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2013 News Archive |
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This page contains older news items. For the latest news be sure to visit the home page of UK Karting.
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News Archive
2013 News Items & Press Releases
Advance Motorsport (27/12)
After
careful thought and consideration and following a successful year for Blakeney
Racing at Forest Edge, Clay Pigeon and Whilton Mill Kart Club in various Rotax
and Honda Cadet classes the team has decided to re-brand in readiness to move up
into the national kart series in 2014.
As of 2014 the newly named Advance Motorsport will be
competing at Whilton Mill, PFI and selected club meetings throughout the year as
well as the MSA SuperOne National Championship in IAME Cadet and the new Rotax
Academy pooled engine series. Advance Motorsport will also be contesting the LGM
(Little Green Man series).
Advance Motorsport will be working
closely with Robinson Sport in 2014 with engine support at all meetings that
they attend. A large selection of Rotax, IAME and Alonso/OTK parts will be kept
in stock and taken to the circuits. There also will be further partnership
announcements to come, so watch this space.
The team will continue to be run by experienced driver
coach and team principle Scott Blakeney and will provide a bespoke service for
drivers in all classes to help hone their skills from club level racing all the
way through to national championship level of Super One.
Openings within the team are limited so interested drivers
should get in touch with Scott Blakeney on 07901 003261 or email
scott@advancemotorsport.co.uk.
Don't forget to 'like' our new
Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/pages/Advance-Motorsport/553252158095853
and soon you'll be able to check out our new website -
www.advancemotorsport.co.uk - for the latest
updates and news.
[ Top ]
Tal-Ko Racing And S1 (27/12)
Tal-Ko
Racing and the Super One national championship organisers have been working
together to control the cost of competing in Formula TKM's top title series.
Following a meeting with drivers this
year a number of measures have been put in place along the lines of the requests
from drivers, each of them aimed specifically at cutting costs.
For some time now Tal-Ko Racing,
organisers of the TKM class, have themselves been subsidising the entry fee for
the series which at £160 is less than any other class which will continue for
2014.
Another cost saving measure for TKM Super One 2014 competitors will be the no
use of new dry tyres for the practice. It is planned that the tyres from the
previous S1 race meeting will be used for testing except of course the very
first S1 event where any used tyres for this first S1 Saturday will be
permitted. To ensure this happens, the used dry tyres at the end of each S1
event will be bagged and sealed by S1 free of charge.
Also
for next year the control race fuel used for the series will be available in 10
litre cans rather than the current 25 litres. Again to help cuts costs.
Super One organiser John Hoyle says:
"We have listened to the drivers and have done what we can to keep down costs
while still maintaining the high standards to which a national series such as
ours must adhere to."
And adds TKM boss Alan Turney: "We applaud this effort to
keep down costs. We are acutely aware of the need to keep all costs under
control and pride ourselves on providing the most racing for your money."
Registrations are now coming in for
the six round TKM Junior and Senior TKM championships. Among those competing in
the Senior TKM Extreme series will be Matt England, named as the winner of a
joint scholarship to take a driver from TKM club racing into the S1 national
championship.
To register visit
www.superoneseries.com.
[ Top ]
JM Racing Mega Sale (27/12)
The
JM Racing Mega Sale starts this morning and continues tomorrow so there is still
time to grab a bargain.
Opening times for PF International are...
27th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega
Sale starts 7am **
28th Dec -
General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale continues **
29th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
30th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
31st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
1st Jan - Closed
2nd Jan - Pro-Kart Testing 4/Stroke 9-4 pm
3rd Jan - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
4th Jan - TVKC Testing
5th Jan - TVKC Race Day
The circuit can be
contacted on 01636 626424 option 2, and for the Shop select option 1.
You can also
visit our website at
www.jmracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
New UK
Intrepid Importers
(24/12)
DND
Sports are delighted to announce that we have been officially confirmed as the
exclusive UK importer for Intrepid Driver Program S.R.L. As well as importing
the karts, we are also the UK satellite team for the Intrepid Driver Program
Racing Team.
From January 2014 we will have in stock a full range of
spares for all Intrepid Karts. Also for 2014 we will be launching a brand new
Intrepid Clothing Range, available to pre-order as of 1st January. We will be
importing the following Chassis'; Cub Cadet, Raptor KF and KZ, Falcon DD2, and
the new Intrepid UK TKM.
Drive for Intrepid Driver Program UK in 2014. We have a
limited number of places remaining for the 2014 UK Driver Program. The Driver
Program, with links to some of the top F1 Teams, offers a unique opportunity for
drivers to develop and learn new skills, progressing their racing careers to
their highest possible level.
Services
Available include a Fully Equipped Race Truck and Awning, Arrive and Drive
Packages at Super One and Club, Standard Awning Space at Super One and Club,
Kart Hire, Engine Hire, Set Up advice, Test Days, Driver Coaching and
Management, Kart Storage and Preparation, and on-site Flat Bed and Jig.
Throughout the season as well as
racing at Club and Super One events in the UK, The team will have opportunities
to race both in Europe and World Wide with the Factory Racing Team.
All are services are available at very
competitive prices, and don't miss your chance to join the UK Driver Program!
To find out more
and to join the program Contact us today - tel 07535 645730 or 07999 979812, or
email
IntrepidkartUK@gmail.com.
[ Top ]
Have Your Product Reviewed (24/12)
Attention
Manufacturers, Distributors, Suppliers, Wholesalers and Retailers of Karting
associated products and services in the UK.
Kart Review UK
wishes to invite you to nominate your products or services for review at
KartReview.co.uk.
At Kart Review, we firmly believe in a
fair review. We can not guarantee that your product or service will receive a
positive review, but we can guarantee it will be fair. If you truly believe your
product has what it takes to beat off the competition, let us showcase it, and
give it the boost it needs.
We realise that Kart Review is still in it's infancy, and
that there are some issues and processes that need to be streamlined in the
coming months. With this in mind, we are offering to review your products free
of charge.
In the five months since Kart Review's conception, traffic has increased
dramatically. Our honest, down to earth reviews of products that are important
to racers, have resulted in some excellent feedback from consumers who have read
our reviews and purchased the products.
Over the winter, we are concentrating
on products which are useful away from the track, such as pit equipment & tools.
Once February is here, we commence our winter testing at various circuits around
the UK and this gives us the chance to test your race meeting orientated
products. Finally, a month or so later our team commences their respective
championships and race meetings to test your product to it's limits.
Your product will be tested by racers,
competing at various levels of competition throughout the UK. This ensures that
we are catering for all levels, and do not exclude products which are out of the
financial reach of the majority of racers.
You can contact
us through our
Facebook page by message,
or alternatively you can sign up over at
www.kartreview.co.uk,
send one of the administrators a message and they will get back to you.
[ Top ]
IAME X30 Tests Available (24/12)
The
serious introduction of X30 to the UK has been met with a lot of excitement
around kart clubs and karting folk alike.
We believe that X30 has all the right
aspects to greatly grow as a class and become a leading class in Great Britain
(much like its little brother, the Gazelle, already has in Cadet)
We have been extensively testing the
class in recent weeks and will continue to do so into the New Year and
throughout 2014.
The
DR team will be focussing its attention on regular club meetings around the
Midlands/South East for X30 in 2014 and the Little Green Man (LGM) series,
providing full trackside support and race prepared equipment.
If you are
interested in moving into X30 or are unsure if it's for you, give us a call on
07887998753 or e-mail
drkartuk@gmail.com to
discuss the class or arrange a test.
Alternatively, come and see us at the
PFI meeting on January 4th/5th.
[ Top ]
Eclipse
Winter Testing
(23/12)
With
temperatures in the UK struggling to get above 5 degrees and circuits often
remaining wet all day it is often impossible to get in any meaningful testing.
With heading abroad the only option, Eclipse Motorsport are organising Winter
Testing at Campillos in Spain from 9th - 14th January 2014.
The 1580m Campillos Circuit in Spain
has testing available 10:00 - 18:00 every day and is located just 40 minutes
from Malaga airport with cheap flights available from most UK airports.
Campillos is also host to the RGMMC Euromax Winter Cup 10th-16th February making
this an ideal opportunity to test.
Iame Cadet Team, Eclipse Motorsport
have various packages available to suit teams and individuals from transport to
full arrive and drive.
Places are limited so please make
your enquires to
Ollie@EclipseMotorsport.co.uk
or call 07969 387099.
[ Top ]
Clay Pigeon Open On Saturday (23/12)
Clay
Pigeon Kart Club would like to wish all its friends a very merry xmas and look
forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
However, if that seems too long away,
why not come along on Saturday the 28th Dec and blow away all the cobwebs and
mince pies from the previous few days. The circuit and the shop will both
be open as normal and we have booked sunshine for the whole day.
If you cant make the 28th, why not
join us on the 26th January when there will be a working party to get the club
equipment ready for the Clay Shakedown on the 9th of Febuary. The shakedown is a
non championship event and a great opportunity for the club and the drivers to
make sure that everyones equipment is ready for the 1st round on the 9th of
March.
Have
a great xmas.
For directions and contact details
visit
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
New KGP Website (20/12)
The
new KGP website is now live and features some interesting 360 degree
image technology to show off the KGP engine range.
The KGP engines for Junior, Clubman and Pro can be viewed
in 360 degrees with zoom enabled functions giving you a more detailed view of
the engines.
New KGP information is also available on the site with a
race track locator and guides, tyre specification information, engine packages
for Junior, Clubman or Pro and self help tips for running in the KGP Classes.
Whether you're
already racing KGP or considering your next move visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk for all the information
you need.
[ Top ]
X30 At Grice Racing Engines (19/12)
The
IAME X30 engine may be new, but Grice have extensive and successful experience
with IAME reed engines of a very similar type on the International stage. Tom
Grice won the KF2 and KF3 CIK Qualifiers and was 2nd in the KF3 European
Championship, as well as winning the German Championship twice, and all that
experience has gone into Grice Racing Engine's work on the X30.
You will enjoy full commitment and
trackside support, but this is an engine where racers can get on and race
without the problems and inequalities that can often ruin your day!
We don't run drivers, we don't
sponsor drivers, all of our customers benefit from the same attention to detail
and desire to win, and the X30 class fits in perfectly with that philosophy.
There are some big club races planned
in early 2014 for X30 and X30 Junior, particularly at PF International, so act
now to get your engine ordered and yourself in with a chance of an early-season
win. Big discounts on complete engines are available at £1650 plus VAT.
Rebuilds cost £355 plus VAT including
labour and all parts except conrod, balance shaft and reed petals.
For more
information contact Ricky Grice at
ricky.grice@virgin.net or call 01268 727847.
You can also visit our website at
Griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
TKM International Class (18/12)
Tal-Ko
Racing is working with Belgian carburettor maker Kilt in the development of an
entire new range of karting classes due to start racing in France in 2015 with
the specific aim of keeping racing simple and low cost.
Formula TKM International will
manufacture engines from 80cc through to 135cc providing an engine package for
all ages from MiniKart right through to Masters using the experience and
expertise it has built over the past 20 plus years in the UK's Formula TKM
classes.
Explains TKM boss Alan Turney: "This will be an entire new range of engines
built by us in partnership with Kilt and other suppliers. We are making use of
our knowledge to create engines which we firmly believe will suit the demand for
simple and cost conscious racing and at the same time giving drivers close and
adrenaline filled competition."
"Over the past few years the CIK development of expensive
and complex KF series engines has had a very damaging effect on racing right
across Europe with driver numbers dropping and the call has been for a simple
but effective way of racing. That is exactly what we are producing for racing
outside the traditional karting federations' control."
"It was for just the same type of cost
reasons that Formula TKM was created in this country back in the late 80s and
that started an entire new philosophy here which has been the backbone of UK
karting for so many years. We hope to achieve the same in France and other
European countries."
The TKM International engine range will start with a
restricted version of the TKM WTP 80cc water cooled TAG engine aimed at MiniKart
age drivers as well as a derestricted version for Cadets as a half-way step to
Juniors.
There will then be 100cc and 135cc water cooled engines for Juniors, Seniors and
Masters classes. These engines will use direct drive to save the cost and weight
of electric starters and batteries, but will have special mechanical
de-compressors to make self- starting easy.
Specifications are currently being
finalised before unveiling the full range of engines next year with testing and
demonstrations starting in France.
For more
information contact Tal-Ko Racing on +44 (0)1767 682020 or email
info@tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Racing In KGP S1? (17/12)
The
2014 World KGP Finals will take place at probably the most famous karting
circuit in the World - Jesolo in Italy.
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2014 to Sunday 19th October
2014.
Where: Jesolo, Italy.
Airport: Marco Polo, near Venice.
Situated by the Italian holiday sea
side resort of Lido di Jesolo and only 30 mins from Venice itself, there is
something for everyone in any karting family or team - not just the driver!
KGP UK has won the KGP World title in
2012 with Phil Smith (Litchfield Motorsport) and again in 2013 with Bobby Game
(Team O'Neill Racing). Can the UK make it three titles on the bounce?
You
could be there... KGP drivers that have registered and raced in the 2014 KGP
Super One series will be eligible to enter via KGP UK and must hold an MSA Int C
licence with valid medical.
The KGP UK team for 2014 will be consist of a maximum of
12 drivers and entries will be on a first come first serve basis with S1
participation criteria being met.
The winner of the 2014 KGP Super One Series will receive a
free entry and race slicks for the KGP 2014 World Finals.
Visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk, find us on facebook, or
call us on 01527 889595.
[ Top ]
Maranello Factory Team (16/12)
Maranello
UK are seeking drivers to be part of the Maranello factory team for the 2014
EuroMax campaign in Junior Max, Senior Max and DD2.
Away from the rarefied world of KF, Rotax Max remains the
most successful, widely subscribed and arguably the most competitive kart racing
formula ever created.
Maranello are now one of the few factory teams who have
recognised the world wide importance of the single make engine formulas such as
Rotax and have committed to competing at the pinnacle of the formula, the Rotax
Max Euro Challenge in 2014.
The EuroMax series remains hugely popular and is widely
regarded as being among one of the most professional and well run championships
anywhere in motor racing.
Drives
are available for the Rotax Winter Cup at Campillos in the south of Spain in
Feburary 2014. The EuroMax challenge begins in April with the first round at
Genk in Belgium.
Please see
www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com.
Enquiries are welcome from all interested drivers.
For more
information please contact
laury@maranellokarts.co.uk,
or telephone 07903 623 348.
[ Top ]
Last Minute Christmas Gifts (16/12)
Searching
for those last minute Christmas gift ideas, for your loved ones, family members,
friends or just getting prepared for the coming season that will soon be with
us.
KKC
Kart Components based at Whilton Mill, have some fantastic Christmas special
gift ideas that could help with just this!
How about the ideal stocking filler - the Senzo Jet
Driver, priced at just £17.95 + VAT this could be the ideal stocking filler that
you're looking for, no more damaging carburettor Jets and not really knowing
what size jet you are putting into your carburettor because of the damage that
the screwdriver has done to this.
This tool eliminates the damage that so
often occurs to the Rotax carburettor jet. It has a slim-line, smooth, smart
appearance and even holds the jet in place prior to fitting into the
carburettor, eliminating the jet "dropping out" of the Jet Driver. Available in
either red or blue.
Or,
how about the Ultimate Present of all presents... the Senzo Complete Castor Box
Kit, complete with DOT4 & DOT5 Castor Kits - giving you more grip and castor
adjustment than the standard OTK Castor Kit, a set of the Neutral Castor Kits,
giving 1/2 castor compared to standard OTK Castor kit of zero or full castor, a
set of high quality, precision engineered Magnetic Castor Covers, discretely
keeping that so important castor angle set up from prying eyes on the grid, and
in addition to this also comes with the Senzo Castor/Bumper Tool which not only
eases fitting of the castor kit at the correct angle, though additionally
assists in the fitment and tightening of the OTK rear bumper washer.
Priced at £199.00 + VAT this is the present that will be most wanted on the
special day and not only at Christmas too!
For those most important Christmas
presents, please contact KKC on 01327 844320 or via
www.kkckartshop.co.uk where we will be pleased
to help.
All orders received by Friday 20th December will be
despatched for guaranteed Christmas delivery by UPS Courier Service with prior
communication.
