News & Press Releases

Keep up-to-date with what's happening in the sport in our news section.  Full articles are shown below, for a summary of the news be sure to start at the main index page of UK Karting.  General news and press releases can be emailed to us at newsdesk@karting.co.uk, although please note that a charge is made for the publication of press releases and promotional news items. Please note that the following are the views of the contributors and not necessarily those of UK Karting. All information is published in good faith.

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

Current News & Press Releases

Arrow Hits The Target   (03/07)
 
Mini Max front runner Luke Hughes has changed teams looking to improve his results following the first 3 rounds of the FKS Championship. Luke joined Walker Racing the UK importers of the new Arrow X1 chassis, and immediately landed a podium place at Rowrah.
 
Luke took delivery of two new Arrow X1 karts last week and gave them a shake down at a local track before travelling to Rowrah for round 4 of  FKS. Friday saw Luke setting consistent fast times as he gelled with his new kart making only small adjustments to fine tune the balance to his requirements. Timed qualifying on Saturday saw Luke post a time that put him 4th in his group and he was looking forward to the pre-final. Starting 8th on the outside, making up places, and not running into a pile up at the start enabled Luke to move up to 5th place where he would start the main final.
 
With a few hours to go before the A final Luke asked for a few small changes to his chassis to remove a little grip along with 2 teeth. This was carried out and the team were looking forward to the final. The grid was called to the holding area when a few drops of rain started to fall, making it somewhat of an nervous time due to grip being removed from the kart along with teeth being removed. Luke and team owner Neil Walker decided to leave the kart as the rain looked like it would hold off. Luke made a blistering start and went up to 2nd place. The leading 3 managed to pull out a large margin over the rest of the pack but when rain started to fall lightly over the last few laps and it was evident that Luke was struggling a little on the slippery track due to his gearing and removing some grip. He dropped away from the leaders but whilst he may have been 6 tenths slower than another driver he was able to lap a lot more consistently which saw Luke finish a credible 3rd in his maiden race on the amazing Arrow X1. "If you’re wondering what might have been 1 fast lap does not win races - consistent ones do".
 
Luke will now travel to PFI to test his chassis before the next round of FKS at the end of July. Luke and Walker Racing are very optimistic for the rest of the championship due to the Arrow X1 being very easy to set up and small chassis tweaks making the kart easy to drive. You will be hearing a lot more of the Hughes/Walker Racing/Arrow X1 combination.
 
Anyone wishing to test the new Arrow X1 should contact Neil at Walker Racing on 01226 723156.  Or visit our website at www.walkerracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

KKRC Rotax Offers   (03/07)

KKRC at the Lydd International Raceway are offering Jnr Max, Snr Max and Rotax 177 drivers a chance to race for what is effectively half price!

If you enter the club race (which is on every 2nd Sunday of the month) at the full price of £45 you can bring a friend for free. It is great value as you also get very good track time with one timed qualifying session, 3 heats and 1 final which gives about 60 laps of the 1250 metre track.

This offer stands for the rest of this season's Summer Series to boost numbers in these classes. As an alternative you can also enter for three races and the Saturday practice for just £150, and if you cannot make the Saturday then it is only £90 for the Sunday races. This is an individual entry fee and does not apply to the half price deal. For more information contact the circuit on 01797 321895 and speak to one of our staff.

Go on, come to Lydd - the friendly club.

[ Top ]

Sherlock Wins In Ireland   (01/07)

Msport Racing Team's Aaron Sherlock started off the summer with a bang, winning the 2009 KF3 All Ireland Championship in fine style. Aaron said "we started off very quick in practice so I felt confident for the race".

Aaron managed a clean sweep topping the time sheets in qualifying followed by first place in both of the following heats. The competition fought back in the pre-final closing the gap, but in the end Aaron's pace was too much for them and he won both the pre-final and then the final by a comfortable margin.

Aaron, racing his 2009 Zanardi Kz2 chassis, was beaming after the final.

"This is the one I wanted to win, it means a lot to me to win such a big race in my home country."

Aaron will now move on to the British championship KF3 race held at Msport's home track Whilton Mill, where he will be looking to continue his current form.
 
Photographs courtesy of Con Connolly.

[ Top ]

RL Goes Global Again   (01/07)

In a hard fought Mini Max final on Sunday at Rowrah in Cumbria, Ashley England in his debut Mini Max year stormed through the grid in the pre-final, from an off track excursion on lap 1 to 8th at the flag, topping the main final out in 5th place. Notably the Essex youngster lapped 1 tenth faster than the leader and over 6 tenths faster than the 3rd place finisher leaving England and the team wondering what might have been!

His team mate Shaun Arnold had a difficult day on Sunday, after a good day's work on the Saturday rounding out timed qualifying within just 4 tenths of a second of England, showing great progress over the last few weeks. The main final proved fruitless for Arnold as a large shunt on lap 1 ended his assault on a top ten finish.

In the Cadet class Norfolk ace Harry Webb showed blistering pace in the dry heats taking a win, a 2nd, and a 9th - giving him a grid slot of 3rd for the A Final and also taking 10 bonus points for the fastest  lap of the weekend and the official lap record. Unfortunately the rain in the interval before the Cadet final caused chaos with many front-runners falling by the wayside and Webb had an early departure from the race with a broken chain.

Stop Press! RL Race Team continue their global theme after the signing of Colombia's Tatiana Calderon with the news that the Suffolk based European & British Champions have signed Danish ace Rasmus Wendelboe!  Rasmus will contest the remaining rounds of the Euromax Challenge and the prestigious Kart Masters event @ PFI in August.
 
For information on joining the RL Race Team or any other enquiries please contact Race Team Manager Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.
 
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Barlow Bounces Back   (07/01)
 
Jack Barlow survived a fraught weekend (27/28 June) to maintain his push for the Formula Kart Stars crown. The fourth round of the series visited the superb Rowrah circuit and the Minimax points-leader was hoping that a change of chassis would maintain his advantage over his rivals.
 
"We're leading the championship at the moment and wanted to make sure that we did everything possible to maintain that advantage.  I tested a Fernando Alonso kart from Dan Holland Racing and it was wicked, so we bought one and took it to Rowrah and after timed qualifying. It definitely looked like we'd made the right choice."
 
The Wavertree Motorsport driver was second fastest and in glorious conditions, with the smell of afternoon barbecues drifting through the paddock and spectator areas, Jack added the distinctive aroma of two-stroke oil to the air and sealed his second front row start of the season.
 
The balmy conditions of Saturday gave way to leaden skies and unpredictable conditions, although the rain held off for the pre-final.
 
"I maintained my position after the start and was pushing the leader hard in a bid to break away from the pack," Jack explained. His plan worked and the pair was able to pull away. By lap six, Barlow had taken the lead but was under constant pressure from behind.
 
"The other driver kept showing his nose and making lunges down my inside, which I was able to hold off, but then he made a silly mistake and ran into the back of me. I'd got back into the lead and we were just two corners from the chequered flag when he made a massive lunge and took my nosecone off."
 
Jack just held on to second spot from the hard-charging driver in third but it was during the post-race checks that he discovered he had been disqualified for 'non-compliance' - the kart must have its nosecone in place.
 
Jack and his team appealed the decision, and were delighted to find the authorities in a listening frame of mind, "Basically, the rules state that if you lose your nosecone, you have two laps from the time of the incident to come into the pits and replace it. We argued that given I lost it on the last lap, with only two bends to go, that wasn't possible and I was re-instated".
 
With their nerves jangled, Jack and his team had an anxious wait for the main final, with dark clouds gathering overhead. He left the pits on slick, dry-weather tyres, just as rain began to fall. As the field slithered into the tight first right-hander at the start, Jack was pushed off the circuit and down to fourth place. He fought his way back up to second and by lap five was leading on a drying circuit. Just as in the first race, he was able to make a breakaway with another driver. The duo was the class of the field, extending their margin over the driver in third to nearly twelve seconds. As the race ran to its conclusion it was evident that this was Jack's day and he took his maiden victory in the Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-backed championship.
 
"I'm absolutely over the moon," the 14-year old beamed. "This is my first win in FKS but I've not been off the podium all season so far. If I can maintain that sort of form, it might be enough for me to win overall."
 
Jack's returns to action this weekend, when he competes in a club event at the superb PFi circuit, near Grantham in Lincolnshire (4/5 July).
 
Keep up to speed with Jack and his career by clicking on www.jackbarlow.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Go Motorsport Schools Programme   (01/07)
 
The Motor Sports Association, governing body of UK motor sport, has appointed eight Regional Development Officers. Located throughout the Britain and Northern Ireland, these RDOs are activating a new school visits programme as part of the MSA's far-reaching Go Motorsport initiative.
 
Launched last year with Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren Technology Centre, Go Motorsport is already firmly established right at the heart of UK motor sport. The campaign provides potential newcomers of all ages with a comprehensive guide of how they can get involved in all areas of MSA governed activities whether as a competitor, spectator or volunteer.
 
Now, with the initiative gaining familiarity and the GoMotorsport.net website attracting more than 2000 new visitors every week, the campaign's focus is switching to an exciting new programme aimed firmly at securing the sport's on-going popularity in the future.
 
To meet this objective, the MSA has selected eight Regional Development Officers to visit schools throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, spreading the message that motor sport is fun, engaging and accessible. All eight have in-depth motor sport knowledge and proven communication skills - some are competitors, others work in the media.
 
Having been fully briefed on the details of the Go Motorsport campaign at Motor Sports House, the eight have also been provided with presentation training by Go Motorsport ambassador Louise Goodman. Now they will be going into classrooms and school assemblies throughout the UK, presenting the huge attractions of motor sport to the coming generation.
 
"It's incredibly important that we show children everything that motor sport has to offer," explains MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton. "The achievements of Lewis, Jenson and others have helped to put our sport on the radar, now it's up to us to help all those inspired by them to fulfil their dreams."
 
The eight Regional Development Officers will be pushing the MSA's widely praised Let's Go Karting scheme which allows children aged between eight and 16 to have a structured first experience of karting for just £5. On top of this, they will also be highlighting many of the other forms of MSA licensed motor sport accessible to those who are still too young to drive on the roads. For those aged eight and over there are Junior Dragsters and Cadet kart racing, while special classes in autograss, autotests, rallycross, circuit racing and rallying cater for those who've turned 14.
 
"We know that it's more difficult to get started in motor sport than some of the more traditional activities, especially if there is not a close family member already involved in the sport. That's why we have put together all the information needed by young people looking to get started. Alongside that, we have to break down the barriers - both real and perceived - that are stopping new recruits from entering the sport," continues Hilton.
 
To help the Go Motorsport Development Officers spread the gospel, the MSA has provided them with a range of materials including pop-up screens, a promotional dvd and assorted give-aways. In addition, the WilliamsF1 Grand Prix team has kindly provided a selection of components from their Formula 1 cars. The eight RDOs will be working closely with regional associations, motor clubs, events and venues in their local areas to generate maximum impact for the campaign.
 
"This is not about trying to find future world champions," concludes Hilton. "We want to ensure that all those who have an interest, get the chance to get involved with motor sport at whatever level they desire."
 
Schools interested in hosting a Go Motorsport presentation should contact the campaign via info@gomotorsport.net.

[ Top ]

Win & Lap Record For Parry   (30/06)

Matthew Parry underlined his affinity with the tricky Rowrah circuit by dominating the fourth round of the Formula Kart Stars campaign and increasing his overall Junior Rotax points lead.
 
The Paul Carr Racing driver topping his qualifying group, earning pole position for Pre-Final A and resetting the lap record to 46.07 secs - fully seven-tenths inside the pre-event record.
 
The Bury St Edmunds youngster then made no mistake in his first race, keeping ahead of any potential problems on the run to the opening chicane. Setting the fastest lap as he led from start to finish, Parry had just Alex McGee for company, with third-placed Ollie Varney finishing fully ten seconds in arrears.
 
The Junior Rotax pack was thrown a curve ball when the heavens opened in the minutes before the Final but, after a frantic scramble to change gearing and tyres, Parry again led away from the start. Progress throughout the pack was tentative, however, and Parry made a minor mistake that allowed King to take the lead for a couple of laps.
 
Once back in front, Parry had to fend off the attentions of Joe McKeand, who hit the front for a matter of corners before Parry again battled back. From there, he didn't put a wheel wrong on the treacherous surface, eventually crossing the line 0.68 seconds in front to claim his second Stars success of the season and significantly increase his points lead.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Lammers Wins With Tillett   (30/06)

Tillett Racing Seats would like to congratulate Bas Lammers on becoming the 2009 European KZ1 Champion using Tillett seats in his works Intrepid.

Bas also uses the new development R4 rib protector.

For more information on the Tillett range visit www.tillett.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1795 420312.

[ Top ]

More Success For Grice Racing   (30/06)

Grice Racing saw more success in the month of June and would like to congratulate the following drivers...

At the first round of the BNL series in Genk, Grice engines took 1st and 2nd in Senior Rotax with Christof Huibers and Mats v.d. Brand respectively.
 
Harrison Scott took 1st place in Mini Max at the Super 1 round at Buckmore Park, with Michael Epps coming in 3rd in Senior Rotax.
 
In the IRL Championship event at Tynagh, Adam Stirling took first place in Mini Max and the right to the 'IRL' plate! Callum Devine, also Grice powered, finished 2nd.

Grice Racing are still running our ever popular credit crunch special rebuilds. Pricing for this fantastic offer for each class is...

KF2/3: £315
Rotax: £315
TKM: £160
Cadet: £130
Rotary, Reed: £165
 
The only extras are the starter motor, clutch and dyno.

For more information on Grice Racing visit our website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

First Victory For Duprey   (29/06)
 
The Kart Shop at Buckmore would like to congratulate Henry Duprey on winning his first race yesterday at Bayford Meadows.  In a strong field of 21 Junior Rotax karts, Henry won both his heats and then went on to dominate the final, winning by nearly 6 seconds!  Team manager Dave Catt commented "Henry has been an integral part of our team for 5 years, and has been close in the past, but drove an immaculate race to get his first win".  The win also moves Duprey into the Summer Series championship lead.

The Kart Shop would also like to congratulate Jack Evans on winning the Honda Cadet class by over 4 seconds as well.

For more information on The Kart Shop visitor our website at www.thekartshop.co.uk or call us on 01634 672256.

[ Top ]

MSA British Cadet Champs   (29/06)

Round 4 of the Formula Kart Stars championship took place at Rowrah on the 28th June.

Once Matthew Graham had cleared polesitter Max Vaughan and Leon Hilliard he was simply untouchable in the suddenly wet conditions at the end of the day.  He pulled out a massive thirteen seconds over his rivals, his locally based team obviously well acquainted with the vagaries of the Rowrah circuit in Cumbria.  Vaughan was forced to turn his attention to defending second from Hilliard whilst Sam Vanderpump ran a lonely fourth.  Local driver Nathan Aston, Graham's team-mate, also impressed on his way to fifth after starting second last from being third in the B Final.  The winner of that last chance race, Josh White, was excluded following a clash with George Russell. 
 
The next round is at PF International near Grantham, on 19 July.
 
Results:
1 Matthew Graham
2 Max Vaughan
3 Leon Hilleard
4 Sam Vanderpump
5 Nathan Aston
6 Connor Mills

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

KZ1 & KZ2 Champions Crowned   (29/06)

The European Championships in the KZ1  and KZ2 classes raced this weekend on the Raceland Prokart Circuit at Wackersdorf in Germany produced two fine Champions.  In winning the Final the Dutchman Bas Lammers claimed victory in the principle class of gearbox karts (KZ1) whilst the Italian Angelo Lombardo dominated the second division (KZ2).

With the European KZ1 Championship contested over only one weekend (and therefore with only one decisive final) the suspense was maintained at an intense level this Sunday afternoon.  All of the weekends work could bear fruit or be destroyed in just one race of 25 laps over 30 kms.

Leading at the end of the qualifying races, Bas Lammers (Intrepid-TM) had dropped down to 5th place by the pre-final, primarily because of a tyre problem.  But the 23 year old Dutchman drove a perfect race in the final.  Already 3rd at the first turn, he successfully passed the best in the shape of Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex) and his team member Jeremy Iglesias (Intrepid-TM) to collect his second European Title following that in Formula A (100cc direct drive) in 2003.

"Considering what happened in the pre-final I didn't think I could lift the title" he acknowledged all smiles afterwards.  "But I got a good start in the final and I was immediately into my rhythm by the time I took 2nd place.  When I saw Jeremy make a very small error which enabled me to renew my challenge, I said to myself I must give it my all.  I found an opening 5 laps from the end.  But the last 3 laps have been the longest of my career!"

With the French Spaniard Jeremy Iglesias coming second, the Intrepid factory achieved a fantastic double, combined with the best time being set in qualifying practice by Norman Nato.  The revelation of the competition, the 16 year old Frenchman finished the final in 8th place.  

Behind the two Intrepid drivers, the podium was completed by Jonathan Thonon (CRG-Maxter).  The European Champion and twice World Cup Winner refused to be downcast.  "We missed just a little something to be able to achieve victory", he suggested.  "But I am very happy to be on the podium.  It proves that we are always in contention and the next World Cup cannot come soon enough."

Despite all his misfortunes the Italian Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart-Vortex) whilst failing to make the podium finished 4th in front of his compatriot Davide Fore (CRG-Maxter), Dutchman Thomas Knopper (PCR-TM), the always green Alessandro Piccini (Intrepid-TM), Norman Nato (Intrepid-TM), the Dutchman Arjan Kievitsbosch (CRG-TM) and the Belgian Rick Dreezen (CRG-Maxter), who completed the top 10.

KZ2 : Lombardo the Champion.

Unlike the KZ1 class, the European Championship in KZ2 (the second division of gearbox karting) was contested over two events.  After the opening event at Muro Leccese in Italy, it was here in Germany that the title was determined.  Driving a cautious race the Czech Patrik Hajek (Tony Kart-Vortex), double winner in Italy, lost all hope late in race one when he was struck by British driver Jack Hawksworth (Energy-TM) when he occupied 3rd place.

These two contenders for the title being eliminated, it was the third man the Italian Angelo Lombardo (Tony Kart-Vortex) who benefited.  Starting from pole position after dominated the qualifying heats the 19 year old Sicilian was initially headed by Jack Hawksworth.  But when he took command of the situation midway that was the signal to claim Race 1 in front of his compatriot Devid De Luchi (Intrepid-TM) and the Dutchman Jorrit Pex who had benefitted from the clash between Hawksworth and Hajek.

Before Race 2 Angelo Lombardo knew that he had every chance of taking the title in the event of another victory.  Resisting the pressure perfectly the Italian drove a masterful race.  Jorrit Pex and Devid De Luchi swapping places to once more join him on the podium.  

"I am really very happy", the young Sicilian said timidly.  "I lost so many points in Italy, in particular following mechanical problems, and I didn't think I would be able to win the title here.  From now on I shall be thinking of the KZ1 World Cup which I will contest next September at Sarno in Italy when I shall face all the top drivers".

With the Championship Angelo Lombardo finally finished in front of the unhappy Patrik Hajek, the Italian Ricardo Piccoli (CKR-TM), Devid De Luchi and the two Dutch Pex brothers with Jorrit the junior in front of the older Yard (both on CRG-TM).

[ Top ]

MSW Kart Storage Offer   (26/06)

MSW Kart Shop at the Rye House circuit in Hertfordshire is offering a full 12 months of kart storage for just £600 per year. This includes insurance and your kart will be ready for you on arrival.
 
Having just acquired a new storage facilities track side, proprietor Josh Omalley states: "At present, keeping costs down are important to all of us. If you consider that many owner drivers spend more than this each year on van insurance, not to mention road tax and depreciation, the saving for members is a no brainer. Also over the last few years it has been noted that rye house kart club drivers who store karts on site have, due to the ease, been popping down more regularly for a couple of hours practice here and there and to a certain extent this is evident on the podium!"
 
This deal is limited to 10 karts only so don't delay, contact Josh direct on 01992 460895 ext 3, or email josh@kartspares.co.uk.

[ Top ]

TKM 'O' Plate Awning Space   (26/06)

Close Racing have awning space available for hire for the forthcoming TKM O Plate/Hunts Kart Club meeting at Kimbolton on the 11th/12th July.

We are also at all Beccles & District Kart Club meetings at Ellough Park Raceway and can offer anything from awning space to a dedicated mechanic for a race weekend.

For any further information contact the team by email at teamcloseracing@aol.com or call 07810 864043 (any time). Alternatively see us at Ellough Park Raceway this weekend for the 3rd round of the BDKC Summer Champs.

[ Top ]

Latest CIK-FIA Karting Decisions   (26/06)

Latest decisions of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and of the CIK Commission regarding Karting.

At its meeting on 24 June 2009 in Paris, the FIA World Motor Sport Council took in particular the following decisions regarding Karting...

Sporting Regulations:
As from 1st January 2010, the minimum age for the issuing of Drivers' international Karting licences will be determined on the basis of the civil year (or calendar year) instead of the birthday.

Technical Regulations:
As from 1st January 2010, the minimum weight in the KZ1 category will be increased from 170 to 175 kg, thus being aligned on that of KZ2.
As from 1st January 2010, only one compound quality for CIK-FIA homologated tyres will be prescribed for each category, namely:
- "soft" type tyres in KZ1,
- "medium" type tyres in KF2 and KZ2,
- "hard" type tyres in KF3.
As from 1st January 2011, the rear track and rear wheel width dimensions of KF3 karts (Junior) will be standardised with those of the so-called «Senior» categories karts (i.e. 140 cm for the rear track and 215 mm for the rear wheels).

2009 CIK-FIA Calendar:
On request of the Automobile Club de Monaco, the KZ2 category will be added to the programme of the CIK-FIA Monaco Kart Cup for KF3 scheduled for 16-18 October. The number of entries in KF3 will be limited to 40 and to 30 in KZ2.

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

[ Top ]

RDI Summer BBQ/Race Day   (26/06)

The RDI Summer BBQ/Race Day is shaping up to be an unmissable event, with big names from British motorsport taking part in the day; among those will be Paul O'Neill (BTCC), Alice Powell (Formula Renault) and Adam Butler (Formula BMW). Red Bull Racing have also expressed an interest in putting a couple of teams into the endurance race, and will hopefully be bringing some F1 goodies.
 
The event, which takes place on 19th July at Daytona MK, will be covered by the motorsport media, and drivers will have the opportunity to be part of a commemorative group photo.
 
Driver spaces are available, which comprise 45 minutes racing as part of a team. Longer stints can be purchased at the same rate, and drivers can bring entire teams. Drivers without teams will be entered into teams with RDI founders and/or established members to ensure a fair race.  A driver space in the team endurance, plus BBQ buffet is just £90, or £75 without food.  Attendance without racing is free so friends and family are very welcome to attend, and can optionally purchase the food option on the day for £15 per person. Please let the organiser, Barry Scott, know how many you intend to bring though.

Some RDI goodies will also be available on the day.

For more information visit the RDI website at www.racedriversinc.com.

[ Top ]

Weatherley Takes Top Spot   (25/06)

CRG Driver driver John Weatherley took top honours at Llandow in the Dadson Masters, setting a new lap record on the way!
 
After qualifying 3rd in timed practice John showed his usual mettle in the heats to gain him top slot for the final.

In the race of the day, with some tough customers on the front row, it wasn't going to easy but John kept up the pressure to enable him to lead from start to finish. Melvin Francis missed out on second place by one corner with the position going to Ken Churchill who kept up his battle to the end with Melvin - some great racing from all three masters.
 
As the saying goes - "you're never too old" - and these guys prove each month that they're not!
 
We would also like to thank Llandow Kart Club for putting on a great weekend and look forward to meeting you next year at the Dadson Masters.

[ Top ]

Eurokart Ltd And Pavesi   (25/06)

At a successful third round of the NKF Super4 KZ2 Gearbox Championship at Shenington, Pavesi motors took 1st, 2nd and 5th in the final.

Ian Beaumont form Eurokart, importer and tuner of Pavesi motors, would like to congratulate the drivers - 1st Stephen Lane on Tony Kart, 2nd Jason Gardener on Sodi Kart and  5th Daryl Henderson on Gillard.

The weekend went exceptionally well with fastest laps in three of the four heats and fastest lap in the final. Ian Larder (Tony Kart) finished 2nd in two of the heats, but had bad luck in the final finishing 20th.

On his first outing on his Pavsei motor James Rees on Wright Kart, finished 11th ,his best place finish this season.

For information and availability call Ian Beaumont at Eurokart Ltd on 01502 567174 or 07769 715422, or visit www.pavesi.co.uk.

[ Top ]

New World Karting Championship   (25/06)

On 24 June 2009 the FIA World Motor Sport Council gave the green light to the CIK-FIA, Karting's governing body, to develop a new World Championship for Karting aimed at young drivers under 18 years old. The new series will complement the current CIK-FIA Karting World Championship, which is open to all age groups.

Set to launch in 2010, the new Championship will involve three events scheduled to take place in the summer months when under-18s will be available to compete. It will also be backed up by the creation of a Karting Academy for drivers aged 13 to 15 years old.

Here, CIK-FIA President Luigi Macaluso talks about the plans for the new Championship and how it is set to revitalise top level Karting...

Why create a new World Championship?
"Karting is the foundation of Motor Sport. Most racing drivers begin in Karting competition and it represents the natural first step in career progression. However, in recent years top-level Karting has become more specialised, with professional drivers and escalating costs. The price of a top-level season in Karting is comparable to that of a season in a bottom grade single-seater. The level of professionalism and involvement of certain teams has become such that some drivers no longer stand a chance of being competitive or are simply unable to finance their participation.

"Whilst the increased professionalism is good for the sport, it also puts up barriers to entry for drivers looking to progress through the ranks.

"In the CIK-FIA World Championship, the average age of drivers is constantly increasing. It was 22 years old in 2008, and the last five winners have averaged 26 years of age. The current driving standards and technically advanced karts are indeed excellent but this trend leads Karting away from its status as the learning ground for Motor Sport.

"With the high costs involved, the number of participants is also dwindling: there were 160 entries in the 2000 World Championship but only 49 in the 2008 edition.

"The new Championship will offer a series of affordable, high-level events open to all drivers under the age of 18 with the required skills and experience."

Will this bring about an overhaul of the CIK-FIA Karting Championships?
"Not at all. There is no intention of sweeping away the existing Championships to replace them by a new formula. High-level international Karting is not weakening: the World Championship is still a top level event, and the CIK-FIA continental Championships and World Cups remain successful.

"The current top category of Karting, Super KF, will remain a showcase of technological excellence for the manufacturers, but we must also ensure that modern Karting remains true to its roots, hence the necessity to guarantee that it is affordable for the largest number of people, especially the youngest ones. The CIK and the FIA want to add to the current Championships another programme of races which will bring new ideas and will be status-enhancing, but at a low cost."

What new ideas?
"The idea is to offer more than just races or track tests and to integrate educational training into the programme of events. This will include seminars aimed at making drivers aware of initiatives from the FIA stressing values like sportsmanship, fair play, equality, social responsibility and safety, and to raise their awareness of ecological issues."

Why?
"The CIK-FIA has already taken steps in the direction of cost limitation but so far it has not been sufficient, not to mention the economic situation of families and teams which has deteriorated because of the current crisis climate. One must have the courage to take important decisions, and although this concept explores new avenues which will seem revolutionary to the Karting community, they are simply aimed at giving an image of Karting that is more in keeping with its roots by reviving the young talent-scouting capacity of competition and by contributing to educate younger drivers.

"It is understandable that the manufacturers need a technological showcase but Karting is primarily a sport for drivers, and the world expects high-level Karting to reveal tomorrow's talents, the next Hamilton, Räikkönen, Kubica, Button, Alonso, etc. It should also be an expression platform which enables anyone to practise Motor Sport at little cost."

What concrete cost reduction measures can be taken?
"As regards engines, the natural wish to be always more competitive leads to an ever more costly situation. The most appropriate solution to control costs is therefore the single-engine designated further to a tender procedure for a minimum period of three years. This covers the complete engine and its related parts, including the carburettor, exhaust, ignition and cooling system.

"The allocation of engines can be carried out by drawing lots. The designation of a single tyre make has long been common practice at the CIK-FIA, with very positive results. It guarantees equality of opportunity and huge cost reduction because the suppliers go so far as to offer racing tyres free of charge to all drivers."

What about chassis?
"Without necessarily having recourse to the designation of a single-supplier, some efforts must also be dedicated to chassis. For instance, the catalogue of component variants needs to be limited. For some current chassis there are between three and eight options in the proposed range of axles, hubs or rims and this both increases costs and complicates the management of equipment, necessitating repeated tests, expert mechanics and the use of sophisticated data logging systems. We aim to introduce simpler, basic rules allowing for a less costly practice of the sport."

The project is not limited to restrictions on the kart itself, is it?
"No. Some of the structures brought to the paddocks are quite simply disproportionate. In this new World Championship for young drivers the working space will be standardised. Even in Rallying similar measures have been implemented within the framework of the Junior WRC. In order to be more balanced as well as more user-friendly, the 'technical' space of the paddock will be the same for everyone."

Why create the championship at the same time a CIK-FIA Academy?
"For several reasons. Firstly, it will concern even younger drivers than the new World Championship participants, i.e. 13 or 14 year-old drivers. Secondly, we see it as a preliminary stage before the World Championship and want it to be as inexpensive as possible. This is why the complete single-kart option placed at the driver's disposal according to the 'Arrive & drive' principle will be applied. The Academy is aimed at offering ideal training for younger drivers on the international scene and at opening doors to the World Championship for the most deserving drivers."

How will this fit with current Championships?
"It must be understood that this is a new concept which is not set to replace the existing system but to complement it. There will still be Championships where manufacturers and semi-professional teams can demonstrate their know-how. But we have to admit that, year after year, the potential breeding ground of drivers is getting smaller. The importance of Karting as a training school has to be stressed - a school that enhances the values of both sport and life - and we must therefore set up a World Championship which will again be accessible to the largest number of people and appealing to new young drivers."

When is it planned to launch?
"We are aiming for summer 2010. In the meantime, it will be necessary to finalise the sporting and technical regulations, to issue the necessary invitations to tender, to elaborate a strategy of communication, to involve the ASNs in the process and to select three circuits with appropriate infrastructures for the organisation of the events."

[ Top ]

Awning Space & Support   (24/06)
 
GJR Race Team are offering awning space at all Rye House club meetings. Including access to electricity and air lines, you will have your own space in the friendly and helpful awning for the whole weekend. The awning will be open for use from Friday through to Sunday, with a price of just £40 a day.

GJR Race Team are also offering a space in the awning with electricity and air lines but along with set up advice (engine, carb and chassis). The team will also help the driver with his on circuit racing such as racing lines, overtaking, etc as well as giving drivers a detailed track walk and answering any questions they have on driving the circuit. You can get all this support for just £100 Saturday and Sunday! If you wish to have Friday, Saturday & Sunday the price is just £135.

Race support services are available at other circuits/championships. For more information on joining the team go to www.gjr-race-team.co.cc, or if you have any questions or want extra information contact Ricky on email gjr-race-team@live.co.uk or call 07984 109347.

"Join A Winning Team"

[ Top ]

National Karting Championship   (24/06)

The people of the UK are being invited to don their race gear for the country's largest ever karting championship. The competition, organised by the National Karting Association (NKA), is the first ever nationwide karting championship for the masses, and is open for everyone at all levels. Competitors will be split into three age classes - Cadet (8-11yrs), Junior (12-15yrs) and Senior (16yrs+) - ensuring a fair shot at victory for all.

The winners in each class will take home a racing enthusiast's dream: a brand new 2-stroke EasyKart, MSA race license, race suit, gloves, boots and free entry into the 2010 EasyKart UK Championships. Worth over £4000! An additional prize is also being promised for the competitor who raises the most amount of money for BBC Children In Need, following a link up between the organisers and the charity.

Regional qualifiers, quarter finals and semi finals will see participants whittled down to the UK's top 50 by the time of the championship finale in November.

Over the next two months participating NKA karting circuits will play host to the qualifying stages of the National Karting Championships. Competitors must post their fastest lap times before the chequered flag brings qualifying to a close on August 24th and the serious competition begins.

