

All non gearbox ABkC classes are welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino and overnight parking is available.

This meeting also offers the last opportunity for LGM IAME competitors to practice and race at Buckmore before their round visits the circuit in July and a separate race will be available for this class (subject to minimum entry level).

For further details contact Sheila at Buckmore Park Kart Club on sheila@buckmore.co.uk or on 01634 201562 ext 210.

[ Top ]

---

London Cup 2013   (06/06)

Hoddesdon Kart Club is pleased to announce that this year's London Cup will be held on the 1st September 2013, and will incorporate Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.

The entry fee is £105 for non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timing sheets for all sessions and will be uninterrupted. Entry forms will shortly be available at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup.
 
Come along for a great weekends racing and some fantastic prizes, including a chance to win a fully-funded season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta race day tickets to get up close to the action. Plus more to be announced - watch this space!

If you require any further information or would like to book pitbays, please email Jason Robinson on pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk, or alternatively call on 07984 495158.

[ Top ]

---

Extra Owner Drive Practice   (05/06)

Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, in conjunction with the Kart Shop, is organising an evening test session for owner drivers on Tuesday 11th June from 6 pm to 9 pm.  Sessions will be divided into Cadet, Juniors and Seniors. The practice fee is £50 per kart.
 
It will be necessary for you to book and pay for the test session in advance and all bookings must be made by Sunday 9th June. The practice fee is non-refundable but see note below. To book your sessions, phone, email or fax The Kart Shop, card details will be required.  The telephone number is 01634 672256, email sales@thekartshop.co.uk, or fax 01634 668662.
 
Your preferred contact details will also need to be supplied.
 
Please note: Should insufficient numbers of bookings not be made the session will not be held and your money will be refunded. You will be advised on Monday 10th June if the session is not being held.

[ Top ]

---

Kartmasters Entries...   (05/06)

Trent Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that entries for the 2013 MSA Kartmasters British Kart Grand Prix are now open!

Visit the dedicated website www.tvkc.co.uk/kartmasters to enter online, download all the relevant forms and view the latest information.

Entries close on 20th July 2013.

[ Top ]

---

Rissington Online Entry   (05/06)

Click for larger image...Once again the Rissington online entry system has a winner!

Rotax Max driver Toby Payne won the June Prize a £150 voucher from M K Racewear. Toby was over the moon with his prize saying I know I need a new race suit by the end of the year this is fantastic news.

We know that we had a few issues with the post entries this month so going online and getting you entry in is so easy. Visit www.rissykartclub.com.

Next months prize will be a set of tyres not bad for just getting you entry in. For more information on M K Racewear check out their website at www.mkracewear.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Marge Klaassen Memorial Cup   (05/06)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...The sun shone down on a very special race this weekend at Rissington, the Marge Klaassen Memorial Cup.

With 13 cadet novices it was going to be a great battle. The eventual winner was Ollie Royer in his Honda. Ollie received a huge perpetual trophy - a replica which he will keep - a set of tyres and some sponsorship from the Klaassen family.

Piet along with Paul and David came alone to watch a fantastic event which will be held every year for Cadet novices.

This was a great tribute to Madge it lovely to see so many novices Piet said. All the drivers that raced also received a trophy as lasting memory for the first running of this event.

Rissington kart club would like to thank all the drivers and there families for supporting for this very special race.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Summer Championship   (03/06)

Lydd Kart Circuit is gearing up for the 3rd round of their Summer Championships, which takes place on Sunday 9th June. Practice is available on Saturday 8th, from 10am to 4pm.

Click for larger image...The Championships reach their mid-point at this meeting, with the various class battles hotting up along with the weather. The circuit was very busy on bank holiday Monday, as almost 50 drivers attended our open practice day - with half that number being Seniors.

The format is practice, timed qualifying, then 3 Heats and a Final - giving plenty of track time and therefore great value for money at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit. All classes are welcome as we will always try to accommodate you on the grid.

Entries can be made online at www.lyddkartcircuit.com - just go to the Race Entries tab and click on the link - or you can enter at the circuit right up to 09:30 on Sunday, with no additional fee for late entries!

Please contact the circuit if you have any questions - tel 01797 321747 - or visit the website to keep up to date with what is happening at our circuit.

[ Top ]

---

Strawberry Racing Goes 1-2   (03/06)

Click for larger image...The Euro Max Challenge reached its halfway stage at Castelletto di Branduzzo (25/26 May) and saw Strawberry Racing maintain its lead in the Junior and Senior categories.

The superb Pista Sette Laghi (Seven Lakes Circuit) saw the Tony Kart team aiming its encouraging position in the early points tables, but aware that it faced additional challenges from Italian-based drivers and efforts from rival manufacturers - some of whom had bolstered their teams with factory drivers from the KF and KZ classes.

In Junior, Connor Hall, Guan Yu Zhou and Juri Vips led Strawberry's charge, posting the 3rd, 5th and 7th-fastest laps in timed qualifying. In contrast, their team-mates Thomas Issa, Omar Ismail and Darren Keane experienced varying fortunes to classify 15th, 24th and 32nd respectively.

Once the heats had been dispensed with, however, it was Zhou who had claimed pole position for the pre-final, with Hall 7th and Vips, in 8th, automatically joining him. Keane, Ismail and Issa faced the task of qualifying via the Second Chance heat. A win for Darren and 3rd for Omar saw them through to the pre-final but a crash in the early laps had put Thomas too far down the order to get into the all-important top six.

In the Pre-Final, Guan Yu led home Connor to ensure an all white, green and red front row for the second final, with Darren crossing the finishing line in a remarkable 17th place, after storming his way from the back of the grid. Juri completed the top twenty with Omar in 30th.

A huge crash at the start produced full course yellows and at the re-start Zhou and Hall outsmarted Mathias Kristensen - who had driven around the carnage to snatch the lead at the first attempt to get the race underway. Having stayed in formation for almost the entire race, Hall and Zhou began to dispute who would win on the last lap. A terrific scrap developed, with no quarter given. As they touched, other drivers were able to capitalise. Connor took the chequered flag in 2nd but Guan Yu was just pipped to 3rd on the run to the line, finishing 4th. Darren had enjoyed another good drive, taking 10th. Sadly Juri and Omar were victims of the earlier crash and saw out the race from the sidelines.

Click for larger image...Strawberry Racing team manager, Warwick Ringham, says that lessons will be learned from Castelletto: "The team was very disappointed not to have the one-two finish we had worked so hard for, and I hope that everyone has learned from their mistakes and that it won't happen again. On the positive side, we are first and second in the championship and our other drivers are getting better all the time, so we have come away really happy."

Harry Webb's star quality was never in doubt after the Norfolk ace won last season's Junior Euro Max and Grand Finals titles before going on to step up to the Senior ranks and win the 2013 Rotax Winter Cup. At Castelletto he underlined his talent with terrific performances throughout the meeting.

Click for larger image...Fastest in timed qualifying, Webb laid down a marker for the racing, whilst reigning Rotax world number one Charlie Eastwood was tenth-quickest overall. Sweden's Jessica Backman recorded the 25th best lap with Kyle Fowlie experiencing a nightmare, due to struggling with the high grip levels and thus found himself down in 53rd spot. Like Keane before him, Fowlie would prove to be one of the most exciting drivers to watch in the heats and final.

After all the scores from the heats had been added up, Webb lay 3rd, Eastwood had improved to 4th and Fowlie was an incredible 7th overall in the intermediate classification. Problems in her heats had put Jessica into the Second Chance heat and, despite a spirited drive to 7th, it was not enough to guarantee her passage into the Pre-Final.

As he had been in qualifying trim, Harry was the fastest man on the track in the first final. Using his "naughty waft" - as the Strawberry Racing team likes to refer to the pace of its Cream-prepared engines - Webb burst into the lead and from there, controlled the pack behind him all the way to the flag. Charlie bagged valuable points for 3rd with Kyle also doing a sterling job to take 8th.

The nature of the Castelletto track, with its long radius right-hand first corner feeding into a tight left-hander, often catches a large field out as the drivers jockey for position. Eastwood fell victim to the aggressive driving of others and was pushed onto the grass, dropping him well down the order. Webb held the lead from Max Verstappen, who seemed content to bide his time behind the Tony Kart driver. Of course, it was only a matter of time before the son of the Former F1 star Jos, would try to win. As the clock ran down, the Dutchman attacked - but his lead lasted just one lap. Webb responded and again unleashed his pace that proved to be the deciding factor and he won by several kart-lengths.

Eastwood recovered to 8th, keeping his title hopes alive and now sits 2nd in the Championship table, just four points shy of new leader, Webb. Kyle was edged out of the top ten but 11th was still a positive result considering his qualifying woes, as Ringham was quick to highlight: "Harry's drive for victory was amazing! His overtaking move to regain the lead was one of the best I have seen for many years. Had Charlie not been put on the grass, I am sure he would have been up with Harry and Max. After being half a second off for most of the week, during testing in the hot, dry conditions, it was good to see Kyle get on the pace at last and he really should have had two top seven finishes."
 
Click for larger image...DD2 continues to attract star names and a quality-packed field. In his first season in the class, Andreas Backman continues to demonstrate that he is getting to grips with the twin-speed machinery and possesses the sort of pace that will put him amongst the front-runners.

He showed this with his 5th-fastest lap in qualifying. However, matters went a awry in the heats and he completed them ranked in 22nd place ahead of the finals. Fresh from his recent success in the BNL championship, which he now leads, Andreas made up ground to take 18th in the pre-final and went on to be one of just four drivers able to post 48.6 second lap-times in the final. However, demonstrating just how close the racing in DD2 is, he was unable to finish higher than 16th.

"Andreas has everything sorted apart from his opening laps, where he needs to be more aggressive," observes Warwick. "Almost always he drops back a few places and in DD2 you just can't afford to do this because is very difficult to overtake. Once he nails that, he'll be right up there."
The third and penultimate round of the Challenge returns to Britain's premier track, PFi after an absence of eight years, on 20/21 July.

For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

---

Another MiniMax Victory   (31/05)

Click for larger image...Its been a busy but highly successful spell  for the Protrain club team with great results becoming a regular feature.
 
The EuroMax team were away enjoying some great testing and racing at Casteletto where Tommy Preining and Jiri Forman achieved some superb results in very mixed conditions on the Tony Kart. Both drivers were very strong as soon as the karts hit the track with Preining second fastest in timed practice, Forman winning a heat and taking fastest lap delivering a superb grid five for both drivers in the finals. The switch from Formula K to Tony Kart was no problem for the drivers or the team demonstrating an ability to bring in excellent results whatever the equipment. Preining is now 8th and Forman 18th in their respective championships despite some misfortune on track.
 
Click for larger image...Meanwhile  the club team were keeping up a spell of great results, at the recent Shenington meeting the Protrain team had five drivers taking top five places across four classes including another race win and fastest lap for Senior Max driver Jack Saffery.

Round two of Whilton Mill Stars brought some much needed sunshine and some superb racing over the two days. Dominant in MiniMax again was the Protrain duo Sean Rudge and Kieran Wragg. The two drivers traded places each with heat wins but it was Rudge who took victory with Wragg completing the 1-2 for Protrain. These two MiniMax newcomers are showing great pace and racecraft and the results just keep coming.
 
The club team moves on to PFI and then Kimbolton for the Anglian Trophy weekend, always a good weekend with some great karting. We are able to offer awning space for both of these meetings so if you're looking for a team to bring you the club success you are looking for give us a call on 01280  814774.

[ Top ]

---

Rotax 177 At TWKC   (30/05)

As of this weekend the 2nd June 2013, the Tyne and Wear Kart Club will no longer have a Senior TKM class, but in place of this we will be running a Senior Rotax 177 Class!
 
No race license required, and all newcomers are welcome.
 
The 5th round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club championship, held at Karting North East, Warden Law, Sunderland, is on this Sunday 2nd June. We aim to provide a safe and fun event for all, with grids for cadets, rotax, tkm & prokarts. Our facilities include an onsite kart shop and cafe, plus overnight parking is available, so whether you are new to Warden Law or haven't raced for a while, come and join the excitement and see what our challenging 1.2 kilometre circuit has to offer.

No race license is required, plus day membership is available, so just turn up and race!
 
For further details visit the club website at www.twkartclub.com, email kartclub@kartingnortheast.com or ring the circuit on 0191 521 4050.

[ Top ]

---

Webb Storms Into Lead   (30/05)

Click for larger image...Back to back victories in Italy (26 May) have put Harry Webb into the lead of the Euro Max Challenge.

The 16-year-old Strawberry Racing driver opened his account at the Pista Sette Laghi - or Seven Lakes Circuit - at Castelletto di Branduzzo in Pavia by topping the timesheets in qualifying. This gave him an important advantage on the starting grid for each of his four heats - and the teenager duly capitalized by claiming two wins, a second and fourth place to earn third place for Sunday's first final.
 
Not that it was an easy route to the second row of the grid, due to the challenging conditions, as Harry explains: "The weather changed from qualifying to the heats, going from sunny and dry to heavy rain. This meant we struggled with the kart's set-up in the first two races but making appropriate changes resulted in me winning the remaining heats."
 
With his Strawberry Racing team-mate and early points-leader Charlie Eastwood finishing third - and therefore replicating the same finishing positions from the championship's opening round at Genk in Belgium a month earlier - Harry knew that nothing less than a win would do, if he was to put himself at the top of the table.
 
"Charlie and I had planned to work together on the track to pull away [from the rest of the field] but unfortunately he collided with another driver and dropped back a few positions, so I knew from then on I had to use my initiative and drive to the best of my ability on my own."
 
If their earlier finish had been a coincidence, what followed in the second final was uncanny. Webb won an exciting encounter with Eastwood unable to finish higher than eighth - reversing their respective positions from Genk and putting Harry four points in front of Charlie in the title race.
 
Click for larger image..."I got a good start from pole position and pulled away from the rest of the field, with Max Verstappen trailing me by two kart-lengths for the whole race. With three laps to go, Max overtook me going into the Hairpin which dropped me down to second, with the third placed driver still quite a way behind. I managed to regain my lead on the following lap at the exact same corner, leaving me with enough breathing space to not have to defend for the final two laps."
 
Summing up his twin victories and the position they have put him in, Webb said: "At the beginning of the weekend I was hoping to return to winning ways and take the lead of the championship. Fortunately, I had better finishes than Charlie, which allowed me to grab more points and take the championship lead."
 
He added: "My hopes for the remaining two rounds of the championship are that I can continue to the same standard that I'm currently at, and aim for more wins."
 
Harry returns to domestic competition on 15/16 June, when he will go for glory at the picturesque Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales. He currently lies 3rd overall in the UK's Super One series.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

---

From Karts To Kilimanjaro   (29/05)

Click here for larger image...Click here for larger image...Ever thought how difficult climbing Mount Kilimanjaro might be? How about climbing Kilimanjaro whilst coping with Type 1 Diabetes?

Michael Pollard, a life long kart racer from Teesside, is embarking on this challenge in September.

2013 marks the 5th anniversary of Michael being diagnosed with Diabetes and having received help and support from a fantastic charity called JDRF, he is now working to give back and help support others in a similar situation to him by fundraising for JDRF.

Michael has set up a JustGiving page for his challenge at http://www.justgiving.com/MikesKilimanjaroChallenge, and you can also find more information on the challenge, the charity, and Michael's relentless training as well as his karting career at www.ukpollards.com/kilimanjiro/website/page1.htm.