[ Top ]
KR-Sport's Oliver Hodgson (13/12)
Oliver
Hodgson won the Rotax Max World Championship in New Orleans and team-mate Tom
Harvey came within half a lap of achieving an extraordinary double for KR-Sport
on an unforgettable afternoon in the United States.
Drivers at the pinnacle of their sport earned the right to
compete at the event by qualifying through various national championships. Each
of the racers were competing on a level playing field with all of the equipment
supplied by the organisers.
That left the results to be decided by talent, setup,
determination, experience - and occasionally just a little bit of luck.
For
the spectators, both at the superb Nola Motorsports Park track, and the many
thousands watching live streaming online it was an opportunity to watch 360 of
the very best drivers bid to win the ultimate crown in an amazing karting
spectacle.
NOLA Motorsports Park is a technically demanding circuit requiring driving skill
and attention to the fine details of chassis setup. With temperatures
varying from below 10˚C to warm and humid conditions the drivers and teams were
put to the test.
Hodgson threw down the gauntlet in practice, qualifying
third just 0.003 off pole, and didn't look back. With second, first and third
finishes in his three heats, blemish-free driving and great support and set up
it was obvious he was going to be very hard to beat.
Hodgson
took the chequered flag in the pre-final over 3.5 seconds ahead of the next
driver and he took his pole position for the final knowing it was the race that
mattered. Having retained the lead at the start it was a position he
rarely surrendered and with an exemplary display of cool and determined driving
he crossed the line to seal his place in history as a World Champion.
Meanwhile not to be outdone, Harvey
was also cementing his place at the top in Junior Max with second place in
qualifying and a superb victory and sixth place in his first two heats. His
third heat was a display of brilliance in the wet conditions as Harvey opened up
a gap and took a controlled victory.
However
joy turned to despair as that heat result was disqualified after it was
determined there was an infringement following a rapid switch to wet tyres
resulted in an incorrect rear wheel width.
The
disqualification made Harvey even more determined. He took the fastest lap in
the pre-final driving from grid P24 to finish third, positioning himself
superbly for the final.
Having started well Harvey took to the front and under
immense pressure held off until the last lap where he fell back into the pack
and crossed the line fifth. A very strong result against a world championship
field but not the result that the team felt Tom deserved after a dominant
display over the week's racing.
KR-Sports Ashley Orchard said: "We have worked with both
drivers now for a number of years and it has been a pleasure to work with them
again at this prestigious event.
"Conditions were tricky but we worked hard with the
drivers and equipment and from our side there were no rushed decisions. It was a
very calm week, however I must admit I wasn't so calm watching both the main
finals.
"This result is further reward for our successful season back on UK soil and the
team has a real buzz about it.
"All
of our drivers now want to follow in the footsteps of Oliver and Tom and they
know they are part of something special - a World Championship-winning team.
"This
also put us into a strong position focusing on 2014 as the team will now expand
into BNL and Euro Max events along with continued focus on our UK Championship
and club championships. We only have a couple of spaces remaining for drivers in
Mini, Junior or Senior Max in the UK."
With places limited with the team for 2014 interested
parties are advised to discuss packages and options with Ashley Orchard for both
UK and European events.
More information on the team is
available at
www.kr-sport.com or email
ash@kr-sport.com
or call Ashley on 07921 225680.
[ Top ]
Lydd Record Breaker (13/12)
The
last meeting of a busy year saw 75 karts, including Aixros and modified
Pro-Karts, line up on the various grids for another fantastic day's racing.
Circuit owner James Clarke said; "It
was amazing to have so many here for a December meeting and the atmosphere was
brilliant. Friendly competitive racing is what we all want and we got it, the
meeting ran without problems, so thank you everyone."
Lydd kart circuit will be open to
owner/drivers on 27th, 28th and 28th December, so don't sit in front of the
television and get bored, come on down for some practice/testing and a bit of
fresh air!
Call the circuit on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895, or visit
www.lyddkartcircuit.com for the latest news.
James Clarke added; "I wish everyone
a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you all again
in 2014."
[ Top ]
Super One Warm Up Event (13/12)
Super
One Series Rotax Academy for MiniMax and Junior Max at the Winter Cup.
Super One's season warm up event will
be held at PF International on 8-9th March for all classes except KZ1, including
the MiniMax and Junior Max Rotax Academy with pooled engines. Entries for
the Academy class are coming in fast for the 2014 season and several of those
have inquired if they could race at the S1 Winter Cup at PFI. The good
news is that JAG Engineering have agreed to provide pooled engines and separate
trophies swill be awarded for drivers in MiniMax and Junior Max who are using
the pooled engines.
Payment terms for the Academy are slightly different to
the rest of the Super One classes. A deposit of £1000 is required on
registration followed by stage payments through the season. Where space permits
it will be possible for drivers to compete as a guest at individual meetings, so
there is no need for these guys to commit to the whole season.
There
should be no confusion over the cost of the Academy series. All registration and
Entry fees, all dry race tyres, 2 sets of rain tyres, all fuel/race oil and a
fresh pooled engine complete with all accessories are provided for the full
season of 6 meetings for the sum of £5000 inclusive of VAT, quite a bargain
price! The only extra might be for the optional Friday practice fee.
The Academy
proper kicks off at Shenington on 29/30 March with further meetings at Rowrah,
Glan y Gors, Larkhall, Rissington and PFI - see calendar on
http://superoneseries.com. Trophies and prizes
will be awarded at each of these meetings and a champion chosen from the results
of the last Grand Final at PF International, but note that to be eligible a
driver must have competed in a minimum of five meetings. The minimum
licence grade for the Academy is National B (not novice).
To register
please visit the Super One website and click on 'Register Online'. Other
forms you may need are on the Contact/Forms and then Downloads section, for
instance a draft letter for your School to confirm any absences. Book your
competition number by registering, anything between 11 and 99, don't delay.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Perfect End To The Year (11/12)
HTR
finished the 2013 season off in top form last weekend at Rowrah with team
drivers James Walker and Riley Banks qualifying with a 1-2 a whole second ahead
of the rest of the field in extremely tricky conditions. The two HTR drivers
then managed to work together extremely well to break the rest of the pack in
the final, and then had a closely fought battle for the win with both drivers
taking their turn of leading the race. James Walker managed to bring his kart
across the line first closely followed by Riley Banks making it an HTR 1-2 in
Honda.
Sam
White also managed to put in an excellent performance in the Iame class after a
tricky timed qualifying brining his kart home in 4th place.
HTR would like to
congratulate Ewan Tindall for winning the NKF Championship in Iame, Matty Easton
for coming 12th in Super 1, Sam White for winning the Rowrah Club Championship
and Riley Banks for finishing 3rd in the Rowrah Club Championship despite
missing rounds due to Super 1.
The team now looks forward to a
promising and exciting 2014 season with some new signings. We do still have 2
spaces remaining in the team at Super 1 Rotax/Honda, NKF, Rowrah and PFI club
championships with extremely competitive prices. For more information then
please don't hesitate to contact Derrick on 07836248459 or email
derrick@htrracing.com.
[ Top ]
Fifth Club Chooses TAG Heuer (11/12)
Cumbria
Kart Racing Club is the latest UK kart club to appoint the TAG Heuer timing
solution for their race day events.
CKRC, based at the Rowrah Circuit, are
upgrading to a complete timing solution supplied by Sports Timing Systems, the
exclusive UK agent for TAG Heuer Professional Timing.
Cumbria Kart Racing Club's Competition
Secretary, Marion Fell said: "After considering a number of different options to
fulfil our needs for a professional solution, the club decided that the TAG
Heuer timing system best provided us with the accuracy and affordability that we
were looking for.
"Precision
and reliability are important to the talented drivers that race on our track. We
aim to match all the hard work they put into each event by providing the best
possible facilities."
Cumbria KRC join the Super One British Championship, Trent
Valley Kart Club, Hunts Kart Race Club, Shenington Kart Race Club and Whilton
Mill Kart Club in choosing Sports Timing Systems and the prestigious TAG Heuer
brand for their timekeeping solution.
Innovative timekeeping solutions are just a single string
to the bow which Sports Timing Systems are bringing to the world of motor sport.
Many new products are currently in design and production, all with the aim to
increase safety, streamline race meetings, and enhance the racing experience for
drivers, teams, and fans alike.
Certainly
one of these new innovations was released at PF International for the November
race meeting of host club Trent Valley Kart Club. Working closely with TVKC,
Sports Timing Systems have developed Digi Flag - an ingenious digital concept to
instantly relay messages from the Race Director to the drivers on track.
So positive was the feedback from that
very first trial that club chairman Nigel Edwards ordered the very first system
for the UK market.
Following further enhancements the Digi-Flag solution was
again winning total support from race officials and drivers at the December
round at Kimbolton Kart Circuit.
Hunts Kart Race Club Chairman, Martin Chesterman said:
"The last round of the 2013 HKRC Club Championship was again treated to another
weekend supported by the Sports Timing Systems team who have fully supported the
integration of the TAG Heuer timing system.
"The December weekend benefited fully
from Sports Timing Systems new electronic flag system, Digi-Flag. The display
added a clear dimension on which to communicate flags and script messages
clearly, quickly and concisely to the drivers on the circuit.
"The club's race
director benefitted enormously from the system's instant response when relaying
flag warnings. HKRC have been so impressed by this addition that we have agreed
with Sports Timing Systems to purchase a unit in readiness for our first race
meeting in 2014."
For more information about TAG Heuer
timekeeping solutions, contact Sports Timing Systems on 01782 561734 or email:
info@sportstimingsystems.co.uk.
Visit the
website:
www.sportstimingsystems.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Turkey Trot A Success (10/12)
Clay
Pigeon Kart Club would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the
Turkey Trot weekend a huge success.
Friday night saw the 2013 club
championship Class winners being presented with their trophies by the clubs
president Colin Clark and vice president Neil Hann. Alex Quinn was crowned club
champion following his remarkable performances in 2013.
The AGM on
Saturday evening saw the biggest attendance for some years with younger members
of the club coming forward and volunteering to serve on the committee.
Sunday saw
some fantastic racing in constantly changing conditions, Clay Pigeons micro
climate again helping to keep everyone busy.
A big thank you to Alpha Timing for
all their support over the past few weeks while the club introduced the new
Alpha Timing Club championship management system and race timing system.
This was the trial run of the new systems for 2014 and with the support from
both Will's, it was a resounding success.
The results from
Sundays racing can be found at
http://results.alphatiming.co.uk/cpkc/2013/tt.
Don't forget the circuit and the shop
will be open for practice as normal on Saturday the 28th December.
[ Top ]
Comer C50 Homologation (10/12)
Homologation
of the Comer C50 has been completed ahead of its introduction as the sole
Bambino kart class engine with effect from 1 January 2014.
Competitors who
are already using the engine must have it validated in accordance with the
homologation. The MSA has arranged for Zip Kart, the UK distributor, to carry
out these validations for no more than £50 plus VAT per unit until 31 December
2013; validations will be carried out at Zip Kart's stated rates from then on.
For further information visit
http://www.zipkart.com/c50-engine-validation.
Rob Jones, Acting MSA Chief Executive,
said: "Bambino is a popular first rung on the motor sport ladder for many
youngsters, and we're delighted that the new sole class engine, the Comer C50,
is now ready for introduction as planned from January 2014. The newly
homologated unit will allow us to ensure equal and affordable equipment for
competitors, and we look forward to working with Zip Kart in making the class a
continued success."
The Comer C50 homologation fiche is
available at
www.msauk.org/karttech.
[ Top ]
New Dellorto Carb Prep Kit (09/12)
The
new 2014 HRS Dellorto Carburettor preparation kit V2 is now available and is the
perfect stocking filler for Mechanics and Dads this Christmas.
Make sure your carb is legal and
prepared to perfection.
Contains tools for:-
- Removing and replacing Atomizer bush.
- Pin to set Atomizer bush height - 3.60mm
- More accurate Float Gauge 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3mm,
3.25mm, 3.5mm, 3.75mm and 4mm levels.
- Rotax style float check tool- to use as a guide.
- Pin set - 0.45mm to 1.50mm to check hole sizes as to
Rotax regulation.
Available now for £135 plus VAT and delivery.
Visit our
website at
www.hrsracingengines.com or
contact us on email
hrsracingengines@gmail.com
or call 07808 911088.
[ Top ]
TKM TAG Dominates (09/12)
TKM
TAG engines dominated at the Clay Pigeon Kart Club Turkey Trot race meeting,
bagging all three podium positions in the Senior Extreme class.
Michael Eastwell took the top step
and the turkey, which on the back of recent performance in S1 rounds, confirms
the crisp power output of the latest spec TKM TAG engine and Tal-Ko Veloce
Chassis he has been using this year.
And close behind were Tom Hackett and the very experienced
Charlie Bruce-White also using the touch and go version of the TKM BT82 engine.
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "These
results underline the simple fact that the TKM TAG engine is every bit as fast
as the direct drive engine. With the simplified electronics which we now use the
engine combines good speed with great reliability."
For more
information on Formula TKM and TAG engines visit
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Hawkey Chooses Birel (06/12)
Ethan
Hawkey has made the switch to the new Birel C28 cadet kart for the 2014 season.
The talented youngster has never been far from the eye of Birel since he started
karting through Easykart Cadet at the age of 8.
Sole UK Birel Importer Andy Cox explains "We have kept a
close eye on Ethan and his performances this year in the MSA Iame cadet class.
The new 2014 Birel cadet has excelled in testing and we are confident that we
now have a Birel kart that can now deliver a Cadet Championship title.
Now is the right moment for the Birel
brand to enter the Iame cadet class seriously - and now we have a serious driver
and contender in Ethan Hawkey. Eclipse Motorsport and now Ethan Hawkey has the
whole Birel factory behind them and we will now work together to achieve our
goals in 2014."
Birel
has chosen Eclipse Motorsport to run the Birel cadet marque as a satellite team
for 2014. Eclipse Motorport is run and owned by Ollie Hrycak, the team is based
at the PF International circuit making testing very convenient. Karting legend
and multi British Championship ex driver Darron Gibbs oversees driver coaching
in Eclipse resulting in a strong team combination of driving experience, kart
preparation and on track performance.
Hawkey
and Eclipse Motorsport will contest the 2014 MSA Super One and the cadet club
series the LGM.
The new 2014 Birel Cadet is priced at £1995.00 + VAT and
comes fully loaded with extras as standard - Freeline rims, Freeline rear RPS
pod, Freeline pods and HQ Birel HQ sticker pack, Birel Motorsport HQ steering
wheel, Freeline chain guard, Freeline engine mount, Freeline HQ sinter brake
system and Birel flat bottom seat!
If you would like to test the new Birel cadet with Eclipse
Motorsport call Ollie on 07969 387099, or for more information on the Birel C28
cadet kart please call the ACR office on 01527 889595.
[ Top ]
Keep Your Engine Safe (06/12)
Grice
Racing Engines can supply you with the ideal present for your favourite kart
racer - or even yourself - if you're not satisfied with the usual chocolate,
bath salts and socks!
The cases can be made in any size, with your own custom
livery. As you can see from the photos, the design is integral to the case, it
isn't just a sticker kit. These cases are the best way to keep your engines safe
in storage or in transit.
If you need something to put in it, the X30 engine is
shaping up to be the biggest thing to hit Junior and Senior karting since the
Rotax Max, with the importers selling more engines at this stage in the year
than they had of the IAME Cadet this time last year.
Grice have extensive experience with
the entire IAME range and have had a successful 2013 in Cadets with Oliver York,
Jack Armstrong and Herbie Grout at Fusion and Next-Gen. Dominic Bush and Matthew
Graham have also been coming along brilliantly over the last season.
Cadet rebuilds cost £180 plus VAT and
for the X30 £355 plus VAT. To be totally prepared you can also rent time
on one of the most advanced karting dynos in the UK. A dyno power test is £87.50
plus VAT and you can have your carb optimised with an ultrasonic set up for £60
+ VAT.
Grice have a state-of-the-art Rotronics dyno with fully-automated software in an
air-conditioned and temperature-controlled room, and are one of the only kart
engine tuners to have installed a Sports Devices rolling road to complement the
dyno, using transient and eddy current technology to assess the engine
ancillaries and optimise the package as a whole. Time on these costs £450 for
the day, £250 for a half day or £100 per hour.