"What is unique about this championship is that it's open to absolutely everyone in the country," said National Karting Championship coordinator Will Tew, who also organises the popular British Schools Karting Championships and the British Universities Karting Championships. "And to be able to win an Easykart makes this championship a pretty cool opportunity not to be missed."

For more information prospective racers should visit www.nkachampionship.co.uk 

[ Top ]

WSKC Race Cancellation Update   (24/06)
 
The West of Scotland Kart Club will be writing to all entrants affected by the cancellation of this race meeting to offer a full race fee refund or a free entry to any WSKC club race in 2009. In addition, the WSKC Committee can confirm that we are contracting to have increased ambulance cover for future events.
 
As a club we are working very hard to promote kart racing in Scotland and, once again, apologise for the disappointment that the cancellation of this race meeting has caused.
 
We look forward to welcoming the competitors, teams and families back to our circuit soon.
 
The Committee, West of Scotland Kart Club.

[ Top ]

Race The Original 'Stig'!   (23/06)

This year Transaid Week is especially exciting with our fantastic auction!

The star prize of racing Top Gear's original Stig is up for grabs! 10 places are being auctioned off from the 29th June to the 3rd July. Do you fancy yourself as the next Jenson Button? Find out!

This is a once in a life time opportunity to face the ultimate challenger, The Original Stig, Perry McCarthy! The race will take part on the 25th August at London's premier circuit The Raceway, who have generously donated the afternoon to Transaid.

The afternoon will start with a qualifying session, followed by two intense races! The Stig will start at the back of the grid to give you a head start! After the excitement of the races, the three top drivers will climb the podium to receive their trophies. A fantastic day and a great way to raise money for our projects in Africa.

So do you think you have what it takes to beat the original black Stig? Find out! Bidding starts on the 29th June at www.ebay.co.uk/transaid.

[ Top ]

CIK-FIA KZ1 & KZ2 Finals   (22/06)

Ten years after hosting its first and still only CIK-FIA European Championship, the "ProKart Raceland" circuit of Wackersdorf in Germany is getting ready to receive the elite of 125cc gearbox kart drivers on 25-28 June 2009.

The event will crown two champions as the top category - KZ1 - will have its single European Championship event there, whereas for KZ2 drivers Wackersdorf will be the second and last event of a short European tour. In the latter category, the Czech Patrick Hajek is generally tipped to win as he landed the two races of the Italian round of the Championship back in April. Though comfortable, his points lead in the intermediary classification of the competition is nonetheless still not decisive, and drivers like the Italians Piccoli, Cane, De Conto, Ferri, or even the Briton Hawksworth have not yet relinquished their winning hopes.

In the top category, the current upper crust of works drivers and drivers who have a well-known pedigree for gearbox karts will attend the German meeting. There are 41 entries, four more than in 2008. Twice winner of the World Cup for KZ1, the Belgian Jonathan Thonon is looked on as the favourite, but there could be even more competitors capable of matching him than the previous years. In particular Bas Lammers, Marco Ardigo, Davide Fore, Arnaud Kozlinski, Thomas Mich, Rick Dreezen (a Belgian for whom everything seems to go right for in Germany as he was crowned German Champion in 2007 and 2008), Armand Convers, Norman Nato, Anthony Abbasse, Gary Catt and Manuel Renaudie, whose specific preparation for this event were marked by a win in the German Championship last month. As for Sauro Cesetti and Francesco Laudato, they will try to renew the victories they achieved some 10 years ago in the 1999 European Championship on this very ProKart Raceland circuit! There will also be another participant with a huge experience, namely the quadruple World Formula C Champion, Alessandro Piccini (45 years old), who is still spurred on by an indestructible passion and will faithfully attend this sporting event.

While many of the Drivers entered in KZ1 have already competed in single-seaters (Thonon, Catt, Toninelli, Mich, Allemann, Knopper and Lammers to name but a few), none of them have climbed as far up the motor sport hierarchy as Britain's Ben Hanley or Spain's Jaime Alguersuari. They are both once again tasting the joys of driving a competition kart, even though Hanley made it to GP2 last year after a 2007 season which he finished as runner-up in the World Series by Renault, and Alguersuari is the reigning British F3 Champion and competes this season in the World Series by Renault.

Qualifying practice is scheduled for Friday 26th June from 14:25 to 17:15 local time. The Saturday will be dedicated to the many (16!) qualifying heats. There will be another three qualifying heats on the Sunday morning, followed by 4 finals in the afternoon from 13:15. All the results of the event will be published in real time on the website www.cikfia.com.

Full entry lists and additional information are available at www.cikfia.com/News2009/wackersdorf.htm.

[ Top ]

WSKC Race Cancellation   (22/06)
 
The Committee of the West of Scotland Kart Club offers its sincere apologies to all the competitors, teams and families who were affected by the cancellation of the race meeting on the 21st of June. This was due to the non-arrival of the additional ambulance cover required for the larger than normal entry.
 
We fully understand the frustration and disappointment that this caused. We wish to assure competitors that the club is taking every step to learn the lessons from this situation and to ensure that this sort of problem does not happen again. The Committee will be meeting as a matter of urgency to address the issue of entry fees and to clarify to members the championship points situation.
 
We will publish further information soon.

[ Top ]

KartpartsUK Price Promise   (19/06)

Kartpartsuk are now offering a price promise scheme to help you beat the credit crunch. They believe their prices are already some of the best around but now offer to beat any price that you find on a competitors web site for a like-for-like product at retail price! It's simple, just find an identical product that is cheaper from anywhere else and they will beat the price for you. You can't lose!

Don't forget that they have also greatly reduced their postage charges to Scotland and many of the British Isles so check the website for more details or give them a call if you are unsure.
 
Kartpartsuk also offer an ever growing stock range which includes all the top brands in karting along with the latest names and more products being added daily. They have a full and comprehensive stock of Gillard karts and parts, Rotax, WTP and Comer spares which they will not be beaten on price.
 
Team Kartpartsuk are still wining, with Andrew Vizard leading the way at PFI in the championship with numerous podium finishes and wins in the final. The team's latest recruit Milton Steele-Vaessen is improving every time he hits the track and currently sitting third in the PFI championship and second at Fulbeck. The team has space available at PFI, Fulbeck and Wombwell offering a full range of packages from basic awning space through to full arrive and drive, all at very competitive prices. So why not give them a try to see how much you can improve!
  
If you would like any information or just to chat about joining their proven race team, the Gillard kart range, or would like to test the 010B or Daytona or any of our extensive range of products then please give us a call on 01775 712633, email info@kartpartsuk.com or come in and see us at a track.
 
Telephone lines are open from 7am to 7pm with the web site open 24 hours a day at www.kartpartsuk.com.

[ Top ]

Exprit Domination   (19/06)
 
Last weekend saw TonyKart's latest chassis dominate at events both North and South of the border.  In the North max driver Alistair Smith took pole in timed qualifying before going on to win the third round of the ASKC Super Series at Aberdeenshire's Banff circuit. South of the border at Kimbolton it was a similar story, with max driver and KH Motorsport team principal Karl Haxton taking pole in timed qualifying before going on to win both the pre-final and the Grand final at the club's 50 year celebration Anglia Cup meeting.
 
KH Motorsport are also pleased to announce the appointment of two further Exprit agents...

Adrenalin Racing have been appointed as Exprit agent for the South East and will offer both sales and race team support at Rye House, Buckmore Park and Bayford Meadows as well as support at the Dadson challenge. Adrenalin Racing can be contacted on 07766 113467. BHSS have been appointed to handle Exprit sales in Scotland and can be contacted on 01821 640355.
 
If you would like to become part of the Exprit success story call KH Motorsport now, or check out the website www.khmotorsport.co.uk to find your local Exprit dealer.

[ Top ]

Kart Coach At Whilton Mill   (19/06)

Kart Coach - only £99 for a weekend at Whilton Mill!
 
Spacious awning with air and electrics plus free set up advice. Make sure you are getting the maximum from your kart.
 
"We've learned some really useful stuff, it's amazing what a difference small changes in set up, can make."
 
Free secure Saturday night parking. Just leave everything with us.
 
"After a hectic days testing, who can be bothered with all that packing away nonsense?"
 
And, for those who want to move a little closer to the front of the grid, Kart Coach one to one coaching will show you how to reduce your lap times and improve your race craft skills. Coaching is just an additional £40.
 
For more information visit www.kartcoach.com or alternatively, phone Michael on 07881 908291.

[ Top ]

Parry Retains S1 Lead   (19/06)

Paul Carr Racing's Matthew Parry continues to lead the Super 1 Junior Rotax category after three rounds, despite a frustrating weekend at Buckmore Park.
 
Despite his testing being limited by a pre-GCSE exam, Parry was immediately on the pace, before qualifying eighth in a field where third through ninth were split by just 0.07secs.
 
His pace was also evident in the heats, with a rise through the field in race one rewarded with second place behind Andy King. Race two, however, proved to be the undoing of his weekend, as contact from behind damaged his rear bumper and, despite recovering from last to 15th - with the top ten a near certainty - race officials decided that the kart was too badly damaged to continue, leaving the PCR driver 23rd in the final classification.
 
The knock-on effect saw Parry start 17th in the Pre-Final but, far from struggling in the midfield, he picked off most of those ahead of him to claim fifth at the flag, and set himself up for a shot at the podium in the main event. He immediately gained one position in the main event, but a tangle relegated him to 13th, and eleventh was the best he could manage in recovery.
 
Although taking dropped scores into account drops Parry into a tie for second overall in the standings, Parry still has more points than anyone when all three rounds are included, effectively topping the table ahead of Ed Brand.
 
Parry's next event will be the third Formula Kart Stars round at Rowrah on 27-28 June. He currently leads the class by 38 points with four rounds to run.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Karting Dragon Masters  (19/06)

Who will be the Karting 'Dragon Masters' of 2009?
 
Enter the "Dragon Masters" Two Day Event on the 4th & 5th July 2009 at Glan Y Gors Park.
 
A much sought-after Trophy & Title for: Comer W60, Mini Max, Junior Max, Junior Blue, Junior TKM, Senior Max, Senior Formula Blue, & Senior TKM Extreme.

Test/Practice Day is Friday 3rd, with further practice, qualifying and heat 1 on Saturday 4th. Heats 2 & 3 and the finals will be held on Sunday 5th.

We will be holding our annual 'Hog Roast' on the Saturday Evening at 6.30pm followed by a spectacular (not to be missed) Falconry Display at 7pm.
 
Please order your tickets for the 'Hog Roast' with your entry.
 
The Dragon Masters Event Entry Form and Hog Roast order form can be downloaded from the DKC website at www.dragonkartclub.com, or alternatively contact Tracey on tel: 01490 420770, fax: 01490 420702, or email info@dragonkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

BDKC June Meeting   (19/06)

The next meeting of the Beccles and District Kart Club will be 27th & 28th June 2009.

Race entry is just £43.00 for members and £51.00 for non-members, with practice costing £40.00 for the day.

Race entries can be sent by post, email or fax, and you can contact the club via email at enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, telephone on 01502 717718 or fax 01502 716200.
 
Garage space is also available - please call for details.

Plus, Open Testing will be available at Ellough Park on the 26th June from 1pm until 5pm at just £25.00 per kart, contact the club for more details.

[ Top ]

Jenson Makes It Nine!   (19/06)

Senior Rotax driver Jacques Jensen has continued his great form recently, now winning a total of 9 A finals in a row and setting a new lap record at Mansell Raceway. The Mansell Motorsport team driver has been unbeaten in Club Championship races at Mansell Raceway, Shenington, and Rissington and recently retained the Southern Champion title at Hampshire's Forest Edge.

Jensen goes on to say, "We have proved that the Redspeed chassis works exceptionally in all conditions and the motors are always on top form thanks to John Crookes' input from Revolution Racing Engines. I would like to thank John for his support as well as my Grandfather, Tony for making it possible for me to go racing."

Bristol based Revolution Racing Engines powered their way to 23 championships in 2008 and 2009 is looking even stronger. If you are interested in using Revolution Engines please call John on 01454 311588 or visit www.revolutionracingengines.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Formula TKM Proposals   (19/06)

Tal-Ko Racing, organisers of the mega successful Formula TKM karting classes, have issued draft suggestions for changes to the classes from 2010 aimed at keeping down costs and opening the classes to more drivers.
 
The draft proposals have been drawn up following a public request for feedback from drivers via their newly created TKM Drivers Club.
 
The most significant proposal is within the 2-stroke classes, where the need to have karts specially homologated is dropped but with strict regulations that require all karts to meet the same specification with no caster/camber adjustment, no torsion bars, but still making use of 30mm rear axles.
 
This move will open up the class to a greater number of second-hand karts on sale at very realistic prices and simplify regulations for manufacturers.
 
Other suggestions include weight/carb restrictor changes to allow an even greater spread of Junior drivers to be competitive without the need to carry excess amounts of lead.
 
Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney stresses: "We underline the fact that at the moment these are draft proposals. We have always aimed to provide drivers with the most amount of racing for their money and by what we are proposing here we are keeping the key elements of the class while opening it up to potentially more people.  We look forward to the response."
 
Full details of the proposals can be seen at the TKM club website www.tkmdriversclub.com and comments emailed to Tal-Ko at their special address: ideas@tkmdriversclub.com.

[ Top ]

Very Special Helmet Stolen   (19/06)

Dean Burbank's helmet, kit bag, OMP bag, and generator were recently stolen from a van parked on the drive at the family home.

The helmet has great sentimental value as it was purchased by Dan Payne and his family when Dean was in a coma suffering from meningitis. The helmet was a symbol of bravery and survival. Dean had Leukaemia and had chemotherapy treatment for 6 years and got the all clear in 2006. Then meningitis struck in Dec 2007 when the family thought all was well. Dean was in a coma for a week, which happened to be Christmas when the family had booked their first holiday for 7 years to Tenerife but of course were unable to go. As a token, the Payne family rushed to buy the helmet and had it sprayed just for Dean. The helmet is quite unique, it is bright green and orange with the St. George flag in a diamond shape across the top of the helmet. It has Dean Burbank in black lettering on each side of the chin piece. The caption on the back reads "Wherever the fear may be, look it in the eyes" in a circle. Click on the image on the right for a larger view.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the kit, and especially the helmet, please contact Michelle Jacques by email at shellgroom@googlemail.com.

[ Top ]

Velocity On Form At Buckmore   (18/06)

Velocity Motorsport would like to congratulate its drivers on a fantastic showing at round 3 of the Super 1 Rotax championship.

Team Minimax driver Nathan Harrison took a well earned victory in the 1st final. This was following some fantastic overtaking in the race where he had a great duel with his championship rival. Nathan's victory was a boost for the team after a challenging weekend. He also nearly topped off the weekend with a double victory after leading the 2nd final for much of the race and crossing the finish line in first place. However the red flag that brought the race to an end cruelly meant that Nathan was only classified in 2nd position. Nathan now maintains his lead of the championship after his fantastic double victory at the first round at Whilton Mill.
 
Velocity showed its strength in depth with the teams other Minimax driver Joe Byrne showing a massive improvement in form. Throughout the weekend Joe was one of the fastest drivers around the Buckmore park circuit, qualifying an excellent 4th fastest he consistently challenged the front runners and took a well earned 5th position in both finals. Unfortunately the 2nd final race stoppage robbed Joe of potentially his best result to date the team having set the kart up to be consistent and to get stronger towards the end of the 15minute race in the hot conditions.
 
The teams Junior Rotax driver Billy Albone did not want to be outdone by his Minimax team mates and showed his class by taking 3rd position in the 2nd final, this was after a start and opening lap which many onlookers described as 'awesome'! Billy's pace in the final showed to his rivals that he is definitely one to watch this season. He currently is lying 3rd in the championship and has the potential to finish off the season strongly.
 
Velocity Motorsport now moves its focus to Larkall where it hopes to continue its good form.
The team would like to also extend its gratitude to Force Motorsport (John Davies) for his recent support, all three team drivers are now equipped with Force prepared engines.
 
The team is now accepting enquiries regarding the 2010 season - why not join a wining team!
 
To find out more about the team, to contact us and to keep up to date with the teams activities check out the team's website at www.velocitymotorsport.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Kartmasters British Kart GP   (18/06)

The 2009 MSA Kartmasters British Kart Grand Prix is only weeks away!

This prestigious, one-off race weekend is now in its 14th year and continues to go from strength to strength. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before and will be held from 31st July - 2nd August.
 
Trent Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that entries are open for the following classes: Comer, WTP, Mini Max, Junior Max, KF3, KF2, Senior Max & 177 Max.
 
TVKC will again be pushing boundaries by introducing timed qualifying for each class - this will be a first for Kartmasters! The cash prize fund will return for 2009 and will amount to 1st £500 / 2nd £250 / 3rd £100 and trophies will be awarded to the top six drivers in each of the Grand Prix's (subject to numbers).  Competitors will also be the first to trial the new electrical hook-ups at PF International - completely free of charge!
 
Entry packs can be downloaded from the Club's website - www.tvkc.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday 17th July 2009 and spaces are limited - so hurry, get yours in today to avoid disappointment.

[ Top ]

Juniors On Top In Belgium   (18/06)
 
Team manager, Paul Spencer hailed all six of his drivers' performances a success in the fourth round of the Winning Series Karting Championship at Genk, Belgium last week (11-14 June) saying, "I'm really excited about the talent in the team right now. We have some of the best drivers in Europe in the Tony Kart Junior Team right now and all of them drove superbly, all weekend."
 
In KF2, the team's Ben Cooper, Chris Lock and Italian star Matteo Beretta all took heat wins and comfortably qualified for the pre-final, with Ben storming through from 10th on the grid to take the win. Chris also moved forward from his starting grid position to take 5th, whilst Matteo was the biggest improver, coming from the 12th row to cross the finishing line in a respectable 14th place.
 
Cooper, a student at the highly regarded Oxford Brookes University in England, completed a perfect day by winning the main final and taking the series lead with three rounds to go. Chris pushed his identical Racer EVR/Vortex hard in his team-mate's wake to take the chequered flag in a solid 4th place, whilst Matteo brought his Tony Kart home in 9th.  In the KF3 class, Carlos Sainz, Guilherme Silva and Gustavo Menezes all performed with typical Latin verve, Strong throughout qualifying and the heats, the trio qualified for the pre-final with Gustavo putting his kart down on P3 of the grid. Nearby, Carlos would start from 7th on the grid with Guilherme directly behind him.
 
Unfortunately, it was not be a race of good fortune for Carlos - who did not finish - or Guilherme, who could only bring his kart home in 18th. However, Gustavo's luck held and he was able to deliver an excellent 3rd place for the team. His father is known as El Matador in their native Spain, and young Carlos demonstrated the same bravery and fighting spirit that earned his father the sobriquet, with a superb drive through the field from 32nd to 8th place. Also demonstrating that he is a huge talent for the future, Guilherme drove beautifully to take the chequered flag in 2nd place. Unfortunately, Gustavo was excluded for a minor technical infringement at the start.
 
Speaking from inside the Tony Kart Junior Team's impressive awning, Paul Spencer said "On the whole, Genk went very, very well. Ben was extremely good, although he did make a mistake in qualifying. But it is a mark of his quality that he knew what he had done wrong and did everything in his power to overcome it and in the racing, he was impeccable. He did his job brilliantly."
 
"Chris is improving every time he goes out on track. He was 4th in the second final, faster than Ben and has moved himself up into 4th in the championship points. It's all looking really good for him."
 
"Matteo is just fantastic too. He's only just turned 15, came 2nd in Japan and featured in Genk. He was a little unlucky but he has impressed me. I'm very pleased."
 
Commenting on his KF3 charges, Paul said "Carlos' electrics failed whilst he was running at the front in the pre-final. He showed tremendous ability and character to fight his way from the back of the main final grid to inside the top ten. As a result of that, he's third overall in the points."
 
"I'll tell you one thing that sums up Guilherme" he smiled. "After Ben won the second KF2 final, Guilherme ran across the circuit over to Ben and asked him for advice about the track conditions before the start of the KF3 main final. That's very smart."
 
He added, "Prior to the main final, Gustavo had been going brilliantly and what I saw from each of the drivers has given me reason to be very excited about the rest of the season."

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Dream Work Experience   (18/06)

Scorton Schoolboy and Kart racer Max Coates who attends Richmond school has attained a fantastic opportunity to carry out his work experience at the head-quarters of Formula 1 Team Williams, and the Hydrex Honda British Superbike Team at Shaun Muir Racing (SMR) in Guisborough.

As part of his GCSE course, Max and his fellow students have the opportunity to attend a work placement to gain experience in a work environment. Max, who races karts nationally, applied firstly to Williams F1, based in Grove, Oxfordshire.  He was selected out of over 100 applicants and will be working in the aerodynamic model shop.  For his second week of work experience, Max will be travelling to the team HQ of SMR at Guisborough, who run the front running Hydrex Honda British Superbike Team, where he will be experiencing a full range of activities, from helping on the Dyno engine tester, to loading the race truck.

Max would like to thank the staff at Richmond School for going the 'extra mile', to help him secure these placements. Andrea Busby, work experience co-ordinator at Richmond School, commented. "The placements are well deserved, with Max's hard work in sourcing the contacts with Williams and SMR, plus his enthusiasm for his kart racing and his outgoing and larger than life character, combined with his hard work at school."

Logistically, Max and his race team start a busy schedule, with races in Cumbria and at Teesside, to fit in around his work experience. He'll race at Teesside on the Sunday before travelling to Oxfordshire to start work at Williams on Monday morning, and then on Friday evening will travel to Cumbria to race in the National Formula Kart Stars series (supported by Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton). Sunday evening will see the team back on the road to travel back to base at Scorton for Max to spend a night in his own bed before starting at SMR on Monday morning.

Max will be updating his website regularly from now on so look out for updates and news as it comes at www.maxcoatesracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Burridge Makes The Move   (17/06)

Mini Max contender Charlotte Burridge has made the move to the reigning European & British Championship winning RL Race Team.
 
In a mid-season swap the Hertfordshire girl is delighted to have now joined the ultra successful Suffolk-based outfit, who hold a large amount of silverware from the last 2 years, both UK and abroad.
 
Team manager Steve Armstrong is also very pleased to take Charlotte into the RL squad and is confident under the team's direct supervision she will make a great impact in the UK Mini Max class after a difficult first three Super 1 rounds yielding no results.
 
Charlotte will shake down the Tonykart EVR this weekend at Larkhall in preparation for round 4 of the Super 1 Series in Scotland next month.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

RL And Scott Win Again   (17/06)

The massively successful European & British Champions RL Race Team took a mighty win at round 3 of the Super One Series in the Mini Max class at a hot and grippy Buckmore Park on Sunday.

It was Harrison Scott who took the honours for the team in a hard fought battle, showing his improvement in the short period of time since joining the Suffolk based team. It also sends a warning shot to all of the current contenders for the 2009 title - and to his rivals in the Junior class at round 3 of the Euromax series in the Czech Republic next month in which he will be again going for gold. Scott now trails the championship lead by just 2 points.
 
His team mate in the UK series, Ashley England, made a remarkable come back. From starting Sunday in the repercharge he climbed from grid 25 in the main final to a astonishing 8th at the flag, a massive boost for the young contender in his first year out of the Honda Cadet class.
 
In the senior max class all 3 team drivers - Tom Fawcett, Tony Rumball and multiple Champion Mike Simpson, all showed well in the finals but to avail in the end result. After a large shunt in turn 1 of the main final Fawcett and Simpson were left stranded in p22 and p24 respectively before coming back to a creditable 9th and 10th to salvage some vital points for the championship chase. Team mate Tony Rumball however, like England, came via the repercharge but by lap 3 of the main final was into 8th place and going for 7th when he was driven over, pushing him to the back before again rising to 17th by the flag.
 
New signing to the team, Milan Mach, competed in the 177 class and proved a worthy contender getting up to 5th by the start before disaster struck. His throttle pedal snapped off under the stresses of the bumpy surface at Buckmore thus ending his race.
 
The team now move on to FKS round 3 at Rowrah next week in the mini and cadet classes.

For information on joining the RL Race Team or any other enquiries please contact Race Team Manager Steve Armstrong on 07843 586416, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.
 
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Brand Bags Brace At Buckmore   (17/06)

Ed Brand produced two superb performances to win the latest round of the British Super 1 kart championship and put himself at the top of the leader board. The Coles Racing star scored a brace of victories at the demanding Buckmore Park circuit in Kent last weekend (13/14 June) to propel him from fifth position into the overall championship points lead, with three rounds remaining.

Timed qualifying went satisfactorily enough for Ed after he recorded the fifth fastest time - just nine hundredths of a second down on the pole-position setting time. In his first heat, a crash dropped him from fourth to twenty fourth and needed a great recovery drive to carve his way back up the order to a creditable eighth place at the finish.

In the following encounter, he settled for second place to secure fourth place on the grid for the first of Sunday's two points-scoring finals. By the end of the first lap of the final, Ed was up to second and pressing for the lead. Two laps later, he moved to the front and began to edge away from the chasing pack.
 
"I got up to the leader, passed him and away I went," he commented afterwards. "It was hard work though. To lead for 21 laps, keep my concentration and not make any mistakes wasn't easy."
 
This approach saw him win by over seven seconds from his closest pursuer, team-mate Spencer Barrow - although Ed modestly acknowledged that he was helped when the drivers, then in second and third place, collided.
 
Leading the field from pole position for the grand final, he benefited from having clear air ahead of him and made an excellent start.
 
"I got through the first few corners and then got my head down and chased my own shadow all the way to the chequered flag." He added, "Winning is the best way I can thank all the people who support me and make my racing possible. To take two victories over a quality field and at such a tough circuit is always special and I'd like to thank Mike and Adrian at Coles and Tristram and Nigel at HRS Motorsport for their fantastic help and efforts throughout the weekend."
 
For more information about Ed and his career, click on www.edbrandracing.net.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Spencer 1st Place Novice   (17/06)

Close Racing would like to congratulate Harvey Spencer on a great drive in the final of the East Anglian Championship meeting at Kimbolton.

Harvey, 14 and from Thurston near Bury St Edmunds, hadn't seen the circuit before Saturday but learnt the track quickly and finished the weekend off in great style with 13th overall in Minimax, but coming away with the 1st place Novice award.

Harvey will be racing next at Ellough Park Raceway in the 3rd round of the Summer Championships at the end of June again supported by Close Racing.

For further information about Harvey or the team do not hesitate to contact us at teamcloseracing@aol.com.

[ Top ]

Open Team Endurance   (16/06)

Playscape's next Open Team Endurance Event is this Friday, 19th June, at Streatham Kart Raceway.

Just three places remain for this 1.5 hour hire-kart endurance race (everything is provided, you just need to arrive and race!) on London's premier indoor circuit, so get your entry in fast!

The race follows 10 minutes practice/qualifying with a trophy presentation afterwards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed teams. Teams of 2-4 drivers are welcomed and the cost is just £100.  The winning team will also received free entry to the next event in the Open Team Endurance calendar!

For more information or to book call Playscape on 020 8677 8677. Visit www.playscape.co.uk for more information on the circuit.

[ Top ]

Small Team, Big Pedigree   (16/06)

DR Racing Kart UK offers great chassis, a positive environment and the support of a multiple World Champion at the end of a phone. From its launch in 2008 at the World Championships at Muro Leccese, the DR Racing Kart range has been an instant success on the international scene. Combining great performance with quality, durability and looks, the J90 has been designed with the Rotax market in mind, whilst the M92 chassis has been developed for the softer, European tyres. To help you get either kart working to perfection, Steve Green and his family-run team provide drivers with a close-knit, positive environment from which to get the most out of your racing.
 
Steve says, "I meet a lot of people who very quickly become jaded with big awnings. They can become places where people get lost and forgotten, or simply find that they're paying for someone else's weekend. We're not like that. We pride ourselves on DR Racing Kart UK being a neat little package. Everyone's important and we all pull together to help each other."
 
He adds, "I see picking the right team like choosing your child's school. You ask yourself 'will they learn something positive, make friends, be safe and at the end of the day, come home happy'?"

"We can offer prospective drivers a great package - including PR, nutritional advice, fitness training, driver management, and of course the very latest factory kit and support at home and internationally, with the works team."
 
There is an added benefit too, access to the kart's designer and five-time World Champion, Danilo Rossi. Steve explains, "Having had a stellar career with CRG, Danilo began to think about designing his own range of karts back in 2007. Last year, he realised that dream and despite his legendary reputation, he remains very much down to earth and always available to dispense advice".
 
"Recently, Danilo came over to Whilton Mill to assist with a test. His depth of knowledge is incredible and he's passionate about sharing it with DR Kart drivers. He's even said that DR owners can call him for set-up advice or driving tips."
 
For more information about the karts, opportunities with the team or to book in for their next test day at Whilton Mill on call Steve Green at DR Racing Kart UK on 01252 851162 or 07980 776000. Alternatively, click on www.drracingkartuk.com.

[ Top ]

DYKC Teesside Challenge   (16/06)

Durham & Yorkshire Kart Club would like to remind drivers that the first of the annual Teesside Challenge meetings will be held at Teesside Autodrome this Sunday - June 21st 2009. Some great prizes are on offer including track days in the Mini Cooper and Mazda MX-5 with professional instruction. ARDS testing will be offered to any track day winner as part of the prize. Other karting items will be up for grabs to the runners-up. Entries are still being accepted for the first ever meeting of this exciting annual event.
 
The event will also host Round 4 of the WTP Little Green Man Cadet Championship and the Saxon Super Series Biland Challenge.

For the latest news please check out the website at www.dykc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

2009 Welsh Championships   (16/06)

The annual prestigious Welsh Championships for the coveted and nationally recognised "C" Plate take place this weekend at the South Wales Karting Centre, hosted by Llandow Kart Club. It will be a two day event on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st with two timed qualifying, two heats, pre-final and final for all classes.

There is a prize fund in excess of £1000 including sponsorship from West Wales Rally Spares in conjunction with Sparco, plus prize vouchers for all TKM classes from Tal-Ko. There will be a free Hog Roast for all drivers (£5 for non-drivers) and a bar. All this for only £80 and some good weather as well (we hope).

Entry forms and details on www.llandowkartclub.co.uk or from Colin Lipscomb at llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07817449617.

[ Top ]

Williams Motorsport   (15/06)
 
Williams Motorsport continued their success with Jordan Chamberlain qualifying 2nd, Shaun Carter 5th and Charlie Bonsey 14th at the recent Super 1 round at Rowrah.

The Essex based team went on to see Carter qualifying pole for the first KF2 final, with Bonsey 4th and Chamberlain 7th. An outstanding drive Chamberlain saw him take the win with his team mates Carter and Bonsey finishing a fine 3rd & 5th respectively.
 
In the main final Shaun Carter took the lead straight away from 3rd on the grid, with Jordan Chamberlain slotting straight into 2nd. Carter lead the race for a good half distance but could not stop his team mate Chamberlain from coming past to take his second win of the weekend. With Jordan winning, Shaun finished a fine 2nd place and Bonsey a safe 6th.
 
Team Manager Jason Williams said "I could not have asked for a better result for the team."
 
The team would like to thank GFR Engines.

For more information contact Jason Williams at williamsengineering@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

The London Cup 2009   (15/06)

The annual London Cup at Rye House is shaping up to be another big event in 2009 with entries already flooding in.

The event, to be held on 19th & 20th September 2009 and organised by Hoddesdon Kart Club was oversubscribed in 2008 so if you're thinking of entering (and who would want to miss this hugely popular event?!) then make sure you do so now to avoid disappointment.

All the hallmarks of the 2008 London Cup return with great prizes, a famous commentator, filming & TV coverage, and of course the grid girls! Invited classes are Comer Cadet, Honda Cadet, Rotax Mini Max, Junior Rotax, Senior Rotax, Rotax 177 and TKM Extreme.

The entry fee is just £230 for the weekend, which includes tyres!

Race entry/reservation forms can be found on the HKC website at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk.  The maximum grid size is 28 per class so don't delay.

[ Top ]

King Fastest In Rotax   (15/06)

14 yr old Junior Rotax frontrunner Andy King travelled down to Buckmore Park this weekend for round three of the Super 1 British Championship and was crowned the fastest Rotax driver of all classes!
 