[ Top ]

---

ITS Support KartForce   (29/05)

Click here for larger image...Having fun is something KartForce takes very seriously. Founded in 2010 by ex-Royal Engineer Dave Player, himself a wheelchair user since a spinal injury in 1991, the charity has an exciting approach to helping injured troops get through the rehabilitation process, by getting them involved in karting across the UK and into Europe.
 
Taking part in the kart racing is open to any injured troops, and in the past year alone the charity has helped over fifty service men and women to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and working as a team again.
 
KartForce's work has significantly aided the rehabilitation of many British troops, including Ryan and Luke - childhood friends and both above knee double amputees with hand injuries. During a practice run, members of the team were clearly really enjoying being behind the wheel of the karts, which are operated using hand controls. "It's great welcoming new lads to KartForce and showing them that they can compete on a level playing field with non-injured drivers, " said one, while another said it was "the most fun I've had" since beginning his rehabilitation.  Comments like this show why the external support KartForce receives from donors such as ITS and track provider Daytona, is so crucial.

As you would expect, this isn't the cheapest of sports to get involved in. It costs around £1500 for the team to compete on a race-by-race basis, not counting entry fees, practices, trial runs for newcomers, and on-going maintenance for their equipment, including two specially-modified karts, each of which can be operated by using only one hand. So with KartForce now entering races regularly, Essex-based power and hand tool supplier ITS has stepped in to help support the charity, by supplying £2,000 worth of tools and equipment including a generator and compressor.
 
ITS first became involved with KartForce in 2013, through Managing Director Kevin Hubbard's longstanding love of karting. For Kevin, getting involved didn't need any thinking about whatsoever: "KartForce is a fantastic charity that gets injured troops through rehabilitation by having fun! ITS are proud to say that we support them and will continue to do so in the future. They modify Karts for amputees and other injured troops, and compete in track events (and do very well I may add!)."
 
Charities such as KartForce deliver a vital service, supporting wounded troops through very difficult times, and founder Dave Player is sure the assistance ITS has provided will help the charity continue to move forward. "We are very grateful for ITS' on-going support to KartForce and have really benefited from the donation of tools".
 
This is a team that's really going places, and with ITS as a partner, they can be sure their karts will remain in top condition. But further support is required and much appreciated, to allow the charity to continue its great work backing our troops.

For more information on KartForce visit www.kartforce.org.

[ Top ]

---

Hall & Strawberry On Top   (28/05)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Connor Hall and Strawberry Racing have taken a commanding lead in British and European Championship.
 
Connor was disappointed after round 1 of the Euromax championship in Genk after a small  mistake in the pre-final cost him the win.

He arrived at the Casteletto circuit in northern Italy for round 2 only to be admitted to hospital after feeling unwell. With a course of antibiotics and a few days rest it was into practice on Wednesday. Still not fully recovered he battled through and looked in good shape for qualifying on Friday. Even after making a mistake on his best lap he secured 3rd overall for the heats aided with a great package provided by Strawberry Racing. Saturdays heats were in very wet conditions, he struggled and it took until the 3rd heat for Connor to get to grips with the circuit. It was to be a case of damage limitation. Despite this he finished the day 7th overall which is where he started the pre-final.

With a scrappy first few laps he muscled his way through to 2nd place and with a couple of laps left had forced his way to the lead. Unfortunately with a poor exit from a hairpin on the last lap he dropped back to 2nd at the flag.

Click for larger image...With another start from the outside of the front row it was a case of surviving the first corner without incident. Fortunately he did but ended up 7th going into turn two. At the end of the first lap he had regained 5th place but due to an accident at turn one the drivers were forced into single file under caution.

Click for larger image...Desperate for the win Connor was keen to get going and at the restart dived into 3rd. Within a few laps he had made his way into 2nd place and started to hunt down the leader. After being glued to his bumper Connor was keen to make a move but was also fully aware of the championship points available. Despite being well clear of the driver in 3rd Connor attempted to pass, but with a defensive move by the leader and team mate Guan Yu Zhou Connor nose cose became stuck in his rear bumper which slowed both of them down considerably enough to allow the driver in 3rd who was some way behind to take the win. Connor came home in 2nd and Zhou 4th. With these results and the fact that most of the Championship contenders either crashed or had poor results Connor takes a commanding 33 point lead in the championship. The next round is at PF International in July.

You can keep up to date with Connor's progress at www.connorhall.co.uk and www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
 
Championship details can be found at www.rgmmc.com.

[ Top ]

---

Iztech Kart Seats   (24/05)

Click for larger image...Iztech Kart Seats would like congratulate Will van Es on yet another winning performance at Rowrah in the first round of the Super 1 TKM Extreme.
 
Will had a great weekend at Rowrah, and put his new Martech supported 2013 Viper on pole for the first round of S1, having been very fast during free practice too.
 
The heats were both run in interesting conditions, the first one on wets on a drying track, when Will chose taller gearing, having estimated that it would actually dry quicker. He finished in a solid 3rd place, having been a bit slow off all three tight corners, but comfortably quickest on the rest of the circuit. The second heat was once again - as seems to be tradition in Extreme at S1 recently - on a drying track but this time on slicks. Here we went out on too low a tyre pressure, having taken the view that it would dry quite fast. It rained again briefly...

Will had a moment of interest, when, having dropped down the order a bit, two karts in front of him collided in the last corner. He had to take to the wet off line in avoidance, and in some lightning quick thinking steered into the pit lane exit. To everyone's amazement he performed a neat pirouette here, sped back out, and resumed racing in 4th place, where he finished.
 
His aggregate results gave him 2nd place on the grid for the finals. In the first final he had a race long close battle with the number 48 kart of Charlie Bruce-White out front, which was eventually settled with Will taking the lead about half way through, beating Charlie by about 1/100ths of a second. In the second final Will was more dominant with Charlie and Luke Graver slogging it out race long for second place, which eventually went to Charlie.
 
Will has come away from the weekend very happy, and we can also report that the latest generation IZ3 performed faultlessly over the weekend, on what is quite a physical track.
 
The Iztech IZ3HF 1/4 is more than £21 cheaper than the equivalent VG 1/4 elsewhere!

Check out our website at www.iztechkartseats.com or phone Kevin on 01908 511000.

[ Top ]

---

MSA/TKM Kart Championship   (21/05)

The British Championship with the ABkC National TKM Championships started later than usual this year, but any expectation of good weather was dashed on Saturday when all track activities had to stop for two hours due to the heavy rain. Sunday was better, once the early drizzle had cleared up and everyone got onto slicks for the finals.Click for larger image...
 
KZ1 MSA British Kart Championship:
The premier class for the British title has moved to the gearbox, or shifter 125cc class as the original KF2 failed to attract enough entries. Henry Easthope, the CIK-FIA U18 World Champion, stunned the 125cc regulars by dominating the new class, with fastest time in qualifying, over KZ2 champion Matt Dittman and Daniel Borton.  Easthope had only sat in the kart for the first time two weeks earlier. He and Borton shared the heat wins on the very wet Saturday. Easthope had slid off the track in a heat and only started fourth for the first final.  He reeled in the hefty gap to poleman Daniel Borton to relieve him of the lead mid-race. Super One Max 177 champion Lucas Orrock has changed disciplines and came fourth behind Dittman.  In the second final Easthope enjoyed a lights to flag victory, with Borton a distant second whilst James Mudd stormed up to third after suffering a fie place penalty in the first final which had dropped him from fourth to ninth.
 
Results Final 1: 1 Henry Easthope Sodi/TM, 2 Daniel Borton BRM/TM, 3 Matt Dittman Tonykart/Vortex, 4 Lucas Orrock Tonykart/Vortex, 5 Joe Charlton CRG/TM
Results Final 2: 1 Easthope, 2 Borton, 3 James Mudd Energy/TM, 4 Dittman, 5 Orrock
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Daniel Borton 154, 2 Henry Easthope 152, 3 Lucas Orrock 142, 4 Matt Dittmann 137, 5 Joe Charlton 134, 6 Jamie Rush 131
 
Click for larger image...MSA British Junior Kart Championship KF Junior:
The Sahara Force India supported Jehan Daruvala topped qualifying over the newcomer to the series, the Thai driver Sasakom Chaimongkol.  The latter came off in the first heat and although he came second to Daruvala in the second, he started grid 8 and never really recovered.  He  whilst Daruvala won the first final from pole.  The rest strung out behind Daniel Ticktum and Philip Rawson.  In the second final Daruvala was pushed into a spin at the start, but stormed back to finish fourth.  Chaimongkol  was excluded from that final for driving standards. All that had left Rawson out on his own until his engine lost all its coolant.  He just survived for the win, Ticktum dropping to third on the last lap in favour of Harrison Newey, son of the Red Bull Racing F1 designer, after Ticktum had tried for a pass for the win.
 
Results Final 1 : 1 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 2 Daniel Ticktum Alonso, 3 Philip Rawson Tonykart, 4 Daniel McAuley Alonso, 5 Dean MacDonald ART
Results Final 2: 1 Rawson, 2 Harrison Newey Wright, 3 Ticktum, 4 Daruvala, 5 Charlie Barlow Zanardi
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Jehan Daruvala 154, 2 Daniel Ticktum 149, 3 Philip Rawson 140, 4 Harrison Newey 140, 5 Dean MacDonald 133, 6 Ross Martin 125
 
Click for larger image...MSA British Cadet Kart Championship for IAME Cadet:
Oliver York set down his marker for the British title amongst the forty hopefuls, taking both final wins.  William Pettit and Oliver York had topped their respective qualifying sessions, Pettit just getting the verdict overall.  Alex Quinn and York took the heat wins, York both of his. In the first final, Teddy Wilson slotted into second as they all fought round the first few corners but he succumbed to Lewis Thompson and fell back to an eventual seventh.  Thompson got alongside York over the line, the official gap was 0.01s. Kiern Jewiss stormed up to third after poor heats, over Matthew Graham and Jonny Edgar.  In the second final Edgar relieved York of the lead on the first lap, but York found a gap in his defences mid-race. William Pettitt and Alex Quinn stormed through from their start positions of tenth and fourteenth respectively to finish third and fourth, the top four all closing up at the end.
 
Results Final 1: 1 Oliver York Zip, 2 Lewis Thompson Zip, 3 Kiern Jewiss Zip, 4 Matthew Graham Zip, 5 Jonny Edgar Zip
Results Final 2: 1 York, 2 Edgar, 3 William Pettitt Zip, 4 Alex Quinn Zip, 5 Jewiss
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Oliver York 160, 2 Lewis Thompson 146, 3 Jonny Edgar 144, 4 Kiern Jewiss 137, 5 Alex Quinn 137, 6 Matthew Graham 134
 
Click for larger image...Formula KGP National Championship:
Mark Litchfield and Bobby Game shared the wins but only after a penalty had been applied. Luca Hirst had topped the qualifying over Game and Danny Keirle on the very wet Saturday, whilst Litchfield had a fuelling problem and didn't set a representative time.  He soon stormed through the second heat to sixth after another problem in the first. The heats were won by Game and Joe Porter, so Hirst and Game shared the front row and soon a five way battle commenced with Litchfield slicing through to the front over Hirst and Game after Keirle dropped out with an electrical problem.  Porter had slotted into second but gradually slipped down the order.  In the second final, Hirst fell out of the lead battle with a spin at the second hairpin leaving Game and Litchfield duelling hard for the win. A tiny mistake by Game was capitalised on by Litchfield with a chop into Pits corner, then Game took a wide line to run out of hairpin 2 side by side, Litchfield just getting the verdict only to receive a 5 place penalty for contact, so leaving Game the winner over Phil Smith.  Keirle had stormed up from the back to fifth, just behind Ryan Green.

Final 1: 1 Mark Litchfield CRG, 2 Luca Hirst Birel, 3 Bobby Game Alonso, 4 Josh Waring Tonykart, 5 Denis Gorman Maranello
Final 2: 1 Game, 2 Phil SmithTonykart, 3 Toby Sowery Tonykart, 4 Ryan Green DR, 5 Danny Keirle Jade
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Bobby Game 153, 2 Phil Smith 138, 3 Josh Waring 134, 4 Luca Hirst 134, 5 Toby Sowery 133, 6 Mark Litchfield 130
 
Click for larger image...Junior TKM ABkC National Championship:
Matt Davies dominated the junior economy class in both wet and dry conditions, and took home a full points tally. Daniel Baybutt had been nearest in the wet qualifying, then Jake Campbell-Mills and Jak Watson were the heat runner-ups. Campbell-Mills retired after the start of the second heat so only started the first final on grid 11 whilst Baybutt shared the front row.  Baybutt managed to get into second at the start, but was usurped by Alex Forward, and later by Alex McRoberts whilst Campbell-Mills only reached seventh.  In the second final Davies nearly doubled his early winning gap to 8s, this time Letts waiting until mid-race to regain third from McRoberts then vault over Forward to take second.

Final 1: 1 Matt Davies Tonykart, 2 Alex Forward DSG, 3 Alex McRoberts Jade, 4 Daniel Baybutt Jade, 5 Stephen Letts Tonykart
Final 2: 1 Davies, 2 Letts, 3 Kyle Hornby DSG, 4 Dino Lee Tonykart, 5 Cameron Clarke TKM
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Matt Davies 160, 2 Alex Forweard 142, 3 Daniel Baybutt 136, 4 Stephen Letts 135, 5 Shea Pearce 130, 6 Tom Owen 126
 
Click for larger image...TKM Extreme ABkC National Championship:
Although Will van Es topped the timed qualifying sheets over Charlie Bruce-White, he didn't fare so well in the heats, with only a third and fourth, as Bruce-White claimed both wins.  Luke Graver from grid 3 took advantage of both at the start of the first final, but was soon relieved of the lead by Bruce-White.  He and Van Es traded the lead a few times until Van Es settled into first, challenged to within 0.01s over the finish line.  Graver had fallen away by some 6s, holding off Andrew Lawrence and a train of karts at the finish.  Joe Forsdyke was not scored at all as his transponder was missing and he only reached eighth from the back in the second final.  Van Es enjoyed a lights to flag victory in the second final with Graver and Bruce-White swapping second at the end for exactly the same top five as in the first one. This year points are awarded in the heats, and this has enabled Bruce-White to take the championship lead by a point over finals winner Van Es.Click for larger image...

Final 1: 1 Will van Es Tonykart, 2 Charlie Bruce-White Tonykart, 3 Luke Graver Tonykart, 4 Andrew Lawrence Tonykart, 5 Ryan Stronach Tonykart
Final 2: 1 Van Es, 2 Bruce-White, 3 Graver, 4 Lawrence, 5 Stronach
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Charlie Bruce-White 156, 2 Will Van Es 155, 3 Luke Graver 146, 4 Paul Monks 136, 5 Andrew Lawrence 134, 6 Ryan Stronach 131

For more information on the championship visit http://superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

BUKC Season Update   (20/05)

The 2013 British Universities Karting Championship continued during March as student teams from across the UK battled it out both on track and with the weather to compete for the coveted 2013 Champions title.
 
Click for larger image...With the snow and freezing weather playing a part once again, Rounds 5 and 6 were held on 13 March at Buckmore Park. Race day saw some impressive driving from many drivers having to deal with challenging track conditions. Hertfordshire A took the overall win for Round 5 and Southampton finished 2nd, while Swansea Metropolitan had their best result of the championship so far by finishing 3rd. Round 6 saw Durham A step up and take first place in the Endurance races, followed closely by Oxford Brookes A in 2nd.
 