For more
information contact Ricky Grice at
ricky.grice@virgin.net or call 01268 727847.
You can also visit our website at
Griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
Junior Kart Champs Engines (05/12)
For
the 2014 MSA British Junior Kart Championship competitors will draw for two
Vortex KF Junior engines to use at each round of the Super One Series. The
engines will be supplied by their UK agents, Strawberry Racing and they will all
be checked for uniformity. This initiative will dramatically lower the
costs of competing in the most prestigious series for Junior drivers in the UK,
with the British crown the ultimate accolade. Drivers like Anthony
Davidson and Paul Di Resta have this title on their CVs before becoming Formula
1 drivers.
Super One welcomes new partners for the class in McLaren
Mercedes Formula 1 team and John Surtees with associated prizes of McLaren
Technology Centre VIP visits, sessions with their F1 engineers and fitness
coaches. This will be associated with on-going advice on the driver's
career and progression. These join with Bridgestone and their supplier Zip
Kart and new series title sponsor SSM Stevenage Sheet Metal.
It's
estimated that the cost per round for KF Junior is £1800 per weekend, this is
including dry and wet tyres, test tyres and fuel and unlike the other classes
this includes the cost of two engine hires. Compare that to other
international KF Junior events and the difference is dramatic.
Strawberry
Racing's Managing Director Paul Spencer said: "We are very excited to be part of
this new initiative and are very sure it is a step in the right direction to cut
the cost of competing in the Junior British Championship. Engines will be
prepared to a very high standard but importantly the specification will remain
stable all through the year." The MSA has given their full backing to the pooled
engine project as well as the major teams. The class enjoys support from
Ricky Flynn Motorsport, ZipKart, SWRD (Wright karts), Millennium Motorsport,
Mick Barrett Racing, S8 Racing, AIM Motorsport and Forza amongst others.
Could you too follow in the footsteps of the like of Jehan Daruvala and Jake
Dennis?
A breakdown of the costs of competing can be found on the
registration form at
available for download.
But remember the
easiest and cheapest way to register is on line at the
Super One website.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
PFI Christmas Opening (05/12)
The
PF International circuit is open on the following dates around the festive
period...
20th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
21st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
22nd Dec - Pro-Kart Sprint / Big Guns Event
23rd Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n
Drive
24th Dec - General Testing
2/Stroke 9-4 pm
25th Dec -
Closed
26th Dec - Closed
27th Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega
Sale starts 7am **
28th Dec -
General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm ** JM Shop Mega Sale continues **
29th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
30th Dec - Rental Kart / Arrive n Drive
31st Dec - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
1st Jan - Closed
2nd Jan - Pro-Kart Testing 4/Stroke 9-4 pm
3rd Jan - General Testing 2/Stroke 9-4 pm
4th Jan - TVKC Testing
5th Jan - TVKC Race Day
The Circuit can be contacted on 01636 626424 option 2, and
for the Shop option 1.
[ Top ]
2013 Turkey Trot Weekend (04/12)
After
another successful club championship year, Clay Pigeon Kart Club are holding
their annual Turkey Trot Event on Sunday 8 December. As in previous years,
this is one time when drivers look forward to getting the "bird" courtesy of
Colin Clarke who once again has kindly sponsored the event with a Turkey for the
winner of each class subject to entries.
It promises to be a fun packed weekend starting with the
annual dinner and the 2013 club championship prize giving on the Friday evening
in the George Albert hotel. Saturday is sessioned practice followed by the club
AGM and then the racing on Sunday where the format will be timed heats and an
extended final.
Register online at
https://cpkc.k1manager.co.uk/register or call
Cathy Wellington on 01458 841100 or email
comp_sec@claypigeonkartclub.com.
We hope to see as many people as possible over the
weekend, whether they be racing, spectating or just coming along to enjoy a
weekend with friends.
[ Top ]
Winter Testing In Southern Spain (04/12)
The
winter has arrived in northern Europe. Don't let the snow, cold or rain be part
of your test program.
Karting Campillos in the south of Spain offer you
excellent testing possibilities during this winter. Our track is the venue of
the annual Euro Rotax RGMMC Winter Cup, CIK approved. 1580m with high and low
speed corners.
Every year the number of European teams that select
Karting Campillos for winter testing is increasing!
Karting Campillos is open 7 day a week! From 10am to 6pm
non-stop, this enables a high number of laps per day!
Do you have a race team with new
drivers, new chassis, new engines, new mechanic, this is the opportunity to
arrive well prepared to the start of the season!
For more information please contact
Martin via email
info@kartingcampillos.com
or visit our website at
www.kartingcampillos.com
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Champs (04/12)
The
final Round of the Summer Club Championship takes place on Sunday 15th December,
with double points on offer for this round!
All ABkC non gear box glasses are
welcome including Bambino and Subaru. The best 7 out of 8 Rounds count towards
the overall Championship (best 6 out of 7 for Honda Cadet/Clubman).
As is traditional, special Christmas
fayre will be awarded alongside the normal Club trophies.
Open Practice will be available on
Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December between 10am to 4pm.
For further
details please contact chris@buckmore.co.uk or
contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.
[ Top ]
TKM Super One Scholarship (03/12)
Matt
England has been named as the winner of the newly created TKM Super One
Scholarship which will see him take part in next year's S1 series with backing
from Tal-Ko, S1 and Maxxis Tyres.
Matt dominated the Junior class in last year's
championship, not even needing to race in the last round. This year he stepped
up to Seniors and put in strong performances in a learning year including a
second place.
Announcing the winner TKM boss Alan Turney said: "Matt is
exactly the quality of driver we were looking for. We wanted to launch a club
level driver into our top national championship and help make that move a
success. I have every confidence Matt is going to do very well."
The Scholarship was created this year
by TKM and Super One with backing from Maxxis. The prize, worth more than £3000,
includes free entry, fuel and tyres for the S1 series together with use of a
Tal-Ko Veloce kart.
Super One organiser John Hoyle said: "We wanted to create
a special opportunity for a driver to move into the UK's top championship. We
look forward to seeing how he gets on."
Matt, aged 18 from Witney, gained a National Diploma in
Motorsport Engineering and is now finishing an apprenticeship in ICT and
Telecommunications.
He started karting at the Mr Karting corporate track in
2006 where he set a new lap record and won their championship. He started
Formula TKM Junior MSA racing in 2009, and in 2011 won the Shenington TKM winter
series and was second in the Rissington championship. 2012 saw his dominance of
the TKM Club Championship and also saw him win the Shenington Superprix.
Matt's racing has always been as a
family with father Malc in charge of preparation. And that's just how they will
continue in 2014. Now Matt's aim is to win in S1 and the TKM Festival next year
and then progress on to single seater car racing.
Matt says: "I am thrilled to win this scholarship and so
grateful for all the help being given. I am looking forward to contesting the
2014 championship with Tal-Ko Racing. I race to win so I will do my best to be
at the front."
For more information on Formula TKM
visit www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
The New
Pitwall Tees
(02/12)
The
new Pitwall Tees are now available in a range of fun and quirky prints - the
perfect gift for any motorsports fan!
http://pitwall.co.uk/collections/pitwall-tees.
Take advantage of this great offer and treat someone this
Christmas!
For more information please take a look at
www.pitwall.co.uk
or call us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page
@pitwall_ltd for all the very
latest offers and information.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championships (02/12)
It's
that time of the month again and time to get your entry in (if you haven't
already done so) for the 3rd round of the Lydd Winter Championships.
"After a busy 11 months we are
looking forward to finishing the year on a record breaking high" said circuit
owner James Clarke, adding "it's been a fantastic year's racing and we've been
pleased to see many familiar faces returning to the circuit each month as well
as welcoming many new members to Lydd who have gone on to become regulars
themselves, so a big thank you to you all".
If you haven't yet experienced the fastest circuit in Kent
and the camaraderie that exists amongst competitors at Lydd, come down this
weekend and enjoy. Practice/testing is available on Saturday with racing
(non MSA) for all the usual classes that Lydd caters for on Sunday 8th December.
Call Lydd on
01797 321747 or 01797 321895 to reserve your place on the grid and visit
www.lyddkartcircuit.com to keep up to date with
all that is happening in karting in this part of Kent.
Entries can be made right up to race
morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee!
[ Top ]
Prokart Endurance Racing (29/11)
It
has been a very long time since we last hosted owner/driver prokart racing at
Buckmore Park. Those with long and fond memories will recall those Friday
evening 3hr races. With up to 45 karts on track, the racing was exciting, equal
and above all, economic.
Aren't those three things exactly what the kart enthusiast
is looking for today?
After talking to a lot of drivers it seems the time is
right to re-launch the series.
We already have owner/driver open practice on the third
Friday of each month, so that evening is the ideal time to schedule the race.
Teams can use the afternoon to practice and set-up the kart before the start of
the official practice session.
The team event will comprise a practice/qualifying session
followed by a three hour endurance race with compulsory stops for fuel/driver
changes. This will be a non-MSA series run to a set of regulations to be
published shortly. The series will run in two classes, Clubman and Pro.
A typical itinerary (with exact
details TBC)...
- 4:30pm Sign-on
and scrutineering
- 5:30pm
Safety briefing
- 6:00pm 30
minuate qualifying
- 6:45pm
Start of 3hr race
- 10:00pm
Presentation of awards
In addition, open practice will be available (at
additional cost) from 10am to 4pm.
Further details, regulations, and team
entry fee will be announced shortly.
We anticipate a good response as there
is a strong resurgence of interest in prokart team endurance racing as an ideal
way of keeping a lid on the cost of racing competitively, and we do hope that
you will be able to join us on the grid at Buckmore Park in 2014.
For more
information or to register your interest contact Chris Pullman at Buckmore Park
on 01634 661604 or email
chris@buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Shwartzman Just Misses Title (29/11)
Forza
Racing and Robert Shwartzman proved the old saying that it's 'not the size of
the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog' with a terrific
performance in the CIK FIA World Championship in Bahrain (23 November).
As he entered the last lap, the young
Russian star was poised to become the 2013 KF Junior World Champion - but in the
dramatic final moments claimed 3rd place overall.
"It was a hard race. Twice he (Robert) got himself into a
good position. He caught Lando and passed him, but Norris was clever and
attacked him right back which put Robert back to 5th or 6th I think. And then he
fought back to 2nd and at that point, as he went into the last lap, we were
World Champions," explained a philosophical Team Owner Jamie Croxford, adding:
"I closed my eyes and Robert was a little bit nervous and didn't close the gap
in the hairpin at the top of the hill. Nikita (Mazepin) closed and passed him.
They touched a little, but only because there was no space. It wasn't the fault
of either driver as two karts into one corner wouldn't work."
Despite being caught in the white
heat of the fight for the world title, the Forza Racing driver sportingly ceded
the advantage he gained by cutting a small section of the track. He crossed the
finishing line in 4th place, but was later promoted to 3rd after Mazepin was
given a ten-second penalty by the stewards for exceeding the track limits on his
drive to 2nd place.
After
his 3rd place at the opening round of the World Championship (held at Sarno,
Italy on 3-6 October), Shwartzman was praised by Croxford: "To finish the season
and be World Champions would have been great, but we've still pulled off a
massive achievement. Robert is very fast and that helped us. He has a lot of
natural ability and our personal approach helped him, as we can focus on his
needs as an individual and give him the material to go out and show what he can
do."
Jamied
added: "We might be a new, small team but we are not daunted by taking on the
works and big teams. We almost won the European title also. Again that came down
to the last lap and we were 4th overall. We won the KF3 European Championship
last year (with George Russell) and have a great team, with me, Cara (Russell),
Shane (McFadden), Kyle (Moore) and the help of GFR Engines. It is a family
environment and that works for us. The mentality of the driver is important and
if he is in good condition, anything is possible. Fingers crossed, we will
continue on this level next year."
The team and Robert are now considering stepping up to KF2
category for 2014, although Croxford is playing his cards close to his chest:
"We'll go testing and see what happens. When we have some effective data, we'll
make an informed decision and go from there."
For more information and to discuss a race seat with the
team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of
one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940.
Alternatively, visit
www.forza-racing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Giovanni
Cuna/CunaPhoto.
[ Top ]
JAG - Rotax At KartMania (28/11)
JAG
- Rotax will be exhibiting at Kartmania this weekend. All the latest products
will be on display and technical staff will be on hand to answer any of your
questions. We have recently returned from the Rotax World Finals, where UK
drivers once again tasted success. Ollie Hodgson winning the Senior Max class
and almost a UK podium lock out in the Juniors. Due to a last lap incident
involving Tom Harvey we were only able to secure 2nd and 3rd.
For 2014 we have Junior and Minimax
classes running at MSA rounds of the Super 1. This will be the all new Rotax
Academy which is a full race package including pooled engines that are
identically prepared to provide extremely close and competitive racing. The
price of £5000 for the season includes all fees, tyres, fuel, oil, a fresh
pooled engine and VAT. This concept has been very well received and
registrations are already coming in. See us on the JAG or Super 1 stands at the
show.
Also
making a return at the Rotax Super 1 rounds will be the exciting DD2 class. The
DD2 differs from the usual Max engine in that it has a 2 speed gearbox, 4 wheel
brakes and a faster tyre. Those that want the ultimate adrenaline rush should
give this a try. Again we have been asked to run the DD2 as there is more
interest now than ever before. Some drivers are even going to do both classes,
Senior Max and DD2. there is the opportunity to do the whole 6 round series with
the ultimate prize of a drive in the 2014 Rotax World Finals.
At Kartmania this weekend, George
Robinson will be giving a couple of "Workshop" presentations on each day. Please
feel free to come along and heckle!
If you are reading this, as a final footnote, please pop
out to the garage to make sure that your engine has Anti-Freeze in the radiator,
it's going to be cold tonight!
[ Top ]
TWKC At Warden Law (28/11)
Don't
forget the first round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club at Winter Series at Warden
Law starts this weekend, with another round inbetween Christmas and New Year!
Come and join us and race on a fantastic track with fantastic people!
TWKC Winter Series: The Tyne & Wear
Kart Club and Karting North East will be holding a mini winter series with race
dates being;
Sunday 1st December 2013 (normal circuit layout)
Sunday 29th December 2013 (surprise circuit layouts)
The race format will be ran as normal
with practice, qualifying, 3 heats (Cadet/Junior/Senior) 4 heats (Prokarts) and
a final. Signing on and scruitineering will be from 8.15 am and drivers briefing
from 9am all drivers must attend drivers briefing.
Trophies
will be awarded in each of the two rounds for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each
individual class.
Junior (Cadet
& Junior) driver of the day in each round wins a trophy and £20 KNE voucher.
Senior (Rotax & Prokart) driver of the day in each round
wins a trophy and a £20 KNE voucher.
For more information call us now 0191 521 4050.
[ Top ]
KartPartsUK At KartMania (28/11)
Kart
Parts UK are pleased to be attending the annual Kartmania show at The Wing,
Silverstone on 30th November and 1st December.
We will have on display many karting items with special
prices for the two day event (whilst stock last).
You will be able to carry the items away with you and with
the parking outside the venue this year what could be easier.
Come along and meet us all.
Also displaying with us this year
will be Beta Tools, IPK and Kart Care.
If you cannot make the show all our
products are available 24/7 on our web site
www.kartpartsuk.com
or call us on 01775 712633.
We stock a large range of genuine products, Rotax Max,
Iame Gazelle 60, Gillard Racing Karts, OTK and OK1 / IPK. Beta Tools, Douglas
Rims, the list is endless...
So why not give
www.kartpartsuk.com
a try.
[ Top ]
TKM Club Championships (28/11)
Formula
TKM will run two club championships for 2-strokes in 2014 after getting the
green light from the MSA to expand on the successful pilot series started in the
Midlands in 2012.
The existing TKM Midlands Club Championship will run again
in 2014 at Kimbolton, Shenington, Rissington and Whilton Mill with a second
series to be known as the TKM Northern Club Championship running at Hooton Park,
Wombwell, 3 Sisters and Rowrah.
A delighted TKM boss Alan Turney said: "This is great news
for drivers and clubs alike because it encourages club level racing combined
with the challenge of running at other circuits which are not too far away.