Starting with Friday's open practice King was immediately on pace and simply fine-tuned each session to finish well ahead of his main competitors with untouchable raw pace. Many heads were being scratched that night as well as some wondering whether the 14 yr old Rochdale lad could repeat the same pace in the all important Saturday timed qualifying. Yes he could, and better! King poled his Maranello RS10 kart and smashed the Buckmore Park lap record along the way. A now level playing field of everyone using the excellent 09 Rotax engines, with scarcely a tenth between each one, meant this weekend was going to really sort the wheat out from the chaff.

Heat one saw a text book lights to flag victory with King taking fastest lap along the way. As Sunday brought extremely hot conditions, King prepared for heat two and again drove a faultless race with another lights to flag victory and once again taking fastest lap along the way. This gave King the enviable position of pole for the pre-final, and with 30 other top British drivers around him it was not going to be all plain sailing for the Adgespeed backed youngster.

With 25 laps ahead King had already worked out his pre-race plan and after a clean start lead into turn one.  A tap from from the rear caused King to run wide allowing Brand and Cowley cleanly through.  With his head down King gave chase, and by the following lap a tight train of three started breaking away from the pack. Unfortunately disaster was to strike - Cowley and King entered side-by-side into a corner when, what was described by most as a "driving incident", dislodged both karts from P2 and P3. Both continued and King stormed back through the traffic to take 2nd. Whilst closing in fast on race leader Brand King took fastest lap yet again!
 
Further disaster was to come in the form of a visit to the Clerk of the Course, where the contact was deemed King's fault and he was excluded from the results. Although an appeal was heard the decision still stood. This put the first year Junior Rotax driver to the rear of the 30 strong grid and with a mountain to climb to achieve any decent result. King didn't disappoint.
 
Putting the previous actions behind him, King only had one plan and that was to get as far up the grid as quickly as he could, and that he did with breathtaking, precise, expert skill. Picking off competitors sometimes two at a time, and down the fast downhill section King was on a mission. Some of his manoeuvres caused applaud, gasps of awe and grateful adulation post race, and with a final finish of 5th this simply showed what this 14 yr old youngster really is capable of doing under extreme pressure.  The icing on the cake was to come when it was realised that not only was King the official fastest Rotax driver of the weekend out of all the classes, but he had smashed the Buckmore Park Junior Rotax lap record by over 4/10ths.
 
Andy wants to thank Steve Ogden (Ogden Motorsport) , Andy Scales (ASR Racing) and the many people for their kind words of support and advice, and looks forward to continuing his consistent run of top form for the rest of the racing calender.

[ Top ]

New Training Venture   (12/06)

New training venture KartStart will open their awning for the first time at the Rissington July Meeting.  Aimed specifically at new and young karters, KartStart will offer a range of specialist services at affordable prices to guide drivers through their early involvement with the sport.
 
The KartStart Team comprises experienced mechanics and coaches who include current club championship winners. KartStart's starter Bronze Package includes awning space, basic set-up advice, driver help and guidance, track walks, on-going progress assessments throughout the meeting and MSA & Club Advice.  The Silver Package adds on dedicated driver training, full timing analysis and mechanical assistance whilst the Gold Package offers the full works including one-2-one driver coaching and a dedicated mechanic throughout the meeting. 
 
KartStart will be happy to offer bespoke weekend packages to suit individual requirement and Karters simply looking for awning space will also be very welcome.  Services will initially be provided at all Rissington and Shenington club meetings.
 
For further information please call Ian on 07909 990296 or Jamie on 07833 926762, email karting@georgeracing.co.uk or visit www.georgeracing.co.uk.

Get on the right track with KartStart, helping you from start to finish.

[ Top ]

BPKC Summer Champs   (12/06)

The third round of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Championship takes place on Sunday 21st June.   With restricted testing at Buckmore, the meeting will be ideal for competitors in the Super One TKM classes and Honda Cadet classes wishing to practice and race at Buckmore before their round visits the venue later in the summer.
 
Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th June.

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

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

[ Top ]

Strawberry's S1 Campaign   (12/06)
 
Ben Cooper, Chris Lock and Guilherme Silva all showed character and mettle to deliver strong performances in challenging conditions at Rowrah last Sunday (7 June).
 
Changeable weather and a recently resurfaced track presented a stern test to all the competitors - not least the team's brilliant Brazilian, Guilherme who had never seen the Cumbrian circuit before, so racing in a former quarry must have been something of a culture shock.
 
KF1 points leader Ben Cooper overcame the effects of a big accident in the second heat and powered through from 13th on the grid to take 4th spot in the first of the day's two finals. In the following race, he went two places better to take a well-judged runner-up finish and retain his position at the top of the Championship table.
 
Chris Lock's consistency throughout the weekend ensured that he was never outside the top ten - from timed qualifying, through to the heats and finals. The reigning European Max Champion took valuable points with 8th in the first final, before demonstrating blistering pace to rise up the order in the second encounter to snatch the remaining step of the podium with a brilliantly judged move on the last lap, setting a new lap record in the process.
 
Guilherme Silva is winning scores of new fans with his exciting, flamboyant driving in the KF3 class. Making his Rowrah debut, he was initially off the pace in qualifying but became the pace-setter in the first heat, taking 3rd place and recording the fastest lap. He was third again in his second heat and earned the same grid position for the first final.
 
A dramatic and thrilling race was only resolved when the talented youngster crossed the finishing line in a creditable fifth place.
 
An opening lap clash in the second final knocked Guilherme down to 10th, forcing a gritty fightback. Patiently he picked his way back through the field to cross the finishing line in 5th, earning praise from his team boss, Paul Spencer - "Guilherme was brilliant. He's never raced here before and is still very inexperienced in terms of his understanding of the British style of racing. Nevertheless, he gave an excellent account of himself."
 
He added, "It was a tough weekend for everyone in the team. But I think each one deserves praise for sticking to their task and taking away something positive. Ben, another trophy and retaining the series lead; Chris was back on the podium and set a lap record, and Guilherme deserved a podium but was unfortunate. But he learnt a great deal and again showed that he's a big talent."
 
All three drivers are now in Genk, for this weekend's (12/13 June) fourth round of the WSK Championship. Timed qualifying commences on Saturday morning with the first series of eliminatory heats in the afternoon. The all-important finals will run on Sunday.
 
You can follow the action live, by going to www.wskarting.com and clicking on the 'Real Time' button.

To find out more about Strawberry Racing Team, the superb Tony Kart EVR chassis and Vortex engines, visit www.strawberryracing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Strawberry Triumph In Italy   (11/06)

The increasingly popular Rotax Euro Challenge had attracted over 130 entries for the second round of the series, held for the first time on the Kart Planet track at Busca in Piedmont, northern Italy (29-31 May).
 
And once again, Strawberry's drivers were in the thick of the action - and on the podium.
 
In the Senior class, Joseph Reilly was able to make up for his disappointment in the opening round (at Campillos, Spain, 28 - 29 March) and used the "the right strategy" at Busca to take a well-deserved victory. Team-mate Luke Varley returned to the podium (after winning the opening event), taking a finely judged third place and extending his championship lead.
 
Special mention should be made for Strawberry's third Senior and series leader going into the weekend, James Greenway. Warwick explains, "James wasn't in the best of health after getting a blood infection. He battled on but was in no fit state to be able to challenge at the front."
 
Joseph's win has boosted him to fourth in the title chase, whilst James remains in touch from fifth overall. Speaking in the press conference afterwards, Joseph said, "We made the best decision this weekend, to have the right tyres, tyre pressures and ideal set-up to win. The result is good for the championship points and I'm feeling quite confident now going into the third round. I want to thank Warwick, David and Strawberry Racing for all their hard work, and my team mates for being there and 'having my back!' Also thanks to my sponsors back home in London and my parents for all their support."
 
Representing the team in the Junior category, round one hero Josh Webster figured well in the eliminatory heats, taking a first place and two fourths to earn himself a front-row start in the pre-final.
 
Having opted to run his new tyres in the pre-final, Josh used their superior performance to grab a breathtaking win on the last lap.
 
He made a perfect start in the main final, but suffered from now having worn rubber on his Tony Kart Racer EVR chassis and was soon under pressure. A monumental scrap developed and Josh found himself shuffled down the pack to sixth. Surviving some desperate manoeuvres, he held onto his place and the Championship lead - which he later admitted was his main priority in Italy.
 
The team returns to domestic racing duties this weekend, in the third round of the British Super 1 Championship at Buckmore Park in Kent. The action kicks off this Saturday (12 June) with timed qualifying from 12:30, followed by the first heat at 3:10pm. The racing will continue on Sunday (13 June) and features the all-important points-scoring finals.

To find out more about Strawberry Racing and the superb Tony Kart Racer EVR chassis, visit www.strawberryracing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

Easykart Rounds 3 & 4   (11/06)

The much vaunted 'barbecue summer' arrived in time for round three of the series, creating perfect conditions for racing. Whilst the sausages sizzled on the grill, so did the drivers as they waited on the dummy grid in temperatures reaching the high twenties.
 
Three drivers took maiden Easykart victories to make sure that the current championship leaders would not enjoy Jenson Button-esque romps into the distance.
 
Adrian Crockett won a thrilling Light encounter - justifiably receiving warm and loud applause as he jumped onto the top step of the podium for the first time. Terry Langley maintained his points advantage with second place, whilst Owen Jenman did his title aspirations no harm with third.
 
Tipped by John Vigor for the win beforehand, Patrick Lay narrowly missed out on fulfilling the Easykart promoter's prediction by just three tenths of a second. Christopher Waldock emerged victorious and broke his Junior duck in the process.
 
Kieran McCullough came through from P7 on the grid for the Heavy A final, beating championship leaders William Smith and Barnaby Pittingale. The man reviewing karting for the MSA, George Robinson, was racing as a guest of the series, and enjoyed his Easykart debut enormously, finishing in a very respectable eleventh place in the main final. 
 
In the Cadets, no one had an answer for James DeHavilande who increased his points lead over his nearest rivals with a crushing demonstration of his talent throughout the meeting. Ryan Anderton overcame a poor finish in the pre-final to take second from the improving Aaron Oakes.
 
The series now makes its first trip to the North East this weekend (13/14 June), to the Teesside Autodrome - one of the country's fastest circuits. A chat with owner, Bob Pope rather suggests that the track could have been designed by Mr. T - and that those drivers who do not live in a gym are going to meet his friend Pain. As a former Para' himself, and therefore a proper tough guy, Bob says that the competitors can expect an incredibly fast lap with "corners that go on forever". In fact, South Bend, is a 250 metre long monster that lasts over five seconds from entry to exit. Two corners are taken flat-out and one is banked. All this promises the thrill of "a faster average speed than anywhere else in the country and a lot of fun".
 
If you're considering making the swap from your current category or starting kart racing, Sunday's event is a great way to meet the drivers and talk to them about what they enjoy about Easykart and get advice and information from the UK importer, Andy Cox and series promoter, John Vigor .
 
The racing will commence after 10am on Sunday (13 June) at Teesside Autodrome, South Tees Motor Sports Park, South Bank Road, Middlesborough. Visit www.easykart.co.uk for more information.

Photograph of Cadet points leader James DeHavilande courtesy of Tim Mayneord/Kartshots.

[ Top ]

Prize Test Awaits KF1 Champ   (11/06)
 
 
Renowned Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship team Manor Competition  is delighted to announce it will offer a prize test drive in one of its front-running single-seater cars to the champion of this year's Super 1 B4/Renault MSA Formula KF1 British Karting Championship.
 
The multiple title winning team, which has been home to past karting superstars such as Lewis Hamilton, Paul Di Resta, Oliver Jarvis and Alexander Sims, will provide a full day of running to the 2009 British KF1 Champion as the Nottinghamshire squad strives to build an even stronger link to the grass roots of the sport.
 
"This is something we've wanted to do for quite a while", said team principal Tony Shaw, "Manor is keen to forge an even closer link with the young drivers coming out of karting and with KF1 being the pinnacle of the sport, we felt it made sense for us to offer a prize test to the British champion.
 
"Sarah (Shaw - Manor Competition co-owner and race engineer) and I appreciate the important role karting plays in the career of a young driver and Formula Renault UK is undoubtedly the best proving ground for drivers when they are ready to progress into cars.
 
"We're looking forward to seeing who will win the championship this year and to working with them during the fully-funded test drive. We'd also like to express our thanks to Super 1 promoter Neil Hann and series director John Hoyle for welcoming the prize."
 
The Super 1 MSA British KF1 Karting Championship is the premier category in the country which is contested by drivers 16 years-of-age and over. Four events remain this season and entries for the KF1 series are still being accepted with a free tyre allocation offer from series backer Dunlop also available. For more information, please visit www.s1series.co.uk.
 
Next on the KF1 calendar is a visit to Whilton Mill, Northamptonshire, in early July followed by a trip to Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland towards the end of August. Round six is scheduled to take place in mid September at Larkhall in Scotland with the championship finale at Fulbeck, near Grantham, on 17th/18th October.
 
Photographs courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography.

[ Top ]

Wright Double Podium Debut   (11/06)
                                       
Dean Panrucker's partnership with his new KF1 signing, Luke Wright delivered instant success taking a double podium at Rowrah, last Sunday (7 June). Having opted to complete the 2009 season with Panrucker's Millennium Motorsport team only days before, Wright had little time to adjust to his new surrounding before Saturday's timed qualifying session.
 
The Dorset driver was eleventh fastest and admitted making mistakes, although expressing delight with pace of the unfamiliar GFR-tuned TM engine on his Tony Kart chassis. Luke said, "I didn't qualify particularly well, but I was over the moon with the new engine and chassis combination."
 
His steady, if unspectacular form continued in the heats, with a brace of ninth place finishes, giving Wright P6 on the grid for the first final. An alliance of set-up changes, Dean's coaching skills and Luke's growing confidence saw the Millennium driver make his way through the quality-packed field to take third at the chequered flag. In the grand final, he initially slotted into second but dropped to third. An incisive move at Pits Corner saw Luke regain the second spot - but a mistake dropped him back to third at the finish.
 
Nevertheless, Dean was greatly satisfied with Luke's performance saying "Luke's fast, but needs a little guidance. He's not as experienced as the guys around him and that showed"
 
He added, "He's learning all the time and he's demonstrated that he can produce the goods. He's a nice kid and we've both got to learn how to work together, but it was a good weekend and good experience for us."
 
Millennium's other new driver, Sam Snell endured a baptism of fire as he was unable to finish both KF1 finals. Dean said, "Sam was completely out of luck. However, he's a good pilot with loads of character and I'm confident that he will bounce back at Whilton."
 
Millennium's trio of KF2 drivers also had a torrid time in the Lakes. A double-winner at the opening round (at PFi in April), Jake Ball's luck evaporated after he had topped the time sheets in qualifying and comfortably won the second heat. His namesake - Jake Lloyd - struggled throughout, whilst Laura Tillett found herself in the thick of the midfield action.
 
Millennium still has berths available for drivers looking to join the reigning British Super 1 and Open KF3 Championship-winning team. Drivers looking to contest the Super 1, Formula Kart Stars, Kart Masters - plus key European and CIK events - can contact Dean on 07968 806 019 or via deanpanrucker1@blackberry.orange.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

SC Success For Austek   (10/06)

It was another successful weekend for Austek Racing at the Forest Edge Southern Champs with both Macaulay Austin and Ryan Anderton on the podium again.

After a disappointing meeting at Dunkeswell last week, where Mac struggled to match the pace of the front runners, a mid-week trip to engine builder John Crooks of Revolution Engines revealed a damaged piston ring. This was soon repaired by John and, with an engine back to full power, Mac put his Maranello kart on pole for the first final on Saturday before coming home a close second to Nathan Harison.

Sunday heats proved very difficult for everyone with the bad weather and several accidents leading to a few unfamiliar faces on the front of the final grid. Mac and Nathan started fourth and fifth on the grid but quickly passed, and pulled away from the bulk of the pack. Mac again came second to Nathan but showed he had the pace to stay with the current leader of the Super One Series.

Ryan Anderton in Comer Cadet had mixed fortunes in his heats on Saturday - starting the final from seventh he managed fourth place. Sunday was a better day altogether with Ryan putting his new BRM kart powered by a Soixante-tuned Comer engine on pole. 9 year old Ryan led the final for four of the ten laps before the usual cadet swapping and changing started, eventually finishing third in a string of seven karts that crossed the line nose-to-tail!

Anyone interested in joining a team that gets results can contact Neil Austin of Austek Racing by email at austekracing@tiscali.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Another Double For Chamberlain   (10/06)

The third round of the Super One National Championship was held on a wet and dry weekend, not the ideal conditions for either driver or team manager, but Jordan Chamberlain overcame bad luck in the early stages of the meeting to take two wins at Rowrah in Cumbria to further strengthen his KF2 championship challenge.

As he explained, Rowrah was set to be one of the toughest but most enjoyable events of the year: "I think Rowrah is undoubtedly one of the best circuits in the UK, I'm always excited to see it on the calendar as it has everything from downhill to uphill, fast corners and slow corners and it's always interesting because the weather is usually unpredictable there. I finished second there last year in both Finals so I was looking to improve on that this year and I was pretty confident after my two wins at Shenington. I was also very confident after the quick lap times I had been producing in the wet and dry practice sessions."

Driving a Williams Motorsport-prepared Tonykart, Jordan's race day started off well in timed practice which was wet and Jordan qualified second, just 0.01s off pole. "I was leading Heat 1 on dry tyres, had a healthy gap, but was caught out by a shower of rain that sent me into the tyre barrier. I ended up coming back on and crawling my way to 15th with a damaged kart, setting the fastest lap as well. I came second to Jake Ball in Heat 2 when I had a bad start and couldn't make up lost ground but I set the fastest lap again."

"In Final 1 I started seventh and by lap 6 I was in the lead and pulled out a gap where I was able to relax for the last five or six laps, and again I got the fastest lap. Then I went off pole in the second final, lost the lead on lap 2 to my team mate Shaun Carter, then after two laps I overtook him and immediately pulled away which continued until the flag."

The team had worked hard all weekend with two karts to prepare - one for the wet and one for the dry. "A lot of credit goes to my dad (my mechanic) and Jason Williams, my team manager, not forgeting my engine builder Gordy at GFR Engines. I have to say the drive home to Wales was a lot more cheerful knowing we came away with a victory... the excitement of that kept me awake for the whole seven hour journey!"

Jordan will take a 10-point lead over Carter into the next round of the championship at Whilton Mill on 5th July, which will mark the halfway point of the championship. However, he also has his GCSEs to deal with which has prevented him from testing as much as he would have liked, but with only three exams left Jordan will soon be able to hit the track and work on the areas he needs to improve on.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Kimbolton Awning Space   (10/06)

Adrenalin Racing have awning space available for the forthcoming East Anglian 50th Anniversary Trophy meeting at Kimbolton in Cambridgeshire.

Ensure you're not left out in the cold on the 13th/14th June by taking space in the team awning, which starts at just £50 per day!

For more information contact Wayne on 07766 113467.

[ Top ]

2009 Dragon Masters   (10/06)

Enter the "Dragon Masters" Two Day Event on the 4th & 5th July 2009 at Glan Y Gors Park.
 
A much sought-after Trophy & Title for: Comer W60, Mini Max, Junior Max, Junior Blue, Junior TKM, Senior Max, Senior Formula Blue, & Senior TKM Extreme.
 
Test/Practice Day is Friday 3rd, with further practice and race day on Saturday 4th followed by the final race day on Sunday 5th.
 
We will be holding our annual 'Hog Roast' on the Saturday Evening at 6.30pm followed by a spectacular (not to be missed) Falconry Display at 7pm.
 
Please order your tickets for the 'Hog Roast' with your entry.
 
Information & entry forms available from Dragon Kart Club - Tel: 01490 420770, fax: 01490 420702, or email info@dragonkartclub.com.

Who will be the 'Dragon Masters' of 2009?

[ Top ]

TKM Festival Regs Published   (09/06)

Regulations have now been published for this year's top event in the Formula TKM calendar - the Maxxis Formula TKM Festival, once again being held at Whilton Mill.
 
The Northamptonshire circuit has been chosen again in light of the continuing planning problems at Kimbolton - the long time host of the event - which makes Friday testing impossible.
 
As the largest single make event in the UK, the Festival once again offers the widest possible choice of racing for drivers of every skill level from novices right through to ultra experienced national stars.
 
TKM 2-stroke and 4-stroke classes are catered for in both Junior and Senior category. In addition there are also special classes for Veterans and Heavies within the TKM Extreme 2-stroke senior category, which will race in separate heats from the main group subject to sufficient numbers.
 
New this year will be a Whilton Mill inspired change to the format whereby the timed qualifying sessions for every class will then be used to format the grids with the fastest at the front. In addition the international format being used will ensure the drivers race against the widest number of other competitors possible in the largest multi-grid classes.
 
Over the race Saturday/Sunday, every driver gets a minimum of a test, timed practice, three heats, a pre-final and final making the event superb value for money. TKM class tyre suppliers Maxxis will again sponsor the event, which will feature top class TV coverage and the sale of inexpensive post event DVDs.
 
The race days are August 8/9 with testing all day Friday and parking up from the Thursday. There is no use of mandatory fuel or tyres. The weekend will also include a special bar-b-cue and novelty events. Once again there will be quality awards and gifts for every driver competing.
 
Last year it was a novice in his first ever race meeting who came within a whisker of a top title and won the Bernie Turney Memorial trophy as the most outstanding driver, underlining the chance it offers novices with true ability to shine.
 
Says Alan Turney of Tal-Ko Racing, controllers of the Formula TKM classes: "With this being our 20th year of Formula TKM 2-stroke and with Jenson Button, one of our former national title winning drivers looking like taking the driver's world championship, we want this to be a very special event."
 
Regulations and entry forms can be downloaded from www.tal-ko.com or www.whiltonmillkartclub.co.uk or by sending a stamped addressed A5 envelope to Rita Chapman, 23 Foxglove Close, Castle Meadow, Buckingham MK18 1FU. Full details of the timetable are also given on the Whilton Mill website.

[ Top ]

CIK-FIA Euro Superkart Champs   (09/06)

Dominated by the Germans and French in 2008, the British Superkart drivers are getting the upper hand again this season. Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA) and Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC) landed one race each at the second round of the CIK-FIA European Championship held on the Czech circuit of Most, after Lee Harpham (Anderson-FPE) had achieved pole-position in qualifying practice.

Already twice a winner in April in France, Gavin Bennett won an event with a special flavour in Race 1 at Most. As well as firmly establishing his position as leader of the Championship, this victory was also the result of a successful gamble as Bennett had chosen to change his engine make for the Czech meeting. Replacing his FPE by a DEA, he only received the engine the day before practice and had to mount it on his chassis just a few hours before using it for the first time. Third in practice, Bennett (Anderson-DEA) long held second place behind Lee Harpham in Race 1, progressively catching up with the leader lap after lap and achieving the fastest lap time of the race in the process. No one will however know whether he could have taken victory from Harpham if the latter had not suffered a fault in his ignition on the last lap. With an engine that worked in fits and starts, Harpham still managed to cross the finishing line in second place. Peter Elkmann (MS Kart-Yamaha) was a distant third but he did not have the opportunity to take advantage of Harpham's misfortune since his engine gave up three corners from the finish, which thus compromised his attempts to retain his 2008 title. As a result Carl Hulme (Anderson-FPE) inherited third place.

The result of Race 2 produced a completely different podium because none of the first three classified drivers in Race 1 could reach the finish line. Several drivers found themselves on the sidelines or lost time at the start when a kart in distress driven by the German Martin Knauder brought some confusion in the first corner. Among the victims was Lee Harpham, and Malcolm Crowe as well as Carl Hulme lost several places in the incident. After a good start, Bennett was to lose ground progressively until finally retiring with a broken chain. However, his lead in the Championship remains comfortable, especially as his main rival for the title Peter Elkmann could only manage third in Race 2. The reigning Champion could not retaliate either to the Northern Irish driver Trevor Roberts or to Guido Kleinemeyer (PVP-BRC). John Riley (Anderson-Rotax) was classified fourth ahead of Carl Hulme, who made a fine recovery from 21st place after the time lost in the first corner incident.

Also of note from the Czech weekend was the non-participation of Damien Payart for health reasons and the good performance of Daniel Hentschel (who was 4th in Race 2 on his PVP-DEA until he retired because of a loose exhaust), plus Marcel Maasmann (once 5th in Race 2 on his MS Kart-VM before finishing 9th) and of Australia's Carlo Chermaz (PVP-PVP), who convincingly finished twice in the 'Top 10'.

Full results and photographs of the event are available at www.cikfia.com/News2009/Most.htm.  A PDF of the results can be downloaded here, and photographs are available to view here.

[ Top ]

Ogden Rotax Motors Dominate   (08/06)

After 2 rounds of the Euromax Challenge, Ogden Motorsport prepared FR125 Rotax engines have won 4 out of the 4 Senior finals and 3 out of 4 junior finals!

Two different drivers have won in seniors, with Joseph Reilly and Luke Varley both passing the finishing post first, and Josh Webster winning 3 out of 4 junior finals after the first two rounds in Spain and Italy. Tatiana Calderon was the highest placed female driver ever in a final of the Euro Challenge after finishing 7th.
 
Steve Ogden would like to take this opportunity to thank all the drivers and teams for their support at the Euromax Challenge, Super one and Club champs this year, where the level of competition is raised even higher for the 2009 season.
 
On a personal note Steve would like to thank Richard, Tim, Bryn and Heather at Ogden Motorsport for all  their hard work and support over the past 18 months, as these results would not be possible without them.

For more information on race winning engines contact Ogden Motor Sport on 01423 324738.

[ Top ]

Test Drive An Aixro XR50 Kart   (08/06)

Test the most powerful non-gearbox karts around!

AIM-Motorsport are proud to announce the next open test session for the Aixro class at the PFI circuit on Thursday 11th June between 10:00 - 17:00, drivers interested in getting behind the wheel of one of these awesome machines can do so by contacting Justin at justin@aim-motorsport.co.uk.
 
Cost to practice will be set  at £25 / 12 laps (plus normal track entry). If however you wish to hire a Kart complete for the day a charge of £350 will be set (which can be shared between 2 drivers). Limited spaces available, so do not delay in booking your space.
 
Once you have driven these machines you may be interested in joining the Aixro 180 race series for 2009. Complete karts or just engines can be hired for the race events.

More information is available on the AIM web site at www.aim-motorsport.co.uk.

[ Top ]

HKRC 50th Anniversary   (08/06)
 
HKRC is hosting a celebratory 50th Anniversary meeting, and rejuvenating the East Anglian Trophy on 13th/14th June at Kimbolton - the meeting also incorporates a round of the WTP championship.  There will be two full days of on track action for all classes - including a historic kart demonstrations and display area.  Special guests throughout the weekend, and opportunities to catch up with old friends.  Additional sponsor gifts and special prizes, such as 'Driver of the Day' will be awarded in addition to class trophies.  On Saturday evening there will be a hog roast with live entertainment.  Class entries will be limited to 34 to ensure excellent track time and value for money - so get your entries in quick!  Entry forms available from the web site or competition secretary. 
 
The weekend race format will consist of scrutineering on Friday evening and Saturday morning; 3 practice sessions, qualifying, and heat 1 on Saturday; with heat 2, pre-final and Grand Final on Sunday.  A timed format for qualifying and racing has been adopted, with some 50+ minutes of competitive track time included within an all inclusive entry fee of £75.  The prestigious East Anglian Trophy class trophies, and a perpetual shield for class winners are up for grabs!
 
For more information and details click on the flyer on the right for a larger version, or look at the HKRC web site - www.hkrc.co.uk - where further event news and information is available.

[ Top ]

Luke Wright On The Move   (08/06)

Luke has left the Strawberry Racing and Tony Kart Junior teams to forge a new relationship with Dean Panrucker's Millennium Motorsport and renew his association with Mark Berryman at JRP. Panrucker is widely acclaimed as one of karting's top driver coaches and has been responsible for the successes of many drivers.
 
Speaking about his shock move, Luke said, "I'm excited to be working with Dean. His reputation is second to none and already, we have begun to work well together. He's very encouraging and inspiring and I'm looking forward to working with him at home."
 
He added, "I would like to thank Paul Spencer and the rest of the Tony Kart Junior and Strawberry teams. I enjoyed my time with them enormously and we have parted on good terms. They are terrific outfits, but I think I needed a little more one to one coaching before I could really do myself, and them, justice."
 
Panrucker - who won the KF3 British Open and Super 1 Championships last year with Carl Stirling - commented, "I'm looking forward to working with Luke. He's a great lad and I hope we will have a lot of success together."
 
Luke will also renew his partnership with Mark Berryman at JRP - with whom he enjoyed several successes in 2008 - when he competes in Europe.
 
"Mark will be responsible for running the kart and engines side of things and like Dean, he is one of the very best in the business. He's just incredible at getting the equipment to perform at the highest possible level." 
 
Luke's first race with Millennium will be at the challenging Rowrah circuit in Cumbria, this weekend (6/7 June). He said, "It will be a bit strange going up against my friends at Tony Kart but I'm very focused and naturally, I want to beat them. However, I really do wish them all the best and we will remain friendly rivals."
 
Luke will take to the track on Saturday morning for free practice before timed qualifying starts at 1:40pm. He will have his first heat later that afternoon followed by another on Sunday morning with the points-scoring finals taking place in the afternoon.
 
Visit www.lukewrightracing.com - to follow Luke's fortunes throughout the rest of the season.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

MSA British Kart Champs   (08/06)
 
Round 3 of the MSA British Kart Championships took place on 6th/7th June as the Super 1 Series visited Rowrah.

MSA British Junior Kart Championship:
Jake Dennis and Alexander Albon came out of the weekend even, with a win and second apiece. 
 
Although Albon beat pole sitter Dennis off the line in the first final, Dennis quickly redressed the balance only to have to give way to Guilherme Silva. That too was quickly rebuffed and after a brief flurry of lead changes Dennis escaped to a three second win.  Albon hauled himself back into contention despite a down on power motor, drafting past Silva at the furthest most corner of the picturesque circuit.  He then had to mount a stiff defence until Silva's attempt to pass with a nudge only gave Jake Dalton an opening.  Sennan Fielding was waiting in line, and after Silva had regained third, he nipped past Dalton at the Pits corner then surprised Silva at the entrance to the chicane. Dalton took advantage of the situation by grasping fourth into the first hairpin, Silva relegated to fifth with Jordan King coming up fast. 
 
In the second final, Dennis took the hole shot but Fielding found the pace to pass at the first hairpin.  As the pair traded the lead, Albon had thrown off King's challenge and ate up the gap to the leaders, slicing under Fielding at Pits and then drafting Dennis down to the top corner.  With new found pace he left the rest, even Dennis unable to stay with him.   Fielding lost fourth when his rear wheel fell off, already passed by Jordan King. 
 
Final 1 Results:
1 Jake Dennis (Topkart)
2 Alexander Albon (Tonykart)
3 Sennan Fielding (Tonykart)
4 Jake Dalton (Alonso)
5 Guilherme Silva (Tonykart)
6 Jordan King (Maranello).

Final 2 Results:
1 Albon
2 Dennis
3 King
4 Callum Bowyer (Intrepid)
5 Silva
6 Xavier Warburton (Birel).

MSA British Kart Championship:
Defending champion Mark Litchfield finally found form at Rowrah, despite a small setback when his engine lost power in a heat.  He quickly disposed of Lee Bell, Elliott Burton and Richard Bradley on the opening laps of the first final and then gave a classic lesson to the others by drawing out over four seconds. 
 
Bradley had tried to re-take the lead, bur ripped a bead retainer out of a wheel and pitted with his second puncture of the weekend.  That left Jonathan Walker defending second from Bell and Robert Foster-Jones, until Bell moved up and Foster-Jones down to sixth.  Luke Wright was on the rise, taking Walker at Pits Corner and Ben Cooper would soon follow.  Cooper was recovering from a heavy crash in a heat, as indeed also was Walker. 
 
In the second final, Litchfield roared from start to finish unheeded, this time with nearly six seconds in hand.  Wright gave chase, until Bell elbowed past at the second hairpin, Cooper right behind and waiting his turn.  Walker started a downward spiral when Jordon Lennox- Lamb drafted past, soon emulated by Denis Gorman and Elliott Burton, but Gorman fell to ninth later.  Cooper was helping Wright towards Bell and they hung him out to dry at the Pits Corner, then the next lap Cooper saw his chance and grabbed second. 
 