The action then headed South to Jenson Buttons' home track at Clay Pigeon in Dorset on 22nd and 23rd March. Round 2 of the Rookie Championship was held on the Friday where once again the weather wasn't being too kind. The Rookie teams seemed to cope admirably as they drove their hearts out whilst dealing with the freezing conditions. Cranfield A took the podium, followed by Coventry D in 2nd and Bristol B in 3rd.
 
Click for larger image...Saturday's racing saw the drivers compete in Rounds 7 & 8 of the main national Championship and luckily, despite a damp morning session, the track dried up throughout the day. With Southampton A, Hertfordshire A and Oxford Brookes technically able to secure a season victory on the day, it was always going to be a frantic day of racing. After Round 7, Southampton took 1st place on the podium and it looked like they were going to wrap the title up on the day in the afternoon. However, they needed a win to secure the title in Round 8 and it went down to the last race where they were pipped to the post by both rivals Hertfordshire A (1st) and Swansea Met A (2nd). This meant that although Southampton ended up 3rd and at the top of the overall table by 1 point at the end of Round 8 leaving Hertfordshire A as the only other team able to challenge them for the title.Click for larger image...  
 
The BUKC 2013 will therefore go down to the wire this year at the fabulous Whilton Mill circuit near Silverstone on Monday 24th June, where both Southampton A and Hertfordshire A teams will be battling it out for the 2013 title.
 
"The racing in March has continued to impress me," comments BUKC organiser, Will Tew, "And now we have the 2013 Championship being decided on the very last day of the season near the home of British motor racing. It's going to be an epic finale and one that I know I'm looking forward to watch."
 
The 2013 BUKC Finals are being held on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June at the Whilton Mill circuit, Northamptonshire.
 
The BUKC 2013 - March results:

Click for larger image...Round 5 winners - Buckmore Park / 13 March:
1st - Hertfordshire A
2nd - Southampton A
3rd - Swansea Met A
 
Round 6 winners - Buckmore Park / 13 March:
1st - Durham A
2nd - Oxford Brookes A
3rd - Plymouth A
 
Click for larger image...Rookie Championship Round 2, Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 22 March:
1st - Cranfield A
2nd - Coventry D
3rd - Bristol B
 
Round 7 winners - Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 23 March:
1st - Southampton A
2nd - Warwick A
3rd - Durham A
 
Click for larger image...Round 8 winners - Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 23 March:
1st - Hertfordshire A
2nd - Swansea Met A
3rd - Southampton A
 
2013 remaining Championship dates are 24 June at Whilton Mill (Round 9 + Graduates Champs + Drivers Champs) and 25 June at Whilton Mill (Drivers Champs + Rookies Champs Finals).
 
For more information on the BUKC championship visit our website at www.bukc.co.uk, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/britishuniversitieskartingchampionship, our YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/user/3tracing and you can follow us on Twitter @karting_bukc.

[ Top ]

---

Three Sisters Race Circuit   (16/05)

Three Sisters' Race Circuit, located in Wigan, Lancashire, has launched an Independent Kart Racing championship designed for owner drivers of 2 stroke karts who want to race competitively but don't hold an MSA licence.  Open to anyone from age 6 years upwards, the next race is scheduled for Sunday 19th May. Entry to a race is £45 in advance and £50 on the day, with gates open from 7am.  The circuit's café will be open all day and the bar will open in the afternoon. Four race categories are available; Bambino, Cadet, Junior and Adults.
 
Three Sisters is the North West's premier kart circuit, with a variety of different track configurations being used over the course of the championship. At the end of the season the winner of each category will not only receive a trophy but also enjoy a fantastic prize, one prize being an Intensive Race Training course worth £495.  Provided by The Racing School, this is a full day of 1-to-1 coaching from professional instructors in a saloon and a single-seater racing car. Drivers are sure to develop their skills, increase confidence and improve their speed.

For more information please visit www.three-sisters.co.uk/karting/owner_driver.asp.

[ Top ]

---

RL Drivers Bounce Back   (16/05)

Click for larger image...Following a frustrating second round of the Super One championship at Rowrah, RL Racing Department's talented young squad returned to form in Wales (12 May), with victory for Junior star Luke Knott and a podium for Mini Max front-runner Sandy Mitchell.
 
In the Mini Max class's timed qualifying session, Jack McCarthy set the second-fastest lap, whilst Mitchell and Hugo Bentley-Ellis also made it into the top ten, finishing 7th and 8th respectively.
 
The opening heat saw Hugo lead Sandy home for a team 3-4, with Jack 9th and the inexperienced Jack Martin progressing to 12th at the chequered flag.
 
McCarthy romped to the win in the second race, with Bentley-Ellis' metronomic consistency yielding another 3rd and subsequently pole position for the final. Martin again claimed 12th but Mitchell was unfortunate not to finish, following a minor crash.
 
Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Hugo was cruising to victory in the final until, just three laps from home, his kart suddenly stopped out on the circuit. Having started mid-pack, Sandy picked his up to 2nd but a mistake cost him several places and he had it all to do again. He was rewarded for his efforts with an eventual 3rd. Jack McCarthy also enjoyed an exciting encounter to hang on to his 4th place, while Jack Martin's day concluded with his third, straight 12th place finish of the day.
 
Fresh from taking an electrifying 3rd at Rowrah the week before, Luke Knott showed that the slightest mistake can prove costly. After forgetting to fit his transponder to his Tony Kart EVK chassis, he was adjudged not to have set a lap time and so was made to start from the back of the grid in each of his two heats.
 
Unfazed, he finished 2nd in both races to earn pole position for the final. A near textbook lights-to-flag victory followed, with the RL driver underlining his domination of the race by setting the fastest lap and taking the chequered flag nearly two seconds clear of the next driver.   
 
Click for larger image...Click for larger image..."This weekend revealed that we can shrug off a difficult event, galvanize ourselves and deliver the right sort of results," said RL Racing's Steve Armstrong. "Luke walked away in the Junior Max final which is indicative of his confidence right now. The way he carved his way from the back of the grid at Rowrah and at Glan Y Gors, also shows what a cracking driver he is."
 
Reviewing his Mini Max drivers' performances, Steve said: "McCarthy made mincemeat of the opposition in his second heat, whilst Hugo showed this incredible consistency to put himself at the front of the field when it really mattered. Had it not been for his spark plug failing, he would have won comfortably. Sandy made some small mistakes that may have cost him a higher place on the podium but he deserved his trophy. Jack's pace in the wet didn't quite match that in the dry, so 4th was a positive result for him. Jack Martin is gaining experience all the time and learned a great deal, so all in all this was a beneficial weekend, in terms of our preparation for the Super One round here."
 
For more information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

FEKC Southern Championship   (15/05)

Click for larger image...Forest Edge Kart Club will be hosting the 2013 Southern Championship event at the popular Barton Stacey circuit.  This will be a 2 day event run over the weekend of the 1st & 2nd June with the SC trophies will be awarded for the best aggregate result over the 2 finals, plus 3 trophies for each class with the winner of each class receiving the SC plate for the year.
 
The format will be... Saturday: normal session practice until midday followed by 3 laps official practice, 2 heats and a final, followed on Sunday by 3 laps official practice, 3 heats and a final. This is a great circuit offering Friday night access with camping and good tarmac pit facilities along with trade shops and plenty of good food for an excellent weekend racing.
 
FEKC have the largest entries in the country offering full grids and fantastic competitive racing, online entries available. Entry fees - £75 members and £95 non members for the whole weekend including practice and both days racing - visit www.fekc.co.uk.

Alternatively you can contact Carole Parsons who is the competition secretary on 01258 451097 - but no calls after 9pm please!
 
If you haven't raced at Forest Edge before you need to come along to this premier event and enjoy racing with the biggest grids in the country!

[ Top ]

---

Super One MSA/TKM   (15/05)

A new era of MSA British Championship racing commences at Rowrah this weekend, for the first round of the MSA/TKM Super One Series. The most prestigious title in British karting has transferred to the gearbox, or shifter, class of KZ1 which in the past has produced such illustrious drivers as Frank Wrathall, Dean Stoneman, Nigel Moore and Jack Hawksworth.  Wrathall, a former Ginetta G50 champion, is now a British Touring Car Independent winner and podium finisher. Stoneman won the Formula 2 series and now races Porsche Cup. Nigel Moore is also a Ginetta champion and the youngest driver to race at Le Mans whilst Hawksworth is the current Star Mazda champion and now races in Indy Lights.  For this weekend 15 KZ1 karts, capable of 90mph, will line up headed by KZ2 ABkC Super 4 champion Matt Dittman, with runner-up James Mudd expected to press him hard. Multiple Super One Max 177 champion Lucas Orrock has transferred disciplines to the shifter classes, whilst Under 18 CIK-FIA World Champion Henry Easthope is also on the list.  It will be mega-exciting to see just who comes out top at the twisty Cumbrian track. The attached image shows Dean Stoneman and Frank Wrathall battling it out at Rowrah in the past.
 
Click for larger image...For the MSA British Junior Kart Championship, 18 young hopefuls are down to compete for the chase to the junior title. Jamie Caroline comes fresh from winning the ABkC O Plate title the previous weekend, but will face stiff competition, not least from Asia Pacific KF3 Cup winner Jehan Daruvala, the Indian driver supported by Sahara Force India Formula 1 team. Another with strong connections to F1 is Harrison Newey, son of the famed Red Bull Racing designer and Chief Technical Officer.  Many of the direct drive senior aces have turned to the Formula KGP class, including former British champions Mark Litchfield and Bobby Game.  Current champion Jonathan Davis has moved teams to Praga whilst Stefan Di Resta, brother to Sahara Force India driver Paul Di Resta has recently won the O Plate at the same circuit, and is very much on form.  Forty youngsters from age 9 to 13 will compete for the inaugural MSA British Cadet Championship using the new IAME Parilla Gazelle UK motor.  It's anyone's guess who will come out on top but Oliver York and local driver Jonny Edgar, scion of the title sponsors, have both had strong results at the track. The line up is completed by the senior TKM Extreme and Junior TKM classes competing for the ABkC National Championships.

It's an event not to be missed and everyone can follow the action on the TAG Heuer live timing at www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.

Entry lists and timetables are available on the Super One website at superoneseries.com/race_entries_msa_tkm/ 
 
For circuit details go to superoneseries.com/locations/rowrah-lakeland-stadium/ or to www.cumbriakrc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Strawberry Racing Dominates   (15/05)

Click for larger image...The Tony Kart EVK chassis and Cream-prepared engines are proving to be the perfect combination, as Strawberry Racing's Connor Hall, Guan Yu Zhou and Charlie Eastwood demonstrated at Rowrah (4/5 May).
 
The trio monopolised the top step of the Super One podium in their respective classes, putting Strawberry Racing firmly on top of the Mini, Junior and Senior Max point's tables.

Connor Hall proved too hot to handle in Mini Max, winning both finals in emphatic style. Having taken back-to-back wins in his two heats, he started the pre-final from pole position. From the start he made a clean getaway, leaving his rivals to dispute who would be the first of the runners-up, as he opened an unassailable 11-seconds lead.

Another great start, aided by crashes behind him, put Hall in charge of the main final. His winning margin was cut to a shade over four seconds, but it was an indication of the maturity and professionalism Connor is driving with, that he conserved his equipment and brought it home without unnecessarily pushing it.
Darren Keane battled gamely in the midfield to earn a top twenty finish on only his second visit to the Lakeland venue, whilst Finlay Hutchinson's first race with the team was rewarded with a thoroughly-deserved 9th.

"Connor is in top form at the moment," said Strawberry's team manager Warwick Ringham. "He seems to have everything under control, whether it is in wet or dry conditions. Darren flew in from the USA midweek and did not really get going until the final, when he showed the same speed he had at last month's club event. Finlay did far better than we could have hoped for. He had a few setbacks over the weekend but enjoyed a fantastic final."

In the Junior Max class, Guan Yu 'Joe' Zhou and Ben Hingeley claimed 1st and 3rd place starting positions for the pre-final. Their team-mates Max Aitken and Omar Ismail also qualified directly into the race, avoiding the repecharge, to line up on p18 and p23 respectively.

'Joe' held his advantage as the 30-strong field streamed into the tight, first corner with Ben following him to make it a Strawberry one-two in the race's early stages. The pair then thrilled the crowd - whilst putting their team's collective heart in its mouth - by dicing for the lead. They passed and re-passed each other with Ben finally settling matters in his favour and Guan Yu dropping to 3rd. Max took the chequered in 19th with Omar 24th.

A series of pile-ups during the opening lap brought the second final to a stop. At the re-start, Zhou deftly out-smarted Hingeley and soaked up the relentless pressure to take the win and the narrowest of leads over his team-mate in the championship table. In contrast to Guan Yu and Ben's delight, there was frustration and disappointment for Max and Omar, with both reduced to spectating by crashes.

Click for larger image..."Ben and Joe are proving hard to beat at the moment and it's great to see them both at the front, racing for the win. Max and Omar struggled a little, mainly due to a lack of track time at Rowrah, whereas the other two have more experience of the circuit," explained Ringham.

Having started from 3rd in the Senior pre-final, reigning world number one and Florida Winter Tour champion Charlie Eastwood scythed his way past the pole-sitter, with fellow Strawberry driver Kyle Fowlie slotting in behind him. Their positions remained unchanged. Current Junior Grand Finals and Euro Max Challenge champion Harry Webb fought his way from an 8th-row start to 11th, whilst Sweden's Andreas and Jessica Backman finished 21st and 28th.

Fowlie turned the tables on Eastwood in the early moments of the main final to head the squabbling pack for the first seven laps. Having dropped to 4th, Charlie quickly regained his composure and the ground he'd initially lost to pick his way up to 2nd by lap five. After catching and passing his team-mate, he then opened a commanding, 3-seconds gap over Kyle, who in turn had a healthy margin over the driver in 3rd. Harry improved to 8th, with Jessica also making ground to cross the line in 18th spot, ahead of Andreas in 21st.

"Since the World Finals, Charlie has been pretty-much unstoppable in the major races," asserted Warwick. "He keeps coming up with the big race wins and is driving really well. Kyle had a torrid time at Round One, so to come away with two 2nd-place finishes was great for him and the team."

For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Shwartzman On The Podium   (15/05)

Click for larger image...The third and penultimate round of the WSK Masters series (4/5 May) saw Forza Racing's Robert Shwartzman carry his successful form from Sarno to Precenicco and take another KFJ podium.
 
Just as he had done in his previous race with Jamie Croxford's Forza Racing team, Robert went straight into the Super Pole shoot-out, ultimately placing 9th overall in a close and tense session.
 
Bouncing back from a time penalty in the opening heat - for what the officials judged as a 'bad manoeuvre'- Robert finished 9th in the second heat and 6th in the last of the preliminary races before Sunday's all-important finals.
 
"With a reduced entry, the organisers changed the format of the racing to three heats and two finals. With no separate groups, this effectively made each race a final," explained Forza team owner, Jamie Croxford. "Consequently, that made the racing aggressive and quite frenetic because, to qualify for the pre-final, you had to improve throughout the meeting.  In the cut and thrust of the opening heat, Robert was a little too 'enthusiastic'."
 