"The series we established in the
Midlands has been very well supported and we hope the Northern one will be
popular too. Already we have drivers talking about one for the South in 2015."
Both championships will be running in
Junior and Senior classes with the possible addition of the TKM Clubman class in
the Midlands subject to numbers.
Adds TKM Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth: "These events
are the perfect way for drivers to take the next step up from club level racing
giving them fresh venues and new drivers to race against with very little extra
cost."
Provisional dates for both championships have been arranged as follows:
TKM Midlands:
May 11 - Kimbolton
July 20 - Shenington
Sept 6/7 - Rissington
Sept 28 - Whilton Mill (Double header)
TKM Northern:
March 16 - Hooton Park
April 13 - Wombwell
June 22 - 3 Sisters
July 13 - Rowrah
August 24 - 3 Sisters
Sept 21 - Hooton Park
Full details of regulations,
registration etc will be issued shortly by Tal-Ko, the parent company of TKM, at
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Shark Motorsport (27/11)
Shark
Motorsport would like to announce that they have finalised every detail on the
new 2014 Shark cadet kart, which will be launched on 5th December.
A comprehensive testing regime and
re-design process has taken place over the last 18 months to produce a new kart
for the Iame, Comer and Honda classes.
The new kart features a revised design and new braking
system that has proved to be a favourite with drivers and mechanics. Each driver
who has tested the latest design has commented on its exceptional performance in
hot, cold and wet conditions.
Shark Motorsport team manager Mike McMahon has been
heavily involved in the testing of the new kart... "We are really pleased with
the performance gains we have seen on track together with exceptional
consistency. I am really looking forward to 2014, as are all the drivers who
have tested the new chassis."
Shark Motorsport owner Steve McMahon would like to thank
everyone involved in developing the new kart... "We have had lots of drivers and
mechanics put time into development work and I am really grateful for the
support, we are very proud of the finished product. The new kart is of even
higher quality and retains the durability and lightness seen in previous Shark
karts."
Shark Motorsport will be launching the new chassis in full online via their
website and Facebook page on 5th December. Full details will be announced at
this time.
Pre-orders have already been taken following successful tests. For a limited
period, karts can still be ordered for Christmas delivery.
For more
information, please contact Shark Motorsport on tel 07979 806553 or email
info@sharkmotorsport.com. You can also find us
online at
www.sharkmotorsport.com and
facebook.com/sharkmotorsport.
[ Top ]
Fast-Track To Car Racing (27/11)
Organisers
of the Michelin Clio Cup Road Series are to hold a special 'Clio Cup ARDS Test
Day' at Rockingham in Northamptonshire next Thursday, 5th December, where
graduates from karting and motorsport novices will be able to gain their racing
licence before testing a competition-ready Clio Renaultsport 197.
Providing the best possible
introduction to car racing for karters, complete rookies and trackday
enthusiasts who wish to branch out into competitive action, the specially
arranged day will feature cars supplied by Monster Sport Europe, SWB Motorsport
and Jade Developments.
Priced at £700 plus VAT for the full day, attendees will
be taken through their ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test during
the morning and, on completion, will then be able to sample a race-converted
Michelin Clio Cup Road Series car on Rockingham's National Circuit.
Following a five lap familiarisation
of the 1.7-mile infield track, alongside a fully qualified instructor, each
participant will embark on a brace of 10 lap runs at the wheel of a Clio
Renaultsport 197 fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 road tyres. All drivers must
be 16-years-of-age or older.
Teams operating cars during testing in the afternoon will
require a fully refundable bond of £2,000 via credit card from each driver,
which will be held against any potential damage. In the unfortunate event any
damage is caused to one of the Clios, the cost of repair will be taken from the
bond.
Bookings for the day are being taken now - either call Will
Thomas at Rockingham on 01536 270143 or visit
https://store.rockingham.co.uk/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=131205.
"We really are absolutely delighted
to be able to offer this special ARDS day to drivers eyeing a move into car
racing in 2014", said Michelin Clio Cup Road Series promoter Simon North, "It's
a fantastic, and rare actually, opportunity for a driver to gain their racing
licence and then almost immediately get behind the wheel of a race-ready car.
"Rockingham is a great venue for a
day like this and we're confident it's going to prove incredibly popular with
karters, trackday enthusiasts and also those who perhaps have a desire to begin
racing but who haven't yet accrued any form of circuit experience."
Michelin Clio Cup Road Series, which
is administered by the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), enjoyed a strong
maiden season this year and grids are expected to significantly increase in 2014
when the category becomes a fully-fledged championship.
Designed to be the ideal entry point
into saloon car racing, particularly with its cost-effectiveness, the Road
Series has already proven its worth by propelling drivers into the sister
Michelin Clio Cup Race Series. From there, competitors can remain part of the
Renault 'family' by progressing into the blue riband national Renault UK Clio
Cup which supports the British Touring Car Championship.
North added: "We established the Clio
Cup Series this year with the intention of producing the perfect entry-level
category, and we feel we've achieved that. Young karter Sam Randon became a race
winner with us in the Road Series this year, as did Jake Honour who was a
complete motorsport novice at the start of the season. It really is the perfect
place to begin your saloon car career."
Along with headline sponsors Michelin and Protyre, the
Clio Cup Series is additionally supported by Safety Devices, Mark Fish
Motorsport and The Lubricant Consultancy.
Photograph courtesy of Jakob
Ebrey Photography.
[ Top ]
Come And See Us (27/11)
Come
and see us this weekend at KartMania where we have our new 2014 Intrepid Raptor
and race suit on show, as well a range of spectacular show offers and discounts
available.
We are also unveiling our 2014 Race Team packages and much much more! So
come and see us at the show to find out more.
We would also like to announce our special kart packages
and festive deals; It that time of year again when people start making their
plans and buying their new Karts for the new season, why not grab yourself a
great deal this the Christmas! Having had a successful end to the season and the
positive re-launch of Intrepid and with its growing interest across the UK, we
have some unmissable offers starting this weekend at KartMania and running over
the festive period. We are pleased to announce our latest offer on complete kart
packages including engines and tyres.
Offers start from as little as......
Rotax - £3400.00 + VAT
Iame X30 - £3400.00 + VAT
KGP - £3520 +VAT
With
our some competitors starting their rolling chassis' at £2850 + VAT, why not buy
our 2014 Intrepid Raptor with new engine and tyres for less than £1000 more!
These offers are valid from this
weekend's KartMania and will run throughout the Christmas period ending on the
13th January 2014, We currently have Karts in stock so your kart could be
delivered in less than 7 days! (*While stocks last).
For more information visit it us at
KartMania or contact us on
www.intrepidkartuk.co.uk,
Email us
IntrepidkartUK@gmail.com or by phone 07535
645730 or 07999 979812.
*If demand is high and karts become out of stock delivery
expected within 4 weeks.
[ Top ]
Fusion Motorsport (27/11)
Just
one week after the announcement of the re-launch of the Fusion Junior Team,
nearly all the spaces in the 3 classes have been filled! Interest has been
unprecedented over the last 7 days, during which the team have successfully
tested 5 drivers and have another 3 drivers lined up for tests in the next week.
The Junior Team,
run in association with Fusion Motorsport / RL Racing Department, will be
competing in Honda/Rotax S1, LGM IAME and selected club meetings, with the first
official outing this weekend at Round 1 of the PFi Winter Series. There is
currently only 1 place remaining in the IAME line up, 1 place in Honda and 1
place in Mini Max, interested parties should contact Paul Munn on 07542 808154,
paul.munn43@gmail.com or
dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk for more details.
There are also just 2 places
remaining in the Fusion Motorsport official team for 2014, competing in IAME
LGM, S1 (British Championship), O Plate, Kartmasters GP and selected club
meetings and test days.
For more information on joining the
British Championship winning team or to arrange a test / evaluation day contact
Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221 or
danhazlewood@me.com.
[ Top ]
Champion Kart Services (27/11)
After
a successful inaugural year for the team we are now expanding and have vacancies
moving into 2014.
CKS are experts in getting the most out of your kit and
driver. We provide a friendly, professional service in a family atmosphere. This
coupled with our fantastic work rate and attention to detail allows our drivers
to deliver their full potential.
The
team will be competing at MSA S1, LGM, Wigan and PFI club championships.
We have vacancies in Iame Cadet, X30,
Honda Cadet and Mini Max.
New for 2014 the team will be providing an all in one
awning package that will include awning space, kart preparation, driver tuition,
kart transportation/storage, Flat bed and access to all meetings/test days
available with the team. This package will be provided at a flat rate for all
drivers.
We
will also continue to provide our competitively priced weekends with the team
for drivers wishing only to compete at selected events but still achieve their
full potential and goals.
If you are interested in joining the
team or wish to enquire further please contact Ryan on 07718 234038 or
ryan-cksuk@live.co.uk.
[ Top ]
KartMania '13 Is Here (26/11)
Last
year's show at Silverstone was voted by everyone as 'the best show yet', the
venue was ideal, and had the motorsport atmosphere due to the fact that we were
at the Home of British Motorsport, so we're back!
This weekend November 30th/December 1st we return to The
Wing for Kartmania 13, our seventh show dedicated to karting, all the major
exhibitors with all you will ever need whatever your ability. The KartBoot will
be there bigger than ever in the pit garages over the 2 days with many used
parts available. A new dedicated information centre will be by the main entrance
with the MSA, ABkC, ARKS and BKIA, all there to help and advise, also medicals
can be done throughout the weekend by motor sport medics. On Saturday and Sunday
there will be workshops on Rotax (George Robinson), Formula TKM (Tal-Ko), Tyres
and how to look after them (George Robinson) and Honda engines and set up
(Kelvin Nichols). As always both days are full of activities on the stage with 7
championship award presentations taking place.
Great news for this year's KartMania - we have James
Calado visiting the show on Sunday between 11:00 - 12:00 to have a chat and
answer any questions you might have. James started his racing career in karting
and has this year had a brilliant drive with ART in GP2 finishing the season
with a victory in Adu Dhabi to secure third place in the drivers championship.
James has also been signed up by the Sahara Force India F1 team as third driver,
so come along and find out how he did it at Kartmania the UK's premier kart
show.
For more information on how to get there and opening times
visit
www.kartmania.co.uk.
[ Top ]
GW Motorsport (26/11)
GW
Motorsport would like to congratulate Dean Hale on his recent success of winning
both Little Rissington and Stars at Whilton Mill Senior Rotax Championships.
Both Dean and Jack Bartholomew were on a front row 'lock out' on their Wright
Karts in Senior Rotax at the final round at Whilton Mill. Congratulations
also to Toby Payne on coming a well deserved 2nd place in the Stars at Whilton
Mill Championship.
Due to the proven success of the Wright Kart, under the GW
Motorsport team, we can offer tests in the following classes:- Senior Rotax,
Junior Rotax, Mini Max, KGP Junior and Senior and the brilliant new X30 class.
New and second hand Wright Karts are available along with all spares. If
you wish to test a Wright Kart or be part of our winning team, please contact
Gary on 07950 032519.
[ Top ]
IPKarting
S.r.l.
(26/11)
Come
along to the Kartmania show at Silverstone this Saturday and Sunday where we
will be exhibiting our new range of Praga and OK1 karts for the 2014 season!
We are very proud to unveil the
recently homologated, all new Cadet kart, which is available in both Praga and
OK1 livery. Also on show will be the new Praga Dragon and the OK1 Cruiser M2.
Feel free to ask us about our special
show discount rates on karts and parts at our stand which will be situated
within KartParts UK.
For more information, contact 07760 888733 or 07957
879413.
[ Top ]
Super One Series (26/11)
If
you are visiting Kartmania at the weekend drop by and have a chat at the Super
One stand, find out more about the series, and check out the true costs of
competing. That's probably less than you thought and more than likely
within your reach! You can see the costs involved on the registration form
which is
available here.
Super One hosts the three prestigious MSA British
Championships for KF Junior, IAME Cadet and KZ1 gearbox classes are joined by
the ABkC National championship for TKM Senior Extreme and Junior and the Formula
KGP class in one series. The other series hosts all the popular ABkC Rotax
classes - MiniMax, Junior Max and Senior 125 Max as well as Honda Cadet and the
MSA National Comer Cadet championship. For 2014 Rotax DD2, MiniMax and Junior
Max Academy classes are joining the events. The Academy classes an
innovation offering pooled engines and a level playing field. Also with
pooled engines for 2014 is the KF Junior class, so that competitors need not
worry any more about constant updates to their motors. They will get the
same spec engines all year, prepared to the very highest standard, and have two
engines available per round, and so the costs are contained. The Super One
Series will also be announcing a brand new prestigious prize for the KF Junior
class at the show. 406 drivers raced in the series in 2013, join them and
get your choice of number now.
If you were not originally planning
to go to Silverstone on 30th November or 1st December surely this is a good
reason to visit, see
www.kartmania.co.uk for all
the details and to order tickets. Talk to Super One, visit the traders and
the boot sale and get your gear together then register for the 2014 Super One.
Get yourself on the extensive TV coverage available to millions world wide and
on the bespoke Youtube channel. Alternatively register on line here at
http://superoneseries.com/registration/.
Registrations are available for what
promises to be a massively exciting new Super One season in 2014. The calendar
of events is here:
http://superoneseries.com/calendar/.
The promoters welcome on board the new title sponsor SSM Stevenage Sheet Metal.
[ Top ]
Internet Fraud (26/11)
Regrettably it has come to our attention that a
fraudster has used the UK Karting Marketplace to defraud buyers.
There is some
advice for sellers and buyers currently in the Market Place section of the
website (www.karting.co.uk/MP/scam.html),
but please be extremely careful when paying for goods.
The most recent
case to affect the Market Place involved adverts placed by a person using the
following names and contact details to advertise: James Stafford e-mail
jamesstafford81@fsmail.net; James in Kent and
Matt in Scotland Tel: 07827275124 and Ben Meadows e-mail
benmeadows@fsmail.net
If anyone has had dealings with any
of the above and not received goods in return for the payment made please advise
us at
mail@karting.co.uk and contact Action Fraud on
0300 123 2040 to report the fraud, or visit the Action Fraud website at
www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Reporting these crimes has in the past has resulted in the
successful prosecution of the individuals involved and a custodial sentence
given, so please do report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
[ Top ]
Oli Is
MiniMax Champion
(25/11)
Ambition
& Robinson Sport would like to Congratulate Oli Ellis-Richardson on winning the
2013 FEKC Championship.
Paul Janes, Ambition Motorsport Team Principal "We have
watched Oli's progression this season - he has impressed us with his overall
attitude to karting, the level of feedback given and of course, his speed! We
are very pleased that he will be racing as part of the team in 2014.
Having spent the last two years
running in the very competitive Minimax class, Oliver has gained lots of
experience and valuable set up data which we will continue to put to very good
use under our awning next season, giving any new drivers joining the team a head
start and a distinct advantage over the competition".
Oli
said "Gaining sponsorship from JNL Engineering at the beginning of 2013 has had
a dramatic effect on my performances this season, securing the championship with
one round to go reflects this. Championships are won with consistent driving and
kart reliability. At each round we focused on delivering the right result
and meticulous mechanical preparation. In the penultimate round with a few laps
to go I decided to hold my position, knowing that I only needed to finish the
race to secure the title. Recording a new lap record at The Southern Champs
meeting earlier this year was the icing on the cake for me." Oli achieved
the fastest Minimax lap at FEKC since the introduction of the carb slide
restrictor in January 2012 with a blistering 43.25s at the Southern Champs
meeting in June 2013.
Ambition Motorsport would also like to congratulate all of
the team's drivers, mechanics and tutors for all of their hard work throughout
2013. Their success this season has already attracted new drivers for 2014
but not wanting to rest on their laurels, Team Ambition plan to increase upon
this year's success and still have limited team places in most classes.
Ambition Motorsport are Southern
Distributors for Project One Honda Cadet & Alonso karts. We welcome and
cater for all levels of experience and classes, including Bambino, Honda Cadet,
Junior & Senior with new or used equipment available for all.
One
to One Tuition is available after school for one or two hour sessions at our
base at Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit, Sittingbourne, Kent. These will be held
throughout the summer months during 2014 for Bambino and Honda Cadet drivers
looking for that extra edge on the competition.