Final 1 Results:
1 Mark Litchfield (Maranello)
2 Lee Bell (Wright)
3 Luke Wright (Tonykart)
4 Ben Cooper (Tonykart)
5 Jonathan Walker (Gillard)
6 Robert Foster-Jones (FA Kart). 
 
Final 2 Results:
1 Litchfield
2 Cooper
3 Wright
4 Bell
5 Elliot Burton (Tonykart)
6 Jordan Lennox-Lamb (Topkart).

[ Top ]

Iztech Lifetime Service   (05/06)

Iztech Seat Science - Bespoke Kart Seats made to measure.
 
Iztech will advise what type of seat will work best for you and your chassis, then build the type and right size seat, reinforced to carry up to 16 kilos of tungsten or 10 kilos of lead ballast if required.
 
In back to back tests with most popular chassis including ZIP, Tony and BRM, Iztech seats and floors have enabled faster lap times with up to 2 Kilogram weight saving. Genuine reduction in lap times of up to half a second is fact not fiction: 2 or 3 tenths of a second is the normal improvement we expect.
 
If an Iztech seat cracks, splits or suffers damage, the first repair is free of charge and thereafter costs only £25 per repair including post and packing on a next day return basis. Even our lightest and most flexible 200gram seats will give many months of performance advantage, at reasonable cost.
 
Our latest range of Ultra Flexible Cadet Seats are now available in Cadet, Cadet + flat bottom and XS and we have tested and improved performance with nearly all popular Chassis. In the last year we have tested at 15 tracks in the UK and our seats and floors have been raced by the majority of top teams in 'Super 1' and 'Kart Stars' Championships.
 
Our range of lightweight floors, when combined with ultra flexible seats, provides even greater performance improvement. These combinations work exceptionally well in wet and dry conditions, contrary to many 'experts' opinions. Our scientific approach to Kart Seat design and our continuous development and testing ensures we have the best combinations for all Karts in all conditions.
 
Iztech Cadet Seats are priced from £70 to £220 plus VAT and floors are from £100 to £140 +VAT. Larger size seats are available in the same constructions up to Extra Large and are only slightly more expensive.
 
For more information, please call Kevin Nuttall at Iztech Kart Seats on 01908 511000 or email kevin@iztechkartseats.com.

Visit the Iztech Kart Seats website at www.iztechkartseats.com. 

[ Top ]

Trophy For Ed At Kart Planet   (04/06)

Perhaps inspired by a trip to Monaco to watch the Grand Prix the weekend before, Ed Brand delivered a gutsy performance to keep the pressure on his rivals for the European Rotax Max Junior crown, last weekend (30/31 May).
 
Competing for the first time at the splendidly named Kart Planet circuit at Busca, Piedmont in northern Italy - with the still snow-capped Italian Alps in the background - Ed got off to a nervy start during timed qualifying.
 
"I went out too early. Another class had been on track prior to mine and they use different tyres. The DD2 karts had laid down a different type of rubber on the surface of the circuit - I should have waited for other karts to clean that up and lay down the right sort of grip for my class. As it was I just slid around on the DD2 stuff."
 
Knowing that he would have to produce some fireworks in his heats if he was to qualify well for the first of the two finals, Ed didn't disappoint.
 
He finished second in the first race, and recovered brilliantly from being punted off the track in the following race to claim tenth at the chequered flag.
 
Disaster struck in his third and last heat, when a crash forced him out of the race. This put him down in 23rd place in the intermediate classification before the finals, and would be his corresponding grid position for the pre-final.
 
The HRS driver then delivered a gritty, tigering drive through the order in sweltering heat (over 35 degrees C) to finish in a creditable 7th place.
 
Picking off two places in the opening lap, Ed briefly held fourth spot before being demoted down to seventh in what was becoming a terrific scrap between the top eight drivers. On lap nine, Ed jumped up to third place - and held onto it in the remaining seven laps.
 
He said "I'm happy although I felt that I could have perhaps won but third is no disgrace. I'm fourth overall in the points and the quality of the field is excellent. You never get an easy race".
 
He added, "To go to a circuit I've never seen before and fight my way from 23rd to 3rd, return home with silverware and vital championship points - well that's pretty much job-done, I'd say."
 
Ed returns to domestic racing duties over the weekend of the 13/14 June, when he will compete at the challenging Buckmore Park circuit in Kent. Just twelve points off the series lead, he is confident that he will be challenging for victory on race day.
 
In the interim, you can discover more about Ed and his career, by visiting www.edbrandracing.net.

Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.

[ Top ]

Barlow's Brazilian-t Win   (04/06)
 
Perhaps it's time to rethink the phrase, 'nice guys never win'. Especially after Jack Barlow won the annual Brazilian Cup at the Whilton Mill circuit near Daventry last Sunday (31 May), helping raise money for the Children in Hunger charity, which helps to fight child poverty in Brazil.
 
The Wavertree Motorsport Mini Max star got his weekend off in great style when he won the Super Pole shoot-out in timed qualifying, and then the first heat.
 
The following two races saw Jack take third and second respectively, giving him pole position for the main final.
 
He held the initiative at the start to lead the field through the opening lap, before quickly being able to break away with Callum Hardgrave from the chasing pack.
 
Hardgrave used his kart's superior speed to out drag Jack up the hill to the appropriately named Christmas Corner. Unable to match Hardgrave's pace, Barlow initially gifted the lead to the former driver - but terrier like refused to let go of his new quarry.
 
"I started pushing him and it paid off. He started making mistakes and dropped down to third after handing the lead back to me."
 
It was Callum's turn to become the hunter once again after slipping back into second spot. The pair fought hard, but the matter was resolved in Jack's favour when Callum's engine threw its chain. This brought the third-placed driver into play, and Jack endured a nerve-wracking run to the flag.
 
However, as the chequered flag was readied he delivered another metronomic lap, making sure that he had enough in hand to take a comfortable first Brazilian Cup victory.
 
To add to his delight, Jack was presented with his trophy and accompanied on the podium by a bevy of Brazilian beauties - making his grin even broader.
 
Jack's returns to action this weekend when he competes in a club event at the superb PFi circuit near Grantham in Lincolnshire (6/7 June).
 
Keep up to speed with Jack and his career by clicking on www.jackbarlow.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Coulthard Backs Let's Go Karting   (04/06)

Former F1 star David Coulthard has given his full support to the Motor Sport Association's latest Let's Go Karting initiative. The scheme has been established by the governing body of UK motor sport to provide those aged between eight and 16 with an opportunity to sample the thrills of kart racing for just £5.

No fewer than 20 venues throughout the UK are taking part in this innovative Let's Go Karting programme and Coulthard visited one the participating tracks - Rye House in Hoddesdon, Herts - with a BBC F1 film crew to highlight both the MSA's scheme and the flourishing junior karting scene within the UK. The resultant feature will be aired as part of the BBC's F1 coverage in the build up to one of the forthcoming Grand Prix.

While Coulthard started his karting career at Larkhall in Scotland - one of five Let's Go Karting venues north of the border - Rye House is in the news as it's where the reigning FIA Formula One world champion, Lewis Hamilton, had his first experience in motor sport aged eight.

"This is a great initiative," enthused Coulthard. "A lot of people don't know that karting exists beyond your fun go-karts at Blackpool. I only had the chance to start as my father was interested but, if he hadn't had the contacts, I wouldn't have known where to go to get on track. And, of course, you don't want the capital outlay of buying a kart before you can actually find out whether you enjoy it or not. That's why this scheme, set up by the MSA, requiring you to spend just five pounds to find out whether you're any good at it, and whether you have the enthusiasm, is to be commended."

Far from just watching several swift juniors taking advantage of the half-term break to have some fun at Rye House, Coulthard relived some old memories by taking to the track in a 70mph Rotax Max prepared by Martin Hines' renowned ZipKart business. It was quite a shock for the 13-time Grand Prix winner and highest scoring British driver in F1 history.

"It's about 15 years since I've been in a kart, so it was a bit of an eye-opener," he admitted. "I'd forgotten just how raw a formula it is; no down force, no suspension... just man and machine. However it reminded me what a great discipline karting is - if you can be quick here you can be quick anywhere. It's no surprise that of the vast majority of recent World Champions started in karting."

Coulthard was also impressed with the youngsters he met at Rye House. "It's amazing just how much attention to detail they now have - there were eight year olds asking me about tyre pressures! That's the world we live in today with PlayStations and data-logging. It wasn't quite as sophisticated when I started. And, even if they don't go into racing, I've no doubt this will make them better road car drivers."

MSA chief executive Colin Hilton was also present to participate in the BBC filming. He said: "It was great to see David coming back to a kart track and role models like him are a great inspiration to others. The Let's Go Karting programme - an integral part of our larger Go Motorsport project - has already helped more than 3,000 newcomers to experience what karting has to offer and thousands more will be going through the scheme in the coming months. Since its launch last summer, we have added four new venues to the list of those MSA sanctioned track offering these professionally run and organised Let's Go Karting sessions. With Jenson Button leading the world championship and a British World Champion in Lewis Hamilton, motor sport is back on the radar of many children. The Let's Go Karting scheme has been established to help these youngsters fulfil their dreams and maybe one of them will emulate what David's achieved in 20 years time."

For further information and a full list of participating venues visit www.letsgokarting.net.

[ Top ]

New Pit Awnings Available   (03/06)

Custom Canopies can now offer a range of pit awnings designed for the club racer and small teams.

Available in 3x3, 3x4.5 & 3x6 mtr sizes, they all come complete with...
32mm steel framework with centre peak and cross bracing
Polyester/PVC lined Roof
3x Sidewalls
1x Door wall
Carrying bags
Guying set
White, Blue or Red
 
Prices are...
R330 3x3 mtr £229 inc vat
R345 3x4.5 mtr £299 inc vat
R360 3x6 mtr £379 inc vat
Delivery is £20 per awning.
 
For more details or to purchase contact us on 01786 449519 and quote karting.co.uk.

[ Top ]

New Recruits In Italy   (03/06)
 
Current defending European champions RL Race Team took their existing Senior max hot shot Tom Fawcett, plus European & Junior Max debutant Harrison Scott, and the team's latest signing Tatiana Calderon, to a scorching Busca in Northern Italy for round 2 of the 2009 Euromax Challenge.
 
Fawcett had a difficult week after showing strong pace in testing and the heats, resulting in a black flag from 7th place early in the pre final, thus losing him the right to race in the main final. This ended his assault on a possible title shot although Fawcett, naturally distraught, will compete in the remaining rounds of 2009 with one aim - race wins.
 
New signing - Colombian ace Calderon had a very strong week, improving with every run. A very intelligent qualifying session saw her take 5th in the group, only thousandths of a second behind championship leader Luke Varley and race winner Joseph Reilly, and 12th overall giving her a grid slot of 6th in every heat. She converted the heats into 10th, 7th & 5th place finishes giving her grid 6 for the pre final. Finishing in 6th place at the flag and with a strong 7th place in the grand final saw her gain over 25 places in the championship standings, having scored a point in the first round at Zuera in Spain.
 
Finally, the revelation of the week was UK MiniMax front runner Harrison Scott, competing in his first European race and his first Junior Max race - a lot to learn in a few days. He stood up to the test with a 3rd overall in timed qualifying, followed by a win and a 3rd in two of his heats and a win in his other heat which was then taken away from Harrison for a minor jump start - a pure inexperienced mistake. This gave him a 10 second penalty demoting him 11th place in the race instead of 1st. This meant he gridded outside row 2 for the pre final instead of an easy pole. The outside row is treacherous at Busca and Harrison was battered backward rapidly on lap one, sustaining rear bumper damage and having to make a repair. The team made the decision to finish his race there to save his tyres for the main final. Once again Scott was on form. Starting 32nd  he was up to 17th by the end of lap one only to be smashed off again, thus ending his assault on the leading pack.
 
The squad will arrive at round 3 of the series in the Czech Republic at Sosnova, boosted by the addition of Alex Magee in senior and a new Colombian Junior signing to be named at a later date.
 
Team Manager Steve Armstrong would like to congratulate the drivers for their performances and hard work so far and is looking forward to the next round.

For information on the team contact Steve Armstrong on telephone +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Parry Shows Consistency   (03/06)

Paul Carr Racing's Matthew Parry was denied the chance to start June at the head of the points in Super 1, Formula Kart Stars and the RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge by an unfortunate incident in round two of the latter.
 
Having moved to the head of the Junior Max category in both UK-based series after recent rounds at Rowrah and Glan-y-Gors respectively, Parry headed to the Kartplanet circuit at Busca in confident mood, keen to build on his strong performance in the opening RGMMC event in Spain in March.
 
Having qualified fifth fastest, ensuring third on the grid in each of his three heats, the 15-year old opened up with a win, only to see a second similar result taken from him in race two when his nosecone was dislodged by someone else's accident. Second in his final heat only succeeded in giving Parry eleventh on the Pre-Final grid, and worse was to come when he was the victim of a first lap accident and made an early exit.
 
The Briton saved the best for last, however, producing some typically feisty overtaking as he passed some 30 rivals to run as high as third, before eventually claiming fourth, from the rear of the grid in the final.
 
"It's good to be leading two championships, but it would have been good to have made it three in Italy," Parry admitted, "However, I am putting together some consistent results with the Paul Carr Racing team, and that is a good way to go about winning a title - or two."

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

TAG Heuer & SuperSport   (03/06)

TAG Heuer and SuperSport are uniting their expertise to give rise to the world's first ever Global Solution in Circuit Management and Timing software for Corporate Karting circuits.
 
The Timekeeping branch of TAG Heuer, the leader in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860, is delighted to announce a long term strategic partnership with the market leader for Timing and Circuit management software solutions in the world, SuperSport .
 
This strategic partnership represents the materialisation of a shared vision between two famous and well-respected supporters of the Timing industry for the constant quest of innovative Global Solutions for Timing. It will allow TAG Heuer and SuperSport to combine their know-how and knowledge base in terms of development, design, brand management and distribution networks.
 
This alliance is distinguished by the twin themes of comprehension and modularity. Capitalizing on the base of the famous Wintime F1 software, the new TAG Heuer software is the most comprehensive in the marketplace and propose various, modular and expandable solutions, such as the tracking of all race information, customer management, karts maintenance, and speed control.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr Jean-Christophe Babin, TAG Heuer's President and CEO, said: "The SuperSport Circuit Managment  and Timing software are highly innovative in modularity and comprehension. As a global solution for Corporate karting circuits, it is very different from the more established timing specialist software. Additionally to our "TAG Heuer by Chronelec" range of transponders, we look forward to proposing innovative solutions and developing the business internationally."
 
David Hutchinson, Founder and President of Super Sport, stated: "I am extremely pleased to be able to work with such a well-respected and legitimate brand like TAG Heuer. From the Olympic games in the 1920s, nobody can pre-empt such history in the Timing world. Our varied and complementary skills are based on common values of excellence. This agreement will mean new synergies and new long-term projects."
 
SuperSport will continue to manufacture and distribute its Wintime F1 software under the 'Tag Heuer' name. The company will benefit from broader integration of its distribution into the TAG Heuer structure as a consequence of the partnership.

The SuperSport website can be found at www.supersporttiming.com and TAG Heuer at www.tagheuer-timing.com.

[ Top ]

Grice Racing Get Results   (02/06)

Grice Racing would like to congratulate the following drivers on their great successes at both British and European level...

Harrison Scott secured a 1st place in the Prefinal at Rowrah followed by 2nd in main Final, with Harry Crawley coming in 4th. Ed Brand also took 1st in his Prefinal.

Meanwhile Jake Dennis took top spot on the podium with 1st in KF3 at Shenington, with Jake Dalton 2nd and Paul Hardy 5th. Harry Crawley took 1st in Stars at GYG and Ben Barnicoat 3rd in KF3 after a mega drive.

In Europe, Mats v.d. Brand was 6th in the final of Euro Snr Max with Kay v. Kamanade 2nd and Beitske Visser 5th in the Euro Jnr Max Final.

These are all excellent results for the drivers and there are sure to be many more to follow!

We're also still running our ever popular credit crunch special rebuilds, with prices as detailed below...
KF2/3: £315
Rotax: £315
TKM: £160
Cadet: £130
Rotary, Reed: £165
 
The only extras are the starter motor, clutch and dyno.

For more information on Grice Racing visit our website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

Formula TKM Drivers Club   (02/06)

Formula TKM drivers are being given a unique new way to help guide the direction of their classes in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke categories with the opening of a special new TKM Drivers Club register.
 
Tal-Ko Racing, organisers of the classes, the 2-stroke one of which has been a mainstay of UK karting over 20 years, have created the new idea to help give their drivers maximum say in the direction the classes take in future years particularly on technical matters.
 
Launching the idea, Tal-Ko Managing Director Alan Turney said: "We have always listened very carefully to what our drivers have said and we very much take note of that when taking decisions. What we are doing now is opening up a simple direct channel of communication which we hope drivers will use to pass on constructive thoughts.
 
"Of course we cannot always please everyone but we will do our absolute best to keep things moving in a direction which appears in keeping with the majority of thoughts."
 
Tal-Ko have set up a special email address - ideas@tkmdriversclub.com - where drivers are asked to send their thoughts.
 
Current topics being considered for next year include:
 
On 2-stroke, changing the chassis homologation to a simpler cheaper method of registration, or even doing away with it completely and just setting clear rules on what is and is not allowed.
 
Again 2-stroke, consideration on the use of larger size axles and or maybe caster/camber adjustment.
 
Possible small increase in weight limit for senior 2-stroke class only
 
Review of weights in the Junior and Senior 4-stroke classes
 
Adds Alan Turney: "Every email will be looked at and considered. We cannot promise to send a full reply to everyone but rest assured your thoughts will be taken into account."
 
Ideas and suggestions for the TKM classes should be emailed to: ideas@tkmdriversclub.com.

[ Top ]

Euro Superkart Champs   (01/06)

After the last round at the French Magny-Cours circuit, the 2009 CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship will visit the Most Autodrom in the Czech Republic on 5-7 June. Recently resurfaced, the 4.2 km long track should prove even quicker than in 2006 when the Championship was last held on the Czech circuit.

From the results of the first event two favourites are emerging, who just happen to be the last two prize-winners, namely the 2007 Champion Gavin Bennett and the 2008 Champion Peter Elkmann. Britain's Gavin Bennett (Anderson-FPE) won both races in Magny-Cours, which will give him a psychological advantage when he gets to Most, even though from his initial experience of the Czech circuit in 2006 he does not particularly have fond memories. Classified third and second at Magny-Cours last April, the German Peter Elkmann (MS Kart-Yamaha) probably knows the track better than Bennett and will be very keen to put to the fore his locally-produced MS Kart chassis! If they race neck and neck as they did in Magny-Cours the German will need to prevail so as to close the 14-point gap which already separates him from Bennett, and to keep his chances alive before the final round scheduled for August at Assen, in the Netherlands.

Although they already look distanced in the Championship, all is not yet lost for drivers such as Britain's Lee Harpham (Anderson-FPE), Mark Owens (ADE-DEA) and John Riley (Anderson-Rotax). They were very fast in France but each had to retire once so already they no longer have a joker to play (at the end of the Championship only the best 5 results out of 6 races are retained). To reassure themselves, they can always remember that a low-key start to the season did not prevent Peter Elkmann from landing the title last year. Everything therefore remains possible for Harpham, Riley and Owens, as well as for France's Damien Payart (PVP-FPE), Germany's Guido Kleinemeyer (PVP-BRC) and the driver from the Jersey Malcolm Crowe (Anderson-FPE). A podium in Most could also be within reach of some drivers who did not achieve their expected results at Magny-Cours, in particular the Frenchman Emmanuel Vinualès (PVP-FPE), the Brit Trevor Roberts (Anderson-BRC), the German Peter Kruse (Anderson-DEA) and the competitor all the local spectators' will be watching - the Czech Michal Bartak, whose chassis and engine are built in his country leaving only his tyres not being from the Czech Republic as no kart tyres are!

In all, 45 drivers (representing 11 nationalities) have entered the Most event, for a programme composed of two qualifying practice sessions (on Friday and Saturday) and of two races of 50 km each (on Saturday at 13:30 and Sunday at 10:50 local time).

For additional information, please consult: www.cikfia.com/News2009/Most.htm. The results of the event will be published in real time.

[ Top ]

Midland Championships   (29/05)
 
The prestigious Midland Championships held annually at Rissington is just round the corner.

This terrific two day event will be run over the first weekend in September, and even though the date is approaching fast there is still time to get to know the circuit. There are three more race meetings, to learn the lines and set ups, before the lights go green and the real racing begins!
 
You don't have to be a member or competing in the club championship to practice and race at one of the best drivers' circuits in the country this June. Rissy has fast wide sweeping bends, billiard smooth racing surface and big run off areas which makes it a real buzz to drive on. Coupled with competitive grids and a true club atmosphere, it all makes for a great experience. Check the classes and grids in the results section here. Loads of space to stay overnight!
 
The next race is the 6th & 7th of June so get cracking and get entered. Practice Saturday with 3 heats and Final on Sunday.
 
For more info about the track and facilities and entry forms see www.rissykartclub.com.

[ Top ]

TKM Memorial Trophies   (29/05)

The 2009 TKM Chris Hart/Robert Bailey Memorial trophies meeting will take place at Clay Pigeon 14th June.
 
There are only 2 weeks now until this highlight of the year meeting at Clay. Sponsors are now starting to commit to the event, with many more in the pipeline. The list will be continually updated on the club's website.

The event is open to all TKM classes and competition is expected to be high as TKM Super 1 at Clay follows 2 weeks later. Last year Danny Graham earned the prestigious Chris Hart trophy and Ash Crossey the Robert Bailey trophy.

The aim of the event is to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research UK, with £5.00 from each TKM entry and a percentage of the sponsors' donations going straight to the charity. A draw will also be held on the day to help increase the amount for charity.

The race meeting is on 14th June and the circuit will be open for practice as normal. Further information on the event, a list of confirmed sponsors and the entry form are available on the club's website - www.claypigeonkartclub.com.

Remember this is the TKM clubby highlight at Clay Pigeon, with no requirement for pre booked fuel or tyres etc - be sure to get your entry in soon!

[ Top ]

KH Motorsport Update   (28/05)

KH Motorsport had a new addition to the team for the fifth round of the Whilton Mill Kart Club Championship. Regular drivers Karl Haxton and Senior Max championship leader James Corpe were joined by Mini Max hotshot Danny Sweeney. Since taking delivery of his Exprit in February this year Danny is rarely off the podium.

Danny was fresh from Formula Kart Stars at GYG in Wales where he qualified on Pole by 7/10th of a second, winning the pre final by almost 5 seconds and setting the fastest lap, before finishing in 4th in the wet grand final. Danny wasted no time in getting to grips with the Whilton Mill circuit, joining Whilton specialists KH Motorsport to build his circuit knowledge in his Mini Max Exprit having only raced this track configuration previously as a Cadet. After two heat wins and a second place, Danny drove an excellent final from pole, showing maturity and patience throughout the race to win the final.

In Senior Rotax, KH driver James Corpe retained his championship lead with a heat win and pole position for the final. Team mate Karl Haxton started 9th for the Senior Max final after a engine problem in the 3rd heat. A stunning start saw Karl join the top 5 where James was already battling hard. Sfter 17 laps it was Karl who led the Exprit's home with a 3rd place finish, closely followed in 4th by James.

KH Motorsport will be returning to the National championships for 2010, and also still have awning space available at Rissington, Kimbolton and Shenington as well as Whilton for the remaining rounds this year. Get in touch now if you would like to be part of the success story!

KH Motorsport are the UK main agent for the Exprit Racing Kart and are looking to appoint agents covering the NE, NW, SE & SW to join Spellfame Karting - the Exprit agents for the Midlands. For Exprit kart sales at Rissington, Kimbolton, Shenington and Whilton Mill please contact Spellfame Karting on 01604 719777. For sales, team membership or interested parties outside the Midlands wishing to be considered for an agency please contact KH Motorsport directly on 01604 249506 / 07795066314  or email karl@khmotorsport.co.uk.

Exprit - Dare to be different!

[ Top ]

Easykart Round 3 Preview   (28/05)

Round three of the Easykart UK series heads to the West Country to the glorious Clay Pigeon circuit this weekend (30 May / 1 June) - the venue where the F1 World Championship leader Jenson Button started his career. Legend has it that he won on his debut, and there's a whole host of competitors who will be eager to use Button's past and present success to inspire them to their first wins at one of the most popular tracks on the Easykart UK calendar.
 
Series promoter John Vigor is tipping Kieran McCullough to take his maiden victory in the Heavy category, although current table-topper Will Smith would surely beg to differ. Smith has been in scintillating form, and was the class of the field at the previous round at Llandow so his confidence will be sky high. The opening round winner Barnaby Pittingale remains a significant threat. The Londoner is always fast and exciting to watch round the twists and turns of the Dorset track. Don't rule out the likes of Brian Parias, (who won there last year), the ever-competitive Mark Lawrence, Adrian Ricardo Batty and Richard Friend, who is really beginning to find his Easykart mojo. Warming to his new role as a pundit, Vigor also tipped special guest driver, George Robinson to give a thoroughly good account of himself.
 
A special welcome to the Heavy class and series is extended to Oliver Stoner. Having bought reigning champion Oli George's kart, he will be revved up for his debut and has proven kit under him. It will be great to see how he fares against the regulars. Last season, Clay was the turning point in Terry Langley's bid for the Light title. He won and went on to finish no lower than third in the remaining five rounds to seal the overall triumph. For his rivals, it looks very much like business as usual. The phrase "untouchable" is regularly used - and for good reason. However, a resurgent Owen Jenman and Steve Youle will figure in the reckoning come race day. One of the most stylish figures on track and in the paddock, Sam Massey has impressed with his pace and is building towards a very good result, so don't rule him out. Sam Smithson must believe that he's due a change in fortunes. He was Langley's closest rival for the 2008 title but has had a luckless start to his 2009 campaign. That might well change this weekend.
 
The Junior class may well be a little more open this weekend. Series leader Brad Fairhurst took the main final spoils in Wales, but it was William Lampitt who beat him handsomely in the pre-final. Tiernay Oliver was second in both races and must be fancied for a long-overdue win. Another 'one to watch' is Patrick Lay. He is a consistently strong driver, and having won both finals at Whilton Mill in March is on equal points with Fairhurst. Every time he races, AJ Morris appears to be making a step forward and the ever-cheerful Sussex lad is just one of a gaggle of drivers who could step up onto the podium. Connor Hambleton will sadly be absent due to an injury, and all at Easykart UK wish him a speedy recovery.
 
The Cadet category has attracted another new entrant, in the shape of novice racer Jake Bone. Rumour has it that during his ARKS test, Jake was very impressive indeed. Keep an eye on his progress on the results page of www.easykart.co.uk. James DeHavillande takes a five point advantage with him to Clay, but didn't have it all his own way at the previous round. His ability kept him in the hunt for trophies but he didn't quite look like the dominant character seen at Whilton. Similarly, Ronan McKenzie shadowed his every move in Northamptonshire, but battled for every single point at Llandow - Ryan Anderton and William Stowell were the stars of the show however. The pair dominated the event, and it will be fascinating to see if this quartet can deliver a great show to the spectators on Sunday.
 
For those of a betting persuasion, a flutter on Josh Grimston might return good odds. Having taken fourth and fifth in the earlier rounds, this tidy little driver is an increasing danger to the top three's supremacy.
 
If you're considering making the swap from your current category or starting kart racing, Sunday's event is a great way to meet the drivers and talk to them about what they enjoy about Easykart and get advice and information from the UK importer, Andy Cox and series promoter, John Vigor.
 
The action starts from 10am at Clay Pigeon Raceway, Wardon Hill, between Dorchester and Yeovil.
 
Visit www.easykart.co.uk for more information.

[ Top ]

Easykart Driver Program   (27/05)

The Easykart driver program is being launched in the UK. The program which is devised by Easykart manufacturers Birel Spa is aimed at identifying real driver talent through all the Easykart franchises through the World.

Easykart UK boss Andy Cox is passionate about the Easykart driver program "Easykart with its low cost and strict rules ensures that every kart is equal, the only real difference is the driver. The result is that you can actually identify real driver talent which is sometimes more difficult in other karting categories as cheque book style racing often clouds performance of equipment and drivers. I am sure in time we will discover an exceptional driver through Easykart UK and the EDP".

The EDP will be spearheaded in the UK by Andy Cox and Easykart UK series promoter John Vigor who together will monitor all Easykart cadet and junior drivers. The concept is to see if such talent can be identified in the Easykart UK Championship. One cadet and one junior could be offered a place at anytime on the EDP. If selected a driver will receive an Official Birel EDP race suit and put under a 12 month contractual option with Birel Spa. From this point Birel management will keep a watchful eye on each driver's progress and Birel could at any point invite each driver to test in Italy with the Birel Motorsport Junior team.

After a consultation period and if the driver is the correct age and performs well in the KF3 test he or she could be offered a subsidised package to race in European races in KF3 with the Birel Motorsport Junior team.

Andy Cox realizes the importance of the EDP "This is a significant moment for Easykart UK, with out doubt costs are rising in some karting categories and many real talents may be lost or could simply remain undiscovered. Easykart is the real deal where costs are low, performance and competition is fair and with the EDP we have a genuine path where talent can be discovered and goals realized by young up and coming drivers. This year is the 50th Anniversary of Birel Spa and as the creators of Easykart and World Championship winners more than 30 times over the prospect of working with Birel and the Easykart driver program must be a mouth watering prospect for any young driver!"

For more information on Easykart contact Andy Cox Racing on 01527 889595, email birel@btconnect.com, or visit the website at www.easykart.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Kartshots.

[ Top ]

Fifth Win On The Bounce   (27/05)
 
Adgespeed-backed 14yr old front running Junior Rotax driver Andy King continued his flawless run of form this weekend at Whilton Mill. With a 30 strong field to include credible national drivers such as Jack Dex (5), Shaun Pirie (15) and Ollie Varney, the pace was already expected to be blistering along with the cloudless blue sky and rising track temperatures!
 
Running out of the Andrew Scales team, Saturday saw King once again becoming the pacesetter, making it difficult to believe this is his first year in this hotly contested Junior Rotax class. Making minor adjustments on King's Maranello RS10 provided more confidence for the following day's racing and the team along with consistent Elliot Griffiths and newly signed Layton Milsom were in a very upbeat mood for the race programme.
 
Sunday arrived with almost identical weather to the previous day and the scene was set for a competitive and thrilling spectacle - none of the drivers were to disappoint. King opted for used slick tyres against the majority of the new-tyre-clad grid, and the 3 lap practice showed very little advantage for the latter. A storming drive from the rear in heat 1 saw King into 7th by lap 2 until an incident took him off track and back to 24th, but with the bit beaten his teeth and with only 5 laps left he made his way back through to 15th. Heat 2 saw another text book drive from 20th to 7th over the short 7 lap race. Heat 3 and a P4 start saw King take the lead by lap 2 and was untroubled from there taking an emphatic win.
 
This put King on P7 in the final with the likes of Dex, Pirie and Varney up ahead, but King had already planned his upcoming 17 laps meticulously and executed them all to plan! Biding his time to allow his tyres to come into effect, by lap 3 King decided he was in a position to turn up the heat and he progressed swiftly through the frontrunners until he was in P3 behind Dex and Pirie. By lap 4 Dex had been deposed and King was now hunting down Pirie to relieve him of 1st place.  By the end of lap 5 King had achieved this and, getting his head down, he started to pull away eventually crossing the finish line almost 4 seconds ahead of 2nd place driver and taking the fastest lap!
 
This makes 5 back to back wins over the last 5 weekends of racing and 4 fastest laps, with a podium finish in 18 of his last 20 races.  This must put King in a strong position for the all-important Nationals up ahead where he is currently 4th in Super 1 and 3rd in FKS against the best in Britain.
 
Andy would like to thank his continued supporters, Adrian Spencer of Adgespeed, Steve, Tim and Richard of Ogden Motorsport, Bob Astil of Maranello Kart Ltd., Andy Scales of ASR and George Foster (for his unstinting support this weekend at Whilton).
 