Despite his earlier transgression, the Russian youngster had done more than enough to earn himself a fourth row start in the pre-final. A solid drive in the 17-lap encounter netted a fine 5th place at the chequered flag and the vital inside line of row three on the grid for the main final.
 
Click for larger image..."We were unlucky not to have finished higher. Before the pre-final started, the wind got up and made the track really dusty and slippery. The bigger drivers could use their weight to generate more mechanical grip, and so coped better in the conditions but the lighter ones were hindered," said Croxford.
 
As the leading pair duelled over the lead, Robert made the most of his lightning start to carve his way through the traffic into 3rd place.
 
"Throughout the race Robert was under a lot of pressure from the drivers behind him. He did really well and didn't succumb to it. He was by far the best of the smaller drivers, and I've said for the past four months that it was only a matter of time before he had a podium. I knew that once he'd achieved that then more would come, and this latest success shows that he's thrown the psychological monkey off his back. His speed was never an issue but his racecraft and confidence needed to improve. Now he knows that he is capable of achieving top six finishes in every race, or at least top eight, I think we'll see him flourish."
 
The result moves Robert from 10th to 7th place in the championship with one round remaining.
 
Click for larger image...In the KF class, Poland's Igor Walilko recorded the 17th-fastest time in qualifying and finished in the same position in the first heat.  He improved on this with 14th in the following heat, but suffered a DNF in the last; compromising his chances of qualifying higher up the order for the pre-final.
 
Undaunted, Igor delivered another solid performance that saw him move up the order to claim a respectable 14th place.
 
Starting the final from the outside row in the heart of the midfield didn't faze him. In fact, quite the opposite and he enjoyed his best race of the WSK season to date. Igor charged up into the top ten and from there picked his way forward to 7th place, delighting his team boss: "Igor enjoyed his best ever performance. He made some mistakes in the heats but drove really well in the main final. He absorbed everything he experienced in qualifying and the heats, learned from it and then came through to 7th. I was as pleased with that, as Robert's podium. Like Robert, Igor will hopefully go on and improve from there."
 
For more information and to discuss a race seat with the team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit www.forza-racing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Joan Codina/Foto Formula K.

[ Top ]

---

IAME Cadet 'O' Plate   (14/05)

Trent Valley Kart Club are pleased to officially announce the date for the first ever... ABkC IAME Cadet 'O' Plate!

This inaugural title will be decided on Sunday 3rd November 2013 at the legendary PF International kart circuit - IAME's UK home.

With more details to follow in the coming weeks, you can be assured that the 2013 ABkC IAME Cadet 'O' Plate will make its debut with a bang.

To guarantee your entry at this premier race meeting register your interest today by emailing our Competition Secretary, Danielle Short, at compsec@tvkc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Eastwood Rules At Rowrah   (14/05)

Click for larger image...Click for larger image...Charlie Eastwood dominated the second round (4/5 May) of the UK's most prestigious karting championship - the appropriately named Super One - to put himself 34 points clear at the top of the table.

The reigning world number one and current European championship points leader had travelled to the dramatic Rowrah circuit in Cumbria and was immediately one of the pacesetters.
 
In timed qualifying - in which the top 26 competitors were separated by no more than eight tenths of a second - Eastwood recorded the 4th-fastest lap time.
 
The Strawberry Racing star old then signaled his intent in the opening heat with a close-fought win over James Singleton. However, he suffered something of a reversal of fortune in the following race, when he crossed the finishing line 8th:"I started 3rd but was on slick tyres on a drying track, like the rest of the field. That meant that there was just one line through the corners and, just after the start, I arrived at the first chicane with the other top six drivers and we were all pushed off the track by the guys behind. I was able to come back through from the back of the field to salvage 8th," explained Charlie.
 
Nevertheless, his combined results were sufficient to give him 4th position on the grid for Sunday's first final.
 
Click for larger image...The Rowrah track presents drivers with a series of high speed uphill and downhill sections, interspersed with challenging hairpin corners and chicanes. It is a place that rewards bravery, but punishes mistakes severely.
 
Eastwood delivered a perfect demonstration of how to attack the historic venue and burst through to take the lead on lap 5: "I'd been squeezed off the circuit at the start and had lost ground, but picked my way up into the lead quite quickly. I led for the last 10 laps and was keeping it calm but my Strawberry Racing team-mate, Kyle Fowlie, had reeled me in. So I got the signal to 'push, push, push'. I managed to re-open the gap to about a second, but Kyle took a big chunk out of it, so I pushed again and then stayed relaxed to the chequered flag."  
 
If he had been impressive in the first final, Eastwood was imperious in the second. Although, he suffered an anxious get away from the start-line: "You'd think from my eventual winning margin that I'd breezed it, but it was quite the opposite. As the lights flicked to green my engine spluttered and I came out of the first corner in 4th place. I managed to move up to 3rd and caught the front pair pretty quickly. Having moved into 2nd, Kyle was leading but I chased him down and once I was past, edged away. He put me under pressure but during the last two laps came under attack from behind, so had to defend and that gave me the gap I needed." 
     
Having arrived in 3rd place overall in the points, after the championship's opening round at Three Sisters in Greater Manchester last month, Charlie was delighted to return to Belfast as the points leader: "My aim is to try and stay on top in both championships now. I'm going to take it track by track, race by race, as so much can happen. Of course, I'd like to win every race, but a more technical approach is needed now."

The Super One series next moves to the stunning Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales in June (15/16). Before then, Charlie will fly out to Italy, hoping to increase his points advantage at the Pista Sette Laghi, Castelletto, near the ancient city of Pavia, on 25/26 May.

Keep up to speed with Charlie by following him on twitter - @ce_racing_ncc - and via his Facebook page - Charlie Eastwood.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Spring Offers From IPK   (13/05)

IPK are pleased to announce our latest offers on our World, European and British Championship winning karts.
 
Complete OK1 Cruiser Rolling Chassis - from £1500 + VAT.
Complete Praga Dragon Rolling Chassis - from £1995 + VAT.
Complete karts ready to race in Rotax - from £3400 + VAT.
 
If you are interested in testing one of our products then please feel free to give us a call and this can be arranged. For more information on our offers please feel free to call us on 01133 222795 or send us an email info@ipkarting.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Vision Motorsport On Form   (13/05)

The newly appointed South West Kosmic Agent, Vision Motorsport, is enjoying a solid start to the season as a new team in the paddock. Although it is early days for this fledgling team, the hard work and effort has started to deliver good performances and consistent results.

April saw team drivers' Fletcher Trueman and Harry Carter take a great one-two for the team in Minimax at Clay Pigeon. The team then moved onto Dunkeswell where Ryan Luscombe, Brandon Patrick and Harry Carter in Minimax, and Ash Reeves in Senior Rotax all showed great pace, but race misfortunes prevented any podiums.

The May meeting at PFI saw Junior Max driver Pete Griffin put in a great performance claiming 3 out of 4 fastest laps, only to be robbed of a 2nd place in the final, but he still held on to a strong 5th.

May's meeting at Clay Pigeon produced more good results with Minimax driver Harry Carter putting in a cracking performance, claiming all three heats and delivering his first Minimax victory in the final. Harry's brother Jamie also put in a great drive in the competitive Honda cadet class to get his first podium since moving from novice plates at the start of the year.

The Team would like to thank Aim Motorsport and Robinson Sport for their continued support.

For information about joining the team or any queries regarding the Kosmic chassis please contact Daryl Burgess on 07792 749566 or email Dazkartburgess@hotmail.com.

[ Top ]

---

BPKC Summer Champs   (10/05)

The second round of the BPKC summer championships takes place on Sunday 19th May with practice available on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May.

This meeting incorporates round 2 of the Kent Kart Championships which attracted record entries at round 1. All non gearbox ABkC classes are welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino. Overnight parking is available.

This meeting also offers the ideal opportunity for LGM competitors to practice and race at Buckmore before their round visits the circuit in July.

For further details contact Sheila at Buckmore Park Kart Club on sheila@buckmore.co.uk or on 01634 201562 ext 210. 

[ Top ]

---

It's Here...   (10/05)

Ambition are pleased to announce the welcoming of the OTK Tonykart/Kosmic and FA Alonso Brand to the Honda Cadet Class. After its maiden visit to Forest Edge this weekend for all to see, the kart was fast from Saturday morning. Easy to set up, user friendly and proved to be a race winner on Sunday with Ryan Truman at the wheel.
 
Team Manager Paul Janes commented "We tested the kart for the first time last year with some amendments to be made, Its now come along at a great time and has already turned heads with its pace, Even beter with a Final Win on its first official race event in the Honda Cadet Category. The whole package is appealable to new and more experienced drivers and we welcome drivers to sample the kart to understand how good it is".
 
Click for larger image...Ambition would like to thank Warwick and the team at Strawberry Racing and look forward to working with the Kart for many outings during the 2013 season.
 
The Tonykart/Kosmic/FA Alonso is available to test and buy now. Please contact Strawberry Racing, Ambition Motorsport or The Kart Shop @ Buckmore to arrange your test soon.
 
Strawberry Racing - 0114 269 6215
Ambition Motorsport - 07951 831236
Kart Shop @ Buckmore - 01634 672256
 
Ambition Motorsport are Southern distributers for the FA Alonso Brand of Kart by OTK, Bambino, Honda and All Rotax Class Karts available to buy new or used. Please contact us at info@ambitionmotorsport.com or telephone +44 7951 831236 for more details.

[ Top ]

---

Ambition Dominate   (10/05)

Click for larger image...Ambition Motorsport UK have started 2013 with a bang. The team have taken time out from the British Championship this year to concentrate on the next generation of drivers starting karting at the young age of 6 onwards and helping them progress throughout our race schools in Bambino and Honda Cadet. The winter training programme is now earning its rewards leading into the start of this years Summer Championships at Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows, Forest Edge and Lydd with Wins at all 4 circuits in continuous weeks in various classes.
 
Zach Ripley took the spoils within the Bambino Category at Lydd in April with a fine win with newcomer to the circuit Tristan Thorpe taking the final podium place in 3rd, Ambition driver Ollie Marsh also took a great Pole position in Qualifying in Honda Cadet Clubman and 5th in the final with Fastest Lap to his name also.Click for larger image...
 
Rubin Stanilaus took a clean sweep of wins at Buckmore Park on his first race meeting in Honda Cadet Clubman, Ronnie Foster has also progressed very well throughout the winter period taking a strong 2nd place finish in the final the month before.
 
Rubin was also victorious again in Honda Cadet Clubman at Bayford Meadows with a strong showing from his other team mates of Owen Tolley, Alfie Prince and Ronnie Foster. Ollie Marsh and Zak Rogers improved strongly and set great times too be as fast as the front guys but both were unlucky in the final otherwise they would of been challenging the more experienced guys at the front.
 
Click for larger image...Tyler Sullivan took his first final victory at Forest Edge in Minimax on his 3rd visit to the circuit and his 2nd meeting of Novice Plates. Tyler started grid 9 and took the lead on the last lap after making some fantastic moves throughout, Also taking fastest lap to round up a great day for the young 12 year old. It wasn't just Minimax, The Honda Cadet Final was won by a new driver to the team for the weekend Ryan Truman. After consistent results in his 3 heats to grid p3, Ryan won the final on the last corner of the last lap on his Tonykart Mounted Honda Cadet Kart celebrating not only his first win with the team but also first win on the new 2013 Tonykart (See separate news bulletin)
 
Ambition now turn there attention to the month of May and helping 6 drivers graduate from Bambino Karting into Honda Cadet with Zach Ripley, George Oxford, Theo Marsh, Max Merritt, Drew Davidson, Bradley Spickett and Jack Spickett all taking to the track in there new outfits.
 
Click for larger image...The team would like to congratulate all of the teams drivers, mechanics and tutors for all there hard work over the cold winter and look to building a strong line up for the 2013 season.
 
Team places are available in all classes from Bambino to Senior Max and One to One Tuition is also available after school for hour or two hour sessions at our base at Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit, Sittingbourne, Kent, Throughout the Summer Months during 2013 for Bambino and Honda Drivers looking for that extra edge on the competition.
 
Visit our website at www.ambitionmotorsport.com, or contact us to book your day/weekend with the team by email to info@ambitionmotorsport.com or telephone +44 7951 831236.

Ambition Motorsport will be attending all Southern Circuits throughout 2013 and are FA Alonso Southern Distributers for all Bambino, Honda and Rotax Class Karts with New or Used Equipment available for all.

[ Top ]

---

Exclusive TKM Test Day   (10/05)

Formula TKM has teamed up with Whilton Mill to host a special test day at the Northamptonshire circuit catering exclusively for drivers of TKM 2-stroke class karts and those looking to move up into the class from Cadets and other classes.
 
The event will take place on Friday July 26 - the first day of the school holidays for many - making it a great way to kick off the summer break. It will include support from Tal-Ko, organisers of the TKM classes, as well as other top TKM class trade teams and manufacturers.
 
No MSA licence is required to take part in the test day which will provide a unique opportunity for drivers to hone their skills, test equipment, and for potential newcomers, to try a TKM kart for the first time.
 
TKM boss Alan Turney explains: "We have so many new drivers coming into the class that we felt a special day like this would benefit everyone and provide great value testing."
 
The day will run from 10am to 5pm on the Whilton Mill International circuit which has recently undergone a number of changes to barriers, run off areas and kerbing as part of a program of improvements at the track.
 
Normally a full day's testing at the track costs £50 per kart but for this event it will be just £30. Sessions will be split into Juniors, Seniors and newcomers allowing for all experience levels. Newcomers sampling a kart will pay just £10.
 
With Whilton Mill hosting the last round of the TKM Club Championship it will provide an important opportunity to test before that double header race meeting in September.
 
Whilton Mill manager Graeme Smith explained: "We are very keen to rebuild our TKM grids and wanted a way to give all TKM drivers the best opportunity to sample and learn the circuit. We are confident the day will be well received and the attendance levels healthy."
 
Aside from allowing existing TKM drivers test time, special efforts are being made to help potential new drivers to the TKM classes whether currently in Cadets or any other class. Says Alan Turney: "This is the perfect chance for new drivers to try out TKM karting. So long as they have full safety equipment and at least some karting experience we will get them out in a kart."
 
Further details of traders taking part and more detailed information will be made over the next few weeks. In the meantime any driver interested in taking part should email testday@tkmdriversclub.com to apply for an entry sheet.

[ Top ]

---

Tooley Motorsport Trio   (09/05)

After narrowly missing out on the O plate last year in both Mini Max and Junior Max, the team were aiming for both titles this year. To push this title hope the team had 5 Mini Max out but only one Junior Max, these consisted of Dan Zelos, Jordan Brown-Nutley, Josh Skelton, Cameron Roberts, Michael Macpherson and Nathan Aston. The testing went well in the dry with Jordan heading the pace for the team in mini max, battling for the top few places in each race. Aston qualified in the top 5 as well.
 
Come race day the weather changed and the testing was out the window, it was wet and after practice all looked well. Aston was 5 tenths clear of the field and Zelos was in the top few quickest. Zelos won the pre final with ease, pulling away from the field and winning by a huge gap. Going into the final Zelos knew he was the quickest and he just had to control the main final at his own pace, he did just this. Keeping the gap constant he held the lead from start to finish, a very convincing win! Macphereson had a crash at the start after finishing a great 12th in the pre final, showing a massive improvement. Whilst Skelton put in a good performance for 5th, Roberts was 9th, and Brown Nutley 10th.
 