Visit our website at
www.ambitionmotorsport.com or contact us to book
your day/weekend with the team by email to
info@ambitionmotorsport.com or telephone 07951
831236.
[ Top ]
Formula TKM At KartMania (25/11)
Tal-Ko
and its Formula TKM class will have a fresh new look to its stand at
Silverstone's KartMania Show this weekend where class bosses Alan Turney and
Grahame Butterworth will once again be providing classes for drivers looking to
get the best from their racing.
Tal-Ko will be offering special show prices on all orders
taken at the show from spares through to complete outfits. On display will be
the latest 2014 specification Veloce kart designed specifically for the TKM
class together with its current range of engines including the new TKM WTP80
engine.
At
the show the winner will also be announced of the new TKM and S1 Scholarship
which will see one club driver selected from the TKM Club Championship and
Maxxis TKM Festival given a special gateway to next year's S1 national series
with free entries, fuel and tyres, together with a Tal-Ko Veloce provided kart.
Says Alan Turney: "Choosing a winner
has been a pleasure with such a wealth of drivers to choose from".
In addition to KartMania, Tal-Ko will
also be at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in January.
[ Top ]
X30 Tests At PFi (22/11)
For
anybody interested in testing the latest chassis from Maranello Kart, full and
half test days can be organised for all fixed gear engines such as Rotax, X30,
Formula Blue and Formula KGP at Larkhall through our partners LPT Motorsport and
at PFi with us, Maranello UK, at PF International or at Fulbeck circuit. Various
packages are available from full arrive and drive to us just providing you with
a rolling chassis and you bring your own engine and tyres. See
www.maranellokarts.co.uk/testing-and-driver-coaching/chassis-testing/
For any more
information please contact us on phone/text 07903 623 348 or email
laury@maranellokarts.co.uk, or for LPT
Motorsport - email:
sales@lptent.co.uk or phone
Martyn Philip on 01786 449 519 or Mobile: 07747 603 990.
You can also
visit our website at
www.maranellokarts.co.uk.
In other news, for 2014 the Maranello
Kart factory team will be fielding a team of drivers in the ever popular Euro
Max series. Exciting times lay ahead for us here in the UK and for the
International teams using Maranello Kart.
Looking back over 2013, it has been a year where success
on the UK and International tracks has not been in short supply. In hotly
contested national and international championships, Maranello Kart have been
battling at the front.
In the MSA Super One, Maranello UK have taken wins and
podiums in Formula KGP with Denis Gorman taking a 2nd on the podium in Final 1
and the top step in Final 2 at Clay Pigeon and Matthew Booth has shown great
pace and tenacity on track all year with the highlights being a P4 in qualifying
at Glan-Y-Gors, P6 in the Final at Clay and a P2 in the pre-final at the Rowrah
O Plate, incidentally just behind LP Tent Motorsport driver Fraser Wallace who
took P1.
Scotland based LP Tent Motorsport have unarguably had the greater share of the
success on the kart this year in the UK with their Formula Blue drivers. Ross
Adamson took the Junior Blue O Plate in snowy conditions back in March at Three
Sisters and went on to almost dominate the Junior Blue class over the year to
take home the No.1 Plate at the grand finals at sunny Llandow in September.
Keith Wilson in Snr Blue got faster and faster as the year went on, culminating
in a fastest lap at the grand finals at Llandow and taking the No.8 plate
overall. Stephen Philip stepped out of KGP Super One late in the season to
concentrate on helping the rest of the LPT drivers achieve their success in
Formula Blue. A job well done!
On the international scene, the Maranello Factory Team
focused their efforts this year on the KZ gearbox categories. Consistent success
was achieved by a whole brace of factory and privateer drivers spread among the
CSAI Italian Championship (Super One equivalent), the WSK Euro Series and Master
Series and the CIK European Championship. The RS10 and TM KZ10-B combination
proved itself to be among the best chassis in this highly competitive and
popular class.
In the CSAI KZ2 championship, Massimo Dante went into the
last round as championship leader but narrowly missed out on taking the No.1
plate to be vice-champion.
In KZ2 in the WSK Euro Series, Marco Zanchetta has had
similar luck, just missing out on the top honours due to his gear lever breaking
in the pre-final at the last round. Despite a heroic drive in the final to try
and salvage his championship he ended up in the runner up slot.
Here in the UK, we are looking
forward to 2014 with a couple of exciting new classes being introduced, Iame X30
Junior and Senior and Junior Formula KGP and Formula KGP Clubman.
Maranello UK can
also offer test days for any current or future Super One KZ1 and NKF KZ2
competitors at Fulbeck circuit.
[ Top ]
Join The HTR Team (22/11)
HTR
Racing now have vacancies for the 2014 season. The team will be competing in the
Rotax/Honda/Comer Super 1, NKF, PF and Rowrah club championships.
We aim to empower
young talented drivers, guide, support and educate them so that they can all
reach their ultimate goal.
HTR the official North-East Tony Kart dealer have just two
vacancies available for the 2014 season competing in all of the above
championships with packages and pricing to suit all, whether it just be basic
awning space right the way through to full arrive and drive packages in all
classes. We can also provide the following services:
- Chassis straightening services.
-
Rontronics engine dyno analysis enabling you to match your best
engine/carbs/airboxes and exhausts.
- Kart preparation & transportation.
- 1:1 driver coaching.
If you are interested in joining the
team in either Rotax/Honda/Comer or Iame then contact Derrick today to guarantee
your sport for next year on 07836 248459 or
derrick@htrracing.com.
[ Top ]
2014 Super One Series (22/11)
Registrations
are now open for what promises to be a massively exciting new Super One season
in 2014. The promoters welcome on board the new title sponsor SSM Stevenage
Sheet Metal.
Early birds registering could get their choice of
competition number and the series welcomes those outside the UK (subject to FIA
and CIK regulations). The three prestigious MSA British Championships for KF
Junior, IAME Cadet and KZ1 gearbox (shifter) classes are joined by the ABkC
National championship for TKM Senior Extreme and Junior and the Formula KGP
class in one series. The other series hosts all the popular ABkC Rotax
classes - MiniMax, Junior Max and Senior 125 Max as well as Honda Cadet and the
MSA National Comer Cadet championship. For 2014 support races for Rotax DD2 and
the MiniMax and Junior Max Academy classes - the Academy classes an innovation
offering pooled engines and a level playing field. Also with pooled
engines for 2014 is the KF Junior class, so that competitors need not worry any
more about constant updates to their motors. They will get the same spec
engines all year, prepared to the very highest standard, and have two engines
available per round, and the costs are contained.
To make it easier to understand the
costs involved they have all been laid out in a simple fashion on the 2014
registration form,
available to download here.
Please study these, the cost to enter
and race the Super One is probably less than you imagined, and compares well on
a track time basis to top level club racing and is certainly the lowest cost of
any major international championship. The series has strict controls,
including clutch loggers, control fuel and cameras for judicial decisions and
has world wide live timing thanks to the TAG-Heuer timing system. There are also
controls on the number of test tyres allowed, and in TKM only the race tyres
from the previous round may be used for testing. Register on line and
remember that entries, tyre and fuel orders can all be placed and paid on line
as well.
TV coverage is to continue on Motors TV in the UK and
abroad, franchised to millions of additional viewers across the world. The
prize fund is in excess of £60,000 and the series counts as the qualifier for
the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals where the British have had such great
success. Remember the Super One Series is the only championship awarding seeded
numbers 1 - 10 for the British and ABkC National classes in the UK, so register
now for 2014 to seal your place and chosen competition number without delay.
Visit
http://superoneseries.com/registration/.
[ Top ]
GoPro Hero 3 Cameras (21/11)
Save
up to 30% on GoPro Hero 3 Cameras!
Pitwall Motorsports are pleased to announce up to 30% off
all GoPro Hero 3 cameras with free delivery on all orders. Black Edition
£249.99, Silver £189.99 and White £179.99!
http://pitwall.co.uk/collections/gopro-cameras
Take advantage of this great offer and treat yourself this
Christmas!
For more information please take a look at
www.pitwall.co.uk
or call us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page
@pitwall_ltd
for all the very latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand
store opening in December with a special guest!
[ Top ]
New To Cadet Market (21/11)
Birel
to enter... the cadet market. Sole UK Birel Importer ACR is proud to announce
the new Birel 2014 Cadet chassis.
The new Birel Cadet for IAME is currently having its MSA
homologation 2014 finalised and subject to final MSA approval will then be
released for sale to the UK market.
There will also be a reverse version of the Birel kart for
use in Honda cadet.
The Birel Cadet rolling chassis will cost £1995 + VAT and
has been tested and developed specifically for the Dunlop tyres used in the UK.
The new 2014 Birel has been tested with top UK Cadet team Eclipse Motorsport who
are based at PF International and has already shown immediate pace in both wet
and dry conditions.
UK Birel importer Andy Cox is excited about the new
venture... "It's clear that the market is now very strong in the cadet
catagories and this is a very important and positive point for the very future
of karting in the UK. We want young drivers to discover the Birel brand from the
start in the cadet classes and develop and grow their careers with us. Our focus
will be trackside support at MSA S1 and LGM, setup advice and a collaboration
with Eclipse Motorsport as a satellite team for some Birel cadet drivers in
2014".
The
Birel cadet comes fully loaded with extras as standard!
Birel Standard Specification: Freeline
rims, Freeline bodywork, Freeline rear protection pod system, Freeline engine
mount, Birel Motorsport sticker pack, Freeline HQ sinter brake system, Birel
flat bottom seat, HQ Birel Motorsport suede steering wheel, Freeline HQ
chainguard.
If you interested in test driving the
new Birel cadet call the ACR office 01527 889595 or visit
www.acrbirel.com
or find us on Facebook.
[ Top ]
Fusion Motorsport (20/11)
Fusion
Motorsport are re-launching their popular and successful Junior Team for 2014;
Under new management with some significant structural changes it will provide a
variety of drivers from different classes the perfect opportunity to compete
under the Fusion banner, receiving many of the benefits associated with the
British Champions.
Working in conjunction with Fusion Motorsport (IAME) and
RL Racing Department (Rotax), the Fusion Junior Team will be re-setup to help
drivers progress from club level cadet karting, right through to Rotax Super
One, under the guidance of two of the top teams in the country.
The FJT will be run and operated by
experienced driver coach and team manager Paul Munn. Having worked with
some of the top drivers in the country in a variety of classes, Paul is
ideally positioned to take control of the Junior Team and make it an instant
success.
The
Junior Team will run at selected club meetings as well as Honda/Rotax Super One
in 2014 and is open to drivers competing in Honda Cadet, Comer Cadet, IAME Cadet
(club/LGM only) and Mini Max.
There
are also plans to announce scholarships for drivers to progress to Fusion
Motorsport in the British Cadet Championship and RL Racing Department in the
Rotax Super One Championship 2015 (full details tba soon).
FJT drivers will also receive team
discounts on iZone driver training sessions, kart preparation and engine dyno
sessions at the Fusion Motorsport HQ in Kimbolton.
Places in the team are limited, so
interested parties are encouraged to get in touch asap with Dan Hazlewood on
077733 011221,
danhazlewood@me.com or Paul Munn on 07542
808154,
paul.munn@o2.co.uk.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Clay Kart Shop Team (14/11)
Clay
Kart Shop race team rounded off their season with six championships under their
belt.
In
KZ2 James Glenister took the number one plate in the ABkC championship, using
Clay Kart Shop prepared engines. James had the title won with a round to spare
following some outstanding results.
In Junior Max James Moorcroft took a hat trick of titles.
Winning his class in both the Clay Pigeon and the Dunkeswell championship, he
was also crowned South West Champion following two days of hard fought racing at
the Mansell Raceway.
Minimax driver Charlie Cudlipp also took the titles at
Clay Pigeon and Dunkeswell following some outstanding drives throughout the
year.
Other
team drivers Ollie Holden, Mataeo Pearce and Cadet Oakley Pryer all showed good
promise throughout the year with some strong results.
All the drivers would like to thank
team principle Mike Kellard and mechanic Phil Howarth for the help and support
through what has been a great year's racing.
For all your karting needs contact Clay Kart shop on 01935
83046.
[ Top ]
TWKC Announce Winter Series (13/11)
The
Tyne & Wear Kart Club and Karting North East will be holding a mini winter
series with race dates being;
- Sunday 1st December 2013 (normal circuit layout)
- Sunday 29th December 2013 (surprise circuit layouts)
The race format will be ran as normal
with practice, qualifying, 3 heats (cadet/junior/senior) 4 heats (prokarts) and
a final. Signing on and scruitineering will be from 8.15 am and drivers briefing
from 9am all drivers must attend drivers briefing.
Trophies will be awarded in each of
the two rounds for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each individual class.
Junior (Cadet & Junior) driver of the day in each round
wins a trophy and £20 KNE voucher
Senior (Rotax & Prokart) driver of the day in each round
wins a trophy and a £20 KNE voucher
Series Points will be awarded as per
championship regulations and a £50 Karting North East voucher together with a
trophy, will be awarded to every first place winner for each class. Second and
third place will also receive a trophy. All drivers who complete both rounds of
the winter series will receive a Karting North East goody bag.
Entry
costs are just £45 for Tyne & Wear Kart Club 2013 members, or £50 for
non-members. Plus, if you book and pay for both rounds by Wednesday 27th
November you can save £5! Transponder hire is available at £10 for the day.
Call now to book on 0191 521 4050.
Warden Law Motorsports Centre -
Hangman's Lane, Sunderland SR3 2PR.
[ Top ]
Cutting
Edge Tech At PFI
(13/11)
Since
the changes that have taken place on the start/finish straight at PFi, we have
been looking for a solution to provide definitive signalling to drivers.
The
solution has been provided by David Jones (Sports Timing Systems, UK distributor
for TAG Heuer timing products), with a full digital display.
The full graphics board was used for
the first time at the Club's meeting on 3rd November where flags, words and
driver numbers were clearly displayed.
The multi functional board takes TVKC to the forefront of
kart race track technology and ensures we provide our Members with the best
technological solutions the modern world has to offer.
For more
information on TVKC visit
www.tvkc.co.uk.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Young Star Albert Carter (12/11)
Young
Star 'Albert Carter' wins IAME Trent Valley kart Club Championship.
Lucas Oil sponsored Cadet Racer
Albert Carter has won the toughest club Championship in the UK - The Trent
Valley Kart Club (TVKC) Championship.
The
TVKC Championship is contested at the long and fast PF International Circuit in
Lincolnshire and has seen 78 drivers compete during the season over a total of
seven rounds.
Having won the last three rounds and been a close runner
up at another three ten year old Carter was the deserved winner. This win sees
him join such famous winners at TVKC as Lewis Hamilton who won it in 1996 and
Oliver Rowland who won in 2002.
Les Downey MD of Lucas Oil UK and Europe commented, "Lucas
Oil Products are very proud to be associated with Albert. He has gone from
strength to strength, he works hard, looks right, has talent and has achieved so
much for someone so young. We see a very bright future together with him."
Albert was
quick to thank team sponsors and of course, his Mum Sarah, and Dad Andy Carter,
himself an FIA European Champion driver. Andy Carter - 'The King of Europe' -
won the European FIA Top Fuel Championship four times between 2001 and 2009.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Pitwall Motorsports (12/11)
Pitwall
are pleased to announce 10% off all GoPro Hero 3 Cameras, with free delivery on
all orders. Take advantage of this great offer and treat yourself this
Christmas!
For more information please take a look at
www.pitwall.co.uk
or call us on 08458 388666.
Keep an eye on
our twitter page
@pitwall_ltd for all the
very latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand store
opening in December with a special guest!
[ Top ]
Next-Gen
Motorsport
(12/11)
British
champions looking forward to 2014.
Next-Gen's British championship winning season comes to an
end, in only its second year of competition Next-Gen completed their goal of
becoming British champions. Kiern Jewiss's dominant season showed the teams
ability to carry forward his favourite status and win the Super One championship
with a round to spare. The team finished with 4 Honda drivers in the top 10 of
the Super One championship underlining its champions status.
Next-Gen
also enjoyed great success in IAME with multiple LGM victories, Podiums at S1,
Kartmasters and lap records. There is much unfinished business in IAME and the
team will do everything possible to add another British Championship to the
Honda one gained this year.