Andy's race calendar, photo's and race results can be seen at www.adgespeed.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Daytona 24hr Gets Go Ahead   (26/05)
 
Daytona Motorsport Milton Keynes, which is widely recognised as being the UK's finest karting venue, has secured planning consent for its inaugural 24 Hour Race, on the weekend of 19th and 20th September. The Milton Keynes Council Planning Committee voted unanimously in favour of the event.
 
Open to both DMax and Prokart entries, Daytona Milton Keynes will host the 24 Hour Race for teams of up to ten drivers at a cost of £2500 inc VAT for the DMax Two Stroke teams and £1500 inc VAT for Twin-Engined Prokart teams.
 
According to general manager Lee Jackson; "We are thrilled to have been given unanimous approval by Milton Keynes Council for our exciting 24hour race. Following the sell-out success of the 24 Hour Race on the Race of Champions Circuit inside Wembley Stadium last year, we are confident of a full grid for this year's, larger event."
 
Teams will be provided with everything required to race in the event - a fully race-prepared kart - either DMax or Prokart, race suits, helmets and gloves - although seasoned drivers may also wear their own equipment subject to a pre-race safety inspection.
 
Daytona have also negotiated special rates for motor home hire at the circuit throughout the weekend and for rooms at The Jurys Inn in Central Milton Keynes (just five minutes from the circuit) for drivers on 18th and 19th September.

Contact Daytona on 0845 644 5503 for more details and bookings, or visit www.daytona.co.uk.

[ Top ]

DYKC Teesside Challenge   (26/05)

Durham & Yorkshire Kart Club would like to invite drivers to the first of the annual Teesside Challenge meetings on June 21st 2009. Some great prizes are on offer including track days in the Mini Cooper and Mazda MX-5 with professional instruction. ARDS testing will be offered to any track day winner as part of the prize. Other karting items will be up for grabs to the runners-up.
 
The event will also host Round 4 of the WTP Little Green Man Cadet Championship and the Saxon Super Series Biland Challenge.

For the latest news please check out the website at www.dykc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

CIK-FIA World Cup   (26/05)

The CIK-FIA World Cup for Super KF/KF1 and the CIK-FIA Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship resulted in great finals on the Suzuka circuit, which always promises action-packed races, and there was a rather unexpected finish in the top category, Super KF.

From the outset, the level of competition appeared very high and very close, so much so that after qualifying practice the first 9 drivers were within one tenth of a second of each other! Having already livened up the beginning of the European Championship last month, the Belgian Yannick de Brabander (Intrepid-TM-Bridgestone) and the Frenchman Manuel Renaudie (Gillard-Parilla-B'stone) conquered the first two positions in the final despite competition from the works teams. Integrated in the small and almost family-size structure of EGP (Eyckmans Grand Prix), de Brabander displayed the determination that regular visitors to Karting paddocks are aware that he has. Winner of one heat but penalised in the other, he took the start of the pre-final only from the twelfth spot, which did not prevent him from working his way up to first place on the 6th lap and from staying there until the finish. In pole-position for the final, the 18-year old Belgian showed again himself quite unrelenting in the decisive race and he had the nerve to withstand the pressure from drivers such as Gary Catt, the Japan Champion Sasaki and Arnaud Kozlinski. Having previously won several international races not counting towards any championships, de Bradander achieved his first major success in a CIK-FIA event and therefore adds his name to the list of results of this prestigious World Cup.

Starting the final from the fifth row Manuel Renaudie made a superb recovery, accompanied with the fastest lap time of the race, and threw Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG-Maxter-B'stone) from second place four laps before the chequered flag. The final Top 10 was completed by Marco Ardigo, Jonathan Thonon, Aaro Vainio (the cadet of the category), Daiki Sasaki (first classified Japanese competitor), Jason Parrott, Oliver Rowland and Armand Convers. It is worth noting that the first four places were landed by four different makes of chassis (Intrepid, Gillard, CRG, Tony Kart) and of engines (TM, Parilla, Maxter, Vortex)!

Supporting event of the CIK-FIA World Cup, the Asia-Pacific Championship of the KF2 category was also the framework of very close jousting in the final which was undecided until the finish between the leading drivers. The Italian drivers had a stranglehold on the podium, Felipe Tiene (Kosmic-Vortex-Dunlop) prevailing over Matteo Beretta (Tony Kart-Vortex-Dunlop) and Giacomo Patrono (Birel-Parilla-Dunlop). Winner of the pre-final, the Briton Ben Cooper led the final for a long time before he had to give in to Tiene three laps from the end and then fell back to fifth place on the last lap. The reliability of KF2 engines was again brought to the fore as in particular 94% of the starters reached the finish in the pre-final.

The full and detailed results, as well as a selection of photographs, are available on www.cikfia.com/News2009/Suzuka.htm.

[ Top ]

MSA Calls On Young Stars   (22/05)

The Motor Sports Association is urging all competitors who are aiming to make a career as professional motor sport drivers or co-drivers, to sign up for the MSA's human performance training programme - the Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Sport.
 
Athletes aged between 16 and 24 years old can apply to join the scheme, providing they have a track record of results that indicates that they have the potential to go on to become elite performers in the future.
 
The programme is completely free of charge for participants, as it is government-funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Similar schemes are running with great success in other sports such as football, rugby, tennis, golf, athletics and swimming.
 
However, MSA Performance Director Robert Reid believes that it is the structure of motor sport that is preventing drivers from understanding quite how important this scheme could be in their careers.
 
"The Advanced Apprenticeship is basically putting the guys on a dedicated training programme, focussing exclusively on improving their performance as competitors and giving them access to top professionals to develop their skills," says Reid, who won the World Rally Championship in 2001 alongside Richard Burns.
 
"Unfortunately the vast majority of our young drivers do not have such a thing as a 'coach', and that's largely because motor sport itself does not have a recognised coaching structure. This is something we are missing as a sport and we hope to do something about it in the near future.
 
"In the meantime, it means that we do not have an established network of professionals that can ensure that the most promising performers are getting the right kind of consistent guidance. This makes it very difficult to make sure that they all know what opportunities are available to them and what it all means.
 
"As it's completely new to motor sport, people aren't really sure what to make of this Apprenticeship programme and it seems to have been labelled as an educational initiative. Yes, it provides recognised qualifications, but they are almost a by-product. In other sports, the Advanced Apprenticeships are developing professional and Olympic athletes.
 
"Make no mistake - the whole rationale is to train the best drivers and co-drivers to make sure they develop as potentially elite competitors. It's an opportunity they really should take advantage of."

 Full details of the Apprenticeship scheme can be found at www.msauk.org/AASE. Applications for the first intake of up to 50 competitors are now open with the programme scheduled to begin in August 2009.

[ Top ]

Test Drive A RX250 Kart   (21/05)
 
Test drive the latest RX250 Challenge karts this Bank Holiday Monday?
 
The UK's latest Arrive & Drive race series have an amazing offer for karting.co.uk visitors - an exclusive invitation to test the RX250 karts on Monday 25th May at Warden Law.
 
A brand new fleet of 4 stroke, water cooled, fuel injected 22 horse power karts will be in use as the RX250 Challenge kicks off this Bank Holiday Monday. With back to back Sprint races at the fantastic Warden Law circuit near Sunderland. Drivers who are registered as Sodi World Series drivers can race as part of the Master Cup with SWS points allocated.
 
An open practice session has been announced between 9am and 12pm. Cost just £20 for 15 minutes. Spaces are limited and you must be a competent driver over the age of 16.
 
The RX250 Challenge are giving away one FREE RX250 sprint race to the fastest test driver on the day.

For more information on the race series and to register visit www.rx250challenge.com.

[ Top ]

Kart Coach Latest News   (21/05)
 
Kart Coach would like to congratulate the following for their outstanding performances...
 
Keith Gatton - Rotax 177: 4th Place at Whilton Mill
 
"I was really struggling on Saturday, but after  Kart Coach showed me a simple, but effective way to modify my driving technique, I went quicker literally overnight!"
 
Jack Barlow - Junior Max: Novice Winner at Shenington
 
"Mission accomplished - we wanted a trophy before moving up to seniors and Kart Coach delivered on their promise."
"It's the best he's ever driven," agreed his Dad Brian. "We plan to use Kart Coach with further help in seniors."
 
Congratulations also, to the Shenington Saturday Club:
 
Tom Wood - Cadet (7 Years): The Bambino king of Buckmore Park once again beat his personal  best lap at Shenington. Kart Coach is helping Tom get up to speed before his debut Comer cadet race in November.
Sean Butcher - Cadet (6 Years): Congratulations for his fine performance during Saturday testing at Shenington. Kart Coach really got the best out of this diminutive driver. "The day went better than we could ever have expected" beamed father Glenn. "A great atmosphere soon put Sean at ease and it was amazing how quickly he got up to speed."
Billy Harrison - Cadet (10 Years): "Thoroughly enjoyable, and we learned some great set up advice too! After a shaky start Billy just got quicker and quicker!" said dad, Darren. "He can't wait to get racing in August, and I'm sure Kart Coach will be there to support him."
 
Final congratulations to the following...
 
Tom Hill - Cadet: 3rd Place at Shenington. A fine finish at Shenington - coaching obviously pays!
Andrew Kelly - Minimax. Well done for never giving up. "It's not a Kart Coach option!" said Andrew.
 
Kart Coach - helping ordinary people achieve extraordinary things.
 
Why not let Kart Coach get the best out of your driver?
 
Brazilian Cup Meeting at Whilton Mill - Friday is free so pay just £139 ex VAT for all inclusive three day meeting!
 
Also at Shenington and Whilton Mill club meetings.
 
Contact Michael on 07881 908291 or visit www.kartcoach.com.

[ Top ]

Another Podium For Barlow   (21/05)

Jack Barlow is definitely 'one to watch' after his performance at the third round of the Formula Kart Stars (FKS) Championship at the challenging Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales last Sunday (17 May). The Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-backed series is set to enjoy coverage on Sky, and Jack attracted the attention of the TV cameras following a superb performance - that even he was surprised by.
 
"I'm over the moon. I never expected to do so well. I did a club race here a few weeks ago, just to learn the circuit, and I struggled against the local drivers and some of my FKS rivals. I finished fifth then, and to be honest I was expecting a similar result when I returned."
 
His initial suspicions were borne out during Timed Qualifying, when he posted the fifth fastest time. As the twenty four kart field plunged into the first corner at the start of the Pre Final, the Wavertree Motorsport driver emerged in fourth place. Wasting little time he slotted into third and second position in quick succession. A bold move demoted him to third on the last lap, but Jack remained pleased to have scored more vital Championship points. It also inspired him to go one better in the Grand Final.
 
"I started in third, but again made up a place at the first corner. From there I worked my way into the lead and got my nut down. I managed to open a gap and led for the next five laps, but I didn't have the speed that the eventual winner did. I looked over my shoulder and could see him chasing me down."
 
Rather than risk a crash battling to protect his advantage, Jack maturely decided to settle for second place and more valuable Championship points. As he rolled back into the pits, he was immediately approached by the camera crew.
 
"I got quite a lot of attention from the TV people. Straight after the races they wanted to interview me and had already put a camera on my kart to film the action. There was a funny moment earlier in the day when the interviewer asked me how I coped in the wet conditions, and just as I was about to answer, the heavens opened and it absolutely bucketed down - I responded by instantly climbing into my wet suit!"
 
Jack's next race is the Brazilian Cup - an annual race held to help raise funds for a small charity fighting child poverty in Brazil - held at Whilton Mill, in Northamptonshire on 31 May.
 
To find out more about Jack and his racing career, click on www.jackbarlow.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

ASR & King Take Victory   (20/05)
 
Andrew Scales Racing Team had another superb weekend at the second round of the FKS championship.
 
Both ASR drivers had been exceptionally quick in practice, meaning it was looking good for timed qualifying. Sure enough both drivers were top of the time sheets for the first half of qualifying, but with the track drying it proved more difficult to keep driving quicker. Eventually King qualified 2nd and Griffiths 6th, still giving them a good chance for the pre-final. In the pre-final King sprung into action and immediately took the lead. Never once looking back he secured both the victory and top spot for the main final.

Griffiths meanwhile had been the victim of a crash at the start but drove back through from last to 13th, still showing good pace and determination. Just before the main final it started raining torrentially, putting even more pressure on the team and drivers. With a quick change in parc ferme and a brief from their team manager, both drivers knew their task ahead and they did not disappoint. King carried his advantage into the lead also taking fastest lap in a superb lights to flag victory, securing his first national win in unbelievable style. Griffiths meanwhile was caught up again at the start but drove back to 11th, once more showing real potential in only his first year at national level.
 
Andrew Scales Team Manager commented after the race "I am so pleased with my drivers performances, Andy knew what he had to do in the first few laps to release abet of pressure, and he drove superbly. also I am pleased for the team, because I cant think of many teams in their first year to achieve victories at national level, it was a brilliant weekend meaning we are even more so in with a shout of the championship now."
 
If you are interested in joining the team email Andrew at andrewasr@rocketmail.co.uk, or check out the website www.andrewscalesracingteam.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Endorsement For MSA Initiative   (20/05)

Hugh Robertson MP, the Shadow Minister for Sport and the Olympics, visited Buckmore Park kart circuit in Kent on Monday to experience first-hand the Motor Sports Association's Let's Go Karting programme.
 
Set up to attract more young people from all backgrounds to try motor sport, Let's Go Karting provides an opportunity for children from eight to 16 years of age to experience the thrills and spills of karting for just £5. All equipment is provided, as is a full introduction and briefing from experienced instructors, meaning that no-one has to purchase their own equipment before having a go. More than 3,000 experiences have been delivered around the country since the launch last summer and the scheme will be extended to 20 venues this year.
 
"It's fabulous to see these youngsters having their first taste of a very exciting and engaging sport," enthused Robertson, whose neighbouring Faversham and Mid Kent constituency is just a couple of miles from the track. "I am delighted that the MSA is investing in the future generations and breaking down the barriers to make the sport more accessible to people from all walks of life. Lewis Hamilton started here and he is a great example of someone without a lot of money that has come through the ranks through sheer determination and talent. Maybe one of these children might go on to become F1 World Champion in 2020?"
 
Mr Robertson was joined at Buckmore Park by MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton who explained the scheme and illustrated how it fits into the governing body's investment in developing the sport at grass roots level.
 
"There is a surge of interest in motor sport coming through right now, thanks to Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button," confirmed Hilton. "We are subsidising this programme significantly because we want to make motor sport as accessible as possible and we believe that a structured and safe experience for just £5 is a great message to be sending out. It is also an important part of our wider Go Motorsport programme that is aiming to get new people involved in the sport whether as a competitor, spectator or volunteer."
 
For more information on Let's Go Karting, including a list of participating venues, please visit www.letsgokarting.net.
 
Image shows Hugh Robertson MP, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Olympics (right) and Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association, together with local children taking part in a Let's Go Karting event at Buckmore Park, Kent.

[ Top ]

RL Race Team Press On...   (19/05)
 
RL Race Team showed consistency at round 3 of the Formula Kart Stars series at a changeable Glan-Y-Gors this weekend.
 
Harry Webb led the attack in the Cadet class with strong heats finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd giving him a grid slot for the main final of 3rd. This he duly converted into a podium finish and a large points haul boosting the Norfolk lad's title hopes for 2009.

Webb's team mates Ryan Morgan & Matthew Arnold came in 14th in the main final and 25th in the B final respectively, with Morgan getting as high as 11th before having to settle for 14th place.
 
In the MiniMax class all 3 of the team drivers, Luke Hughes, Ashley England & Shaun Arnold started in the Main final and it was Hughes who ran at the front in 5th place until a last lap incident bundled him back to 8th. England fell foul of the uphill first corner in an early crash and Arnold, after a storming opening lap saw him feature in the top 12 for a part of the race, eventually dropped back to a disappointing 23rd with a lack of speed in the wet conditions.
 
The team now focus on a 10 day stint in Italy, firstly for a two day test, and then round 2 of the Euro Max Challenge in Busca near Torino. Here, Senior Max front runner Tom Fawcett is looking to once again raise eyebrows as he did in round 1 in Northern Spain taking overall pole and wins in his heats. New signing Tatiana Calderon from Colombia will using the race to settle into her new team surroundings and to improve vastly on a poor round 1 performance with her previous team.
 
Team driver and MiniMax ace Harrison Scott will have his first taste of European karting, competing in the Junior Max category in Italy with the team - watch this space...
 
For details on the team contact Steve Armstrong on telephone +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200, or email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

MSC National Court   (19/05)

Matter: Appeal against Stewards' finding of Driving Incompatible with Safety, contrary to Regulation C(D)1(e) and consequent exclusion from race.
 
The Motor Sports Council's National Court convened at Motor Sports House on 5th May to hear an Appeal by Mr Lee Bell, based on an admitted defect in procedure when he claimed that he was wrongly excluded from the race results of the final of Round One of the Super 1 Championship. The matter had first been considered by the race Stewards during the Trent Valley Kart Club of the MSA British Kart Championships held over the weekend of 21st and 22nd March 2009.
 
When the matter had been first considered by race Steward Nigel Drayton, not all relevant witnesses had been present, thus creating a potential outcome incompatible with natural justice.
 
By virtue of the power vested in the Court by an order granted to convene a Court of Inquiry, the National Court considered the limited evidence placed before it in documents submitted by both Mr Bell and the Race Stewards and concluded that it was appropriate for the case to be remitted to the Event Stewards to rehear the original complaint, ensuring that all relevant witnesses were this time present.
 
In these circumstances, the Appeal was deemed to be successful and the Appeal fee was ordered to be returned.

[ Top ]

CIK-FIA Karting World Cup   (19/05)

Created in 1991, the CIK-FIA Karting World Cup is traditionally held in Japan on the Suzuka track - adjacent to the well known automobile circuit. The very high standard of the competition and the nature of Suzuka's fast course make this event one of the most appreciated of each Karting season. The World Cup for Super KF & KF1, to be held on 23rd and 24th May 2009, is also coupled with an Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship.

Compared to the two previous annual events, the 2009 running of the World Cup has gathered over twice as many entries in the top category! On the one hand, most Manufacturers will be present and have decided to send to Japan their best Drivers, and on the other the regulations have been adjusted so that grade B licence-holders will henceforth be eligible for the Super KF & KF1 categories, enabling more local Drivers to enter. Japanese Teams and Drivers, as well as savouring the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with the European champions of Karting, will clearly make it a point of honour to demonstrate their competitiveness and the excellent level of their national series, the "All Japan Karting Championship".

Provisional leader of the European Championship, the first round of which took place in Italy in mid-April, Briton Jason Parrott (Birel-Parilla) will be in the limelight, and so will the Frenchman Manuel Renaudie (Gillard-Parilla), the Belgian Yannick de Brabander (Intrepid-TM), the Finn Aaro Vainio (Maranello-Maxter) or Britain's Oliver Rowland (LH-Maxter), Robert Foster-Jones (FA-Vortex) and Richard Bradley (Maddox-Maxter). They will all be faced with a strong contingent of official Drivers entered by the teams of CRG, Birel, Tony Kart and Kosmic, led by a double World Champion (Marco Ardigo), several Vice-World Champions (Libor Toman, Gary Catt, Arnaud Kozlinski) and Davide Fore, four times World Champion and last winner of this famous Suzuka event. Additionally, Britain's Ben Hanley who raced in GP2 last year will make a come-back to Karting. With its 18 representatives, the organising country will of course be the one with the largest number of entries, and it should be led by Takamoto Katsuta (4th in KF2 in 2008) and the 2008 Japanese Champion Daiki Sasaki.

With 41 entries, the Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship will cut a fine figure, bringing together a very talented European delegation and the best Japanese drivers. Winner of the 2008 CIK-FIA Viking Trophy, the Russian from Siberia Maxim Zimin will be one of the European leaders, with the Italians Felice Tiene, Aniello Smarrazzo, Ignazio D'Agosto and Matteo Beretta, the Brit Ben Cooper, France's Brandon Maisano and Portugal's David Da Luz. And as regards Japan, some names to look out for include Nobuharu Matsushita and Hiroki Ohtsu.

The qualifying practice & heats will be held on Saturday 23rd May, and the pre-finals & finals are scheduled for the Sunday.

All the results will be published live on www.cikfia.com/News2009/Suzuka.htm.

[ Top ]

Bluestar Challenge 2009   (19/05)

Kartal Motorsport are pleased to announce that they will be sponsoring the Blue Star Challenge at the Three Sisters Race Circuit near Wigan, rounds will take place during May, September, October and November for both Junior and Senior Blue classes.
 
Owner of Kartal Motorsport Alan Crankshaw, commented "Manchester and Buxton Kart Club (MBKC) have run some very good initiatives over the last few years and we hope that this sponsorship will promote good levels of entries for the class. As an engine builder of some 27 years it's nice to be associated with MBKC's endeavours to promote the Formula Blue classes here at Wigan and it fits nicely with one of our business goals to provide engines that win Championships at both Junior and Senior levels."
 
We look forward to supporting the four rounds of the Blue Star Challenge which is open to all Formula Blue drivers, club members and non club members are all welcome and guaranteed is there will be enjoyable and competitive racing.  There are some fantastic trophies for both the Junior and Senior championship winners and these are to be presented at the clubs annual awards and dinner dance,  trophies for individual rounds will be awarded at each meeting. 
 
Details of the events can either be obtained from Kartal Motorsport by email at alancranky@hotmail.com, telephone on 01772 617811, or by contacting MBKC via their website at www.mbkartclub.com.

[ Top ]

Magee Signs For DHR   (18/05)

Dan Holland Racing is very excited to announce an addition to the team with the signing of Alex Magee for the rest of the 2009 season.
 
DHR will run Alex in not only both the UK National Championships at Super 1 and FKS, but also the British Open Championship and Kartmasters British Grand Prix. Alex will also race with support from Richard Lock Racing at the final two rounds of the Euromax Challenge at Sosnova in the Czech Republic and Salbris in France.
 
Team Principle for DHR, Dan Holland, commented "We are delighted to welcome Alex to the team and are certain he will mount a strong challenge for honours in 2009. We were very impressed with his pace when supporting him at meetings earlier this year and have worked hard to secure his signature as a DHR Team Driver."
 
Alex said "I would like to pay tribute to Phil and Gavin Gough without whom I never would have made it this far. I am really looking forward to working with Dan, Leon and new mechanic Shaun Carter for the rest of this year."
 
Alex will retain the distinctive red and yellow checked livery on his helmet and kart to continue to honour the famous 92 Squadron, RAF. He was straight into action with DHR last weekend in the FKS meeting at Glan-Y-Gors park in Wales with a storming drive in the Final to 6th from the back of the grid.
 
For more information see www.alexmagee.com or to contact DHR visit www.danhollandracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

F1 Driver Tests TKM TAG   (18/05)

Ex Formula TKM Champion Anthony Davidson, who went on to race in Formula 1, returned to his roots last week with an exclusive test of the TKM range, including the new BT82 TAG.
 
In a special test laid on for Karting Magazine, Ant drove at PFI circuit in rapidly changing conditions and showed he had lost none of his old flair after more than 10 years away from racing karts.
 
Aside from the new TAG engine, Ant wound back the clock by climbing into an old style direct drive kart used by Stuart Smith to win the British championships in 1995. He said it brought back memories of his first ever drive in a 100cc TKM engined kart.
 
He also had his first ever drive in a TKM 4-stroke powered kart which he described as feeling very powerful.
 
For full details of this fascinating test see the exclusive report and photos in next month's Karting Magazine.

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

[ Top ]

MSA British Championships   (18/05)

This weekend saw the MSA British Cadet Kart Championship in action as Formula Kart Stars round 3 took place at Glan y Gors.  The weekend before saw Anglesey host round 3 & 4 of the MSA British Superkart Championship...

MSA British Cadet Kart Championship:
Newly crowned as the ABkC 'O' Plate champion, George Russell powered away from his rivals at the undulating north Wales 1100m circuit.  Although the rain had stopped after an earlier downpour, the track was wet and greasy, and the secret of Russell's success seemed to be the choice of the optimum tyre pressures.  From pole position after three heat wins in the sixty kart field, the Round One winner nipped into the lead, leaving the rest to fight over the remaining places, as he pulled out a six second cushion. "The kart's been good all weekend, wet and dry, all down to Ultimate Motorsport," said Russell. 
 
Harry Webb leapfrogged Harry Woodhead and Matthew Graham for second, but Jake Walker was arrowing up too, and said: "I started eighth and got a good start on the inside, then one of the Fusion karts passed but I got him back down the hill then worked with Harry to pull away." 
 
He passed Webb and the pair left Woodhead and Graham with no answer, whilst Rory Cuff stormed into sixth from a grid twelve start.  Round 2 winner Josh White and erstwhile championship leader salvaged twelfth with a storming drive from a second to back row start after winning the B Final.  A wheel bearing had collapsed in a heat.

Results:
1 George Russell (Zip) 18 laps in 16m 43.46s (44.04mph);
2 Jake Walker (Zip) +05.68s;
3 Harry Webb (Tonykart);
4 Harry Woodhead (Zip);
5 Matthew Graham (Tonykart);
6 Rory Cuff (Zip).

MSA British Superkart Championships:
Qualifying took place on a drying circuit with many of the drivers electing to take to the track later in the session. Teenager James Tucker headed the field for most of the session but last years 125 Open Champion, Paul Platt, eventually topped the time sheets with a 1.05:65. (85.00mph) with a gap of 0.4s over Tucker. James O'Reilly was 3rd with Craig Fleming in 4th with defending champion, Jason Dredge back in 7th. Gavin Bennett was back in 11th Gavin recently won both opening rounds of the FIA-CIK Division 1 European Superkart Championship at Magny Cours and was expected to do well in the MSA 250 National class.
 
Platt and Tucker were side by side off the line in Race 1 with both drivers giving no quarter. Tucker and Platt battled it out for 3 laps before Tucker got the better of Platt on the exit of Church and stretched his lead. On lap 4 O'Reilly joined the party, demoting Platt to 3rd momentarily but from lap 5 onwards Tucker and Platt put daylight between the rest of the pack. The battle behind was lead by Sam Moss was in 3rd place followed by Daniel Clarke, Dredge, Fleming, O'Reilly all finishing within 1.5 seconds and a few seconds behind Bennett.
 
Tucker dominated Race 2 with an outstanding drive to take the win by almost 10 seconds. Off the line it was Tucker, Moss and Platt. Platt moved in to second on lap 3 with Dredge following Platt through demoting Moss to 4th. Dredge was back on form, taking 2nd place from Platt on lap 8. Sam Moss held 4th fending off Daniel Clarke who took 5th. Our Thruxton winner Fleming unfortunately retiring on lap 8. Bennett was out on lap 3. A disappointing weekend for the pair.
 
Race 1 Result:
1 James TUCKER (Jade/Honda) Laps 10 in 10:50.69 (85.76mph)
2 Paul PLATT (PVP/Honda) + 8.33s (84.67mph)
3 Sam MOSS (Anderson/Honda) +14.49s (83.89mph)
4 Daniel CLARKE (Anderson/Honda) +14.80s (83.85mph)
5 Jason DREDGE (Anderson/Honda) +14.97s (83.83mph)
6 Craig FLEMING (Anderson/Honda) +15.26s (83.79mph)
7 James OREILLY (PVP/Honda) +15.84s (83.72mph)
8 Gavin BENNETT (Anderson/Honda) +20.45s (83.14mph)
9 Darran SMITH (Anderson/Honda) +33.10s (81.60mph)
10 Mark VAUGHAN (Anderson/Honda) +33.47s (81.56mph)

Race 2 Result:
1 James TUCKER (Jade/Honda) Laps 10 in 10:50.(86 85mph)
2 Jason DREDGE (Anderson/Honda) +8.23s 84.66mph)
3 Paul PLATT (PVP/Honda) +10.73s (84.34mph)
4 Sam MOSS (Anderson/Honda) +11.40s (84.26mph)
5 Daniel CLARKE (Anderson/Honda) +17.28s (83.52mph)
6 Matthew BETT (Anderson/Honda) +20.95 (83.06mph)
7 Don KENNEDY (Anderson/Honda) +26.06 (82.43mph)
8 James OREILLY (PVP/Honda) +30.84 (81.85mph)
9 Martin GOODLIFFE (Raider/Honda) +39.82 (80.79mph)
10 Richard DEWART (Anderson/Honda) +44.24 (80.28mph)

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Historic Kart Grand Prix   (18/05)

If you are interested in the history of karting you are welcome to visit Teesside Autodrome over the weekend of 23rd/24th May and watch the karts of yester-year racing both our national & international circuits.

These drivers have some of the most interesting machinery and seem to have unlimited time to spend chatting to you too! Seeing these karts in action is both thrilling and interesting.

It is free of charge for both days for all spectators.  For more information on the circuit and how to get there, visit www.teessidekarting.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you there.

[ Top ]

The London Cup 2009   (15/05)

Make sure you keep a space in your diary as The London Cup returns for 2009 on 19th & 20th September!

The annual event, held at Rye House and organised by Hoddesdon Kart Club, promises to be bigger and better this year with some great prizes, a famous commentator, filming & TV coverage, and of course the grid girls!

Invited classes are Comer Cadet, Honda Cadet, Rotax Mini Max, Junior Rotax, Senior Rotax, Rotax 177 and TKM Extreme, but with a maximum grid size of 28 you'll need to get your reservation in asap.  The 2008 event was oversubscribed so make sure you're not one of the disappointed drivers this time around.

The entry fee is just £230 for the weekend, which includes tyres!

Race entry/reservation forms can be found on the HKC website at www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Cooper's Double KF1 Win   (15/05)

Strawberry's Ben Cooper scored sensational back-to-back victories at last Sunday's (10 May) second round of the MSA British Super 1 Championship, whilst team-mate Luke Wright took his maiden KF1 podium.
 
In the KF2 class Chris Lock had a tougher time, but showed the character that made him European Rotax Champion last year - a consistent performance saw him maintain his title aspirations.
 
Having qualified on the first and second rows of the grid for the first KF1 final, Luke and Ben had clearly demonstrated that they are getting to grips with the premier class. Unfortunately, as the field cannoned into the first corner Wright was shepherded off the circuit. He rejoined well down but immediately began a spirited drive back up the order.
 
Surviving the opening lap dramas, Cooper initially slotted into third place but within rapid succession moved into second and then the lead. However, he came under sustained pressure in a thrilling race that saw him battling with three other drivers.  Having dropped to second, Ben made his decisive move three laps from home and held the advantage to the chequered flag.
 
Luke finished in a creditable ninth position, but was to go six better in the following final.
 
Reigning World Rotax Champion, Ben led the quality-packed grid into the fast left/right/left complex just after the start and was hounded by a gaggle of thirteen chasing karts.
 
As in the first race, he relinquished the lead but was never far from it in the following twenty four laps. The race-long, fight for victory was only settled when Ben delivered his race-winning move on the last lap, while Luke doggedly held onto his excellent third spot.
 
Team boss Paul Spencer couldn't contain his delight and hugged his young charges, saying "That was brilliant, I'm very, very happy."
 
The team's soul representative in KF2, Chris was never out of the top seven throughout timed qualifying and the heats. In the first final, he fought hard for his seventh place, but all his efforts were undone in an incident-filled return encounter. A coming together forced him down the order and ultimately left him in a lonely thirteenth.
 
All three drivers are now preparing to join their Tony Kart Junior Race Team colleagues at next week's CIK Asia-Pacific Championship (21-24 May), to be held at Suzuka, in Japan.

To find out more about Strawberry Racing Team, the superb Tony Kart EVR chassis and Vortex engines, visit www.strawberryracing.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Heads Up Racing Statement   (15/05)

Heads Up Racing would like to make the following clarification regarding their 09 test engine...

"At Kimbolton on Sunday the 10th May our 09 test engine was used by mistake for the 2nd heat, after discussions with the officials we withdrew from the 2nd heat result for a technical infringement, the officials accepted that a genuine mistake had been made and no further action was necessary. It has been suggested that the engine numbers had been machined to disguise and mislead. The engine in fact had none of this and is in standard factory condition as witnessed by the officials. Whilst we are embarrassed by the incident which was our fault, we would not condone any form of unfair advantage. We trust that people accept this as a fair and truthful statement.
 