The team have now completed the trio in Mini Max - number 1, GP, and the O plate!
 
S1 Rowrah
After the 1st round at Wigan there was room for improvement from all, after a lot of testing team principal Andrew Tooley commented "I think from a team point of view, we have moved forward massively from Wigan, and I'm positive we can have good results all round".

After a good week at the O plate 1 week prior to the S1, this proved a good test for this event.

Zelos was supporting his O, Roberts had thought about his mistakes, Skelton felt on good form after a solid 5th and Brown Nutley again on good form especially in the dry. The mini outing was looking quite strong. This was backed up in qualifying when Zelos went 2nd in group, Roberts went 3rd and Jordan went 4th. Skelton was unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and never managed to put a time in so ended up 14th. Come the finals some had work to do, Jordan set off near the back and made a good start, but to then be knocked clean off on the 2nd hairpin putting him straight to the back, this put him on the back foot for the main final and was then taken out in that again causing him not to finish. Skelton was also unfortunate and was knocked off at the top corner causing him to drop to the back of the field after battling for 10th. Roberts and Zelos performed stunningly filling out the podium in the pre-final, and again for the main final. Where they swapped positions and were only margins off halls pace, proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

The Junior side of the team Consisted of Greg Mckenzie and Nathan Aston, who were both quick throughout the whole weekend. Qualifying 2nd and 5th they were off to a flying start, only narrowly missing out on pole by hundredths! Leading up to the finals Aston had a few battles and ended up mid pack, but Mckenzie had a 9th and a heat win, after beating other contenders convincingly. The finals brought miss fortunes once again; the pre finals were good with Aston getting a great 2nd place and Mckenzie getting 6th. But in the main final once again the crashes at the start claimed both of them!

Aston still lies 8th in the championship, Zelos is a good 2nd, Roberts is 4th and the others are mid pack and are hoping for better results in the future. Consistency is proving to be the key!

For more information visit www.Tooleymotorsport.com.

[ Top ]

---

Super One Rotax Series   (09/05)

Round 2 of the Edgar's Hyundai Super One Rotax Series took place at Rowrah on 4th & 5th May 2013.

Click for larger image...Domination held sway in senior Max, MiniMax and Honda Cadet with the weather leaving something to be desired, wet for much of the finals day and cold for the second round of the Rotax - Honda - Comer series.  Exactly the same number raced as at the first round - 171 drivers for Britain's ABkC national championships.  But the driving standards in some classes were not always good, with much loading into the first corner and the Clerks were busy giving out penalties.

 
Honda Cadet:
Kiern Jewiss is on a great winning streak at the moment, and although timed qualifying didn't go quite to plan, by Heat 3 he was on top of things. He did enough for the first final pole, with Charlie Lamb alongside, Morgan Porter and Rory Hudson behind. Jewiss duly took the lead, with Porter leapfrogging Lamb on the first lap until Hudson stormed by both. The wet track was helping Myles Apps up from his row 4 start to find more speed, and soon into second. Matthew Hayden reached fourth but spun back in the tricky conditions and Jewiss just held off  Apps with Hudson close behind. Lamb successfully defended fourth from Matthew Hopcraft and Morgan Porter. A get well message goes out to Shaun Proudlock who broke his leg scrambling down to attend his son's crash. Jewiss was quick to relieve Apps of the lead in the second final, going on to pull a 6s lead on a drying track with everyone still using wet weather tyres. Hudson pipped Apps down the hill but they both fell back as Porter and Hayden came through, the latter prevailing for second. Lamb just nicked third from Porter on the line, with Mark Kimber overhauling Apps for fifth.
 
Click for larger image...Comer Cadet:
Second in timed qualifying to Tom Wood, Alex Quinn was the more consistent to earn the first final pole position from Wood, Oliver York and Jonny Edgar and they set off much in that order but Tom Wood crashed down to the back. Edgar, who only lives a short distance from the track and scored his first big championship title the weekend before taking the O Plate title, soon burst through to lead over Quinn. Lewis Thompson was making good progress, relieving Quinn for second whilst Matty Easton did the same to York.  Wood came back to ninth. The top drivers mostly chose slicks for the second final, but nothing could help first final winner Edgar when his engine stopped on the formation lap. York and Quinn traded the lead as Matthew Graham fell away, soon to succumb to Wood for third. Losing the lead when he put a wheel on the grass, York managed to regain it for the win over Quinn.Click for larger image...
 
MiniMax:
Connor Hall is another driver on top of his game at the moment, and he kept up the momentum at the twisty Cumbrian track, built in an old quarry. Hall was quickest over Sandy Mitchell and Josh Smith, and fastest overall with Alex Stott topping the other session. Heat wins went the way of Hall twice and Harrison Thomas but it was the more consistent Dan Zelos who lined up alongside Hall on the first final front row, Smith and Stott behind. As Hall disappeared into the distance, by the flag he was 11s ahead, Zelos newly crowned with the O Plate, tried in vain to catch up and indeed came under pressure from Cameron Roberts at the end. Alex Sedgwick stormed up to fourth as Smith succumbed, Thomas next. For the second final all the karts were on slicks and yet again Hall made a great start whilst others crashed, Jack McCarthy spinning into the first corner. Zelos eventually got the upper hand on Roberts and Thomas battled in a train of karts, finishing fourth on the track but suffering a five place penalty. That elevated Tom Gamble, Alex Sedgwick and Smith.
 
Click for larger image...Junior Max:
Ben Hingeley and Luke Knott were each quickest in the their timed sessions but both suffered 5 place penalties relegating Hingeley to the second row for the first final behind 'Joe' Zhou and Tom Harvey. Knott was mid grid but failed to start when his engine oiled up. Hingeley, Jake Walker and Greg McKenzie took the heat wins.  Zhou leapt into the lead with a handy gap over Hingeley as Nathan Aston leapfrogged Jai Nijjar for third. Harvey was battling hard to keep fourth from Jack Bartholomew.  But the latter was flagged in for a bent sidepod, emerging a lap down. Hingeley had caught and even passed Zhou, they swapped again and again but Hingeley had the win. Josh Price came all the way from fourth last and a repechage win to fourth place. There was so much carnage at the start of the second final that it was stopped to lecture the drivers. Zhou slipped past Hingeley to lead after the restart and just held onto the advantage throughout, everyone on slicks but damp off line. Robbie Lightfoot wore down Walker's defence of third, but fell back mid race to ninth, Walker soon to follow but to fifteenth. Philip Rawson took up the position but overshot the hairpin and had to settle for fifth as Knott stormed up from the back to the podium. Harvey had been forced to start from the back after damage at the first start, and he made it to eighth but was then excluded for driving standards. Bartholomew was another slicing through the field from near last to fourth.
 
Click for larger image...Rotax Max:
Adam Glear and James Singleton were at the top of their respective timed qualifying sessions, but Charlie Eastwood, Oliver Hodgson and Josh Collings took the heat wins. However it was rookie Adam Glear who snatched pole for the first final off Philip Morin, Eastwood and Charlie Turner, whilst Singleton was on grid 7 and the champion Sean Babington languished on the ninth row after a series of heat clashes and he never really recovered. Eastwood wasted little time in jumping Glear, the latter succumbing to Kyle Fowlie as well. John Stewart, having regained his O Plate the previous weekend had fallen to last, but would finish 19th in the first and 14th in the second.  Singleton was another in the wars, he only made 16th. Luke Hughes made steady progress and nabbed third from Glear on the last lap. Eastwood was out-gunned at the start by Fowlie, Myers -from fifth on the grid - and Hughes, but picked his way back to the front and pulled a 3s gap over Fowlie. Hodgson, another one in the final one incidents finishing tenth, stormed back into contention to pressure Fowlie after passing Connor Jupp.  Jupp had to win the repechage for his place in the finals, reaching ninth in the first one so was very happy with fourth.  Eastwood, who has already sealed a place in the Max Challenge Grand Finals, now comfortably leads this qualifying series as well.
 
Results

Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Kiern Jewiss (Project One) 15 laps in 16m56.55s; 2 Myles Apps (BRK) +00.11s; 3 Rory Hudson (Project One); 4 Charlie Lamb (BRK); 5 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 6 Morgan Porter (BRK).  Fastest lap Apps 1m03.73s (40.72mph).
Final 2: 1 Jewiss 17 laps in 16m56.28s; 2 Matthew Hayden (BRK) +05.69s; 3 Lamb; 4 Porter; 5 Mark Kimber (BRK); 6 Apps.  Fastest lap Hayden 0m58.79s (44.14mph).Click for larger image...
 
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Jonny Edgar (Zip) 15 laps in 16m07.58s; 2 Lewis Thompson (Zip) +02.72s; 3 Alex Quinn (Zip); 4 Matty Easton (Shark); 5 Oliver York (Zip); 6 Matthew Graham (Zip).  Fastest lap Edgar 1m03.82s (40.66mph).
Final 2: 1 York 17 laps in 16m37.21s; 2 Quinn +01.12s; 3 Tom Wood (Zip); 4 Graham; 5 William Pettitt (Zip); 6 Zachary Robertson (Zip).  Fastest lap Wood 0m57.21s (45.36mph).
 
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart) 17 laps in 16m33.79s; 2 Dan Zelos (Tonykart) +10.87s; 3 Cameron Roberts (Tonykart); 4 Alex Sedgwick (Kosmic); 5 Josh Smith (ART); 6 Harrison Thomas (Tonykart).  Fastest lap Hall 58.07s (44.69mph).
Final 2: 1 Hall 19 laps in 16m11.21s; 2 Zelos +04.65s; 3 Roberts; 4 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 5 Sedgwick; 6 Smith.  Fastest lap Hall 0m50.24s (51.66mph).
 
Click for larger image...Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Ben Hingeley (Tonykart) 17 laps in 16m22.88s; 2 Nathan Aston (Tonykart) +00.80s; 3 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Josh Price (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker (Kosmic).  Fastest lap Walker 0m57.02s (45.51mph).
Final 2: 1 Zhou 20 laps in 16m12.46s; 2 Hingeley +01.98s; 3 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 4 Jack Bartholomew (Tonykart); 5 Philip Rawson (Alonso); 6 Brett Ward (Kosmic).  Fastest lap Zhou 0m47.97s (54.10mph).
 
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Charlie Eastwood (Tonykart) 18 laps in 16m49.31s; 2 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart) +01.30s; 3 Luke Hughes (Tonykart); 4 Adam Glear (Kosmic); 5 Oliver Myers (Tonykart); 6 Philip Morin (Alonso).  Fastest lap Eastwood 0m54.16s (47.92mph).
Final 2: 1 Eastwood 21 laps in 16m31.47s; 2 Fowlie +02.90s; 3 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 4 Connor Jupp (Alonso); 5 Glear; 6 Hughes.  Fastest lap Hodgson 0m46.47s (55.85mph).

For more information on the championship visit
www.superoneseries.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Calling All Novice Cadets   (09/05)

The June meeting, held on the weekend of the 1st (practice) and 2nd (race) will have a very special trophy up for grabs.

As many of you are aware last year the karting world lost a very special lady Marge Klaassen, after long discussions with Piet we have come up with the Marge Klassen Memorial Cup for Cadet Novices. Rissington Kart Club would like to invite as many novices as possible there will be trophies and prizes.This will become a annual event with perpetual trophy as well.
 
We would love to get a good number of drivers any cadet engine allowed (Comer, IAME, Honda and WTP) If we get a large number of drivers will give them their own races and final.
 
You may even get some coaching from a former Rissington Champion!
 
More details of this event will shortly be available on the Rissington web site at www.rissykartclub.com.

[ Top ]

---

And The Winner Is...   (09/05)

Click for larger image...Rissington On Line entry system had it's first prize draw winner, Cadet regular Tyler Read won himself a set of tyres just for entering on line. Tyler's Mum was overjoyed at the result, we needed a new set so this is great news and all I did was enter Tyler online.
 
For our next meeting in June we have another great prize kindly donated by Alan from MK racewear - a voucher worth £150 to spend at the shop that's enough for a new race suit!

Alan said "I am happy to help Rissington, its a great track great people". The voucher can be used any time so if someone wins and want to wait to spend it later in the year you can. Based down a Mr. Karting indoor kart track in Leamington spa you can visit the shop and try on suits, helmets, boot, gloves etc to make sure they fit correctly, check out their web site www.mkracewear.co.uk.

Just go to the Rissington web site www.rissykartclub.com enter on line and pay for the June meeting and you will be in the prize draw, it's so simple.

[ Top ]

---

Kartal Motorsport Success   (08/05)

Click for larger image...Tom Geaney was jubilant after winning the Gold Cup in Comer Cadet at MBKCs meeting at 3 Sisters. He was joined on the podium by Tamzyn Buckley who was 3rd. Tamzyn also picked up her Winter series winners trophy.
 
In IAME Cadet Wes Brown was 3rd in the Gold Cup event - he also collected his Winter Series Winners trophy.
 
Joe Bleackley won the Winter Series trophy in Junior Blue following his recent good form.
 
In Junior Rotax Robbie Lightfoot made it 2 years in succession by taking victory in this well supported class, an excellent achievement.
 
Young Ben Deeming in the Cadet class was awarded a Special achievement award by MBKC following his recent success of winning Young Sports personality of the year as awarded by the Trinity Mirror Media group.
 
Kartal Motorsport would like to thank all these customers for choosing to use engines supplied by them.

Please note that we now have a fully operational FlowPerformance bench available to trade and private customers for testing carbs and airboxes  Recent customers include Lewis Seville, who after testing a combination of Rotax Carbs, air boxes and trumpets, won at PFi in Senior Max. Along with our Eddie current dyno we offer these excellent facilities to enable you to achieve the best performance possible. Get the most out of your equipment and join the winners!

Contact Alan at Kartal Motorsport for Comer, IAME, Rotax and TKM rebuilds on 07801 379880.
 
You can also find us on Facebook.

[ Top ]

---

Protrain's Wragg And Rudge   (08/05)

Click for larger image...Kieran Wragg and Sean Rudge are certainly showing that they are drivers with talent making an almost seamless transfer from Cadet success to Mini Max success.
 
At the season opener at Whilton Mill 11 year old Wragg lined up in a new Tony Kart with 15 other karts and showed impressive pace all through practice and into race day. Despite this being his first race weekend at Whilton Mill in Mini Max his heat 2, 3 and 1 finishes including a fastest lap delivered a well deserved pole position for the final where he enjoyed a great racing battle and showed great racecraft to take his first Mini Max victory in style.
 
Out of four finishes this year Kieran has finished, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 1st and taken third place in the Shenington Winter Championship, truly impressive in this new and highly competitive class.
 
Sean Rudge has also been highly impressive in his maiden Mini Max season on the Formula K taking his first victory in a field of 30 karts at Kimbolton in April taking fastest lap in the process. Sean's finishes including two 3rds, a 4th and a 5th as well as taking a superb second place in the Shenington Winter Championship show how quickly he has also adapted to his new class.
 
Click for larger image...Making the move from cadet to Mini Max is a massive step up and very often talented cadet drivers seem to struggle but under Protrain Racing's guidance the Rotax masters have shown that it is possible make an immediate impression on the Mini Max field.
 
These two drivers have shown that even with large grids including much more experienced drivers new Mini Max drivers with great backing and great talent will quickly see themselves at the front of the grids.
 
Kieran will be competing in the Shenington and Whilton Mill Championships and Sean will be in the Shenington, Whilton Mill and Kimbolton Championships in 2013.
 