In 2014 the team will be streamlined into two 4 driver
line-ups, 4 IAME drivers and 4 Honda drivers. These limited places are almost
filled and we are delighted to so far announce the following drivers, IAME -
Kiern Jewiss and Joe Turney. Honda - Matthew Hopcraft, Keaton Samra and Klaas
Kooiker.
More drivers to announce soon, watch this space.
To get in touch
with Next-Gen telephone 07525 741401 or e-mail:
dbc_11@msn.com.
[ Top ]
Another Successful Year (11/11)
4G
Racing take TVKC Senior Max Championship for the second year running!
Following last
year's title winning performance 4G Racing have again taken the honours in
TVKC's 2013 Senior Max Championship. Connor O'Brien in his first year of Senior
Max racing sealed the championship with a measured 4th place drive at the final
round in November. Team mate Matthew Hirst took the Vice Champions place in his
first season with the team.
The team proved itself throughout the year against all
drivers that attended the UK's premier facility, with only two finishes between
the two drivers outside the top 10 and six top three finishes, two of them being
outright wins.
Team Principal Matt Rooley had this to say about the
teams' successful 2013 season. "I am thrilled to win the Championship again this
year, last year we did it with Josh Gardner and it was very close. This year
both Connor and Matt hit the ground running taking 1st and 2nd at the opening
round, we didn't really look back from there. During the year we worked really
hard to improve the kart, having over 10 years' experience with Tony Kart
certainly helped that. We also pushed the drivers performance and scrutinised
everything, because of that effort we had good showings at the Super One guest
round and Kartmasters with Matt Hirst."
"Of course none of our success
would have been possible without the support of our engine supplier Ogden
Motorsport. A big thank you to Steve, Richard, Dave & Dan who have worked really
hard for us all year to make sure we have the power to be at the front. I am
really looking forward to next season it's going to be a big year for us, I have
every confidence in our team! We have some new things in the pipeline one of
which is a brand new awning. I have a heavy schedule over the winter period
working both on track and on the engine side of things to ensure we deliver our
very best for all our customers."
4G Racing are now planning next
season, not only will we be attending the usual Club events at PFI and Wombwell
but a second team will enter the Rotax Super One Championship. Anyone interested
in a quotation to join the team for 2014 should contact Matt either through 4G's
Facebook page or on 07976
350 089.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Snakebite
Racing
(11/11)
Snakebite
Racing would like to congratulate Will van Es on winning the TKM Extreme Super 1
Championship. Will who claimed the title with a round to go, had driven
magnificently throughout the whole series.
At Clay, Will scored maximum points on his way to the
title and would have achieved the same at Larkhall if not for the chassis
cracking part way through the second final.
Snakebite owners said, "Will has been a tremendous asset
to Snakebite Racing in the years he has been running with us". Paul Wilde who
also mechanics for Will said "It is a true pleasure to run Will. He is a
very focused and determined individual and I was confident that will would be
crowned TKM Extreme Champion this year."
Snakebite
Racing are now looking forward to a successful and challenging 2014 with Will
moving class and new drivers looking to compete in the Championship next year.
If you would like further information
in running in a Championship Winning Team then please contact Paul Wilde on
07540 277655 or Steve Sanders on 07904 879091.
[ Top ]
Lydd Kart Circuit (11/11)
What
an amazing day it was at Lydd on Sunday with nearly 200 people in attendance and
80 karts lining up on the various grids.
Not even the weather could dampen the good atmosphere and
spirits amongst the kart racers involved in this highly successful November club
meeting. The popular monthly Lydd meetings saw all the usual classes run
but this time needed two grids for the 18 Bambinos that were at Kent's fastest
circuit.
On
a fantastic day's racing James Clarke said "I want to thank everyone that came
along to race on Sunday, driving standards were again generally high and this
helped towards another enjoyable day with no major issues adding to the
meeting's smooth running. We look forward to seeing you all again for our
next meeting on 7th/8th December."
Call the circuit on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895 now to
reserve your place on the grid for December.
[ Top ]
Last Chance To Book (11/11)
If
the kit's bang on the pace but the driver lacks 'waft', then you need RL Racing
Department's Winter Training Camp!
Starting from 6th December, the programme is designed to
make you faster and get you fully prepared for the 2014 season. Just five places
now remain.
"The circuit we go to, Gran Karting Lanzarote, has been
chosen because it is an ideal training facility," says RL Racing Department
owner Steve Armstrong. "It has a great variety of different corners that test
your fitness and ability to hit the right apexes each time. The weather is also
a big advantage. Whilst other drivers are struggling in the wet, wintery
conditions at home - which you tend not to get during the height of the summer
racing season - we'll be able to take advantage of the warm and sunny climate
and give our customers the benefit of being able to do up to 300 laps a day."
The
first camp runs between 6th and 22nd December, with a second from 3rd January to
the 10th.
Steve adds: "The daily schedule consists of a large amount of seat-time and we
devote a lot of time to analysing and coaching the driver whilst also teaching
them better set-up techniques. I genuinely believe the training camps make our
customers faster, fitter and better prepared for the new season."
With just five
places remaining, each space is available on a first-come, first-served basis so
call Steve now on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
For all the latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
Super Shwartzman (11/11)
Forza
Racing completed the WSK season on top of the podium after its young Russian
star, Robert Shwartzman blew away the opposition at Castelletto di Branduzzo (3
November).
Jamie Croxford's posting on his Facebook page showed the
immense pride he took in seeing the diminutive St. Petersburg teenager take the
chequered flag well clear of his nearest rivals: "WSK Final Cup Champions 2013!!
Absolutely fantastic result for Forza and
Robert Shwartzman!! Shows
you that in the end, hard work pays off!!! Massive thanks to all my team!"
Facing a field of 66 other
competitors in the KFJ class always meant that Forza and Shwartzman faced stiff
opposition - but the 2012 European Championship-winning team proved more than a
match for its rivals.
Robert posted the 2nd-fastest lap overall in timed
qualifying and went on to win the first of his four heats. However, he was
unable to finish higher than 14th in the following race, due to an opening lap
crash, despite again being the 2nd-fastest driver on the track.
A
2nd in his third heat - in wet conditions - was followed by a comfortable win in
his fourth. With a penalty point awarded for each place lower than 1st,
Shwartzman had accumulated 16 points, putting him 3rd overall in the
intermediate rankings. This put him in a great starting grid position for
Pre-Final A - the first of two races to determine who would make the cut for the
main final.
A
hard-fought race concluded with the Forza driver crossing the finishing line in
4th position, with his team satisfied that he was amongst the pace-setters: "The
pre-final was very difficult for us because Robert's wet tyres had done one more
heat than his immediate competition," explained Jamie. "Our aim was to finish in
the top three to five, which would put us in a strong position for the main
final. The start was difficult, due to starting on the outside of the grid,
however Robert did a solid job to finish 4th and that put him 8th on the grid
for the main final."
During the initial stages of the final proper, Shwartzman
maintained a watching brief as four drivers took turns to dispute the lead. As
the race entered its second half, Robert saw his opportunity and seized the
initiative with a series of incisive passing manoeuvres. With the nose of his
Tony Kart breaking into clean air, the Russian set about putting clear daylight
between himself and the Romanian Petru Florescu and the hugely experienced
Alessio Lorandi. With Florescu unable to match the leader's pace, and Lorandi
even further back, Shwartzman was able to reel off the final laps with over
three seconds in hand over the chasing pair.
"Robert
had a good start and it was obvious that our pace was very strong, as he managed
to cut through the pack. He got into 3rd, maintained very strong pace and
managed to reel in (Daniel) Ticktum and (Enaam) Ahmed. A couple of very decisive
manoeuvres got him into the lead. From there Robert showed maturity to keep his
focus and pull away from the rest of the pack."
Croxford added: "We've put in a lot of hard work to get
Robert to where he is now. He's always had the speed but channelling his raw
pace into results has been our main focus. To get this result with him is
a fantastic achievement, for both him and the team. We now head to Bahrain in
3rd place in the CIK FIA World Championship (23rd November) and, hopefully, we
can at least hold our position, if not improve!"
For more information, please contact
Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit
www.forza-racing.co.uk.
Photographs
courtesy of Giovanni Cuna/Cuna Photo.
[ Top ]
Knott A
Chance!
(11/11)
Senior
Max newcomer Luke Knott blew the opposition away as he blazed to victory last
weekend (3 November), with his RL Racing Department team-mates also enjoying a
good day at the Lincolnshire venue.
When it came to the Senior Max final, none of the
31-strong field had a real answer for the youngster's pace and consistency.
Having started from P2 on the front row, Luke dropped to 3rd but hit the front
on lap five and once ahead, reeled out a string of fast laps leaving his rivals
to fight over the remaining podium places. Such was his dominance that the RL
Racing driver took the chequered flag over three seconds clear of the field.
In the Mini Max final, Hugo
Bentley-Ellis led the second half of the race, but was denied the win just four
corners from the finishing line. Jack Martin went from 22nd at the start to 11th
with a terrific drive, further highlighting his tremendous development during
recent months. Rory Hudson marked his RL Racing Department debut and maiden race
in the class with a fine drive to 13th. Fellow Mini Max first-timer Herbie Grout
impressed with 5th in the second heat, but an off at the start of the final
put-paid to his chances of repeating his earlier impressive performance and he
crossed the line in 23rd spot.
New
signing Will Shaw started the Junior Max final from p4 and was up to 3rd on the
second lap. Sadly, a racing incident was deemed to be his fault and the move saw
him black-flagged. The always rapid Scot Sandy Mitchell had also been running
4th before moving into 3rd spot. He was pushed back to 4th and was lining up
another bid for 3rd but was knocked off the track, dropping him down the order
to an eventual 8th place. His fastest-lap some recompense for his sterling
efforts that were denied greater glory.
Another new signing, Jordan Baines, had qualified for the
main race via the B Final and then thrilled the crowd with a stunning drive. The
latest talent to emerge from the Baines karting dynasty started from the back
row (having won the repecharge), before carving his way up to 10th.
"It was another great weekend across
the board for RL Racing Department," observed team owner Steve Armstrong, adding
"Hugo looked assured of the Mini win and I thought 3rd and 4th in Junior was the
least we could expect in Junior. Things didn't quite go our way but it was total
domination in Senior Max. I'd like to say a big 'Well done' to all the team's
drivers, especially to new signing Jordan Baines, who narrowly missed out on the
club championship by a single point. This is a great team, with great people and
together, we're achieving some great results."
There are just five places remaining
on the RL Winter Training Camp, book yours now by calling Steve on 07843 586 416
or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk
and get ready to turn those missing tenths into trophies in 2014.
For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
New From
Tillett
(08/11)
Tillett
seat sizing foam kits come in 5mm and 10mm and isolate the three critical areas
on the side of the seat. Each set comes with six separate pieces which are
self-adhesive and closed cell.
By using a mixture of both sets it is possible to get the
leg, hip, and chest areas a perfect fit, which is important for protection of
the ribs and hip bones - even if you have a rib protector!
For further
information contact Tillett Racing Seats on 01795 420312, email
info@tillett.co.uk
or visit our website at
www.tillett.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Matchams Kart Club 2014 (07/11)
Non
MSA racing is set for a boost as Matchams Kart Club returns for 2014!
To be organized and managed by
Matchams Karting Ltd whose owners have a lifetime of Karting and motor racing
experience at the highest levels.
The aim is to create a friendly, fun, competitive and cost
effective way to go Kart racing! Classes to be run are Cadet Libre (to include
Honda, Comer and Iame) Mini Max, Junior Max, Senior Max (incorporating 177 &
Masters) and Senior 4 Stroke (to include World Formula and Honda Pro Karts) All
classes will run to MSA regulations with some leniency towards equipment. For
instance older style side pod bars will be permitted, as too will the older
style air intake box for the Rotax classes. Safety equipment such as motorcycle
crash helmets will also be allowed - all in an aim to keep costs down.
A full website will soon be live
where you will be able to see a full break down of supplementary regulations.
For now check out the dates and
please register your interest as classes will be subject to minimum numbers come
the 1st round in March.
Go to
www.matchamskartclub.co.uk for dates and fill in
the form to express an interest in racing in 2014.
[ Top ]
FEKC Sign With Aplha (07/11)
Forest
Edge Kart Club have signed up to move forward in 2014 with Alpha Timing
software.
"It was key for us to support our members and look for a best of breed timing
software system that had as little financial impact to our competitors as
possible and means that we do not have to force them to buy a new transponder,"
stated Colin Wright from Forest Edge Kart Club.
"With Alpha we are hugely impressed
with the software, the compsec package and the ability to run to any smartphone
or internet enabled device, having a UK based development team gives us huge
confidence that anything a club needs is written into the program quickly. Also
for a club it made strong financial sense to use our existing hardware and not
have to replace for little tangible impact."
"We are excited about the changes that
Alpha will deliver to Forest Edge and its members and looking forward to the
enhancements coming in 2014 that look to make this software so useful for club
and driver alike."
Will Tew from Alpha Timing said "We are delighted that
Forest Edge Kart Club have chosen Alpha Timing. It is not just a sensible
decision from a financial point of view but also an exciting one for the club
and the drivers as we have some fantastic never seen before innovations in the
pipeline that we cannot wait to deliver in time for the start of the new season
in 2014."
For more information on Forest Edge Kart Club and the
fantastic Barton Stacey circuit visit
www.fekc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Series (07/11)
Round
7 of the BPKC summer series takes place on Sunday 17th November.
All non gearbox ABkC classes are
welcome including Bambino and Subaru. Honda Cadet drivers will be racing for the
prestigous Henry Surtees 'H' trophy.
Practice will available on Friday 15th
and Saturday 16th November.
The BPKC are pleased to announce that the Super 1 Rotax
and Honda Cadet Series will be returning to the circuit in 2014 over the weekend
of 17th and 18th May. The club has been awarded the ABkC Honda Cadet 'O'
plate again in 2014 (date tba).
Other major championships that will be returning to
Buckmore next year include Easykart and the NKRA with more to confirm.
For further
details please contact
chris@buckmore.co.uk or
contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.
[ Top ]
Test A KGP (06/11)
UPDATE:
Due to a clash with some club races on the same weekend of the November 16th,
with some Junior drivers busy trying to settle their current club Championships
we have decided to re arrange the planned KGP taster at Whilton Mill. The KGP
taster will now be in the New Year on Sunday February 9th at Whilton Mill. We
will also be allowing existing KGP owners to have a shake down test on the same
day in different sessions. Those drivers that have already made a booking will
be contacted and we will continue to take bookings from drivers who want to try
out the KGP Formula's either Junior or Senior.
KGP UK
will have the newly MSA-homologated KGP Junior available to test on either a
Birel or Tonykart chassis.
The KGP Junior class is for 13 to 16 year olds, however a
Junior aged 12 years old and in the year of their 13th birthday with an MSA
National A licence can race KGP Junior. KGP Junior is eligible to race in MSA
club events from January 1st 2014.
The weight limit is 145kg and the KGP Junior class uses
the same engine as the senior versions of KGP but with a CIK KFJ exhaust,
Tillotson fixed jet carburettor and KGP inlet carburettor restrictor.
Also
available to test at Whilton Mill will be the Senior versions of KGP Clubman or,
as raced in the S1 series, KGP Pro. Again, both will be available to test on
either a Tonykart or Birel Chassis.
Test sessions will be approx 15 minutes long and will cost
a pre-paid fee of £25.00 for one arrive and drive session.
All test must be pre-booked and paid
through the KGP office on 01527 889595 (select option 2). Multiple sessions can
be booked, but are subject to availability.
Drivers testing must hold a valid MSA kart licence and be
a minimum of 12 years old to test KGP Junior and a minimum of 15 years old to
test a KGP senior and have their own crash helmet, suit and boots and gloves.
For more
information on KGP classes visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or find us on Facebook
Kart Grand Prix UK.
[ Top ]
New:
Engine Flight Cases
(06/11)
Grice
Racing are pleased to announce the availability of a new range of flight cases
for your race engine.
Keep your motor safe and security in transport or for
storage.
Any
size can be supplied along with custom liveries.