Yours in sport,
 
Mike Head"

[ Top ]

RX250 Challenge Arrives   (14/05)

A new high performance karting race series has officially been launched in the UK. Targeting the serious rental kart racer, the RX250 Challenge uses a fleet of brand new Sodi RX250 karts.

Events will be for teams and individuals, with drivers able to gain points for the Sodi World Series (SWS) as the two partner series sit side by side in the UK.

Racers can experience real power and control from the revolutionary new 4 stroke engine and race chassis that has been developed by Sodi, the World's leading kart manufacturer. RX250 Challenge proves to be the fastest, most exhilarating and reliable series in the UK. The 250cc 4 stroke engines are fuel injected, with switchable ECU and power output from 15, 22 and 28 horse power. The RX250 Challenge karts will be run at the middle setting of 22horse power, which are more than capable of testing even the most competent drivers.

Sodi kart are renowned for their professionalism and R&D excellence, coupled with a reliable 4 stroke engine with high revs and power output the RX250 challenge organiser has high hopes for 2009 and beyond.

"We have been fortunate enough to get the first fleet of RX250 karts in the UK. They really look the business and are a very well made product." Explains Ben Hyland "We are confident that this series has great future potential, no frustration of setting carbs or unreliable 2-strokes making it ideal for drivers to turn up and experience a high performance rental kart racing then return home safely at the end of the day. People don't have the time or budget to go full blown racing any longer, do they? What we can offer is fast, close and controlled racing at realistic prices."

RX250 Challenge events will also count towards SWS points, where World-wide rental drivers are brought together by official partner circuits and events, with the top drivers being invited to the World Final by Sodi each year. There are already 1400 entrants signed up.

For more information, race dates or to register please visit the website, www.rx250challenge.com.

[ Top ]

Austek Racing Double Win   (14/05)

At Clay Pigeon Raceway last weekend, Austek Racing's Macaulay Austin in Minimax and new signing Ryan Anderton in Comer Cadet climbed to the top step of the podium.

Pole sitter Macaulay lead the fifteen lap final from lights to flag, closely followed by a pack of five front runners. Some clever defensive driving on the last lap lead to another victory to follow last weeks win at Forest Edge.

Meanwhile, Ryan started the final in fourth spot and was happy to sit behind the leader for most of the twelve lap race. Following some clever tuition from his team-mate Macaulay, Ryan took the lead with two laps to go and stayed there until the chequered flag. This gave nine year-old Ryan his first win in Comer Cadet, but with the race craft and determination he showed this weekend it certainly wont be his last!

[ Top ]

Double Win For Chamberlain   (14/05)

Welsh KF2 racer Jordan Chamberlain hailed his double win in the Super One national karting championship at Shenington, Oxfordshire, as the best of his career, after a weekend where his only opposition came from within his own team. After the second race meeting out of seven in 2009, Jordan is now in the lead of the championship by four points.
 
"I was very confident leading up to the Shenington Super One as it is one of my favourite tracks and I always seem to do well there. We had been fast at the European Championship Qualifier at Angerville the week before and the engines were good so I was hoping for a result," said the Williams Motorsport driver.
 
"We had been fast all Friday and Saturday morning, then when it came to timed qualifying I put it on pole by 8 hundredths over my team mate Shaun Carter, then I got my head down and won my first heat to end the day on a good note."
 
The team were confident enough to experiment with the equipment, a Tonykart with a GFR-prepared TM engine. "On Sunday we used our second engine for Heat Two, which wasn't as fast, but we still managed to get a win so I was pretty confident going into the finals," explained Jordan.
 
He never looked in serious danger in the first points-scoring race - "I led from start to finish under pressure all the way from my team mate, but I held him off in the last few laps to take the win."
 
Jordan had found even more speed for the second final, pulling clear of Carter, unrattled by a race held up by a startline crash. "We made some changes to the kart for the second final hoping to improve, and luckily enough it paid off and after the re-start (after the Slow flag, karting's equivalent of the Safety Car) I managed to get a gap and get my head down, while the others behind were fighting, and I managed not to make any mistakes."
 
A delighted Jordan exclaimed: "I'm over the moon now, I put this down as my best and biggest win by far!"
 
The next race will be the next round of the Super One on the first weekend of June, at Rowrah in Cumbria, and you can find out more about Jordan by going to his website - www.jordanchamberlain.net - or his Public Profile on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jordan-Chamberlain/82198127349.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

More Success For Eurokart   (14/05)

Eurokart Ltd would like to congratulate Daryl Henderson who, on his very first outing using the Pavesi motor, won the NKF KZ2 round at Rissington.
 
Congratulations also go to Jason Gardener and Sodi Kart for his win, and Stephen Lane for not only 4th place but a new lap record!  Ian Larder finished 8th whilst Daryl Henderson was very fast but had no luck on the track!  All run at lap record pace.

Ray Thomas won the club round at the same meeting.

All of these drivers were using Pavesi motors prepared by Eurokart Ltd.
 
For more information call Eurokart Ltd on 01502 567174 or 07769715442, or visit our website at www.pavesi.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Tag-R Congratulates Drivers   (13/05)

Tag-R team manager David Smith would like to congratulate his drivers on a successful weekend at Kimbolton.
 
Eddie Hack took the WTP victory and is sure to be a favourite to take the spoils at the Little Green Man event to be hosted by HKRC in June. Eddie has gone from strength to strength of late, and we certainly look forward to supporting Eddie in the future.
 
Minimax front runner Adam Glear set a new lap record on his way to the final where he finished 2nd to Jay Goodwin. Adam later said "I'm delighted to have finished 2nd but to set the lap record is just brilliant, especially as this is my first year in karting."
 
In Junior Max, Sam Hack finished 9th after qualifying 6th for the final. "Sam was in 5th position and was looking good for a trophy until a mistake on the last lap cost him" said team manager David Smith.
 
For more information on racing with Tag-R please contact David Smith on 07919 183 365 or tag-r@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Williams Motor Sport   (13/05)

Williams Motor Sport drivers Jordan Chamberlain and Shaun Carter dominated the KF2 class at Round 2 of the Super 1 series at Shenington.
 
After qualifying 1st and 2nd on the grid for the heats, both drivers went on to again take 1st and 2nd places in not only all heats but both finals!

Joining them was Charlie Bonsey who finished a very respectable 5th in the final.
 
The team would like to thank Jason for all his hard work as a brilliant team manager, and Gordy of GFR Engines for total reliability.
 
For more information on Jordan visit www.jordanchamberlain.net.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

DHR-FA Kart   (12/05)
 
Dan Holland Racing main agent for the FA Alonso Kart chassis are pleased to announce the official website is now live! The DHR team setup by Dan Holland, Double Rotax 177 British Champion has gone from strength to strength this year and has enjoyed success across the board both at Club and Super 1 levels. DHR Team drivers enjoyed podiums in Jnr, Snr and 177 classes at the latest super 1 rd at Rowrah demonstrating the teams depth and quality thorughout the classes. Team driver Mike Spencer currently leads the Rotax Snr Super 1 championship and hopes to maintain this with a run of consistent form. The DHR Alonso driver qualified pole position in timed practice at Rowrah and believes his best is still to come!
 
The launch of www.danhollandracing.co.uk enables drivers and prospective customers to gain an idea of the teams background along with viewing the latest news and results. Also featured on the site is the online shop offering a full range of OTK Products and Accessories ready for next day delivery. The site is aimed at being friendly and informative in regards to the teams developments and driver progress. Team Owner/Manager Dan says "I'm very excited with the new site and really pleased with how it looks. I wanted to create a simple website that was easy to understand, providing relevant information and services to all."
 
To find out how the DHR team is getting on or to view the very latest FA Alonso karts and OTK products check out www.danhollandracing.co.uk. If you'd like to arrange a test on the FA Kart or would like info on the DHR team please feel free to contact Dan Holland direct on 07960 047810 or email dan@danhollandracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

TORQ Motorsport   (12/05)

TORQ Motorsport would like to congratulate Luke Haynes and George Foster for their recent performances.

Luke Haynes scored back-to-back final wins at TVKC and Kimbolton. Testament to the setup and Luke's determination was that, in both finals, Luke had to win the hard way after - after dropping back to 7th early on he went on to win and take the fastest lap in both finals.

George Foster, in his first season in seniors achieved a 6th in the final at TVKC and a heat win at Kimbolton, with a P2 for the final. Unfortunately after the notorious Kimbolton first corner George came out 20th, but showed good maturity under the circumstances to finish 7th with a superb composed drive.

Both drivers put down their recent good form to the excellent Revolution engines and want to thank John Crooks for providing race winning kit.

Haynes moves on to senior Euro Max in Italy at the end of this month and Foster is looking forward to continuing to develop in seniors converting heat wins into final wins.

John Crooks of Revolution Engines can be contacted on 01454 311558.

[ Top ]

BPKC Summer Champs   (11/05)

The second round of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Summer Championship takes place on Sunday 17th May.   It will be the last chance for Rotax Super One drivers to race at Buckmore before their round in June.
 
Open Practice is available from 10am to 4pm on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May.

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

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

[ Top ]

MSA Kart Championships   (11/05)

The second round of the Junior and Senior MSA British Kart Championships were held this weekend (9/10 May) at Shenington...

MSA British Kart Championship:
Ben Cooper hit top form at a sunny Shenington in two thrilling finals.  In the first, class rookie Luke Wright saw all his hard work in the heats to earn a front row position vanish when he was bumped by Lee Bell, as poleman Elliot Burton took the lead.  Bell succumbed to Jordon Lennox-Lamb and Ben Cooper at the first hairpin, and then to the upwardly mobile Jonathan Walker.  Cooper nosed ahead of Burton with a light kiss, the latter falling several places in his endeavours to stay on terms.  Previous round double winner Jordon Lennox-Lamb, finding insufficient pace to stay with the new leader, was gobbled up by the pack, falling to seventh.  Walker sliced into first with Cooper fighting back as they traded the lead several times, the pace so hot they put three seconds on the rest, but Cooper managed to get back in front and defended to the flag. 
 
The battle re-commenced in the second final, Walker again managing to find a gap in Cooper's defence to snatch the lead, albeit briefly.  Cooper was put down to third behind Rob Foster-Jones, with defending champion Mark Litchfield finding form for the first time this season, accelerating into the lead with a neat move over Foster-Jones in the chicane.  Foster-Jones re-took the lead, but Litchfield was forced up the bank by an over-eager Richard Bradley trying to follow, the latter being later excluded from the race.  That just left the two final twists as Cooper, the reigning Rotax class world champion, squeezed through into the lead, with Foster-Jones losing speed trying to hold him off.  He fell into the clutches of Luke Wright and Lee Bell for fourth.  And finally Bell dived into the chicane to take the runner-up spot.

Results...
Final 1:
1 Ben Cooper Tonykart/Vortex
2 Jonathan Walker Gillard/TM
3 Lee Bell Wright/Parilla
4 Rob Foster-Jones Alonso/Vortex
5 Elliot Burton Tonykart/Vortex
6 Mark Litchfield Maranello/Maxter
 
Final 2:
1 Cooper
2 Bell
3 Luke Wright Tonykart/Vortex
4 Foster-Jones
5 Sam Snell Intrepid/TM
6 Jordon Lennox-Lamb Topkart/IAME

MSA British Junior Kart Championship:
Racing Steps Foundation-backed Jake Dennis starred at his local track with two wonderful wins.  In the first final, Sennan Fielding out-witted poleman Alexander Albon to lead the first corners, the pair then trading first place as Dennis sat in third.  Dennis upped the pace, slicing past both for the lead but was unable to sustain it for long.  Sam Blake and Alex Walker pulled the next group into touch, creating a ten kart express train hurtling round the track, nose to tail.  Dennis had just hit the front once more when Fielding and Walker tangled in the chicane, gifting a big cushion and the win to Dennis, with Blake, Jake Dalton and the Red Bull-backed Albon following. 
 
After two red flags to attend to crashed karts, the second final eventually got underway with Fielding having to pit to attend to a smashed sidepod.  Again a long train contested the lead, with Sam Blake leading from Dennis, Albon, Dalton and Callum Bowyer.  Dennis stepped up to the lead, with Dalton following; then Dalton took over as they pulled away from Albon.  Dalton put up a strong resistance to all the Dennis moves, until eventually Dennis executed a neat switch-back out of the chicane to snatch his second win.

Results...
Final 1:
1 Jake Dennis Topkart/TM
2 Sam Blake Octane/XTR
3 Jake Dalton Alonso/Maxter
4 Alexander Albon Tonykart/TM
5 Paul Hardy Intrepid/Maxter
6 Callum Bowyer Intrepid/tba
 
Final 2:
1 Dennis
2 Dalton
3 Albon
4 Abigail Gerry Gillard/TM
5 Macaulay Walsh Birel/IAME
6 Jordan King Maranello/Maxter

[ Top ]

NJR Congratulates Sutton   (08/05)

NJR Motorsports would like to congratulate Ashley Sutton on his performance at last weekend's KF2 European Championship qualifier at Angerville. Despite this being only his fifth race in a senior class, Ash and his '09 Octane chassis achieved a creditable fourth place and secured a place in the Championship Final ahead of many more experienced drivers.
 
For more information on the Octane chassis contact NJR by email at info@njrmotorsports.co.uk or telephone 01920 877447.
 
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

A Weekend With Kart Coach   (08/05)
 
Comer Cadet Driver Jonny Jones had never seen Shenington before, but he knew he had to conquer the circuit in preparation for the Super One round in May. Jonny had been karting for less than a year and recognised that he needed all the help he could get.
 
Jonny's dad Anthony approached Kart Coach for set up advice and driver coaching. Jonny worked closely with the Kart Coach driver coach Alex, and the two soon developed a mutual respect. Jonny was a quick learner and the pair worked together on reducing lap times throughout Saturday practice. The lap times tumbled as Jonny got to grips with the unfamiliar track.  Meanwhile dad fine tuned his kart with help from Kart Coach's set up specialist Michael.  By the fourth session he was matching the times of some very experienced drivers.

There were very few set up changes between sessions. The initial settings were pretty near the mark anyway and Alex needed a solid baseline to evaluate Jonnies driving accurately. "Continually changing the kart leaves you chasing your tail and just confuses the driver" said Alex.
 
Anthony and Jonny left that evening, confident that they wouldn't disgrace themselves on race day. In Heat 1, a spin on cold tyres at the start resulted in 21st place, which is where he started. However a lap time good enough for a top ten placing was certainly encouraging. In Heat 2 Jonny started from pole and managed to hang on to an excellent 3rd place due to his solid pace. Heat 3 saw Jonny starting 21st he but was relegated to the back of the field following an accident. However he fought back gallantly to where he started which earned him a grid 18 slot in the A final.
 
"I 'm really glad to have made the A" said a relieved Jonny.
 
In the A Final Jonny drove well but unfortunately got caught out avoiding other driver's accidents. Nevertheless his fighting spirit saw him finish in 24th position and with a lap time comfortably within the top ten from a field of 51 cadets that can't be bad at your first attempt!
 
All in all a very productive weekend which will only enhance Jonny's chances in the Super one Series.
 
Jonny's dad Anthony later commented "I was more than pleased with the weekends result. It was impressive the way Kart Coach got Jonny on the pace so quickly - to convey so much information to an eleven year old, and get the results they did in just a single weekend is remarkable! They really have the knack of getting the best out of your driver and chassis set up."
 
Why not let Kart Coach get the best out of your driver? Book now for Shenington, Whilton Mill and Whilton Mill's Brazilian Cup. Visit www.kartcoach.com for more information or call Michael on 07881 908291.

[ Top ]

Hunt For Old TKM Karts   (08/05)

Tal-Ko are looking for an old style Formula TKM kart to use for some promotional events. Can you help?
 
Ideally the company are looking for an old TKM kart back from the early to mid 90's which is still in useable condition - though obviously not able to race because it does not meet current regulations.
 
Says Formula TKM co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth: "I am sure that there are plenty of old karts sitting around in people's garages. We'd love to hear from you if you have one.
 
"We don't need an engine (we have plenty of those!) - just simply a rolling chassis which we can tidy up for our own purposes."
 
Anyone who may be able to offer one is asked to contact TKM co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth direct at gb@impactracing.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Attention All Drivers...   (08/05)

Following the postponement of the FKS International Series for 2009, extra 2-stroke practice will now be available that weekend at PF International.
 
The circuit will now be open for 2-stroke practice on:

Friday 22nd May 2009 and Saturday 23rd May 2009.

Please call the circuit for more information on Tel: 01636 626424.

[ Top ]

TVKC Results Go Further   (08/05)

Trent Valley Kart Club, the UK's premier kart club based at the PF International kart racing circuit near Grantham, are the first UK kart club to offer a full race results download service which includes individual driver reports to all of their competitors.
 
Making further use of the wireless infrastructure which already supplies Live Timing, Race Results and the Race Timetable to the paddock TVKC, supported by their timing software partner Supersport Timing, have developed systems for the highly acclaimed 'Individual Driver Reports' to be available in PDF format for EVERY driver as soon as the result has been cleared by timekeeping and race control.
 
The Individual Driver Reports contain detailed lap by lap information for every driver, fastest lap times, every lap time by every competitor, graphs displaying a drivers progress throughout the race and gaps to the leader.  This information is second to none and although most of the data can be viewed after the event on the ERS+ results on UK Karting, it has never been available on mass during the race event which is when the drivers most need it.
 
"We have invested considerable time and money in the network and servers at TVKC in a push to bring information to drivers over a race weekend.  This latest development is a first for karting and we are delighted that we are the club making it happen" commented Ian Rogers - Club Timekeeper.
 
For further details on this latest development or any of the facilities offered by TVKC at PF International, contact the Club via email info@tvkc.co.uk.

For general information visit the club's website at www.tvkc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Euro KF2/KF3 Finalists   (08/05)

The result of the busiest weekend in the year for the CIK-FIA has been announced! Simultaneously held in Belgium (Genk), France (Angerville) and the Czech Republic (Sosnova), the regional qualification events for the KF2 and KF3 European Championships have determined the drivers that will take part in the finals, to be held at Zuera (Spain) on 9th-12th July 2009 for KF3 Juniors, and at Essay (France) on 1st-3rd August for KF2.

With 400 drivers entered for only 162 available places (81 per category), it's no surprise that there were fierce fights for the chance to race in the final.

The clearest domination was seen in KF2 in the "Western" Region Qualification at Sosnova, where the Italian Felipe Tiene (Kosmic-Vortex) was head and shoulders above the others, producing pole-position in practice and back-to-back wins in all his qualifying heats and Races 1 & 2 of the final! An identical feat was achieved in KF3 in the "Western" Region Qualification by the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr (Tony Kart-Vortex).

On his home ground, the Czech Martin Doubek (Tony Kart-Vortex) ended up winning the "Central" Region Qualification in KF3, ahead of the German Marvin Kirchhofer (Gillard-Maxter) and the Italian Riccardo Agostini (Birel-Parilla). In KF2, behind the unbeatable Tiene, the top five was completed by Italy's Aniello Smarrazzo (Tony Kart-Vortex) and Antonio Giovinazzi (Top Kart-Parilla), as well as Germany's Mario Farnbacher (Tony Kart-Vortex) and Andre Hauke (Birel-Parilla).

In the "Northern" Region Qualification, the Dutchman Nick de Vries (Zanardi-Parilla) was within a hair's breadth of topping the bill in each appearance on the track; he was fastest in qualifying practice, won all his heats, landed Race 2 and topped the added general classification. And it was only a 2-second penalty that deprived him of victory in Race 1, which he had to relinquish to the Finn Mikko Pakari (Maranello-Maxter). In KF2, the fight was more open and finally saw the Dane Kevin Munkholm (Birel-Parilla) come out on top ahead of Belgium's Kenny Vermeylen (Tecno-Parilla) and Finland's Joni Wiman (Maranello-Maxter). It is worth noting that 11 different chassis makes were used by the first 13 classified drivers (Alpha, Birel, CRG, DR, Energy, FA Kart, Mach 1, Maddox, Maranello, Tecno and Tony)!

Angerville hosted the "Western" Region drivers. Sainz Jr was accompanied on the KF3 podium by the British driver Jake Dennis (Top Kart-Parilla) and the Frenchman Mathieu Jaminet (Intrepid-TM). In KF2, there was a win for the Brit Ben Cooper (Tony Kart-Vortex), ahead of the Portuguese David Da Luz (Zanardi-Parilla) and the Spaniard Jorge Pescador (Tony Kart-Vortex).

The full results and a selection of photographs can be found at...
http://www.cikfia.com/News2009/Sosnova.htm
http://www.cikfia.com/News2009/Genk.htm
http://www.cikfia.com/News2009/Angerville.htm

[ Top ]

MSA Seeking Nominations  (08/05)

The Motor Sports Association is again seeking nominations for individuals to fill the vacancies on the Specialist Committees that represent the interests of the various disciplines of motor sport.
 
The Specialist Committees, covering Autotest, Cross Country, Historics, Karting, Race, Rallies, Speed Events and Trials, meet two or three times a year, normally at Motor Sports House to discuss and debate new regulations and other issues. The decisions and minutes are communicated via the Committee Chairmen to the next MSA Council meeting for approval.
 
All applicants must be a member of an MSA-recognised motor club or Regional Association which must 'sponsor' the application. However, there are no formal qualifications required other than the benefit of experience in motor sport. The role is entirely voluntary, although expenses will be paid to cover travel to meetings at Motor Sports House, and the appointment is normally for a three year term. No person will serve more than three consecutive terms, apart from in exceptional circumstances.
 
"We always try to ensure that the membership of the Specialist Committees is kept fresh," says Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. "We would particularly like to encourage younger members of the motor sport community who might not realise that they are eligible to stand for nomination. If they can offer their experiences and perhaps bring a different perspective to the role, it would help the various committees to continue to do a great job in developing and shaping the sport. We would encourage anyone with a passion for their sport to think about getting involved."
                                                                                 
How to apply:
Applicants should submit a brief CV of motor sport involvement and achievements, including any relevant qualifications, together with name, address and contact details to the sponsoring MSA-registered club or Regional Association. The sponsor will forward the application to Andrea Wren at Motor Sports House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, SL3 0HG.  This must be done as soon as possible as applications must be received before the end of June 2009 at the latest.

Applications are considered for the limited number of positions available each year, so the MSA would encourage those who may have applied before but not been successful, to consider reapplying this year.

[ Top ]

Another Winning Formula...   (07/05)

Cheshire-based Andrew Scales Racing Team had another successful weekend at Glan Y Gors Parc.

With the next FKS round to be held there, and only 2 weeks away, both ASR drivers were on top form once again. A successful timed qualifying showed both drivers top of the time sheets, and by this point King had also broken the lap recordm making it and even more dominant performance.

In the first heat, an ASR lockout on the front row proved successful for most of the race, with King eventually taking the Heat 1 win whilst Griffiths was 4th, with both drivers 1st and 2nd quickest. In Heat 2 King took the win again with Griffiths having a disastrous race and ending up 10th. With 3 down and 1 race to go could the team make it a 100% win record - the answer was yes with another lights to flag victory for King.  Fastest laps in all races proved another incredible performance for Andy and ASR, with Griffiths climbing from grid 8 to finish 4th, setting another second quickest time on his way and  making both team drivers a very recognisable force for the forthcoming KS round.
 
Team Manager Andrew Scales said "I am more than excited for the FKS round there which on the back on those results would make both drivers very strong favourites for the win."
 
For further information on joining the team please contact Andrew via email to andrewasr@rocketmail.com.

[ Top ]

Tony Kart Jnrs Dominate   (07/05)

Paul Spencer couldn't hide his delight after watching three of his drivers win the KF2 and KF3 finals at Angerville on Sunday (3 May), whilst hearing that Matteo Beretta had also qualified for the European Championship finals whilst competing at Sosnova (Czech Republic) and Gustavo Menezes - racing with Swedish partner team, Ward Racing - had also made the cut over in Genk (Belgium).
 
"I'm knackered, but delighted," he said. "Angerville is such a tricky circuit to work at because the track temperatures change so quickly, and when they do you have to completely alter the karts' set-ups. You can never relax, you are constantly working."
 
The team's efforts were to be rewarded with some superb individual performances from the drivers.
 
"Carlos (Sainz Junior) was on fire. Often his rivals were able to match his pace, but if one went quicker his mechanic would raise his finger and Carlos would respond."
 
Sainz delivered a flawless performance throughout the weekend, fastest in Timed Qualifying, the Spanish teenager then won all his heats and the two finals - marking himself as one of the favourites for overall glory at the KF3 finals which will be held at Zuera, Spain in July (11/12). Carlos' team-mate, Guilherme Silva endured a torrid European Qualifier debut, but showed character and maturity to finish a highly-creditable 7th overall. Just one place behind him in his regional qualification's rankings, was Gustavo Menezes.
 
Paul commented, "Gustavo also did a good job. He's continuing to improve and he did well to adapt to working with a different team and achieve what we all wanted - to make it through to the finals at Zuera."
 
His praise for his KF2 drivers was equally - if not more - fulsome to that of his Juniors. "To win both finals with two different drivers is a great advert for the Tony Kart Junior Team. It also shows that the equipment - the EVR chassis and the Vortex engines - are extremely good. At one point I thought we were going to have a one, two, three on the podium with Chris Lock, Luke Wright and Ben Cooper all running at the front. As it was, Jorge Pescador took 2nd on the same equipment and we were still 1st, 3rd and 4th. Luke took his first podium with us and put in a storming drive to come from 25th on the grid to 3rd. Chris won it, but sadly crashed out of the second race, whilst Ben took victory in that and left France as the number one-ranked driver."
 
He added, "For Ben and Chris' first year at this level and in the KF2 class, they're doing brilliantly. I'm really, really pleased for them. I am very confident for Essay. Each of the boys delivered something exceptional and I think they all have a very good chance when we return to France. Carlos must be a favourite for the Spanish final now and I expect Guilherme to be in the top ten also."

Photographs courtesy of Philippe Kalmes/KSP.

[ Top ]

Rissy's Pelican Trophy   (07/05)
 
The race meeting at Rissington Kart Club last weekend, despite the fluctuating temperatures, produced some very hot racing!
 
It was also the annual running of the Pelican Trophy which is awarded to the winner of the Senior Rotax class, and this year was won by Jacques Jensen in a really tight final. The magnificent trophy was given to the club by the RAF aerobatic display teamm The Red Pelicans, who were stationed at Little Rissington. Jacques didn't perform any 'barrel rolls' but it was a great display and a well deserved win.
 
However, Senior Rotax drivers were not the only ones to provide exciting racing as with over a 160 entries the grids for all classes were well contested. The Cadets had a strong showing with over 25 entries including 5 novices! Junior TKM was not to be outdone and they had a grid of 25 including 5 novices as well.
 
The grids getting larger is surely an endorsement that Rissington is a great track on which to compete and learn your race craft. You don't have to be a member or competing in the club championship to practice and race at one of the best drivers' circuits in the country. Rissy has fast wide sweeping bends, billiard smooth racing surface, and big run off areas which makes it a real buzz to drive on.
 
The next meeting is on the 7th of June 2009. The following classes race at the Little Rissington circuit on the first weekend of each month from March through to November: Cadets, Junior TKM, TKM Extreme, Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Rotax and Rotax 177. Gearbox 125, 210 and 250's.
 
For more info about the track and facilities and entry forms see www.rissykartclub.com.

[ Top ]

Two FKS Drives Available   (06/05)

Team Dynomite, in association with Sportdevices Dynamometers, have an opportunity for two Formula Kart Star cadet drivers to join us.

We have two spaces available, one sponsored drive and one subsidised drive. Interested drivers should email their details or call for further information but be quick, as demand is expected to be high.

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

For further information email info@sportdevices.co.uk, or phone Alistair on 01924 242793 or 07836 217193.  Or, come along and see us to the GYG round of the Formula Kart Stars championship, where we will have our mobile dyno in operation.

Sportdevices - For your dyno and rolling road requirements. Visit www.sportdevices.co.uk.

[ Top ]

HKRC 50th Anniversary   (06/05)
 
HKRC is hosting a celebratory 50th Anniversary meeting, and rejuvenating the East Anglian Trophy on 13th/14th June at Kimbolton - the meeting also incorporates a round of the WTP championship.  There will be two full days of on track action for all classes - including a historic kart demonstrations and display area.  Special guests throughout the weekend, and opportunities to catch up with old friends.  Additional sponsor gifts and special prizes, such as 'Driver of the Day' will be awarded in addition to class trophies.  On Saturday evening there will be a hog roast with live entertainment.  Class entries will be limited to 34 to ensure excellent track time and value for money - so get your entries in quick!  Entry forms available from the web site or competition secretary. 
 
The weekend race format will consist of scrutineering on Friday evening and Saturday morning; 3 practice sessions, qualifying, and heat 1 on Saturday; with heat 2, pre-final and Grand Final on Sunday.  A timed format for qualifying and racing has been adopted, with some 50+ minutes of competitive track time included within an all inclusive entry fee of £75.  The prestigious East Anglian Trophy class trophies, and a perpetual shield for class winners are up for grabs!
 
For more information and details click on the flyer on the right for a larger version, or look at the HKRC web site - www.hkrc.co.uk.

Keep looking on the website for more news and updates - special guest hopefully to be confirmed this week!

[ Top ]

2-Day Dadson Masters Event   (06/05)

For the first time in its 8 year history the Dadson Masters Series will compete in a 2 day event! June the 20th & 21st will see the Dadson Masters road show visit the Welsh Kart Championship at Llandow.

Dannie of Dadson said "We absolutely consider it an honour to be invited to this precious occasion and can't thank Llandow Kart Club enough. Llandow has always held a special place in the heart of the Dadson Series. The welcome we always get from the circuit, club and its members is overwhelming. Being part of this event and the activities surrounding it is really exiting, considering many Dadson Masters drivers camp on site the added bonus of a hog roast & light refreshment at the bar is apt, it is after all, the camaraderie that makes the Dadson Masters series. Furthermore there are several sponsors to the Dadson Masters Series we can now associate our series with many of the most prominent karting companies in the UK today and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all".

At every Dadson round each signed-on competitor is automatically entered into a draw where the winner receives a FREE set of slicks, courtesy of JAG!

Testing is also available on Friday 19th so come along and practise at the South Wales Karting Centre.

So go on - do the Dadson, the only series for the more mature racer with big grids and someone to race whatever your ability - you'll always find somebody of a similar standard to race against in this series.

For further information regarding support services including prices take a look on our website at www.dadsonmotorsport.co.uk. Alternatively, or for any other enquiry, please call Dannie or Steve on 07762 675430.

[ Top ]

Jensen's 5 In A Row!   (05/05)
 
Jacques Jensen has been on top form during the past few months, winning no less than 5 Club Championship races on the trot at Mansell Raceway (Dunkeswell), Shenington and Rissington.

The Mansell Motorsport team driver puts these wins down to a great Redspeed chassis and technical support from Bristol based Revolution Racing Engines.

The engine builder formerly known as JC Tuned and recently renamed Revolution, have been working hard to ensure their engines always have the edge and are hoping to build on their 23 championship wins in 2008.

For more information about Revolution engines call John on 01454 311588.

[ Top ]

EPEC Round 1   (05/05)

Baron Racing grabbed glory after an astonishing wet performance but not before MS Lucas fought back, leading to a very close finish.
 
In total 31 teams made it to Teesside for the 1st round of the EPEC Championship Results. Full results will be posted on www.teessidekarting.co.uk by end of week.
 
The next round at Sittingbourne, Bayford Meadows should hopefully see even more teams joining the grid.
 
Bob Pope and all the team would like to say a BIG thank you to all competitors from everyone at Teesside, and we're also looking forward to the Le Mans & British 24hrs later in the year.

[ Top ]

Strong Showing At FKS   (05/05)
 
The multiple championship winning RL Race Team produced a strong showing in the Cadet & Minimax classes at the first round of the Formula Kart Stars held at Kimbolton.
 
In the Cadet ranks team driver Matthew Arnold, in his first ever championship race, narrowly missed out on direct qualification to the 'A' final with a grid 3 start in the 'B' final. From there he found his feet a little too late with dropping him back to 14th by the flag, but never the less a good effort for the Ipswich lad.