Are you struggling to make an impression in any Rotax class? We can help you bring yourself to the front of the grids too, give us a call on 01280 814774.

[ Top ]

---

Lydd Summer Championship   (07/05)

Click for larger image...The Summer Championships at Lydd continue this weekend, with practice available on Saturday 11th ahead of our non-MSA Race Day on Sunday the 12th.

The Summer Championships are over 6 rounds, with the best 5 scores to count for each driver - so those who missed the first round still have the chance to win the series as long as they do all the rest of the rounds.

We look forward to another great meeting to continue the trend of the last couple of months, where we have enjoyed fantastic racing and a really friendly atmosphere throughout the paddock.

We cater for all classes, with the regular classes starting at Bambino and progressing through Cadet Clubman, IAME & Comer Cadets, Honda Cadets, Minimax, Juniors, Senior Rotax 162 and 177 and the Prokarts.

If you haven't visited us here at Lydd before, then why not come along and give it a try? If you have been here before, but not been back for a while, then come back and remind yourselves what you have been missing at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit.

For more information, please visit the website at www.lyddkartcircuit.com or phone us on 01797 321747.

[ Top ]

---

ACR Are Recruiting...   (07/05)

ACR are the Sole UK Importers for Birel racing and rental Chassis and the Easykart range of karts and also distribute Freeline kart accessories.The company is one of the longest serving Birel Importers in the World dealing with the Italian chassis giants for nearly 18 years.

ACR are also the sole UK Importers for Vega tyres with products such as Vega (green) XH slicks, Vega (whites) XM slicks and the Vega W5 rain tyre. ACR are also sole UK Importer for Exced Oils and Lubricants.

ACR has competed with its Championship racing team "acrbirel" in the Super one series for over 21 years running drivers such as Tom Sisley, Mike Conway (Indycar), Michael Simpson (Ginetta), Alex Lynn (euro F3) and Jake Hughes (KGP and F4).

ACR is based 20 mins from Birmingham in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. It operates a busy factory with the import and re distribution via mail order of it's represented imported brands. The company also caters for engine service and preparation, chassis storage and preparation and technical support for Easykart clients as well as the running of its racing team acrbirel.

Due to expansion and re-structuring ACR now has the following positions available....

Factory and Trackside Technical Support Manager
Position: Permanent (subject to a 3 month probationary period).
Salary: Starting from £20K to £25K dependant on applicant experience.
Position Based at the ACR factory in Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.
 
Applicants should have their own transport; a good knowledge of kart mechanics, racing experience would be advantageous. Applicants will receive initial support on the introduction of the role during the probationary period; however, applicants are expected to be able to work on their own initiative.
 
The position will involve the management, service and preparation of Birel chassis and Easykarts. The successful applicant would be required to assist clients with technical support over the phone and at trackside at race events.
 
The position will also involve the PDI of new karts and registration of chassis and engines on official databases. The role will also involve taking mail order requests over the phone, stock control and distribution of parts to clients. 
 
Basic PC skills would be required as well as a good level of competence for completing service job cards and records.
 
Applicants would also be required to attend the Easykart UK Championships and work in our team as trackside technical support. Travel and subsistence at these races would be covered by ACR Ltd. There may also be an opportunity to work with our associated company Kart Grand Prix UK Ltd at Super One KGP events.
 
Applicants should have a genuine passion for karting/ motorsport and be self motivated with a good personal level of initiative as well as being a team player.
 
We are looking for a person to become an integral part of the ACR team for the future.
 
Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter FAO: Jayne Moore, ACR Ltd Lissone House, Harris Business Park, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4DJ or you can email your covering letter and CV FAO: Jayne Moore at acraccounts@btconnect.com. Closing date for interested applicants is Friday 20th May 2013.

Click for larger image...The second vanacy is...

Factory and Trackside Kart Mechanic
Position: Permanent (subject to a 3 month probationary period).
Salary: Starting from £12k to £15K dependant on applicant experience.
Position Based at the ACR factory in Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.
 
Applicants should have their own transport; a good knowledge of kart mechanics, racing experience would be advantageous. Applicants would be supervised during the probationary period.
 
The position will involve the service and preparation of karts featuring the Easykart and Birel Motorsport range of karts.  The position would also involve the PDI of new karts and equipment.
 
Basic PC skills would be required as well as a good level of competence for completing service job cards and records.
 
Applicants would also be required to attend the Easykart UK Championships and work in our team as a trackside kart mechanic. Travel and subsistence at these races would be covered by ACR Ltd.
 
Applicants should have a genuine passion for karting/ motorsport and be self motivated with a good personal level of initiative as well as being a team player.
 
We are looking for a person to become part of the ACR team for the future.
 
Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter FAO: Jayne Moore, ACR Ltd Lissone House, Harris Business Park, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4DJ or you can email your covering letter and CV FAO: Jayne Moore at acraccounts@btconnect.com. Closing date for interested applicants is Friday 20th May 2013.

For more information on ACR visit www.acrbirel.com.

[ Top ]

---

2013 Welsh Championships   (07/05)

Only a couple of days left to enter Wales' Premier Karting Event for the nationally recognized "C" plate. All classes are welcome for a great weekends racing.

For only £85 you get timed qualifying and a heat on Saturday and timed qualifying, heat, pre-final and a final for all classes on Sunday. All class winners will be awarded the "C" plate for their class to race at any ABkC recognised event for 12 months.

Llandow will have IAME's for the first time this weekend and would welcome some more.

Entries close on line at midnight this Wednesday and by first post Thursday.

For more information visit
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk or call Colin on 07817 449671.

[ Top ]

---

Connor Hall And Strawberry   (07/05)

Click for larger image...Connor Hall was in sensational form at the second round of the Super 1 series at the Rowrah circuit in Cumbria.

He started off by placing his Strawberry Racing Tonykart on pole for the heats, which he converted to pole position for the pre-final.  In a wet race which also saw him getting a big hit from behind at the start, Connor drove away from his rivals opening up a lead of over 8 seconds at the flag.

For the Main final it was a fast drying line around the track and slick tyres was the choice. It was essential to make a good start and this he did. After a couple of cautious laps finding the grip, he soon got into his rythm and managed to stretch a 3 second lead at the flag and take his second clean sweep in the championship.

Despite this Connor is fully aware that it is a long season and there are some very talented drivers in the class that will be snapping at his heels all the way.

Connor would like to thank Body Management for all of their help with his diet and training, all at Strawberry racing for the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing engine along with their massive effort and especially his Mechanic Harry Cockill for doing a great job all weekend.

You can keep up to date with Connors progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk

[ Top ]

---

TVKC & PFI International Races   (07/05)

Trent Valley Kart Club and PF International kart circuit are set to host three major International race events this Summer...

RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge: 17-21 July 2013
Kartmasters British Kart Grand Prix: 1-4 August 2013
CIK-FIA World KF Championships: 28 August-1 September 2013

Preparations are well under way for these landmark events. The latest developments are the dedicated websites which TVKC have just launched specifically to cover each event individually. 
 
The websites include all the information about the events - for both competitors and spectators alike. Whether it is how to find the circuit, the cost of admission tickets, what's happening during the course of the weekend or to find accommodation - it's all on there. The sites will be constantly updated with the latest news and information as we move closer to the date.

Visit these brand new sites directly at...
www.tvkc.co.uk/euromax
www.tvkc.co.uk/kartmasters
www.tvkc.co.uk/cik

[ Top ]

---

Tal-Ko's Veloce Kart   (07/05)

The latest Tal-Ko made Veloce kart driven by Joe Forsdyke has taken the prestigious ABkC Senior Extreme 'O' plate title at Rowrah.
 
In pouring wet conditions for the final, Forsdyke took an early lead from his second row grid position and pulled away to win by a dominant 21 seconds from second place Rob Wallace.
 
Afterwards a delighted Joe said: "The Veloce kart was fantastic. In the dry the kart was really good but when the rain came down it was in a class if its own."
 
The Junior 'O' plate title was taken by Matt Davies from Stephen Letts, also in wet conditions.

For more information on the Valoce Kart visit www.tal-ko.com.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

A Touch Of Nostalgia   (07/05)

Click for larger image...Owners of historic karts are being invited to join in one of the UK's top karting events - the Maxxis TKM Festival which celebrates its 15th year at Kimbolton in August.
 
With historic karts becoming more popular by the year and with both Tal-Ko and Kimbolton being trail-blazers in karting with histories going back to its birth more than  50 years ago, it is a perfect addition to this special celebration of TKM karting.
 
Any kart using a TKM or Hewland Arrow engine will be eligible to take part in what will be an on-track demonstration on Sunday, August 11. And under agreement with the MSA governing body, provided drivers use full safety wear and have kart racing experience, race licences will not be required.
 
Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney said: "This is great news. We started making TKM engines back in 1978 and it will be great to see some of the old models out on the circuit where they used to be raced many years ago.
 
"Over the past year or so interest in historic karts has been accelerating rapidly and we have been pleased to help those with older equipment by supplying spares which we still have on our shelves."
 
The organisers are also hoping to encourage along drivers who used to race at the Kimbolton circuit over its 54 year history for a special reunion.
 
As usual the TKM Festival will be covered for Motors TV and the historics will be expected to appear as part of that adding a touch of nostalgia to the highly competitive nature of the annual event.
 
Says Martin Chesterman, Chairman of the Hunts Kart Club which runs Kimbolton: "This circuit has such a long history stretching back to the very earliest days of karting so it will be great to bring some old names and equipment back to the track."
 
Drivers who would like to take part should send written requests with full details of the kart, engine and driver experience to alan.turney@tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

---

Live Timing This Weekend   (03/05)

Round 2 of the Super One Rotax series as well as the Trent Valley Kart Club meeting are taking place this weekend, and if you can't make it to your favoured event why not follow the action live on-line?

Whether it's the national championship at Rowrah or club racing at PFI you're missing, TAG Heuer will be streaming live timing from both events at www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

SaxMax Arrive & Drive   (03/05)

Team Dynomite have arrive and drive spaces available for the BARC 2013 racing season where you can race or test in our fully race prepared Saxmax. The next round is Oulton Park on the 27th May.

The team are pleased to anounce they will be competing in the 2013 SaxMax Championship.  Rookie Tom Parker has been joined by ex-karter Adam Hatfield for the the 2013 championship, and running as a 4 car team this means we have 2 'Arrive and Drive' packages remaining, as well as and 1 owner driver space available.

Fancy a test? We have fully prepared cars just waiting to go!

Well done to Team drivers Tom Parker, Adam Hatfield and Martin Poole for finishing 4th, 5th and 6th in the second round at Croft last weekend.

A 2014 scholorship is available - email or call for details.

Also, Team Dynomite in conjunction with Sportdevices.co.uk have their own in-house rolling road, engine dyno, shock absorber dyno and a newly developed Flowbench. These tools, coupled with 30 experience in motorsport, offer a formidable package.

So if you fancy progressing from karts to cars email info@sportdevices.co.uk or call us on 0800 6126977 for more information.

[ Top ]

---

Instructors Required   (03/05)

Due to continuing expansion Racing Perfection have several part time instructor positions available.
 
Minimum requirements for instructors:
- Proven history of competing successfully at national level Karting or Car racing or higher
- Very good communication skills
- Very good people skills
- Live within a sensible commuting distance of either Eastleigh or Lancing (30 minutes or less).
- Available to work on Sunday mornings once a month
 
Applications are to be sent to Steve Bell of Racing Perfection at steve.bell@racingperfection.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

ART Grand Prix Impress   (01/05)

Dean MacDonald collected an impressive runner-up spot at the British Open Championship at Rowrah last weekend and if not for some bad luck for Josh Smith the top 5 would have seen 2 ART Karts in the top 5 positions. An impressive start in the debut year for ART in the Rotax class, and it's also the first year in the class for Cadet Champion MacDonald and Super One Cadet runner-up Josh Smith.
 
Rotax Team Manager Jamie Allen commented; "We are really happy with the results we have achieved so far this year and I'm very impressed with all of our team drivers and how they have adapted to the class. The step up from Cadets is a big one, so to be able to collect a podium and have both Dean and Josh running at the front this early in the season gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year."
 
Alfie Brown was also in action in the ultra-competitive Junior Max class. Alfie had a mixed weekend but pace wise he showed good speed. Jamie commented; "Alfie's testing programme for this year has mainly been based around KF3, so to jump straight into the Rotax and have the pace of many of the older and more experienced drivers is great and gives us a solid base to work from."
 
ART Grand Prix's next race is the 2nd round of the Rotax Super One championship where all drivers will be looking to build on the results gained at the O Plate meeting.
 
The ART/RSF/Zip team currently have one place spare for either a Mini Max or Junior Max driver at Super One in 2013. Any interested drivers should contact Zip Kart on 01327 855310 or email info@zipkart.com.

[ Top ]

---

Make The Most Of Spring   (01/05)

Now the sun has finally broken cover, it's time to clear out all your old equipment and have it tested on our Rolling Road. This facility is proving to be invaluable in assessing the ancillliaries of your engine such as the exhaust, carb, coil and airbox. These can then be confirmed on track to gain you those extra few tenths you're looking for.

We also have our own range of IAME engines - anybody interested in a free test should get in touch using the contact details below.
 
April saw some very impressive results with Elliott Harvey and Luke Oliver winning at Shennington, Brett Ward on the top step at Belgium's BNL first round, and Andy Rees-Reynolds enjoying his first win for some time at Whilton in Seniors!
 
We've also been successful in Malaysia with ART Gran Prix Asia. A 1st, 3rd and 4th in seniors, plus 3rd in juniors providing great results for the team there.
 
Lastly, our congratulations to Dean McDonald in his 2nd place at the O Plate race at Rowrah - his first time on Grice motors.
 
We are still running our special offer for full rebuilds and these details can be found on our website. If you have any questions on rebuilds, rolling road evaluation or engine hire, please contact Ricky on...

Telephone 01268 727847 (workshop), 07768 047253 (mobile), email Ricky.grice@virgin.net or visit our website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

---

Swede Dreams In Belgium   (30/04)

Click for larger image...The opening weekend of the BNL Karting Series took place at Genk last weekend (20/21 April) and saw Strawberry Racing's Swedish siblings Jessica and Andreas Backman competing in the senior and DD2 classes.

The BNL operates around a double-header format, with qualifying, heats and finals taking place on both Saturday and Sunday.

A large grid had entered for the Senior Max class but reigning Swedish Junior Max champions Jessica was instantly on the pace, setting the 3rd fastest time in the qualifying.

She overcame her disastrous first heat by winning the second and making the cut for the A Final. A blistering drive, saw Jessica carve her way into the lead and from there pull away to win by over three seconds.

"It was a fantastic drive," said Strawberry Racing team manager Warwick Ringham. "Jessica made a really good start and slowly picked off the drivers in front of her. Once she'd got to the front, she kept putting in really good lap times and just drove away from the chasing pack."

On day two, two 4th place finishes demonstrated the young Swede's consistency and turn of speed. However, a tougher race saw Jessica pushed down to 8th position and in a lonely position of neither having an attacking opportunity or defend from the driver one second behind her.

 "Her intelligent driving and keeping out of trouble meant that she banked more valuable championship points," explained Warwick. "Jessica's now in a strong 2nd place in the championship and that's a great start for her."

Click for larger image...With a different race schedule giving the DD2 class two finals - but no heats after time qualifying - on each day, Jessica's older brother, Andreas, was able to demonstrate that he is a rising star in the burgeoning twin-speed karts.