For more
information and pricing email
ricky.grice@virgin.net or
call 01268 727847. You can also visit our website at
Griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
DHR Win Another Title (05/11)
The
Rotax International Open contested at the famous Spanish circuit of Zuera has
become the European season's last major race. With a quality international field
of drivers attracted by last chance Rotax World final tickets the race carries
big prizes for the winners.
With some strong driver additions to the team in Junior
Rotax it was DHR's Estonian driver Ralf Aron who led most of the grand final.
With the usual last couple of frantic laps it was DHR regular Dave Wooder who
crossed the line victorious. Wooder who was fastest throughout made his move at
the perfect moment to claim victory. Aron was out dragged to the line and just
missed out on a much deserved podium on his team debut. DHR's other new recruit
Lars Lamborelle of the Netherlands also featured in the top few places but fell
to 7th at the flag after some minor electrical issues.
In Senior Rotax DHR's latest signing
former KF2 British and European champion Jordan Chamberlain was looking good
having led and controlled the pre final from mid distance to the last lap until
a last corner manoeuvre took him out of contention. Although the offending
driver was penalised for the over ambitious manoeuvre it didn't change the
result.
So
Wooder takes his much deserved World Finals ticket, with Aron and Lamborelle
already qualified. In senior the team have Pierce Lehane of Australia, Philip
Morin of Sweden and South African Nathan Parkins. DHR's DD2 efforts are
represented by the British duo of Sean Babington and Barrie Pullinger which
complete the strong line-up for the Rotax Grand finals in New Orleans next
weekend.
Double British and European champions DHR are looking ahead
to the 2014 season and have team places available in Mini, Junior and Senior Max
for the UK Super 1 series and relevant testing and club events. Also for those
looking at Euro Max or International Rotax events the team will be racing the
Winter Cup, Euro Max Series, International Open, along with the Florida Winter
Tour and the BNL series. For any drivers interested please contact Dan for more
information on 07960 047810 or email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championships (05/11)
The
second round of Lydd's winter championships takes place this coming Sunday 10th
November at the fastest kart circuit in Kent.
Last month's meeting saw a good turnout of drivers despite
the wet and windy weather and we were pleased to welcome some more new faces to
Lydd. We are expecting the November meeting to be well attended and are hoping
for rather less wind and rain. May we remind all drivers that practice is
available on Saturday.
All the usual classes will be running at our non-MSA
meeting - Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax,
Senior Rotax 162 and 177 and ProKarts, but we welcome karts from other classes
and will always find a grid for you to race with.
Come and join us this weekend for some friendly but
competitive racing. Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to
09.30am please, with no late entry fee.
Keep up to date with what is
happening at Lydd by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com or if you wish to call
the circuit, phone 01797 321747 or 01797 321895.
We look forward to seeing you.
[ Top ]
Pitwall Motorsports (01/11)
Pitwall
is a new motorsports retail company providing a brand new outlet in Ampthill,
Bedfordshire along with an online outlet at
www.pitwall.co.uk.
Conveniently situated just five
minutes from junction 13 of the M1, Pitwall is ideally located to supply
everything any motorsports enthusiast could need. All too often motorsports
clothing has been tucked at the back of a showroom, but by focusing solely on
clothing and accessories, Pitwall bring a welcome level of skill and expertise
to the marketplace.
Combined with their online outlet,
drivers and riders alike can easily access a full range of clothing and
accessories from leading manufacturers including Arai, Dainese and GoPro - and
with stocks and suppliers increasing weekly, adding the website to your
favourites is a must.
Expert staff are available to assist with all purchases
and provide accurate and honest advice, and with some superb opening special
offers it's well worth taking time to call in and meet the team.
For more
information please take a look at
www.pitwall.co.uk or call
us on 08458 388666. Keep an eye on our twitter page
@pitwall_ltd for all the very
latest offers and competitions, as well as details of our grand store opening in
December with a special guest!
[ Top ]
Grice Racing Update (01/11)
Grice
Racing would like to clarify the press release issued earlier this week...
(further updated on 06/11/13)
"It has come to our attention that due
to an oversight our customers may be confused by our last update. To clarify, we
are still under suspension from sealing Rotax engines and therefore cannot carry
out any work on Rotax engines."
For further information or if you have
any questions, please contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847.
[ Top ]
Club Champion Switches (31/10)
TKM
Club Champion Lewis Outten switched to a new Tal-Ko Veloce kart for last
weekend's Whilton Mill club meeting and notched up a string of wins at the
circuit where he sealed his title.
Lewis won all his heats and then won the final by 2
seconds. Afterwards he said:" Having been on a Tonykart for the past two years,
Alan Turney gave me this great opportunity to try the Veloce, which after a
session or two I found to be good on the practice day. Never realised that I
would go out and win the three heats and the final! I am now looking forward to
my next race at Kimbolton on the Tal-Ko Veloce."
Lewis took this year's TKM club championship with three
wins and a second place and was on the podium at the Maxxis TKM Festival where
he took the Bernie Turney Trophy for an outstanding performance.
Said Tal-Ko's
Alan Turney: "Lewis has great potential and I am delighted with his result at
Whilton Mill last weekend which once again proved the ability of our latest
Veloce kart."
For more information on the Tal-Ko
kart range visit
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Full/Part Time Engineers (30/10)
Full
Time and Part Time Engineers required at Daytona Milton Keynes for an immediate
start.
As
an Engineer you with be required to carry out all aspects the day to day
maintenance of our kart fleet.
The successful candidate must:-
- Have mechanical skills within the corporate / race kart
or motorsport sectors.
- Be
flexible and able to work evenings & weekends in addition to weekdays.
- Be able to follow instruction quickly and effectively.
- Be highly motivated and work well in a team.
- Have excellent communication skills.
- Ensure that the karts are maintained to the highest
standards of safety.
- Be able
to work unassisted and ensure all targets are met without fail.
- Have excellent problem solving abilities solving
problems quickly and efficiently.
- Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date on a daily basis
ensuring it is filled out correctly.
- Have excellent mechanical and engineering skills.
- Have own tools and/or be willing to purchase any tools
required to carry out daily maintenance on the karts.
You must ensure all target
expectations are met. You will report and fully communicate to Head of
Engineering on a regular basis and ensure the workshop is tidy and hazard free
at all times.
- Full training
will be given in all areas of the role.
- Flexibility with working hours is essential to meet
customer needs.
All applicants please send a covering
letter and a current CV to the following email address: -
recruitment@daytona.co.uk. Please use ref
number: - ENGMK2013 when applying for the position.
[ Top ]
PPiK/Ginetta 24hr Spectacular (29/10)
One
November 15 & 16th, two Yorkshire-based motorsport giants will host a
spectacular event in aid of BBC Children in Need as Leeds' Pole Position Indoor
Karting (PPiK) and Ginetta Cars get together once again to host the UK's largest
indoor 24 hour endurance karting event, the 'PPiK Ginetta 24'.
Up to eighteen teams of four to
twelve drivers will take on this grueling challenge with as much team work and
strategy in play as you would see on a Formula One pit wall. Ben Hyland, Event
Organiser said; "Teams take this very seriously, with driver shifts and pit
stops all worked out well in advance. We have a vast mix in ability and
experience, from professional racing drivers & World Champion kart racers to
in-house corporate teams such as Asda and Call Credit Group."
Last year PPiK Ginetta 24 raised over
£14,000 for BBC Children in Need, through entry costs, raffle prizes, games and
PPiK and Ginetta donating a further 10 pence for every lap each team completes,
with over 40,000 laps completed during the 2012 event.
Headline event
sponsor Ginetta Cars will be once again entering a team of employees from their
headquarters in Garforth. The race car manufacturer, who run some of the most
well-known and exciting race series in the country use the event as a great end
of year celebration and team bonding session.
Lawrence Tomlinson, Ginetta Chairman said; "The PPiK
Ginetta 24 Hour kart race is a great way to raise money for charity, whilst
celebrating what Ginetta do best - making things go as fast as possible!
Endurance racing is one of the most testing forms of motorsport out there, and
we anticipate another immense level of competition for 2013."
Each team to enter will receive their
own kart, personalised in their unique race livery, as well as a private area in
which to get some sleep when fatigue hits through the night. Sixteen teams
are already confirmed, with two team spaces still up for grabs; with last year's
winners 'Teams CFT Services' back to defend their title but under a new
team name 'Niche Tax Solutions'. Other teams and companies involved include
SICL, Reforma Motorsport Graphics, Pickard Event Services, Coast to Coast Event
Productions, Campeys of Selby, Pickard Events, Riverside Recoveries and
Adaptive-Iconics.
Managing Director of Adaptive control, and Team Boss of
Adaptive-Iconics Racing - Richard Armitage, back once again this year hoping to
improve on last year's result said; "This brilliantly organised event allows
everyone to take part in something they are passionate about whilst generating a
huge amount of money for this worthy cause. We can't wait to get out on track
again and have had a year to perfect our race strategy!"
The race starts
at 7pm on Friday 15th November 2013, finishing at 7pm on Saturday 16th - with
live entertainment and performances from local bands and talent both at the
opening ceremony and after party. Local companies wishing to get involved may do
so by donating funds to the event Just Giving page
http://www.justgiving.com/PPiKGinetta24-2013 or
offering raffle prizes to help with the proceeds.
Any teams
wishing to take part can still do so, by emailing their interest to
24hr@ppik.net.
Event updates, news and results will be posted on both
PPiK
and Ginetta
websites.
[ Top ]
Top Ten Ginetta Debut Finish (29/10)
Northamptonshire's
Ashley White made his racing debut in style last weekend, after bringing home a
top ten finish in the final round of the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5
Challenge at Donington Park; his prize for securing the top spot in the
want2race competition in September.
The 19 year old made his inaugural appearance in the
British GT supporting championship in a brand new Ginetta G40 race car which was
supplied by the Leeds based manufacturer as part of the £6,000 race package
prize which saw him beat 200 racing hopefuls for a place on the Ginetta grid.
His
success saw White fully kitted out in Ginetta race wear, including a new helmet,
suit and boots. Not only that, but want2race arrange for White to complete his
ARDS test, leaving White to simply turn up and race, with full team support and
driver tuition also included.
Want2race offered the chance for novice drivers from
across the UK to take part in initial karting sessions at a local circuit,
followed by on track experience in real Ginetta racing G40 cars alongside BTCC
and Ginetta Supercup instructors Adam Morgan, Jack Goff and Rob Boston.
The top 30
drivers were selected and brought back to the final, which included more intense
circuit sessions and an interview with the judging panel. Chief Judge Mark Hales
commented on the experience; "It is nice to see such a genuine and
professionally run competition such as want2race available for drivers out
there, who may not have the knowhow or budget to be able to start racing. We had
a difficult decision choosing the finalists, but in the end Ashley proved to us
all that he had serious raw talent and pace. It was an easy decision on the day,
with Ashley crowned as the deserved winner. He proved himself, and luckily our
judgement, this weekend out at Donington in the G40. Well done!"
Grids for the final round of the
championship were the biggest yet, with no less than 30 cars on track. White
took to qualifying like a seasoned racer, putting his car a very respectable
P16. Whilst a number of on-track issues hindered the racing on Sunday 6th
October - with one race abandoned entirely - White managed to keep clear of all
issues and finished P16 and P10 respectively.
Ben Hyland, want2race organiser said; "What a result for
Ashley, I am so proud of him as he's proved that we are able to take a novice
and successfully get them on the grid and on the pace ! Ashley was calm and
collected all day and drove extraordinarily well. He had additional pressures
from media and all the other competitors looking at him to see how he performs,
and so I think it makes the result even stronger."
White, an ex 2 stroke go karter, has competed only at
karting level but did include some Super 1 Rotax events. He said; "We never had
much luck in karts, and so I'm really pleased that my first car race has gone so
well. I was nervous at the starts but as soon as the lights went off I went for
it, even managed to recover from a 360 spin and still finish both races. I loved
the experience and now am hoping I can return to race more Ginetta's next
season. Thanks to everyone involved!"
Ginetta have for many years offered the successful junior
scholarship, with want2race now sitting alongside as being a fantastic
opportunity for drivers over the age of 16 to experience the race cars, learn
from instructors and have an opportunity to race.
Details of the competition can be
found on the website
www.want2race.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Jakob Ebrey.
[ Top ]
Mercedes
Motorsport Van
(29/10)
Fusion
Motorsport have their 2007 Merc Sprinter for sale. 120,000 miles, MOT July 2014,
Tax Jan 2014.
Fully kitted out with; tyre/engine racks, exhaust rack,
awning storage (Linea style), worktop with storage below, Teng Tools 7 drawer
roll cab, spotlights, electric hook up, battery charger.
Perfect for small team of privateer.
£POA.
For more information contact Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221
or email
dan@fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Maximise Your Potential (28/10)
If
you need to get your engine sorted after the season or you're starting to get
organised for next year, Grice have the expertise, equipment and experience to
get you up there with the best.
Ricky Grice, Marc Dawson and Tom Grice have experience
with almost every engine used in the UK and can offer a full Rotax strip and
rebuild which includes all labour, and parts except conrod, balance shaft and
reed petals for £355 plus VAT. A dyno power test is £87.50 plus VAT and you can
have your carb optimised with an ultrasonic set up for £60.
Grice
have a state-of-the-art Rotronics dyno with fully-automated software in an
air-conditioned and temperature-controlled room, and are one of the only kart
engine tuners to have invested in a Sports Devices rolling road to complement
the dyno, using transient and eddy current technology to access the engine
ancillaries. Time on these costs £450 for the day, £250 for a half day and £100
per hour.
Engines prepared by Grice benefit from an individual rather than mass-market
approach, which enables precise tolerances, and this approach continues with the
dedicated trackside support, where any engine can be rebuilt at the track.
This
season the IAME engine has revolutionised Cadet racing and Grice have seamlessly
added the unit to their portfolio, drawing on their vast experience with it's
big brother, the 100cc Parilla Swift JICA engine, the predecessor to KF3. A full
rebuild for the IAME Cadet engine costs £180 plus VAT.
For further
details please contact Ricky Grice on 01268 727847, email
ricky.grice@virgin.net or visit
www.griceracingengines.com
[ Top ]
Coming Up On Motors TV (28/10)
Motors
TV have just confirmed the transmission times of the 48m show made from their
recordings at the recent BPKC 50th Anniversary meeting.
Monday 4th November - 01:18
Monday 4th November - 18:23
Tuesday 5th November - 14:44
Thursday 7th November - 11:06
[ Top ]
Experienced Track Manager (28/10)
An
opportunity to play a lucrative key role in this new venture.
Salary: GBP 23000 - 26000 annual
salary
Career level required:
Manager (Manager/Supervisor of staff)
Experience required: 3yrs+ in Track Management
Education required: HND/HNC or equivalent
Job type: Permanent
Job status: Full Time
Wight Karting is looking for an experienced, determined,
professional in motor sports.
Currently we are looking for a Track Manager for a new
outdoor Kart centre opening in Ryde, Isle of Wight.
We are a small team of business persons who are looking
for the qualities of dedication and integrity in a professional partner to share
our new venture. We will be relying on your people skills and passion to
find us a highly talented workforce with an abundance of enthusiasm and passion
for our product and the service. You will develop your team to deliver a diverse
workforce with a strong corporate identity and commitment.
Personal
Profile - applicants will need to:
- Be able to recruit, develop and inspire a diverse
workforce.
- Be highly
professional and well presented to customers, colleagues and strategic partners
presenting the best face of the business at all times.
- Have excellent IT skills to utilise specialist industry
software and Office packages to ECDL advanced standard or equivalent.
- Be flexible and dedicated to work long hours in high
season on an annual hours contract.
- Be highly organised and experienced with current MSA and
H&S requirements.
- Be able to
programme business development and training into your weekly routine and aim to
exceed monthly budget targets with your Team.
In return we are able to offer a
competitive salary with performance related bonus and share options. A
relocation package is available to the right candidate. Apply by Letter and CV
to
info@wightkarting.co.uk, employment commences
February 2014.
[ Top ]
Honda O Plate At Buckmore (25/10)
Myles
Apps continued his winning ways at Buckmore Park's 40th anniversary meeting last
weekend by picking up the ABkC Honda O Plate on his Zip Lightning kart. Apps
dominated the weekend and was the fastest in all conditions. He started the main
final from the front row and quickly moved into the lead and took the win by a
significant margin becoming the 2013 ABkC O Plate Champion.