His team mate, Ryan Morgan from Wrexham North Wales, did well in the heats with a top 15 start in the 'A' Final, but a crash in the first corner put an end to his assault on the top 6 six which he was certainly capable of. Fellow driver from the RL stable, also driving a Tonykart Rocky, Harry Webb had a strong performance in the heats giving him grid 5 for the 'A' Final. He duly converted that into a top 3 position for the majority of the race and going into the final 3 laps Webb now led a six kart train. Still leading into the final lap, Webb's inexperience showed as he lapsed slightly when braking with 4 corners to go, and left himself stranded in 6 place at the flag - a very disappointing result for the lad from Norfolk, but also a massive bag of points leaving him 4th overall in the standings.

In the Minimax class the team drivers - Shaun Arnold, Ashley England & Luke Hughes had all shown rapid pace in testing, but it would be Hughes who took his pace in testing through to the race.

Arnold & England both had a torrid timed qualifying and found themselves starting in the repercharge where the top four finishers progress into the main final. Arnold struggled with a right front puncture and took no further part but England left it all to the last minute, snatching 4th place on the last corner to take that all important last qualifying place for the 'A' Final.

England could not help but get caught in a first corner shunt and Hughes, after scrapping for the lead for 12 laps, was collected by another driver ending his campaign for this round - a shame after such a good effort. Luke, along with his team mate Webb, are proving they can and will be challenging for the silverware with RL Race Team in 2009.

Race Team Manager, Steve Armstrong would like to say congratulations to all the drivers and we hope to continue our success onward.

For info on the team please contact Steve Armstrong by email to steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk, or telephone +44 (0)7843 586416 or +44 (0)1502 716200.

[ Top ]

Roy Johnson Signs   (01/05)
 
The most successful Cadet racer Britain has ever produced will lead team's KF3 attack.
 
By the end of last year, Roy Johnson had secured his name in the record books as the most successful driver in Cadet karting history - winning the British MSA, Super 1, Open and Kart Masters titles all in one season.
 
The 13 year-old from Pelsall, South Staffordshire will now graduate to the KF3 class with Steve Green's DR Racing Kart UK outfit.
 
"I'm hoping that with the help of Steve and his team, I'll move up the grid very quickly. He's one of the top men in karting and hopefully we will soon be challenging for victories," Roy said.
 
He added, "We'd previously toyed with other makes of chassis, but the DR was very good straight away. It's nicely made and I'm very pleased to be given the opportunity to race it in the UK."
 
Steve Green says, "It goes without saying that we're delighted to have a driver of Roy's calibre working with us. His results from last year speak volumes about his ability and we're all very excited about the season ahead. Roy will compete in the Formula Kart Stars and Super 1 series - and I have to say, I can't wait for our first race together."
 
Roy's debut with the team will be at the second round of the British Super 1 Championship at Shenington in Oxfordshire this coming weekend (9/10 May).
 
To arrange a test or find out more about the DR range, call Steve on 01252 851162 or 07980 776000
 
Alternatively, visit www.drracingkartuk.com.
 
DR Racing Kart UK - Your passion is our passion.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Grice Racing Rebuilds   (01/05)

After another dominant Super 1 round, Grice Engines helped Harrison Scott and Ed Brand to pre-final wins, with Harrison 2nd in second final. Sadly the weekend couldn't be rounded off in winning style after a mechanic incorrectly fitted card floats causing the engine not to start for the final.

Grice Racing are now fitting and sealing motors with 09 cylinders, and have extensively tested engines with these cylinders in all 3 classes. Please call for prices as these junior motors cannot be raced until 1st June 2009 at the earliest.
 
We're also still running their ever popular credit crunch special rebuilds, with prices as detailed below...

KF2/3: £315
Rotax: £315
TKM: £160
Cadet: £130
Rotary, Reed: £165
 
The only extras are the starter motor, clutch and dyno.

For more information on Grice Racing visit our website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

Race Engineer/Mechanic Vacancy   (01/05)

One of the UK's leading International Kart Teams is looking for a Team Race Engineer and Workshop Mechanic.
 
Duties will include:
Preparation of Karts for European, Super One and Club Meetings
Preparation of Driver Training Karts
Race Engineering to leading International Drivers at the European and Super One Championships
Organisation of Company's Vehicles and Awnings for race meetings
 
Suitable applicants should have a knowledge of kart racing, be personable and comfortable when dealing with the general public, and self motivated, with the ability to work unsupervised in the workshop.
 
Please contact Gary Chapman on 01280 814774 or protrain@karttraining.co.uk for further details and to arrange an interview.  Please send your CV to 6 Hillcrest Way, Buckingham MK18 1HJ.

[ Top ]

Brand Value Rises...   (01/05)
 
Just two rounds in to this year's British Super 1 Championship, and already Ed Brand is shaping up to be a serious contender for overall honours at the end of the season. The CRG Dark Knight driver took his second victory at the spectacular Rowrah circuit in Cumbria last weekend (25/26 April).
 
Brand was too hot to handle in Timed Qualifying and duly posted the fastest lap to secure pole position for his two eliminatory heats. The first of which he won comfortably, crossing the line over two seconds ahead of his closest rival. A tougher second heat saw Ed just pip the third-placed driver by four one-hundredths of a second - but it was enough to secure the number one position on the grid for the first of Sunday's two finals.
 
"The circuit has been resurfaced recently, making it much smoother and faster - but almost impossible to set the kart up perfectly for prior to racing. I was fortunate that my kart felt very good from the word 'go' and again in the final, it was ballistic," Ed explained.
 
Although he was chased hard, Ed romped to a dominant win - his second of the campaign.
 
"Once I'd survived the opening corners, I was quickly able to get my head down and open a gap. With everyone fighting hard behind me, that gave me the opportunity I needed to make the break."
 
However, there is a phlegmatic saying in the sport to sum up the unexpected lows, 'that's motor racing.' As the field streamed out of the pits and onto the undulating Cumbrian circuit, Ed discovered that his engine had developed a mystery gremlin.
 
"It just wouldn't run properly at all. I think something in the carburettor had broken and I had to quickly return to the pits to see if my team could fix it. Unfortunately, in the few seconds they had available before the start, nothing could be done and I had to get out of the kart and become a spectator."
 
He added, "I sulked for a few minutes, but then got over it. I've had three podiums out of four, so we're going quite well - but I'm 5th in the points now and this shows that consistency will be crucial over the rest of the season."
 
The Super 1 Championship next visits Buckmore Park, in Kent (13/14 June) where Ed will be hoping that another strong performance will put him top of the table.
 
Discover more about Ed and his career, by visiting www.edbrandracing.net.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Jnr TKM & Minimax Offer   (30/04)

Following the great success of our March and April offer, Llandow Kart Club are offering Junior TKM and MiniMax drivers a complete weekends racing for only £50 for our May and July meetings.

For £50 you get a full Saturday practice and a full Sunday race meeting at one of the best tracks in the UK and with some of the friendliest people! Great racing at a great track for only £50.

For more information on the club and circuit, and to download an entry form, visit www.llandowkartclub.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Euro Max Challenge   (29/04)

Defending champions RL Race Team have spaces available for Arrive & Drive packages or equipment carriage and awning space packages for the Euro Max Challenge.

The next round is at Busca in Italy and the end of May and the team have just 2 spaces left, and just 1 remaining space for the last 2 rounds in Czech republic and France respectively.
 
STOP PRESS: RL Race Team sign Colombian talent Tatiana Calderon to contest the remaining rounds of the Euro Max Challenge!
 
For information and a quote, or for any other enquiry regarding the team, please contact Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 or on email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Simpson & Scott Victorious   (29/04)
 
RL Race Team's Michael Simpson took a stunning victory in the senior Rotax final on Sunday at Round 2 of the 2009 Super One Series held at Rowrah in Cumbria.
 
After setting the fastest time in his group in timed qualifying plus a 2nd and 1st placing in his heats, the former British Champion gridded 2nd for the pre-final where he dropped back early on but came back through to take 2nd place.  In the break between the pre and main final Michael and team manager Steve Armstrong made the difficult decision to make 3 major alterations to chassis and engine but the consequent time the changes found gave Simpson the speed needed to win the race. He took the lead on lap four into the first hairpin and was never unseated from there on. He took the flag in fine style, boosting his position in the overall standings to 2nd.
 
Simpson's team mate and rival for the UK title, Euromax ace Tom Fawcett, had a torrid Saturday with a broken chain in timed qualifying and a drastic lack of speed in the wet heat. This left him high and dry but Sunday came and a new start for the Pontefract youngster as he climbed to 9th from last place on the grid in heat 2.  A solid drive in each final from a lowly grid gave him 8th and 6th place finishes respectively, with fastest lap in the pre final. Fawcett now lays 4th in the points.
 
In the MiniMax ranks RL Race Team have, in Ashley England & Harrison Scott, two of the fastest young talents in the UK. England, similar to his team mate Fawcett, had a terrible Saturday with a difficult TQ session leaving him 25th overall followed by a technical issue in heat 1. Sunday came and things changed for the Brentwood lad with a win and fastest lap from grid 15 in the repercharge and again, starting from the very back he climbed to 20th in the pre-final. A great drive in the main final saw Ashley climb to a stunning 9th place.
 
His team mate and UK number 6 seed Harrison Scott all but dominated proceedings with wins in both heats and the pre final, only to lapse for a millisecond whilst defending the last lap of an exciting main final, leaving him stranded in 2nd place.  But overall it was an awesome weekend for Harrison who is really finding his feet at the very front of the UK MiniMax class and is now entered for the European Rotax series in Junior to raise his profile again and gain some continental karting experience. After a DNF in final 2 at the first round he is now up to 5th in the points.
 
The team now travel to North Wales to the Glan-Y-Gors circuit for a club meeting and then Round 2 of the Formula Kart Stars series before heading on to Euromax Round 2 in Italy.
 
For information on joining the RL Race Team or any other enquiries please contact Race Team Manager Steve Armstrong on +44 (0)7843 586416 or on email steve_rlraceteam@hotmail.co.uk.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Jack Takes Shock Win   (29/04)

Jack Barlow scored a superb - if unexpected - triumph at the challenging Rowrah circuit on Sunday (26 April).
 
After a strong showing in practice, followed by recording the ninth fastest lap in Timed Qualifying, the Wavertree Motorsport driver opened his account with a well-judged 2nd place in Saturday's only heat. So far so good. But things started to unravel the following morning, when during the Warm Up session, he and his team discovered that they were half a second off the pace. The problem was quickly traced to tyre issues, and the 13 year-old prepared for his first heat with renewed confidence.
 
It was to be short-lived. In a scrappy race, the East Sussex youngster tangled with a rival leading to "a trip into the scenery" - although he did finish a creditable 8th. An encouraging word from dad Paul however, was sufficient to bring back the Barlow spirit and, having qualified in 5th place for the Pre-Final, Jack and his team were beginning to believe that they might just be capable of pulling off a shock result at a circuit Jack has only visited once before.
 
A series of incisive moves saw him quickly propel his Octane chassis from the 3rd row into 2nd place. On the last lap, he went for the lead, but found Kyle Fowlie in no mood to give up without a fight - "We ran towards a corner and I went to put my kart down Kyle's inside", Jack explained. "He blocked me, so I switched to the outside of the corner to run deeper into the corner and then cut back on his inside again. Unfortunately I clipped him, hit the back of his radiator and became hooked on his rear bumper."
 
After disentangling himself, Jack fought his way back up to 6th but the officials took a dim view of his over-exuberant move and handed him a four second penalty - putting him down to 12th place.
 
As he prepared to drive out of the pits for the Main Final, Wavertree team boss, Matt Napolitano had some last minute advice for Jack. "I thought, 'Oh I'm not going to win now but a top five finish would be good' but Matt said to me, 'Just get through the start and you'll be okay'."
 
As the field stampeded into the tight right-hander, Jack was "bashed all over the place" but he did what he'd been told and survived the opening lap. From there, he began top pick his way through the melee, and now with the speed he'd shown in practice, he was able to get up to third place - "I was shadowing the first and second-placed drivers and we came across a back-marker. She pointed them through but didn't see me and chopped back onto the racing-line and almost took the nosecone off my kart."
 
This allowed the lead pair to pull away again but Jack was eventually able to lap the tail-ender and close in again. He took second by diving late on the brakes into the first hairpin and set about wresting the lead from Harrison Scott. In a carbon copy of the Pre-Final, Jack waited until the last lap to make his move and bravely decided to repeat his earlier, ill-fated manoeuvre. At the second time of asking, it worked to perfection and with just enough of a gap, he held on in the dash to the chequered flag.
 
"It was unbelievable!" he beamed. "I'm over the moon but I never expected it though. Not after the earlier dramas. This has fired me up for the next round and the rest of the Championship now. I'm third in the points table but we go to Buckmore Park (in Kent) next and it's a circuit I know well. This win has boosted my confidence."

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

RDA Driver Workshops   (28/04)

The Race Drivers Academy, based at Silverstone Circuit has launched a series of one day modules aimed at helping drivers to achieve their full potential, on and off track.

Following the success of their modular and education based programmes over the past 9 years the RDA has decided that drivers should have even greater access to the information available, and over a far more flexible timescale.

"Although we have great success with our long term modular delivery of our driver development and educational programmes we feel that drivers now need greater flexibility in delivery and in cost." Say's Seb King from the RDA. "The 1 day workshops offers this and at a more affordable price point."

The 1 day courses lead with Sponsorship & PR and aim at greatly assisting the drivers with their understanding of the current Economic climate and how best to approach companies in order to obtain support. In addition it looks at how to generate the driver's brand, and to establish the correct relationships with the media. Other 1 day workshops are also available in Media Training, Data Logging and Interpretation & Race Car Set-up.

For further information please contact Seb King on 01327 856111 or email sk@racedriversacademy.com.

[ Top ]

SYKC 'W' Plate Meeting   (28/04)

Yes its that time again, the SYKC's 'W' Plate is here on the10th May with practice on the 9th.

Why not come along and challenge the '08 W Plate winners - entries are coming in thick and fast so it looks like being a busy one!

Plus, we will also have the long awaited grand opening of our new race control which is bigger and better than anyone anticipated. It boasts a first aid treatment room, signing on area, marshals room, scruitineering area, 2 clerks rooms, timing room, and a huge 2nd floor viewing area. This will be officially opened on Sunday by Mrs Eileen Wilson.

As usual there will be plenty going on during the Saturday evening for all those staying over, with a BBQ (get your tickets early - £3.50 per adult and £2.50 per child), karaoke, and fun and games for all the family.

Get your entries in early to Competition Secretary Judith Hambleton, The Croft,Redbourne Rd, Hibaldstow, N. Lincs, DN20 9EE. Entry forms are available from www.sykc.fsnet.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Formula TKM Touch And Go   (28/04)
 
The all new Formula TKM 2-stroke TAG (touch and go) engine first revealed as a prototype at Kartmania Show, has gone on sale with a healthy order book for orders.
 
The TAG option TKM BT82 engine has undergone significant modifications to allow fitment of the new components but remains with similar performance to the original direct drive engine and will race alongside it within the Formula TKM Junior and Senior Extreme classes. An updated engine fiche provides full technical details.
 
Announcing the TAG specification engine, TKM boss Alan Turney said: "We wanted to have the best TAG system out there so we have waited until the components have been thoroughly tried and tested. We think the optional TAG engine will be a big bonus to newcomers, especially those stepping up from Cadets."
 
The new engine costs £1175 plus VAT complete with all electrical fittings, battery, mount etc. It is available in both Junior 100cc and Senior 115cc Extreme spec. The cost is the same for both.
 
Adds Alan Turney: "What we have is a bullet-proof easy to use engine with a quality electronics package at an incredibly competitive price."
 
The new TAG engine has a revised crankcase, modified crankshaft, high quality starter motor, new ultra strong clutch and new specification ignition system with built in over-rev guard. Its benefits include a clever electronics package which re-charges the battery once the engine has started, avoiding the common problem of a flat battery.
 
The complete system weighs only about 6 kg more than the current clutch engine, a weight penalty easily absorbed by many young drivers who have to add large amounts of weight to bring them up to the required minimum.
 
The TAG engine is now on sale and eligible to race. There is a waiting list for engines and manufacturers Tal-Ko are working flat out to meet demand.

An extension to the BT82 engine fiche with full details is available as a download at www.tal-ko.com.

[ Top ]

Will Dendy Runs Marathon   (28/04)
 
Young British Karting star Will Dendy was told running the 26.6 miles of the 2009 London Marathon in a race suit and helmet was impossible! But Will Dendy knows that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Running for The Children's Trust, and raising over £500, he completed the marathon in 4:54 hours despite suffering from cramps, and near heat exhaustion. It was an absolutely incredible achievement! He had this to say - "I decided to do the London Marathon for the Children's Trust, which is the official charity of the Marathon this year, and decided to do it in my race gear to hopefully raise more money. I was told by some ex-SAS guys that if I ran in my race suit and helmet I would get heat stroke after 5 miles, but this goes to show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

It was mentally one of the hardest things I've ever done, since it was 22 degrees on the outside, and I had cramps for the last 13 miles. I will compete again in 2010 without my gear on and run it in under 3 hours.
 
The crowds provide such encouragement, clapping and cheering 'C'MON STIG' and "Some say he runs marathons". I'd also like to thank everyone who has donated to the Children's Trust so far!"
 
Will is accustomed to challenging the impossible as he prepares to race in the MSA British Karting Championship on the 8-10th May despite not having the large financial backing that is so common in the highest levels of karting. Racing the VRK kart chassis partnered with Iztech Kart Seats what lessons has Will learnt from his Marathon achievement that can be applied in KF1?
 
"I've always believed that if you put your mind to something, anything is possible and completing the marathon dressed as I was just proves that point even more. People said for me to do TKM Super 1 would be impossible and I did it anyway. It was the same with the Marathon. Now KF1 will be my next big challenge!"
 
Donations are still being accepted for Will Dendy's Marathon achievement. Here is his JustGiving.com site - www.justgiving.com/willdendy.
 
Keep up to date with Will Dendy on his official website at www.willdendy.com.

Photographs courtesy of Julian Mason (running) and Alan Dove (racing).

[ Top ]

Tom Duggan Prepares For FPA   (27/04)

North Yorkshire's British Karting champion is preparing for the opening race in his maiden season in the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Brands Hatch on 2/3 May.

FPA will be Duggan's first experience of racing in single seaters, but he will certainly be one to watch having stormed to the 2008 Stars of Tomorrow British KZ1 Karting crown last year. Now renamed Formula Kart Stars and championed by 2008 Formula One World Champion, FKS will be supporting Tom throughout his season in Formula Palmer Audi as part of the Will Hoy Scholarship initiative.

"It is fantastic that Formula Kart Stars is supporting me this year," said Duggan, "as they really help young drivers to progress up the motorsport ladder. Without their help I would not have been able to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity in Formula Palmer Audi, so I have a lot tot hank them for. Formula Kart Stars helped me develop not just on the track but also away from it, in terms of dealing with the press and self-promotion; all these aspects are really important, and they help make FKS a great championship  for all ambitious youngsters who want to move from karts to cars."

The first round of the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi championship takes place alongside the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, which attracts huge crowds. Early season points are at stake in the two races as the drivers chase the champion's prize of a £50,000 scholarship towards a drive in the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship. "I'm really looking forward to my first race and I can't wait to get back in the car. Brands Hatch is a brilliant circuit, and with FPA supporting A1GP it will be great exposure for both myself and my sponsors."

With a cosmopolitan grid of 18 drivers from across Europe currently signed up to compete, the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship is shaping up to be an incredibly close and competitive season. "All the drivers in FPA are much more experienced then me in single seater terms," Tom admits, "so it is going to be very tough this year. I have a lot to learn in very little time, but I will push as hard as I can and just see how it goes".

Duggan has already had a few outings in the FPA car at Bedford Autodrome, including the annual pre-season test on 6 April. "The media day at Bedford was a great chance to meet all the competitors and get to know the FPA team. Even though it was hard to gauge exactly how quick everyone was I felt the group test went well. Certainly I was happy with the days work, especially as I was not far off the pace of the front-runners - not bad considering it was only my third time in the car!"

Keep up-to date with Tom's 2009 season on his official website - www.tomduggan.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Selling Your Prokart?   (27/04)
 
Prokart grids at Warden Law are going from strength to strength under the guidance of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club. The strong entry on the 1st Sunday of the month along with some very competitive racing at a sensible budget has seen the prokart grid grow this year. This has led to a surge in enquires to the kart shop for good quality second hand karts from people new to the sport wanting to join the class. Unfortunately we cannot keep up with the demand!
 
We want this growth to continue and as such have introduced some new services. We are now happy to display your kart in our showroom, or on our new pre-owned equipment board and on our website. We already have a list of customers looking for prokarts.
 
If you are selling your equipment please call The Kart Shop @ Warden Law on 0191 521 4050 or email shop@kartingnortheast.com for further details.

[ Top ]

Calling All Racers...   (24/04)
  
How would you fancy racing overseas, but still use Sterling and not Euros?

Well come on over and race in Northern Ireland at Ulster Kart Club's next meeting at Nutts Corner on 2nd & 3rd May 2009. It's our biggest race of the year - The Irish Kart Grand Prix!

Remember, this is the May bank holiday weekend so you have all day on Monday to get home, or whilst you're here why not take a couple of days holiday around our wonderful coast!
 
For further information visit www.ulsterkartingclub.com which includes details of hotels, B&B's, etc. Or visit www.nikarting.com for all travel arrangements. Our Comp Sec Peter Rutherdale is also available on telephone 028 3832 1832.

See you in May!

[ Top ]

Get Results With Iztech   (24/04)

Iztech Kart Seats are constantly working with established teams to achieve outstanding results. We have many drivers out there winning races on our flexible carbon & aramid seats - the drivers all report excellent feedback and comfort. This aids set-up and reduces lap times! Take a look at the following roll-call...

12.04.09 - MSA Formula Kart Stars British Championship - Josh White, running out of Fusion Motorsport, is leading the championship after the first two rounds. He is also lying 2nd in Super 1 Cadets.

12.04.09 - Super 1 TKM and Honda Cadet - GYG. In TKM Junior 4 stroke, this report in from Alan Turney from Tal-Ko... "Iztech seats take first and second at Glan-y-Gors on Sunday. Will Thomas won and Max (Haynes) came second. Will gridded up on pole with Max starting 7th. Such is the consistency of the Iztech seat, Max managed a superb 2nd place in the final. Will set fastest lap in the final (45.43) with Max next up (45.44)". In TKM Junior 2 stroke Will Van Es finished in 3rd place despite being pushed wide fighting for the lead - a great comeback! In Honda Cadet Callum Ilott achieved fastest lap in the A final and would have finished 3rd but for a 3 place penalty.

05.04.09 - Cub Championship GYG. In WTP/Honda Cadet there were 5 Iztech seat users in the top 10 of the A final - including 1st and 2nd places! In Junior TKM there was a brilliant 1st place for Will Van Es using a flexible IZ3. Finally, in Comer Cadet, SAS Motorsport's Jake Walker crossed the line in first place after making up a fantastic 6 places.
 
26.03.09 - This report in from Dan Hazlewood of Fusion Motorsport: "Josh White finished 3rd and 2nd at the first 2 rounds of S1 at PFI. Max Vaughan qualified 2nd in timed practice."
 
22.03.09 - Alex Nuttall  had a fantastic weekend at Whilton Mill, recording a 5th, 4th and 1st in the heats, qualifying 2nd for the final where he took 1st place in Junior TKM - 2 stroke!  Alex uses the IZ1 Twaron as do Andrew Gunn and Max Haynes - in fact there were 4 Iztech seats in the top 5 of the 3rd heat!

08.03.09 Alex Nuttall (the Iztech works driver!) achieved a good 2nd place in all the heats and the final in Junior TKM at Kimbolton.

08.03.09 - Super 1 Formula TKM Round 1. Will Thomas won the final with Max Haynes coming third. Will was using a lightweight Iztech seat and Max was using a soft Iztech seat and floor tray.

For more information on the entire range visit www.iztechkartseats.com or call Kevin on 07967 757096.

[ Top ]

New On-Board Video Camera   (23/04)

Karting magazine are now distributors of the superb GoPro Motorsports Hero Wide on-board digital video camera, as used by Martin Capenhurst to film his Jet Kart test in the latest issue.

This tiny waterproof and shockproof camera is great for karting and can be stuck, bolted or suction-mounted onto just about anything including your kart or helmet! Developed at the track, the camera shoots TV resolution 30fps 170° wide angle video with sound tuned to capture the sounds of driving at the limit. The video is saved to an SD card (not included) - a 2GB card holds 56 minutes. Two NiMH or Lithium AAA batteries (not supplied) power the camera.
 
To see actual footage from a Motorsports Hero Wide camera, either go to page 76 of the online edition of the May 2009 issue of Karting magazine for the Jet Kart test or click here to view action from the SuperNationals XII event at Las Vegas.
 
The GoPro Motorsports Hero Wide kit is £199.99 including digital camera, housing, quick-release mounts, base plates, triple pivot suction cup and UK P&P. To order visit www.kartingmagazine.com or phone 01689 897123.

[ Top ]

Easykart Championship  (22/04)
 
After last year's hugely successful visit to the Glamorgan circuit, Llandow has rightfully kept its place on the Easykart calendar. Here's a look forward to this weekend's action in Wales.
 
Senior Light:
Last season, Sam Smithson pipped Terry Langley in the Senior Light category at the Welsh venue to keep his title hopes alive, and take the Championship down to the wire at the season finale at Whilton Mill.
 
In a neat twist we return to Llandow after first visiting the Northamptonshire track back in March - and it is reigning champion Langley who will clearly want to build on his first round win, whilst Smithson will be looking for a return to form after having a nightmare (by his standards) at Whilton. If both are able to run at the front, then surely they'll find their rear bumpers crowded by a multitude of drivers - not least, Elliot Rice, newcomer Oliver Scullion, the impressive Alex Vincent and, of course, Adrian Crockett.
 
Look out for Sam Dimlow too. The former TKM driver was hugely impressive at Whilton, but was unfortunately excluded for being marginally underweight. With a bit of lead on his kart - or a few big dinners inside him - he has to be considered as a potential race winner come Sunday.
 
Junior: 
In 2008, the private Junior class battle between Elliott Rice and Jack Sales was resolved at Llandow when the former went for the points - and the first Easykart Junior crown - rather than risk a collision going for the top step of the podium. With both now in the Seniors, they'll be looking to upset their older rivals' party and settle another round of their ongoing friendly rivalry.
 
Connor Hambleton drove well there last year and will be a favourite for honours this weekend, but keep an eye out for the consistently quick Patrick Lay, Brad Fairhurst and Christopher Waldock. All will surely be on the pace - and if one of the possible April showers falls during the race, who knows what will happen? According to his Easykart.co.uk forum comments, the appropriately named William Hill is gambling on it.
 
Cadet: 
Harrison Thomas will be the sole Welsh competitor at Llandow. On his travels elsewhere in the Championship, he may well be aware of 'hiraeth' - effectively a longing for home - and racing on home soil must be inspiring for him and worth at least a couple of extra tenths. Third in the Cadet final at Whilton, expect the lad from Merthyr to produce a little Welsh wizadry.
 
If he is to succeed, then he'll have to overcome two class acts, first round winner and runner-up, James DeHavillande and Ronan McKenzie. The pair was inseparable at Whilton and provided great entertainment for the spectators.
 
Heavy Senior: 
It would take a very brave man to bet against Barnaby Pittingale repeating his first round win - but the ever-improving Will Smith deserves a punt. Whereas the 2007 World Finals victor is one of the most flamboyant drivers you'll ever have the pleasure of watching (or competing against), Will is his very antithesis. The quiet Suffolk man is oh-so smooth, with a style reminiscent of a Prost or Button to Pittingale's Villeneuve.
 
The ever popular Tim Hill enjoyed his best Easykart result to date at the Whilton opener and will want to prove that it was no flash in the pan. Similarly, Mark Lawrence, Glen Beard and, of course, Brian Parias are quick, committed and tough racers. Parias had a nightmare at Whilton, whilst the former pair had strong runs into the top six places. All will be in the mix.
 
On a sad note, it appears that budgetary constraints appear to have (hopefully temporarily) deprived us of Oli George being around to defend his title. If that's the case, we wish him a speedy return.
 
If you're considering making the swap from your current category or starting kart racing, Sunday's event is a great way to meet the drivers and talk to them about what they enjoy about Easykart and get advice and information from the UK importer, Andy Cox and series promoter, John Vigor. The action starts from 10:00am at Llandow, near Cowbridge.
 
Visit www.easykart.co.uk for more information. 

[ Top ]

Strong Start For Parrott   (22/04)

Jason Parrott sounded a strong warning to his competitors in the European Kart Championship at La Conca in Italy this weekend, not only winning a competitive race that was complicated by a rain shower, but also scoring points in the other race in a kart most would have regarded as undriveable.
 
After qualifying sixth in timed practice, Jason, on a Birel/Parilla, started well and drove consistently to take two third places and a second in the heats, and after those results was the highest scoring driver overall.
 
In Race 1, Jason led for most of the first lap, but lost it at the last corner although he stayed with the new leader. Then after three laps the power valve came loose on the engine and Jason had to adjust it manually throughout the lap. At first he lost several places but once he figured it out he stabilized in ninth, lapping one-handed but close to the speed of the leaders. Finnish driver Simo Puhakka won the race.
 
Jason's tyres were in good condition after being forced to take it easy in the first final and he overtook competitors on each lap, until he took the lead on the last corner and pulled away. Soon after it started to rain and Jason's lead increased, but as rain got heavier he slowed down to stay safe and won by half a second from his teammate at MGM Racing, Miika Kunranta.
 
"I knew we would start on the inside in the second race and we were very fast, so we arrived at the front straight away and I managed to get a gap," said Jason.
 
"At the end I went slowly because of the rain. It's always difficult to know how wet the track is when you're the first driver, but I knew there was a gap to second and that I could drive slower and not risk falling off."
 
The experience also helped to lay Jason's ghosts from last year's World Championship race, held at the same venue. "In the final I was in third and closing on the leaders and then my engine broke, so that was very disappointing".
 
Jason is now three points ahead of Puhakka in the European Championship, but his next race will be the World Cup at Suzuka, Japan, in a month's time before he heads to Spain to defend his championship lead in July.
 
Jason is supported by the top Rotax Max team he is a partner in, Tim Parrott Motorsport LLP, as well as MGM Racing and IAME.

[ Top ]

401 Entries For Qualifiers   (22/04)

The CIK-FIA has registered no fewer than 401 entries for the CIK-FIA European KF2 and KF3 Championship Qualifications!

The European KF2 and KF3 Championships have always been very popular with drivers, so in 2001 the CIK-FIA introduced the principle of regional qualifying events. These qualifying rounds have the distinctive feature of being held on the same weekend, the 30th April-3rd May 2009, at three different circuits as Europe has been divided into three regions for the occasion. Drivers from the "Northern" region will race on the Horensbergdam circuit of Genk (Belgium). Drivers from the "Western" region will meet in Angerville, 70 km South of Paris (France) and "Central" region Competitors will compete in Sosnova, near Ceska Lipa (Czech Republic).

These qualifying events will decide the 81 drivers who will compete in the CIK-FIA European Championship Final. Whilst the qualifying events for KF2 and KF3 drivers are combined, they will have separate finals; the European KF2 title will be decided on 2 August 2009 in Essay (Normandy, France), whilst KF3 Juniors will fight it out for their own European title on 12 July 2009 in Zuera, near Zaragossa (Spain).

Places in the final are allocated proportionately based on the number of entries in each of the regional qualifiers, with the final allocation for the CIK-FIA European Championship Finals as follows:
Northern Region Qualification (Genk/B) : first 26 in KF2, first 28 in KF3.
Western Region Qualification (Angerville/F) : first 24 in KF2, first 25 in KF3.
Central Region Qualification (Sosnova/CZ) : first 31 in KF2, first 28 in KF3.

Entry lists available at www.cikfia.com/News2009/genk.htm, www.cikfia.com/News2009/angerville.htm, and www.cikfia.com/News2009/sosnova.htm.

[ Top ]

ASR Shine In Debut Year   (21/04)
 
Cheshire based ASR Racing Team have shined in their debut year of racing. Having signed Andy King two days before the start of Super1 at Whilton Mill, excellent opportunities lay ahead and both Elliott Griffiths and Andy King impressed.