He claimed a fine 2nd in the first final and completed the day with 3rd in the following race.

Like Jessica, Andreas found Sunday a slightly tougher proposition. His Tony Kart EVK chassis with Cream-tuned motor ensured that he was able to compete at the sharp-end of the grid but he was unable to repeat the previous day's results.

However, his 9th and 5th places combined with the points from Saturday put him in a strong 4th place overall with two rounds remaining. The next race takes the drivers to Ostricourt in France (11/12 May) before returning to Genk for the August (24/25) finale.

"Andreas' results did not do justice to his pace. If he can sort out his starts, then he will be in a better position to challenge for the wins that his natural speed deserves."

For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

---

Brian Wilson Memorial Meeting  (30/04)

The SYKC Annual W Plate meeting held in memory of Brian Wilson will take place on Sunday 12th May 2013.
 
Brian was an active member of SYKC from 1970 until his untimely death in 1992. His involvement with karting started when his 11 year old son, Mike Wilson, took up karting at Wombwell. Mike had great success in karting and at 18 years old moved to Italy to work as a team driver for Birel and eventually won the World Championship 6 times.
 
Whilst Mike raced for Birel, Brian continued his involvement at SYKC and started a kart business producing the Premier Karts and providing track side support at all meetings, along with working on the club committee; maintaining the track and trying to improve the club.
 
Following his Death in 1992 the club decided to recognise his contribution by holding an annual memorial meeting, which is always supported by his wife Eileen and members of the Wilson family.
 
Mike Wilson donated one of his World Championship trophies to be awarded to the Driver of the Day chosen by Eileen and her family.
 
If you would like to compete in this very special event please ensure your entry reaches the SYKC Competition Secretary before the 4th May 2013.

Entry forms are available on www.sykc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Fabulous Forsdyke   (29/04)

Clarke Karts / Tal-Ko Race Team would like to congratulate Joe Forsdyke on his success in the TKM Extreme class at the 'O' Plate at Rowrah last weekend.

Ably assisted in the pits throughout by his father/mechanic Ken, Joe took the lead on the first lap of the final after starting in 5th, and led all the way to take the chequered flag over 21 seconds clear of his rivals.

For more information on Clarke Karts, who run Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent, visit www.lyddkartcircuit.com.

[ Top ]

---

X30 Chassis Run Riot   (26/04)

Having utterly dominated the 2012 OEKC series with the X30 chassis, the GMS supplied teams in the 2013 series showed no mercy at Rye House in March, with the latest 2013 edition of the chassis leading home the field under the control of the Screw Loose Racing team.

In an event featuring a tricky mix of track conditions, the brand new machine led home the field as part of an all X30 top seven, proving it speed and durability in a strong, twenty-three team field. Series veterans Box Tech and reigning champions Team Specsavers completed the podium. This was followed up by an equally dominant showing from the chassis at Sandown Daytona last weekend, with Team Specsavers coming home five laps ahead to lead another X30 podium sweep.

Designed by the GMS team, the 2013 X30 frame is crafted by world renowned chassis specialists, Gillard Karts, before being equipped with GMS spec parts at the team's Kent facilities. The new machine is already proving to be a marked improvement over the versions that took numerous victories and fastest laps at Super One in the past three seasons, with the first production run already sold out.

The X30 is available for immediate test drives by interested customers, and usually retails at the rolling chassis price of £2795 + vat. However, any customer who gets in contact to arrange chassis testing/ordering before the 2nd May will receive a special discount down to £2595 + vat, saving around £240 off the full price of the fearsome blue machine.
 
In order to find out more about the GMS Team and the X30 Chassis or to contact the team, visit www.gms-x30.co.uk without delay to take advantage of this limited time offer.

Photographs courtesy of Rene Lubbock.

[ Top ]

---

Charlie Enjoys Flying Start   (25/04)

Click for larger image...Fresh from his sensational triumph in the Florida Winter Tour, Strawberry Racing's Charlie Eastwood got his European and UK Rotax campaigns off to a superb start with victory in the opening round of the Euro Max Challenge and the runner-up spot in the first race of the Super One championship.

Building on a remarkable 2012 in which he triumphed at the annual Rotax Grand Finals - regarded as the world championships for the Rotax category of karting - at Portimao on the Portuguese Algarve (1 December), the 17-year old from Belfast, carried his rich vein of form into 2013 with victory in the Florida Winter Tour, in March (24). 
 
The prestigious series attracts entries from 28 different nations and takes place over three rounds spanning from January to February. Charlie faced stiff competition from 60 drivers - including ex-F1 star Nelson Piquet Junior - and saw him travel to Palm Beach, Miami and Ocala. This gave Charlie and his team plenty to look forward to as the first race of the Euro Max Challenge beckoned.
 
Click for larger image...His subsequent victory in a thrilling and hard-fought run to the chequered flag in Genk, Belgium (31 March) not only gave him the early points lead, but also confirmed his position as one of Irish sport's most exciting prospects.
 
A week later, the globetrotting youngster was back at the wheel of his Tony Kart EVK, aiming to put points on the board in the opening fixture of the Super One championship at Three Sisters near Wigan.

Despite a tough and sometimes bruising weekend, Eastwood returned home 3rd overall in the championship table, with ten points-scoring races remaining until the season finale in October.

"It's been a great past few months," said Charlie. "Winning the Grand Finals was a dream come true and to do it wearing the colours of Ireland was extra special. Consequently, I was invited to take on nearly sixty other drivers in America off the back of my victory in Portugal which was an amazing experience. Everyone knows the connection that exists between Ireland and the USA but I was still surprised by the response I got in Florida. It was like being a rock star! Everyone was so welcoming, enthusiastic and helpful. Even when I beat their top drivers they kept on cheering for me."

Eastwood - whose family appropriately run's Northern Ireland's premier karting circuit, Nutts Corner at Crumlin - is targeting a successful defence of his world crown and winning the Euro and British titles for the first time.

"It would be nice if I could do the treble. Winning the Euro Max, Super One championships and retaining my world title would be awesome, as these are three of the hardest karting championships anywhere in the world. So far, I'm in a strong position and have a great team behind me, plus lots of support from my family and friends. It's all to play for!"

Keep up to speed with Charlie by following him on twitter - @ce_racing_ncc - and via his Facebook page - Charlie Eastwood.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net (racing) and Bas Kaligis (podium).

[ Top ]

---

KZ1: Still Time To Register   (24/04)

KZ1 is being held open for new registrations now that the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and Super One Series have confirmed that the 2013 MSA British Short Circuit Kart Championship title has been transferred to the 125cc gearbox class. Just go to superoneseries.com to register and enter on line, or go to the Contact section to download all the necessary forms.  Don't delay to have a chance at the top title in British karting, this is an opportunity not to be missed.   As well as benefiting from all the usual Super One prizes, including receiving a TAG Heuer timepiece, the champion and a guest will be invited to the MSA's Night of Champions at Pall Mall, London.
 
The 2013 championship for KZ1 will comprise three rounds:
May 18-19: Rowrah (Cumbria Kart Club)
June 22-23: Glan Y Gors (Dragon Kart Club)
October 12-13: Shenington (Shenington Kart Racing Club).

John Hoyle, Super One Series promoter, said: "This should be a huge boost for gearbox karting in the UK following the great popularity this purist class has had on the continent, and we invite anyone interested to register without delay."  Entries for the first round should be lodged with Cumbria Kart Club by 5th May if possible.
 
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and Kart Committee Chairman, added: "The MSA is delighted that the British Short Circuit Kart Championship title will now be awarded to the KZ1 class this year. These are difficult times for KF2 but in KZ1 we have a competitive and well-supported category that is worthy of the UK's premier karting title."
 
The KZ1 class will run at a class weight of 180kg, and use the Dunlop DEH slick and KT13 wets to have the minimum of differences to the KZ2 class that was to have been the support races.  It will be differentiated from KZ2 by having yellow number plates with black numbers, and CIK homologated chassis will be required.

With all rounds counting towards the British title, everything will remain as already advised to the gearbox drivers.  The Super One Series looks forward to an exciting battle for the British title, and all details and registration is available on http://superoneseries.com.

[ Top ]

---

Shwartzman Uses The Forza   (24/04)

Click for larger image...Reigning KFJ European champions Forza Racing returned to the WSK Euro Series podium with a superb 2nd place for Robert Shwartzman at Sarno (21 April).
 
Over 70 drivers had entered for the series' penultimate round, and from the outset the young Russian was among the pace-setters.
 
In timed qualifying, Robert automatically made the cut for the Super Pole session and enjoyed a strong run in the heats with ever-improving results, taking 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively. His reward was p3 on the starting grid for the first pre-final. Due to the large field, two races were required in order to determine the starting positions for the single, main final.
 
Shwartzman confidently won by half a second and set the race's fastest lap, handing him pole position for the final.
 
"At the start he dropped to 4th," explained Forza team boss, Jamie Croxford. "However, Robert held his nerve and stormed back to 2nd. He threw everything he'd got at the race leader and I believe that if there had there been one more lap, he would've won. Robert simply ran out of corners but it was still a fantastic result for him."
 
Jamie added: "He's come a long way and really matured. Robert put on a great show at Sarno and he's flicked a switch in his mind. He should now be consistently performing at this level. He was 2nd in Super Pole during the 2nd round of the WSK Masters series, so we know he has the necessary speed within him and the equipment (Tony Kart EVK chassis with GFR-tuned TM engine) is certainly good enough. This result has been coming since then, and thankfully all our hard work has paid off."
 
Keen to highlight the vital contribution of his colleagues and team partners, Croxford said: "Big thanks to Gordy (Gordon Finlayson of GFR Engines) and Robert's mechanic Shane McFadden, it was a great all round effort."
 
Forza's 60 Mini driver, Ronan Graves, experienced contrasting fortunes which Jamie described as "seriously tough". After a difficult time in qualifying, Ronan was on the backfoot for the rest of the meeting. "It was a good first experience for him and he learned a great deal," said Croxford.
 
KF driver Igor Walilko marked his second meeting with Forza with an encouraging 15th place in the main final. His progress to that point had not been smooth but the Polish youngster automatically qualified for the pre-final, albeit at the tail of the grid. He picked his way forward to cross the line in 24th place and again delivered a strong drive in the second final to claim 15th.
 
"He got as high as 12th and we began to think that a top ten finish might be on the cards, but it wasn't to be," Croxford shrugged. "However, Igor showed he's a fighter and that he's got tons of potential. We're looking forward to the next round of the WSK Masters championship at Lignano Sabbiadoro  (4/5 May)."
 For more information and to discuss a race seat with the team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit www.forza-racing.co.uk.

Photograph courtesy of Sport In Photo.

[ Top ]

---

RL Maintains Momentum   (24/04)

Click for larger image...RL Racing Department kept up its rich vein of form with successful visits to Rowrah (14 April) and Larkhall (21 April), seeing Jack McCarthy claim the top honours in Cumbria and Scotland's Sandy Mitchell taking a fine 2nd place on home soil with team-mate Tushar Vivekanandan 3rd.
 
Round three of Cumbria Kart Club's summer championship was RL Racing Department's rehearsal for this weekend's (27/28 April) Rotax 'O' Plate and the Super One series' second round, a week later (4/5 May).
 
Mini Max front-runner Jack McCarthy put his name forward as 'one to watch' with what his team boss, Steve Armstrong, described as a "top job" in the final. After starting on the second row of the grid, McCarthy hit the front on lap 3; he then underlined his superiority by further extending his lead in the last two laps.
 
His team-mate, Hugo Bentley-Ellis also ran well - setting the fastest lap before tangling with a backmarker as he diced for 2nd place. The incident dropped him out of contention and was scant reward for another fine performance throughout the day.
 
Click for larger image...Sandy Mitchell, however, enjoyed another strong day behind the wheel. He took a heat win before crossing the finishing line 5th in the final. Jack Martin's drive from the midfield into the top ten further delighted his team, as he took the chequered flag in 9th place.
 
The team's Junior driver Luke Knott stormed from the back of the grid to grab 2nd place with a terrific drive.
 
Buoyed by this, the team made the trip to Larkhall looking to build on their recent positive results. Steve was delighted to see his talented young squad open their account with an RL Racing 1, 2, 4 result in the very first heat.
 
Click for larger image...In the following race, Tushar Vivekanandan claimed an eventual 3rd after challenging for the win, whilst Sandy Mitchell wasn't able to repeat his heat one victory and settled for 6th. Jack Martin battled from the rear of the grid to finish 11th.
 
Sandy returned to the winner's circle in the third heat and thus claimed pole position for the final. A crash dented Tushar's chances of a better grid slot but jack Martin's 8th place result gave him p5 for the start of the final.
 
Sandy led the race through the initial stages but was caught and passed just after the midway point. Knowing that he was comfortable in 2nd, he maturely opted to bring his kart home safely, rather than scrap for the win. He was able to lead home Tushar, who had carved his way to a thoroughly-deserved podium, whilst Jack banked another top ten finish with his fine run to 8th.          
 
"I'm pleased with the boys' individual performances," said Armstrong. "Sandy did the right thing and was very professional. Tushar showed pace and great determination, whilst Jack continues to improve, learn and go for consistent finishes. They're all in a very good place right now."
 
For more information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the latest team news, go to www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

Superb Shenington Results   (23/04)

Click for larger image...Following on from the recent run of good form the Protrain team arrived at a sunny Shenington on Saturday ready for the hard work before race day.  With the good weather lifting everyone's spirits a great deal was achieved and the nine drivers in the awning everyone left ready for some good racing.
 
We were not disappointed, by the end of the day we would have pole position in Iame, Minimax and Seniors and top five positions for six of our nine drivers including a fantastic second place for  our Honda driver in his first yellow plate race.
 
The Iame's were first out with Joe Turneys heat results 2, 1, 1 putting him in pole position for the final. In a nailbiting race the action was between the front three drivers but Turney drove a great race to take the chequered flag, his third this year at Shenington.
 
Next out was the Minimax drivers Sean Rudge and Kieran Wragg who had both been dominant all day. Kieran's 1,2,4 heat results placed him on the front row next to pole sitter Sean Rudge who finished 1,1 and 3 in his heats.  Wragg was hit by another kart on lap nine costing him valuable places and limiting his time to get back to the front but eventually came third. Rudge was even more unlucky, following an early incident which put him back to fifth he drove back to take the lead when a driver took him out at the last corner, the exclusion of that driver did nothing to help Rudge who ended fifth and took the fastest lap but was robbed of the win.
 
The successes didn't stop there, not to be outdone Jack Saffery's pole position was maximised from start to finish with the win never looking in doubt, another dominant performance from the number 10.
 
Click for larger image...Perhaps the star of the weekend though was Honda cadet Thomas Bennett who came home second in his first ever yellow plate race. Bennett drove a very solid race and in the last four laps found himself taking five places with some great driving.
 
Team mates Oliver Pidgeley, Joe Byrne, Tim Penny and James Bailey all had days of highs and lows as is often the case in Karting.  Pidgeley took fourth in Junior Max, in seniors Byrne struggled with a power valve issue in the final and finished seventh, Penny was involved in a crash at the first corner leaving him last but managed to drive back to 10th, while relative newcomer Bailey set his best lap time at the circuit.

Gary Chapman said afterwards "What a great weekend for our team. I am really pleased with the whole team performance we achieved some great results which were well deserved but I am really disappointed for Sean, he showed great pace and racecraft all weekend and to be denied the win in this way is extremely upsetting."
 
The good weekend in Shenington was matched in Graz, Austria where Protrain Driver Thomas Preining won both his finals to kick off the Austrian championship in great style, well done to him.

The team moves on to the O Plate in Rowrah and to Whilton Mill's first club round of the season.

Are you getting the best results? You could be part of our winning team, give Chapman now on 01280 814774 or 07802 966064 - it could be the best call you ever made.

For more information please see www.formulak-uk.co.uk or www.protrainracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

---

Stunning Start For Strawberry   (23/04)

Click for larger image...Fresh from its strong start to the Euro Max Challenge, Strawberry Racing carried its winning momentum into the opening round of the Super One championship, at Three Sisters (7 April) - claiming victories in the Mini and Junior Max classes, with reigning Grand Finals champion, Charlie Eastwood runner up in Senior Max.

The Mini Max entry of 42 drivers - the largest field - presented early season favourite, Connor Hall with a stern challenge. However, the youngster from Bristol emerged from the heats with flying colours to take pole position for the pre-final.

A perfect start saw Connor hold onto his startline advantage as the rest of the pack jockeyed for position behind, allowing him to escape with another driver. Setting a blistering pace and not putting a wheel wrong, the number five seed extended his lead to some 8 seconds, as the chasing group began to dispute 2nd spot. The gap stabilised at this margin, and from there Hall stroked his kart home to take first blood. Connor's teammate, the American Darren Keane, made a good fist of his first experience of Super One competition. Darren qualified 13th on the grid for the first final, but was a victim of some of the mid-pack action and ultimately crossed the line in 25th spot.

Click for larger image...Hall again made no mistakes at the start of the main final, initially easing away from his closest rivals. However, they were able to claw him back when an official dashed onto the track and into his path, forcing him to brake sharply. The Strawberry ace then had to firmly defend his advantage before settling himself and pulling away once more. This time his margin of victory would be nowhere near as emphatic as before, but he crossed the line over half a second clear to take maximum points and the points lead. Darren fared better and finished inside the top twenty to get his challenge underway.

Click for larger image...Guan Yu Zhou is arguably one of, if not the, most exciting motorsport talent to emerge from China and for the past two seasons has promised a big win. It finally came at Wigan and he was visibly delighted to seal his maiden Super One victory - and on his S1 debut in the Junior Max ranks. He laid down a marker with wins in both his heats and was joined on the front row of the pre-final grid by teammate Ben Hingeley, with fellow Strawberry driver Max Aitken directly behind him on p3 and Sweden's Jessica Backman qualifying on the 6th row.

It was Aitken who out-gunned Zhou on the run into the first corner, but the former Shanghai resident quickly fought back and was never headed again. Similarly, Max was able to go clear of the fight for 3rd involving Ben.  Try as he might, Hingeley could not find an opening and had to settle for 4th. Jessica's hopes of a good race were sidelined by an opening lap crash, leaving her with work to do in the following race.

Click for larger image...Loading up is something a of a 'feature' in this class and Three Sister's monster straight means that the driver at the front of that train arrives at the first corner far faster than he, or the officials, would wish. Guan Yu was lucky to avoid a big accident as the field barrelled into Turn One. Max was less fortunate and dropped to 8th in the ensuing chaos. Damage to his Tony Kart EVK chassis meant that he plummeted to last place, although he bravely soldiered on. Completing the 22 laps just a handful of places ahead of him was the similarly luckless Jessica. In contrast, Ben's efforts were rewarded with 3rd place and his first silverware with the team.
 
Proving that he has lost none of the form that carried him to the Rotax 'world' title last December, Charlie Eastwood claimed pole position for the Seniors' first final, with reigning Junior Euro and Grand Finals champion Harry Webb on row two. Andreas Backman qualified on p12 with Kyle Fowlie just making the cut for automatic qualification in 25th spot.

Click for larger image...Once the initial skirmishes had settled down, the race saw little further action leaving Eastwood to drive for points on the board and take 2nd, with Webb adopting a similar view in 4th. Andreas finished where he started but Kyle was classified 18th after being given a five-place penalty.

A controversial start to the second final saw Eastwood drop to 6th before colliding with another driver and losing more ground, eventually finishing 9th. Webb battled hard but had to be content with 5th. Also unable to make significant progress, Backman received the chequered flag in 14th. Fowlie gave a strong indication of what might have been had things fallen his way sooner, with a superb drive from the back of the grid to 8th.
 
Click for larger image..."We've traditionally gone very well here, so I was really pleased to see that our material and drivers were right up there in all three classes," said Strawberry team manager Warwick Ringham. "Connor is on fire at the moment and deserves his latest success. The same can be said for 'Joe' (Guan Yu Zhou) after the disappointment of Genk he deserved the result."
 
He added: "We have a talented young squad with different levels of experience, so to see Darren do well in a totally new environment was great, whilst Andreas and Jessica are also making improvements with each outing. Being world champions, we expect a lot of Harry and Charlie and it's easy to forget that Harry was a junior until recently. Senior Max is very hard this year, so we have no excuses. We did okay but there's a bit more we need to do before the next round but I'm confident we'll be where it matters, when it matters."
 
For more information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

---

2013 Welsh Championships   (22/04)

Llandow Kart Club will be hosting the prestigious Welsh Championship at South Wales Karting Centre on Saturday May 11th and Sunday May 12th.

This two day event is the major karting meeting in the Welsh calendar and gives the class winners the right to race the nationally accepted "C" plate at all ABkC approved events for 12 months.

Two days racing at one of the best circuits in the UK for only £85 for the whole event. All classes will get two timed qualifications, two heats, a pre-final and a final over the two days.

To enter follow the entry form links at www.llandowkartclub.co.uk, email llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk or call 07817 449617.

Remember, the sun always shines in Wales and the racing is wonderful!

[ Top ]

---

Cadet Wet Tyres Update   (19/04)

Dunlop and Anderson CSK wish to thank everyone involved with the issues that arose on the Dunlop Cadet KT3 Wet weather tyres over the winter for their forbearance and understanding.

The exchange programme has now come to an end as from 19th April 2013. Very many tyres, both new and used, have been replaced under the exchange programme offered by Dunlop.
 
For any further information contact Anderson-CSK on 01977 603838.

[ Top ]

---

Easykart Round 2 Preview   (18/04)

The sun is shining, the days are longer and for the first time this year, the easykart community are preparing themselves for a beautiful race. Round 2 of the easykart championship is being held at Clay Pigeon this coming weekend. After the ferocity and unpredictable weather of round 1, many will be determined to change the running order of the established few and to make a point.

In Cadet, the grid may be small but the competition is fierce. After a sensational debut by Morgan Wroot, he must be looking forward to going a few steps further and taking top spot in the final at Clay. Harry Barlow will be beaming with confidence despite Wroots presence after dominating the final and It will be fascinating to see which of these two young chargers will come out on top. But don't discount Jacob Wardle who brilliantly took the lead initially to only be displaced by Barlow soon after. The best lessons are those learnt the hardest and with this in mind, I for one would watch out for Shayne Harrison who, after a luck-lustre start to the season will be itching to show his competitors just what he's made of.
 
Junior hopefuls, Thanassi Barnicoat and Zack Nickson will be locking horns yet again in what is - an amazing duel which is developing between the proposed title contenders. After dismal luck at Whilton, Nickson is fired up and ready to state his claim where nothing short than a clean sweep of wins will do. I'm sure Barnicoat will have other ideas. Looking at spoiling the party will be Jordan Sanders, James White, Callum Croxon and Matas Grigalauskas. All of whom have the pace to be a front runner. If only they can work together, push each other forward and race smart, there's no telling what they could do.

The Lightweights - Barnaby Pittingale. Patrick Lay. Jamie Summerhayes. James Lay. Kieran McCullough. Steve Youle. AJ Morris. Owen Jenman. Where to begin? Pittingale was on fine form at Whilton but the cynic would argue the conditions favoured the multiple Champ. With proposed sunshine for Clay, Pittingale will have the opportunity to show any naysayers the science and the magic behind the man. Looking for a little luck will be Jenman and Youle who were unfortunate at Round one and will be eager to upset the proposed order. Almost unnoticed to the eye at Whilton was Brandon Williams. With mechanical gremlins compromising his qualification, the established junior winner demonstrated great maturity with a fantastic display of race craft that set him apart from the rest, by forcing his way through his competitors to salvage what he could from his earlier problems with a very respectable 4th place. In this game, 'points mean prizes' and those points could be invaluable to Williams, come the season closure. 

Has Roland Breadner set in motion a wrecking ball after his maiden win in the Heavyweights? Or was he the best driver on the day in the tricky conditions? This weekend will be the perfect opportunity for him to realise his dreams. Set to bring Breadner crashing back down to earth with a severe bump will be Joe Paterson. Don't discount Neil Fisher either. He has the pace of a front runner but his race craft has more to be desired. If he can get a grip when racing wheel to wheel, I'm sure he could be the surprise of the season. Fighting fit after his hard impact crash is Jack Bruce. The 'old hands' were unwise or just plain unlucky at Whilton but I've no doubts that Bruce, Mark Lawrence or Simon Mace will be ready to start their season campaign.

With Practice starting on Saturday 20th April and the final conflicts taking place on Sunday 21st - Prepare yourself for a battle royal, in hopefully what will be, beautiful sunshine at the Clay Pigeon Kart track in Dorset.

For more information on Easykart visit our website at www.easykart.co.uk.

Report by Andrew Gould.

[ Top ]

---

Maiden Minimax Victory   (17/04)

Click for larger image...It was only his second Mini Max race at Kimbolton and the 29 other drivers who lined up on the grid with him were equally determined for success but Sean Rudge looked totally in control all weekend as he sailed to his maiden Mini Max victory in real style.
 
Following on from his recent successes at Shenington Rudge is already showing impressive form as he embarks on his first season out of cadet racing.
 
Under the guidance of Rotax masters Protrain Racing and on a Formula K chassis Rudge was excellent in both of his heats putting his kart on pole for the final. Rudge knew what he needed to do and managing to avoid the first corner mayhem he took a commanding lead very quickly and didn't look back taking the chequered flag and securing the fastest lap in the process.
 
Commenting afterwards his Dad said "The team was spot on all weekend" as was the driving according to team boss Gary Chapman, "Sean did exactly what was expected of him, he responded well to every situation he was put in and to take the fastest lap in the final when he was out on his own shows that the package was exactly right. There is no doubt that this will be the first of many victories for this mini max newcomer".
 
Have you changed classes this year? Are you enjoying the success you deserve? If not give us a call and let us see how we can help you. Call Gary on 01280 814774.

[ Top ]

---

Short Circuit Kart Championship   (17/04)

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) and Super One Series have confirmed that the 2013 MSA British Short Circuit Kart Championship title has been transferred from KF2 to the KZ1 125cc gearbox class.
 
The championship was originally awarded to KF2 (KF Senior) but insufficient entries were received.
 
The 2013 championship for KZ1 will now comprise three rounds:
 
- May 18-19: Rowrah (Cumbria Kart Club)
- June 22-23: Glan Y Gors (Dragon Kart Club)
- October 12-13: Shenington (Shenington Kart Racing Club).

John Hoyle, Super One Series promoter, said: "After we discovered there were insufficient entries in the KF2 class we were forced to consider alternatives and I am delighted to say that the MSA has agreed to it being the KZ1 class. This should be a huge boost for gearbox karting in the UK following the great popularity this purist class has had on the continent, and we invite anyone interested to register without delay."
 
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and Kart Committee Chairman, added: "The MSA is delighted that the British Short Circuit Kart Championship title will now be awarded to the KZ1 class this year. These are difficult times for KF2 but in KZ1 we have a competitive and well-supported category that is worthy of the UK's premier karting title."
 
It should be noted that the ABkC O Plate for KZ2 has been moved to 15/16 June at Shenington instead of the last round of the Super One.
 
Entrants to the KF series will have the choice of a transfer to the KZ1 class, or all their fees returned and should inform Series Co-ordinator Sonja Game accordingly.  The KZ1 class will be amended to run at a class weight of 180kg, and use the Dunlop DEH slick and KT13 wets to have the minimum of differences to the KZ2 class that was to have been the support races.  It will be differentiated from KZ2 by having yellow number plates with black numbers, and CIK homologated chassis will be required.  With all rounds counting towards the British title, everything will remain as already advised to the gearbox drivers.

The Super One Series looks forward to an exciting battle for the British title, and all details and registration is available on superoneseries.com.

[ Top ]

---

Forman Supreme In Hungary   (17/04)

Click for larger image...Pannonia-ring in Hungary provided the setting for the opening round of this year's Central and Eastern European Rotax Max challenge where once again Protrain's Formula K drivers met with some of the very best drivers in Europe all hoping for a good start to the series.
 
Junior Driver Thomas Preining was joined by Senior team mate Jiri Forman competing against a very determined world class field knowing that every point would make a massive difference in the final calculations for this prestigious title.

Forman threw down the gauntlet immediately with impressive results in early practice continuing to show what a talented driver he is.
 
Click for larger image...Following a totally dominant performance in timed qualifying the Czech Champion took pole position and went on to win both his first and second finals with superb driving in each. He is surely the one to beat in this series.
 
The good news didn't stop there, team mate Thomas Preining was also showing immense talent and finished both his Junior Max finals in second place with the spectators enjoying a nail biting final two which he was incredibly close to winning. Preining once again showed what a great driver he is and the frustration of his second place is only matched by his determination to seal victory next time out.
 
Gary Chapman of Protrain said afterwards "I am thrilled for the drivers and the team, we have had a few very frustrating races with on track incidents costing us dearly so it is great for these great drivers to be able to secure these results."
 
Protrain has once again shown that it's a winning team; why not see what you could achieve with them? Give Gary Chapman a call on 07802 966064 in complete confidence.

For more information please see www.formulak-uk.co.uk  or www.protrainracing.co.uk.

Photograph of Jiri Forman (86) courtesy of TSR Productions.

[ Top ]

---

MSA Karting Update   (16/04)

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has confirmed details of Cadet kart tyres and chassis, plus non-gearbox Junior and Senior class homologations.

Formula Cadet tyre and chassis:
The existing Cadet tyres, the Dunlop SL3 (slick) and KT3 (wet), will be homologated for three years until the end of 2016. In early 2016 the MSA will nominate the tyre for the following three-year period to the end of 2019.

As stated in the 2013 MSA Kart Race Yearbook, the next period of MSA Cadet chassis homologations commences on 1 January 2014. During 2016 the MSA will homologate chassis for the following three-year period commencing 1 January 2017.

Meanwhile the current Cadet engine contract is for an initial five-year period until the end of 2017 and will be reviewed towards the end of this period, with an option for the MSA to grant a two-year extension.

Junior and Senior class homologation (non-gearbox):
All existing British and National championship kart classes can continue until the end of 2016.

The deadline for new class homologations closed on 31 March 2013. The MSA can confirm that applications have been received and are currently under consideration. Should any new class achieve homologation, the introduction date will be 1 January 2014 at regional and club level.

From 1 January 2017, all kart classes must be homologated by the MSA. This includes the homologation of existing classes, plus the renewal of any potential new class homologations. All class homologations will be for three-year periods and will include the engine and nominated tyres (both wet and dry).

Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and Kart Committee Chairman,