In Elliott's first year of national level racing and only his second overall he took 4th in his first heat from grid 14, followed by a 10th to put him 11th for the A Final in his first Super1 event. King also impressed, taking 2nd in heat 1 and 10th in heat 2 after a first corner incident. Eventually king climbed to 4th in the A Final, taking the fastest lap of the race on his way for good measure. Griffiths was the unfortunate victim of a first corner incident.

On to the first round of the Formula Kart Stars series and after a disastrous qualifying put King down in 20th he finished the race in 4th place, again collecting fastest lap on his way in a superb drive in the final.

After two fourth places in national racing it was nice to go to Buckmore Park for a pre-S1 warm up with a quality grid of front runners including Josh Webster, Ollie Varney, Elliott Griffths (ASR), Alex Magee, Luke Haynes and GP plate Lee Napolitano. After King secured pole in qualifying, he won his first heat and finished 5th in his pre final.  Starting 5th in his main final he moved up to 2nd on lap 9, catching the lead man Josh Webster. With Josh having a 1 and a half kart-length lead going over the line for the final lap, King knew he had to make the move and what a move it was! Commented on after the race as being the best move of the year, King capped a great drive and took the victory in superb style. This will only benefit him and the team as they make the trip up to Rowrah for the second round of the Super 1 championship this weekend.
 
Andrew Scales would like to congratulate his drivers on a superb start to the year, which will only get better.
 
For those interested in joining the team please contact Andrew by email at andrewasr@rocketmail.com.

[ Top ]

Drivers Always Get Results   (21/04)

Trent Valley Kart Club, the UK's premier Kart Club based at the PF International Kart racing circuit near Grantham are the first UK club to offer a race results download service to their competitors.

Making full use of the newly installed wireless infrastructure which already supplies Live Timing to the paddock, TVKC now allow competitors to download race results in PDF format as soon as they have been cleared by timekeeping and race control.

"We believe that offering our competitors electronic race results is just the first step, we are currently working with Supersport, our timing software partner, to identify other areas where we can offer data to all drivers, teams, mechanics and spectators in the paddock. Making the whole race weekend an interactive experience is something which we are very keen to do for all involved, we still have plans afoot to take the club to the next level" commented Nigel Edwards - Club Chairman.

For further details on any of the facilities at TVKC @ PFi contact the club by email at info@tvkc.co.uk, or visit the website at www.tvkc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

TVKC Staff Changes   (21/04)

It is with deep regret that Trent Valley Kart Club announces the resignation of their Competition & Membership Secretary, Debbie Sellers.
 
Debbie has successfully fulfilled this role for the past 18 months and has been a great asset to the TVKC team and its members.  Due to the success of the Formula Kart Stars UK championship and now co-ordinating the International series, Debbie's workload has greatly increased over the past couple of months.  Her long standing commitment to the FKS Championship means that to divide her time between Formula Kart Stars and TVKC would be compromised, and she would not be able to prioritise time for both. Although she cannot be involved directly, help and guidance will always be available when called upon.
 
As a result, Trent Valley Kart Club has appointed a new Competition & Membership Secretary, Lesley Richardson, who will commence this role from 4th May 2009.  Lesley has been the Club's Financial Director for the past 12 months and has been involved with karting and associated with TVKC, through her children, for the past 5 years. 
 
Hannah Edwards has been appointed as Deputy Competition Secretary and will assist Lesley and continue to help with running the race meetings.
 
Trent Valley Kart Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Debbie for her hard work and commitment to the Club and would like to wish her every success in her future with Formula Kart Stars.
 
Revised contact details can be found of the Club website - www.tvkc.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Euro Superkart Champs   (21/04)

Britain's Gavin Bennett (Anderson-FPE) made the perfect start in his bid to regain the European Superkart Championship at Magny Cours (F) on 17th-19th April.

Starting from the 2nd row he had some good fortune in race 1 when pole sitter Peter Elkmann (MS Kart-Yamaha) of Germany was involved in contact on the first turn and dropped back to 9th place. Bennett, chasing fellow Brit Lee Harpham (Anderson-FPE) then inherited the lead shortly after the half race distance when Harpham suffered a broken ignition trigger bracket. Reigning Champion Elkmann fought back strongly and battled with Frenchman Damien Payart (PVP-FPE) as they both gave chase to Bennett. But the 2007 Champion had 3.351 seconds to spare when he took the chequered flag from Payart 2nd and Elkmann 3rd.

John Riley (Anderson-Rotax) starting in 26th place after a dreadful qualifying session came strongly through the field to finish 4th. Malcolm Crowe (Anderson-FPE) was almost as impressive going from 25th to 6th. Marcel Maasmann (MS Kart-VM) confirmed his status as the top Dutch Superkart driver with an excellent 8th place. Less fortunate were Mark Owens (ADE-DEA) who started on the front row but went out on the 2nd lap with main bearing failure. Thomas Johansson (Anderson-FPE) of Sweden was going well when his race was ended by mechanical failure with just one lap to go. Carlo Chermaz (PVP-PVP) from Brisbane, Australia had a most creditable 13th place on his European Championship debut.

In race 2 Lee Harpham was the early leader but Peter Elkmann passed him on the 3rd lap and led for the next 7 laps.  But Bennett, who went past Harpham from 3rd to 2nd just after halfway, took the lead on lap 10 and held off a determined challenge as Elkmann fought back for the lead. Harpham was relieved to secure a finish as he came home in a deserved 3rd place. Likewise Mark Owens who was never out of the top 4 where he eventually finished. Damien Payart who had only qualified in 10th position, finished a strong 5th in front of Malcolm Crowe, once again having to come through from 25th on the grid.

British driver Carl Hulme (Anderson-FPE) 8th, had his 2nd top ten finish of the weekend as did fellow Brit Paul Kennings (Anderson-FPE) when finishing 9th, and Dutchman Marcel Maasmann, 10th this time.Carlo Chermaz 16th had his second top twenty finish.
So Gavin Bennett takes a perfect score to Most (CZ) next month but defending champion Peter Elkmann with a 2nd and a 3rd is well placed. Damien Payart would perhaps have hoped for better than a 2nd and 5th in his home country. Lee Harpham is clearly very fast but will have been hurt by the non-finish in race 1. Similarly John Riley's failure to complete race 2 was a severe blow to his championship aspirations.

Results & photos available at www.cikfia.com/News2009/MagnyCours.htm

[ Top ]

Solve Driver Problems!   (20/04)
 
- He won't listen to me
- He won't admit to his mistakes
- He winds me up, I lose my temper, and our weekend goes pear shaped again!
 
Take The Worry Out Of Your Weekend. Let Kart Coach get the best out of your driver. Happiness for little more than a set of tyres.
 
You know it makes sense... lights, air, electric and overnight parking at £49 per day.
 
Or, all of the above plus driver coaching, track walks and kart setup advice will improve speed and reduce your lap times - we guarantee it!
 
Beginners and experienced drivers welcome. All you need to succeed, just £139 per weekend.
 
Visit www.kartcoach.com for more information or phone Michael on 07881908291.
 
Shenington & Whilton Mill only.

[ Top ]

S1 Success For JKH   (20/04)

JKH Intrepid congratulates drivers Ryan Cole, Randal Lynn, David Eadon and Spencer Barrow on their recent Super One Series success.  After a great second place at the first round of the Super One TKM Series, held at Fulbeck, Ryan Cole went one better at Glan y Gors on his latest 2009 evolution JKH TKM kart for a magnificent win.  The Nottinghamshire driver had earlier picked up two heat wins, knocking off the lap record in the first one with a swift 45.18s lap round the North Wales circuit.  Dropping to third at the start, he soon worked himself into the leading position, saying: "The 2009 JKH kart was great, we were right on the pace all weekend from the moment we put the Kart on the circuit, and I just can't wait until the next round in Scotland."  Ryan is just two points off championship leader Randal Lynn, who proved that lap record times on a 2009 JKH were no fluke, setting a 45.29s fastest lap in the final on the way to third place.  David Eadon was in a handy fourth place, all using the latest 2009 JKH TKM. 
 
Whilton Mill in the Midlands was the scene of Spencer Barrow's success in Rotax Junior Max.  Utilising the new Intrepid Cruiser, he fairly cruised to victory in the second final to stand atop the podium.  Right in the fight all weekend, he had to settle for third in the first final and is only 2 points adrift of his team-mate at the top of the championship points table.  The next round is to be held in Cumbria on 26th April.  "The Cruiser has some great features, and they certainly enabled me take that win.  It gives me a lot of confidence for the championship this year," said Spencer. 
 
Visit www.jkhonline.co.uk for more details on these amazing karts.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Another Win For King   (20/04)

14 year old Adgespeed-backed Junior Rotax frontrunner Andy King travelled back down to Buckmore Park this weekend for some pre-Super 1 practice prior to June's Round 3 date and almost repeated his previous performance of a clean sweep were it not for a coolant spillage on track!

On only his 6th visit and 2nd as a Junior Rotax driver King set a blistering pace in Saturday practice, finishing off with a performance just 2 tenths away from the 2007 lap record, and the fastest recorded driver of the day throughout all classes.

A small (13) but quality grid of several Super 1 frontrunners who were also getting some last minute practice set the scene for some fantastic high quality racing, and none of them were to disappoint. In timed qualification King took the honours by a mere tenth of a second from Josh Webster, giving Andy a pole position start for heat 1. A text book start and lights to flag victory with no answer from the main opposition again gave King pole for the pre-final.

Another text book start saw the Rochdale youngster pull out a lead that would have been out of reach for the rest of the field, but a coolant spillage from another driver resulted in King hitting it first and covering his tyres resulting in a lack of traction. This allowed several drivers to take the advantage and pass leaving King having to drive as best he could to keep the kart on the black stuff. Several other competitors came in thinking they had punctured tyres because of the change in handling only to find they too were suffering the effects of the spillage. King worked his way back to 4th but with 3rd place unachievable the quick thinking Maranello driver slowed to allow the driver behind to pass, thus giving King 5th place and more importantly the inside line for the grand final.

With 15 laps ahead, King had already set out his game plan which he executed in detail, gaining 4th place by the end of lap 1. Over the next few laps he started to hunt down the next driver and had by lap 8 taken both 2nd and 3rd place drivers to put him in P2.  By now however he had a larger mountain to climb to the leader than he had hoped for. By lap 10 King's kart was on-song and whilst pulling away from 3rd and 4th place drivers King started to reel in 1st place driver Josh Webster. By the final lap board King was still at least 8 kart lengths behind but by the time they hit the downhill gradient that had been reduced to 4 and completed what observes called "the manoeuvre of all manoeuvres" to cleanly out-brake and power past Webster to command the next final 3 corners, and take the flag and the fastest lap.

So 3 out of 4 and two fastest laps. King travells to Rowrah this weekend for round 2 of Super 1 where he hopes to continue his consistent form to date.

Andy King's 2009 results can be viewed on www.adgespeed.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Rotax Veterans At Rissington?   (20/04)
 
Rissington is wanting to put a grid of Rotax Veterans together with the 177s at the 3rd of May race. To qualify as a Veteran you need to be 40+, the weight of kart and driver is to be 177kg, and you need to enjoy racing! The karts are to comply with MSA regulations, of course.
 
To make it happen we need a minimum of 10 drivers to commit. To get an idea of numbers drop a note to Sandy Leppan by email to sandy@leppan.fsnet.co.uk as soon as possible this week. Entries need to be in by Sat 25th April.
 
For Veterans entering this May race we will extend membership rates, which are £25 for Saturday practice and £45 race entry for Sunday. With loads of space to stay overnight at no charge why not stop over for the weekend. 
 
For more info about the track and facilities and entry forms see www.rissykartclub.com.

[ Top ]

MSA British Superkart Champs   (20/04)
 
The first two rounds of the MSA British Superkart Championship were held at Thruxton on the 12th April.

In Race 1, Paul Platt suffered brake problems as the lights went to green. The front rows were away but there was some ducking and diving in the pack to avoid Platt who was stuck on the grid. Out at the front it was O'Reilly, Tucker, Dredge, Fleming and Kennedy in no particular order, the lead changing repeatedly in the first laps.  By the closing parts of the race the back markers came in to play at the Chicane and Jason Dredge was earning his number 1 plate trying to avoid them and hold onto the lead. At the flag it was Dredge, O'Reilly, Tucker, and Fleming all within 0.5 of a second.
 
In Race 2, Jason Dredge got a good start and led the pack away but by the time they came around at the end of the first lap all had changed. James O'Reilly was in front with Fleming, Tucker, Kennedy and Neville behind, leaving Dredge in eighth. Dredge managed to claw his way back to the pack but Paul Platt was also making ground on the leaders and in to the last lap it was Dredge, O'Reilly, Tucker, Fleming with Platt chasing hard. Into the chicane for the last time the drivers were four abreast and by line it was Fleming, O'Reilly, Platt, Dredge and Neville - all covered by less than a second.
 
Race 1 Results:
1 Jason DREDGE Anderson / Honda 13:16.136
2 James O'REILLY PVP / Honda +0.299
3 James TUCKER Jade / Honda +0.328
4 Craig FLEMING Anderson / Honda +0.782
5 Don KENNEDY Anderson / Honda +1.533
6 Jon NEVILLE Anderson / Honda +3.937
 
Race 2 Results:
1 Craig FLEMING Anderson / Honda 13:17.057
2 James TUCKER Jade / Honda +0.366
3 Paul PLATT PVP / Honda +0.619
4 Jason DREDGE Anderson / Honda +0.649
5 Jon NEVILLE Anderson / Honda  +0.916
6 Don KENNEDY Anderson / Honda +4.935

[ Top ]

Chris Hart Memorial Trophy   (20/04)
 
The fourth running of this now highly prestigious event for Formula TKM at Clay Pigeon will take place on the 14th June 09. The event is also in remembrance of Robert Bailey, who along with Chris, both lost their lives to cancer. As previously, the whole aim is to create a fantastic racing weekend, whilst raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

Each year the event has grown in stature with increasing numbers competing and a higher donation being presented to the charity. Sponsors are now being contacted to help support the event and with other donations we are hoping to exceed last year's total of over £3000.

With the event being staged on the club meeting immediately prior to the TKM Super 1 round at Clay, and along with the fact that there is still a steadily increasing TKM regular club grid, the entries and level of competition are both expected to rise again this year. Additional sponsors are still being sought.

If you would like be part of this premier status event, then please contact the club - see www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
 
Pictured is last year's winner Danny Graham with the much sought after trophy being presented to him by Chris' brother Martin.

[ Top ]

European Karting Champs   (20/04)

The first round of the European Karting Championship that took place last weekend at Muro Leccese in Italy proved to be a fine spectacle. With many ups and downs, twists and turns, and 6 different drivers on the podium of the day's two races in Super KF (the principal class of international karting), spectators enjoyed a karting feast!  In the end, it was Britain's Jason Parrott who left Italy leading the Championship standings. In KZ2, the second level of gearbox karting, the Czech driver Patrik Hajek won both of the day's two races.

Whereas the sun had shone brightly during the first days of this first round of the European Karting Championship in Muro Leccese, the two finals on Sunday were raced under a cloudy sky.  These changing conditions can work to the advantage of drivers not always having had the best set-up in the dry.

Starting from pole position in Super KF Race 1, British driver Jason Parrott (Birel-Parilla) was unable to defend the challenge of Yannick de Brabander (Intrepid-TM). Definitely faster at the beginning of the race, the Belgian seemed on his way to a first victory in the European Championship on his 18th birthday. But tyre wear towards the end of the race prevented him from withstanding the challenge of Simo Puhakka (PCR-TM).  At 20 years of age, the Finn driving for the PCR team thereby gained his first success at European level ahead of de Brabander and Robert Foster-Jones (FA Kart-Vortex), who knew how to preserve his tyres so as to enable him to finish strongly at the end of the race. The Finn Aaro Vainio (Maranello-Maxter) and the Italian Andrea Dale (CRG-TM) completed the top 5 in the first race. Handicapped by a mechanical problem, Jason Parrott only finished 9th but it was worse still for Zdenek Groman (Maranello-Parilla) and Miika Kunranta (Birel-Parilla), neither of whom completed the race.

Taking place under a threatening sky and at times with spots of rain, Race 2 presented a completely different spectacle. Starting from pole position following his Race 1 victory, Simo Puhakka quickly fell back into the pack whereas Jason Parrott, this time avoiding his earlier problems, was the quickest on the track by the time he took control of the race on the 6th lap. This time nobody was going to deny the young Briton his first European victory. Behind him, the race was fiercely contested.  Contact between Florian Alfano (Maddox-Maxter) and Yannick De Brabander ruined the chances of both drivers.  The battle for the podium places between Andrea Dale, Manuel Renaudie (Gillard-Parilla) and Simo Puhakka was going to be settled in favour of the two drivers coming from the back of the grid. Benefiting from less worn tyres following their non-finish in Race 1, Miika Kunranta and Zdenek Groman served up a superb race to accompany Jason Parrott on the podium. With the loss of Andrea Dale going off the track, Manuel Renaudie finished in 4th place. The Frenchman therefore achieved a good start to the championship since he occupies 3rd place behind Jason Parrott and Simo Puhakka.

The European Championship for Super KF will continue in the middle of Summer on July 9th at the Spanish Track of Zuera before finishing on the first weekend of August in France at Essay.

In contrast to Super KF, the top drivers moved very little in KZ2, the second division of gearbox karting. Having achieved a perfect start, the Czech Patrik Hajek (Tony Kart-Vortex) led from beginning to end of Race 1 and asserted himself over Ricardo Piccoli (CKR-TM) who had started on pole, and Luca Tilloca (CRG-Maxter).

In Race 2 Luca Tilloca quickly took command only to be let down by a mechanical fault! Patrik Hajek was therefore served up Race 2 on a plate, his second success which places him in an ideal position before the second and last round of the Championship, to be held from the 25th to 28th June in Wackersdorf in Germany. At 18 years old, the Czech driver must now dream of taking the European Crown, but he will still have to be wary of Riccardo Picolli, twice second this weekend.

Currently third in the competition, Gianluca Cane (Spirit-TM) is already a little further back but, with 3 results out of 4 counting, he is still in contention for the title. The same is also true for both Paolo De Conto (Energy-TM) and Lazzaro Ferri (Tony Kart-TM), who are currently placed in the top 5.

For more information visit www.cikfia.com.

[ Top ]

Iztech Kart Seats News   (17/04)

Iztech Kart Sears are pleased to announce the arrival of three new seat sizes to the Iztech family!

Two of these seats are an addition to our flat bottomed range - the Cadet + (coming in between our existing cadet and x-small sizes) and the Small flat bottom (in-between x-small and intermediate). The third seat is our XS+ which comes between our x-small and small/small low back.

These additions are inline with Iztech's ongoing plan to offer a more complete sizing range.

For further information or advice on these new seat sizes please contact Kevin on 07967 757096.

Don't forget that Iztech also offer an excellent seat repair service... just £25.00 + vat for a professional repair with a potentially same-day turnaround - return carriage is also included.

For more information on the entire range visit www.iztechkartseats.com.

[ Top ]

TeamSport 2009 Championship   (17/04)

TeamSport, the number one indoor karting company, is teaming up with Reon Motorsport to launch the TeamSport 2009 karting Championship. The Championship will give talented karters the opportunity to put their skills to the test and it will offer the ultimate prize - the winner will be given a seat in the Reon Motorsport car for the 2009 BARC Formula Renault Winter Series, worth an estimated £20,000.
 
"We are thrilled that TeamSport is teaming up with Reon Motorsport to offer this fantastic prize. It really will be the opportunity of a lifetime for one talented driver - if you love karting I urge you to enter - it really could be you taking that seat in the 2009 BARC Formula Renault Winter Series!" Commented Dom Gaynor, Head of Sales & Operations, TeamSport.
 
"We know that there are a lot of great drivers out there and working with TeamSport we will uncover some great new talent.  This is an amazing prize and we look forward to working with the winner," added Rob Tirone, Reon Motorsport.
 
The Championships will begin with a series of Grand Prix Heats at each of TeamSport's tracks - Andover, Camberley, Cardiff, Crawley, Eastleigh, Gosport and North London during June and July 2009. There will be a maximum of 36 entrants per heat and drivers must be 16 years of age on or before the 1 August 2009 and they must pre-qualify by achieving a minimum lap time.
 
Following the heats, the top drivers from each heat will be entered into a Grand Final race at Buckmore Park in August 2009. All drivers who qualify for the final will also be automatically entered into the regional semi-finals of the UK wide National Karting Association Championships.
 
"TeamSport is passionate about karting and our 2009 Championships along with Reon Motorsport's incredible prize demonstrates our commitment to karting and the wider motorsport industry," added Gaynor.
 
The winner will take their place in Reon Motorsport's car for the BARC Formula Renault Championship 2009. Now in its fourth year, the BARC Formula Renault Championships has gone from strength to strength and has seen drivers rise up through the ranks and the 2009 Championship hopes to put more drivers on the road to success.
 
To pre-register your details for TeamSport's 2009 Championship or to find out more, please visit your local track, call 0870 6000 601 or email info@team-sport.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Parry's First Major Win   (16/04)
 
Paul Carr Racing's Matthew Parry claimed a first major championship race win as the new Formula Kart Stars series kicked off with a double-header at Kimbolton.
 
Building on recent European experience in the RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge, Parry showed himself to be the class of the Junior Max field, starting with second place in Saturday's qualifying and a battling drive to secure third in the Pre-Final.
 
The front row pair proved to be no obstacle in the main event, as Parry seized the lead on lap one and, driving immaculately, continued to pull away over the remaining twelve tours, eventually triumphing by over two seconds to become the first round winner under Bernie Ecclestone's patronage.
 
"It's great - our first major win for a long time," Parry enthused, "I didn't know how much of a gap I had, but I just tried to keep everything consistent. I felt I had the extra pace if I'd needed it."
 
Parry's form continued into Easter Sunday as he claimed fastest time in his qualifying group, sufficient for pole position in the A Final. Sadly, however, it wasn't enough to guarantee another victory, as Parry was pushed into a spin and demoted to the tail of the 27-kart field.
 
Defying the greasy conditions, he mounted another trademark recovery drive, slicing through the pack to make up no fewer than 21 places in 22 laps and claim a valuable sixth place
 
"We're so pleased to have Matt in this team," PCR's Richard May concluded, "We're really enjoying honing a truly talented diamond and can't see him going anywhere but forward after his performance this weekend."

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Atol Fuel At Super 1   (15/04)

Atol Fuel Ltd would like congratulate the Super 1 Series on a fantastic start to the season with their new format, leading the way, as they have done since 1983.
 
With the introduction of this new format, Atol are now in attendance from the Friday of an event for fuel collection and would urge competitors to be sure that they order enough fuel for the event, now that the series has much longer track time, fuel consumption has increased dramatically from last year.

This new increase in track time has also allowed for more fuel testing during the event weekend and as usual Atol will be ever present with their mobile Gas Chromatograph to ensure a level playing field at all events for all competitors.
 
Atol are also pleased to announce they are now the appointed Maxima Racing Oils distributor for the UK and Ireland, yet another high quality name to add to the already impressive list of products within Atol's portfolio which includes UK distribution for Elf Racing Fuel and Lubricants, UK distribution of Panta Race Fuel from Italy, and Mobil Lubricants, etc.
 
For further information on any of the above, please call Atol on 023 8088 4088 or email on sales@atolfuel.co.uk.

[ Top ]

Super One Series   (15/04)
 
The Super One Series organisation would like to thank all teams, valued sponsors and the three hundred and seventy five drivers that have been enjoying the new look events so far in 2009.  The new format sees the competition starting mid-day on Saturday, after a day and a half period of practice. The MSA British senior and junior kart championships for KF1 and KF3 and the Association of British Kart Club National championships for Cadet and Rotax classes all have a timed qualifying session followed by two heats per driver.  They progress into two points scoring finals. The ABkC National TKM championships enjoy four heats per driver, progressing to a grand final. Taking the Rotax series as an example, drivers are enjoying 28 minutes more competitive track time (almost 70 minutes race time in total), and 10 minutes more practice time (a total of 80 minutes practice time) than last year. The changes were made after listening to competitor feedback. The longer timed races are proving very popular and the more relaxed timetabling allows for driver parades, tyre changing competitions and a walkout in front of the crowds accompanied by some glamorous grid-girls. When the grand finals are complete the top three drivers are paraded in front of the spectators, giving further photo-opportunities. Results, information and video clips are available through the website www.s1series.co.uk.
 
Visitors to the series can learn the inside story and the "who's who" from the magnificent glossy programme. Those in the paddock can see live timing screens with plans to extend world wide on the internet.  Results are available on Sunday evenings thanks to the newly purchased Super Sports Tempus system, allowing analysis and comparison of times and lap charts to be displayed. Marketing and Promotions Director John Hoyle is eager to hear of any further suggestions for improvement and can be contacted by email at johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com or telephone 07774 646784. Every effort is made to ensure fair and level competition, at exceptional value for money. On-site fuel testing is carried out using gas chromatography techniques. Clutch eligibility is checked in the KF CIK classes with the new Unipro Unilog systems, the first and  the only UK series to have such checks.  he organisers have many decades of experience in providing a top line kart championship series.
 
The series started in 1983. Former British Touring Car champion Jason Plato learnt his skills at Super One meetings, as did Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton - Super 1 Cadet champion in 1995. Graduates of the series are too numerous to mention but include Indy 500 winners Dario Franchitti and Daniel Wheldon, Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button, Anthony Davidson and David Coulthard. All the many British drivers who have enjoyed, and are still enjoying, the highest level of success at European and World championship level put their success down to racecraft honed at Super One meetings. You too can join this academy, if not this year, then next. Super One Series seeded race numbers are recognised by clubs. Do not settle for second best, race with the champions.
 
The Super One Series team wish all their customers a successful season, and invite anyone who has not yet seen one of the new look rounds to make a visit as soon as possible.

[ Top ]

Jack's On Track   (15/04)
 
The first race of the Formula Kart Stars season was always going to be something of a nervy affair. With every driver wanting to win, and the competitors as twitchy as squirrels, it was important to get early points on the board. As the old saying says, 'to finish first, first you must finish'.
 
Jack Barlow demonstrated an old head on young shoulders last weekend, to get his Formula Kart Stars title bid off to a strong start. However, things didn't quite go to plan for the Wavertree Motorsport driver.
 
"To be perfectly honest, we got the tyre pressures wrong," he explained after his Timed Qualifying run. "They were too high, and that put me 18th overall on the grid for the pre-final."
 
But a battling performance saw Jack work his way up the order to take a creditable 7th at the chequered flag. Starting from that position for the Grand Final, Jack survived the first corner shenanigans to deliver a stirring performance that yielded 3rd place, and the fastest lap. Buoyed by this, Jack returned to the circuit the following day eager to build on his encouraging start to his FKS campaign.

There were no set-up errors as he took advantage of a better handling kart on a dry track to seal pole position for Sunday's only race. A superb start was almost negated as he found his rivals equal to his challenge and a thrilling encounter was assured as Jack and his pursuers each fought for the lead. With seven minutes remaining, Jack moved to the front - but he was unable to quite match the eventual winner's pace and rather than risk a desperate lunge, settled for 2nd a good haul of points.

"You can't win a Championship at the first round" he reflected. "If you'd asked me before the weekend if I'd be happy with a 2nd and 3rd place, I'd have said 'yes!' So, I'm happy to leave Kimbolton with two trophies and to be second in the Championship".   

Jack is also bidding to lift the British Super 1 title and opened his account with an impressive 2nd place.

"I qualified in 38th place, due to my axle moving, which meant I really had to get my head down to come through the two heats and the pre-final. In the final, I was all over the leader when the race was red-flagged five minutes from the end." He added, "It felt like a win, considering where I started from. But it's given me the confidence to know that I can come through the traffic and that the kart and engines are capable of running at the front".

Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Flying Start For Grice Power   (14/04)

Grice Racing would like to congratulate their little chargers who, over the last 2 weeks racing, have already made their mark in two prestigious championships.

Whilton Mill Super 1 was dominated by Grice Power in Junior Max with Spencer Barrow, Ed Brand, Jack Dex and Billy Albone finishing 1st, 2nd, 5th and 8th respectively.  A fantastic achievement for the guys and commiserations go out to both Harry Crawley and Harrison Scott who both showed their potential but both had accidents in the Minimax final.
 
Kimbolton FKS was dominated by both Bobby Thompson and Harry Crawley, recording 1st and 2nd in both finals on Saturday, with each driver taking the honours in both pre-final and main final, fantastic boys.
 
With a variety of drivers achieving success, you to can have this elusive power you need to win at championship level. Contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253 for further prices and details as we are still running our amazing credit crunch prices...

KF2/3: £315
Rotax: £315
TKM: £160
Cadet: £130
Rotary, Reed: £165
 
The only extras are the starter motor, clutch and dyno.

You can also visit the Grice Racing website at www.griceracingengines.com.

[ Top ]

Driver Problems?   (14/04)
 
- He won't listen to me
- He won't admit to his mistakes
- He winds me up, I lose my temper, and our weekend goes pear shaped again!
 
Take The Worry Out Of Your Weekend. Let Kart Coach get the best out of your driver. Happiness for little more than a set of tyres.
 
You know it makes sense... lights, air, electric and overnight parking at £49 per day.
 
Or, all of the above plus driver coaching, track walks and kart setup advice will improve speed and reduce your lap times - we guarantee it!
 
Beginners and experienced drivers welcome. All you need to succeed, just £139 per weekend.
 
Visit www.kartcoach.com for more information or phone Michael on 07881908291.
 
Shenington & Whilton Mill only.

[ Top ]

Lloyd Banks First Win   (14/04)

Like daffodils, annoying insects and spring lambs, football's traditional Squeaky Bum Time seems to arrive earlier with every passing season. But rarely has Sir Alex Ferguson's classic definition of the closing stages of the Premier League title race been used by a kart team manager to describe the opening weekend of a kart championship.

But after seeing his latest signing - Jake Lloyd - take a dramatic victory in the second round of the Formula Kart Stars season, Millennium Motorsport's Dean Panrucker couldn't help himself.

"He made that hard work. My bum was squeaking!" he beamed after the young Welshman had beaten a small, but quality, field at Kimbolton.

Despite taking the chequered flag nearly two seconds ahead of the field, the 16-year old from Newcastle Emlyn had his work cut out for him in the opening stages of the race. As Dean explains, "Jake got a great start to take the lead from the outside, and initially it looked like he was going to manage to break away. I thought, 'that's it, we're off!' But he made a few mistakes which allowed the others to close." Dropping from first to fifth in just one lap, Millennium's new signing was certainly putting his team through an emotional mill. "At that point, I began to think that the race was over (in terms of a podium) but fair play to him, Jake kept his head and knuckled down to picking his way back up the order. Once he'd got back to the front, he managed to break the two and didn't make any further errors and did a good job."

Jake said, "I'm very pleased. I did make it hard work, but I haven't got as much experience as the other guys. The package was amazing. The chassis and engine (Tony Kart and GFR TM) were both fantastic."

After taking a brace of fourth places in the opening day, Jake was understandably delighted to have taken a win so early in his KF2 career.

"This is my first year in KF2 and I've had an awesome weekend. I've learned a lot and this (victory) has really got me fired up. Now I've proven I can do it it's given my confidence a fair boost."

Thanks to his win, Jake is now eligible to take part in the Formula Palmer Audi shoot-out at the end of the season, where the prize of a fully-funded drive in the FPA Autumn Trophy is available.
 
Millennium still has berths available for drivers looking to join the reigning British Super 1 and Open KF3 Championship winning team. Drivers looking to contest the Super 1, Formula Kart Stars (UK and International), plus key European and CIK events can contact Dean on 07968 806 019 or via email to deanpanrucker1@blackberry.orange.co.uk.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.

[ Top ]

Euro ProKart Champs Update   (14/04)

With regards to the recent notice in Karting Magazine announcing the cancellation of the "European Championship", this has no reference to the EPEC series.

EPEC is very much alive & kicking with 30 teams on the grid for the 1st round 3rd May at Teesside.

For more information on the popular ProKart championship visit www.teessidekarting.co.uk.