Apps felt his knowledge of Buckmore
Park had helped him in the terrible conditions saying "I know the track here
well and the new kart was fantastic all weekend. I just knew that if I wanted to
win, I had to hit the front ASAP due to the spray from the wet track. I am
really pleased to have won the O Plate and especially here at Buckmores 50th
anniversary meeting with such a strong grid of quality drivers".
Matthew Hopcraft also enjoyed a good
weekend on his Zip Honda with David Bellchamber's Next-Gen team. David commented
"Matthew probably should have finished second in the main final but I think that
Hudson just caught him out halfway through the main final. Hudson held his line
well until the end and there was nothing they could do about Apps who was too
far ahead. Matthew has driven really well and I'm really pleased with his
performances and results since joining us on his Zip kart this year". Matthew
collected 3rd place in the final meaning that Zip Kart had taken 1st and 3rd on
the podium and continued their great run of results.
Zip Kart have
used the second half of the season to develop parts for the new 2014 kart and
are very pleased with the results achieved so far. The new Zip Honda will be
available from mid-November for testing at various circuits around the UK.
Please contact Zip Kart to book your test on 01327 855310 or email
info@zipkart.com.
[ Top ]
Junior
Touring Cars
(25/10)
The
BARC are delighted to have the opportunity to take over the reins of the very
competitive 2014 Junior Touring Cars Junior Championship for 14 to 17 year olds.
On the 1st
November you are invited to a Junior Touring Cars Live event, the event is
being organised to give this year's potential drivers aged between 13 to 17 the
opportunity to experience the performance and thrill of a race-prepared Citroen
Saxo as raced in the Club's Junior Touring Cars Championship. The Junior Touring
Cars live event will take place at Blyton Park
www.blytonpark.co.uk.
Fancy a change from karting? Then
Junior Touring Cars Live is for you, you will drive in race prepared Junior
Touring Car at Blyton Park race circuit, you will get a dedicated Clio Cup
driver/instructor to guide you around the 7m wide circuit.
To
book a place please email
info@sportdevices.co.uk or
call 0800 6126977.
The
Championship takes place at major UK motor racing circuits including Brands
Hatch and Silverstone and is run with other BARC championships at its race
meetings there will be 13 rounds over 7 weekends in 2014.
Call
0800 6126977 for further info.
For a dedicated Junior Touring Cars
test day or 1-to-1 tuition see
www.Teamdynomite.co.uk or
call 07817 416293 email
keith@teamdynomite.co.uk
arrive and drive available.
[ Top ]
2013 Henry Surtees Challenge (24/10)
The
best of British young motorsport talent came together at Buckmore Park circuit
to compete in the Henry Surtees Challenge for a career enhancing range of prizes
to aid them in their race programme preparation for 2014. 21 year old David
Pittard, current Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge racer and BRDC Rising
Star, won the event amongst some extremely tough competition.
The event,
organised by former F1 world champion John Surtees OBE, brought together drivers
from all classes of motorsport in their 16th year and over who hold an MSA
licence, are a member of Club100 or are a Buckmore Park Elite driver.
Damon Hill OBE officially opened the
event by taking to the drying Buckmore track in one of the superb Club100 Birel
karts for a few laps. Following a thrilling day of extremely competitive racing,
the top six drivers were presented with a prestigious Henry 'H' trophy and the
ten top finishers had the choice of some the best career enhancing prizes ever
offered at a UK kart meeting.
David Pittard, Winner, 2013 Henry Surtees Challenge chose
the simulator pre-test in the UK plus GP3 test with Carlin Motorsport in Abu
Dhabi as his prize. David also receives a full set of Puma SE race wear and a
pair of tickets to the 2013 Autosport Awards (donated by Haymarket Publications)
plus a career profile feature in Motor Sport magazine.
Paul Janes, runner up, chose the pair
of VIP weekend tickets to the British F1 Grand Prix 2014, including Paddock
entry, donated by Bernie Ecclestone. Paul also receives two pairs of Puma SE
footwear.
Jack Aitken, third place, chose the visit to Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes
with simulator time and evaluation by an F1 race engineer, donated by Christian
Horner. Jack also receives a pair of Puma SE footwear.
The
'Fastest Lap' Award was presented to Jack Aitken who received a Henry 'H' trophy
and a choice from the new HSF clothing range after securing the accolade by
0.001 sec from Paul Janes.
The 'Hard Luck' Award was presented to Simon Rudd who
received a Henry 'H' trophy and a choice from the new HSF clothing range after
being knocked out of a top 10 position in the 'A' Final race and following
consistently competitive results throughout the event.
The 'Over 80Kg'
Award was presented to Scott Malvern who received a Henry 'H' trophy and a
choice from the new HSF clothing range.
David
Pittard - winner of the 2013 Henry Surtees Challenge said: "A massive thanks to
John and the Henry Surtees Foundation for organising such a fantastic event. I
had a great race out there today; I qualified well in mixed conditions and made
a good start which allowed me to pull a gap and I could put my head down and
control the race from there. There were some big names here and I feel like a
little bit of a small fish, so to come out and beat these guys has given me a
huge confidence boost and I hope it's a massive step for my career - exactly
what the Henry Surtees Challenge is for - so again a huge, huge thank you."
Damon Hill, OBE, commented: "I am
absolutely delighted to support the Henry Surtees Challenge. If I can assist in
generating a little bit more coverage and bring people to the incredible event
that John has created here, then it is a very positive thing in all directions.
It raises money for a good cause in the Henry Surtees Foundation and also gives
young, competitive drivers an opportunity to shoot for something too; helping to
develop talent in the sport we love."
John Surtees, OBE, said "Today has been changeable from
the way the weather has treated us! But it has provided added challenge for the
drivers and showed the quality of the field we had here, because we didn't have
any mishaps at all. We had extremely competitive racing and I think that it
augers well for the future that we can build on this, not only helping The
Foundation, but also helping youngsters in this stage of developing their career
in the motorsport world in preparing their motorsport programmes for the new
year."
For more information on the Henry Surtees Foundation visit
www.henrysurteesfoundation.com.
Photographs courtesy of Jakob Ebrey
photography.
[ Top ]
Formula TKM Weight Changes (24/10)
Formula
TKM will have changes to the weights in the Senior Extreme category for 2014
which will give drivers greater flexibility and make it easier for lighter
drivers to race without carrying excessive lead.
Following a review of driver weights in conjunction with
the MSA the first rule change is that in the main 152kg category the minimum
driver weight will drop from 68kg to 60kg.
The 146kg category with blue 22mm carb restrictor will now
have a minimum driver weight of 50kg. And a new 132kg category has been created
with no minimum driver weight which will make use of the black 19.5mm carb
restrictor.
Explains Alan Turney, boss of Tal-Ko which runs the class:
"By making these changes we will now be able to accommodate virtually any size
driver into the class and know that they are not carrying excessive lead on
their kart. At the same time we have created more flexibility for those wanting
to be in the main 152kg sector.
"We have listened carefully to driver requests and
discussed at the MSA these changes and I hope they will meet with wide approval.
The use of different minimum weights and carb restrictors in the Junior class
has been very successful and safe and it seems entirely logical to expand the
Senior category in the same way."
MSA planned changes to ages in all Junior and Senior
classes have been dropped for 2014 pending further discussion after considerable
protest from many drivers and parents.
Other regulation changes for TKM in
2014 are very minor tidying up and clarification of current regulations. There
will also be an updated engine fiche. All changes come into effect from January
1, 2014. The new regulations will be posted on the
www.tal-ko.com
website in November.
[ Top ]
2013 IAME Cadet O Plate (22/10)
Trent
Valley Kart Club will be hosting the very first ABkC IAME O Plate at PF
International kart circuit on 2nd & 3rd November 2013.
Come and race and be part of UK
Karting history - challenging for the inaugural title of ABkC IAME Cadet O Plate
Champion!
The two day meeting will consist of Practice, Timed Qualifying and a Heat on
Saturday and then a Heat, B Final (top 6 to go through), Pre Final and the Grand
Final on Sunday. If you want to enter the Club Championships as well -
this is no problem as you can enter both!
Want to enter?
Simply visit
www.tvkc.co.uk to enter online and download
copies of the tyre and fuel order forms and the Supplementary Regulations. NB:
Entries for this event will close on Sunday 27th October.
The prize list for this event has just
been announced and includes an IAME X30 Junior Engine, IAME Engine Vouchers, an
XBOX ONE (brand new from November 2013), Playstation 4 (brand new from
November 2013), iPad Mini, LLC Helmet Visor, Lucky Design Helmet Bag, Selection
of IAME Clothing, 2014 TVKC Membership, Set of Dunlop Tyres as well as a Trophy
& Flowers. Prizes are courtesy of JM Engineering, TVKC, PSR and Andersons.
So be sure to join us for this
prestigious event and remember to visit TVKC's 'Trick or Treat' race control!
For more
information, please contact Danielle Short at
compsec@tvkc.co.uk
or 07545 131099.
[ Top ]
Fireworks For Buckmore's 50th (22/10)
With
great racing on circuit and with Formula 1 star and Buckmore old boy Johnny
Herbert in attendance, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit's 50th year celebrations over
the weekend was a great success despite best efforts of the British weather.
Many of the kart circuit's old boys
came back to in join the celebrations and also John Surtees OBE, the only man to
win the World Championships on two and four wheels and a great supporter of the
venue for many years popped in during the day as part of his work for the Henry
Surtees' Foundation Charity set up by John in memory of his son Henry who was
killed in a freak motor racing accident at Brands Hatch.
Johnny Herbert was the star of the
show demonstrating a restored 135cc Cobra/Komet which he used to win the British
Karting Championship in 1982 (pictured left). The Kestrel/Cobra kart brand
was manufactured by circuit owner Bill Sisley in the 70s and 80s and was one of
the most successful karting brands winning the British Championship for 10
consecutive years.
Also
joining in on the day was Indian Formula 1 star Karun Chandhok who actually
started his motor racing career at Buckmore as a youngster. Further kart
demonstrations during the day included circuit owner Bill Sisley a kart champion
himself in the 60s and 70s, and his son Tom, a multi-kart and car champion in
the 90s who demonstrated the prototype 1959 'Yellow Peril' go kart, the first
ever machine to be built in the UK (pictured right). Further
demonstrations included a high speed demo by the current Under 18 Karting World
Champion Henry Easthope, using the very latest 100 mph KZ1 125cc international
equipment karting equipment and a display by the British Historic Kart Club of
machinery from 1961 - 1982.
Apart
from the demonstrations the on track action included the ABkC IDD Contracts
Honda Cadet 'O' plate event for drivers aged 8 - 12, which effectively was a one
day British Championship for drivers from all over the UK including Northern
Ireland. After 42 drivers had raced wheel to wheel in a series of heats and
pre-finals, victory finally went to Dartford's Myles Apps.
Buckmore Park is
the circuit where many current and past Formula 1 drivers learnt their trade,
including Johnny Herbert and World F1 champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton
(who was discovered by Ron Dennis in the 1996 Champions of the Future Event held
at Buckmore Park). Recent F1 graduate Max Chilton also started his career
at the circuit as did Mercedes F1 reserve driver Sam Bird. The circuit
also played host to Princes William and Harry who made their debut in 1992.
Buckmore boss Bill Sisley commented:
"It's was a fantastic weekend and I am really grateful to Johnny for spending so
much time here and to all the other Buckmore 'old boys' who came back to see us.
I'm also sure that one of the young drivers that we saw over the weekend in the
Honda Cadet race will be in Formula 1 in 10 years time."
For more
information on Buckmore Park visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
RL On Top In Autumn (18/10)
At
the finale of the Euro Max Challenge, held at Salbris (6/8 September) Lando
Norris blazed to victory in the Junior class. Two weekends later, Hugo
Bentley-Ellis took a convincing Mini Max win at Whilton Mill in the 7th round of
the Northamptonshire circuit's club championship.
Bentley-Ellis' form throughout August and September was
electrifying, but not without incident. Using a Shenington Kart Club race (18
August) as preparation for the concluding round of the Super One championship
the following month (29 September), Hugo had taken the chequered flag in first
place, but was later denied the win by the officials - who gave the RL star a
five-place penalty.
He set the record straight with a fine victory in the
first final at the Super One event and led three for quarters of the 21-lap
second final but was knocked off the track on the penultimate tour. His
promising team-mate, Sandy Mitchell was 5th and 7th respectively, completing an
impressive maiden Mini Max season since graduating from Honda Cadet.
The
RL pair will head to Autosport International, held annually at the NEC,
Birmingham in January, to collect their seeded number plates having earned
numbers 5 and 7, respectively. Sandy would surely have finished higher in the
points table were it not for two problematic rounds, due to circumstances beyond
his control, leaving his team boss convinced he was a shoo-in for a top five
placing overall.
Luke Knott was also on the podium for
Steve Armstrong's team. Luke claimed a fine 3rd place in the first Super One
final at Shenington, signing off his Junior career with a prized single-number
seeding - 8.
Buoyed by these results, the drivers starred on their
return to the team's home circuit on 6 October. Bentley-Ellis starred in a
thrilling Mini Max final and eventually finished 3rd in a nail-biting dash to
the chequered flag.
Having overseen his Junior drivers take pole position and
p12 on the grid for their final, Steve Armstrong was delighted to see his new
signing Will Shaw finish 4th with Sandy stepping up from Mini and finishing 6th
on his debut in the class.
Luke astounded the crowd at the Lincolnshire venue by
taking pole position and then beating his far more experienced rivals to first
place in the final.
More
success followed at Kimbolton (13 October). Bentley-Ellis enjoyed a
lights-to-flag victory and crossed the finishing line four seconds clear of his
pursuers. Shaw topped the Junior podium, with Mitchell setting the joint-fastest
lap on his way to 4th in the same final.
"The boys have been driving
superbly," said the justifiably proud Armstrong. "We've played our part, by
dialling-in the equipment for each different circuit and the prevailing
conditions, and the drivers have then gone out and demonstrated just how good
the kit is. Consequently, the awning is buzzing right now. It's a really happy,
positive place to be."
2014 race seats are now available.
For more information, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Racebox (Lando Norris - kart 52) and Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Kartpartsuk (17/10)
Kartpartsuk
would like to make everyone aware that we have recently added around 100 new
products to their already vast product range on the website
www.kartpartsuk.com.
They vary from hubs to chassis protectors to the fantastic range of karting
tools which are manufactured in-house, such as trolleys, pit tables and bead
breakers.
Kartpartsuk.com would also like to remind everyone that we
offer free delivery on all orders to UK Mainland addresses (see website for
details). Kartpartsuk have one of the widest stock choices available in the UK
and with free next working day delivery, what are you waiting for. We stock
everything from complete karts to Arai helmets and are constantly adding new
products.
Kartpartsuk are agents for Gillards including the superb cadet kart, Tonykart
and OK1 karts, including a full range of spares. On top of our fantastic prices
which we won't be beaten on by any other kart shop, we also offer further great
prices in the quantity discounts section.
If you would like information on any
of the products, or any of the 1,000's of spares we have in stock, please
contact us on 01775 712633, email
info@kartpartsuk.com or
visit
www.kartpartsuk.com which shows the entire
range.
[ Top ]
Winter Training Camp (16/10)
"Winter
Training Camp will make you fitter, faster and better prepared for 2014"
We've all been there - a bitterly
cold and wet British kart track, desperately trying to find those missing
tenths. Everything's been tried; the camber and castor, front bar in, out,
exhaust flex lengthened and shortened, umpteen different carbs and jet settings,
different engine. You name it you've tried it - but still no improvement.
If this is an all too familiar story,
then it's time to reserve your place on RL Racing Department's Winter Training
Camp. It will improve you as a driver and make you faster.
Organised by
Steve Armstrong and his hugely experienced and successful team, the camp is a
unique opportunity for kart racers to enjoy unlimited testing at a superb venue.
The
first camp runs between 6th and 22nd December at Gran Karting Lanzarote and
returns to the Canary Island on 3rd January and runs until the 10th.
"We've
selected Gran Karting Lanzarote not just for the terrific winter weather but
also the different features and benefits it offers to us and the driver," says
Steve. "The track has a nice variety of corners and offers long laps. This
presents drivers with a series of technical and physical challenges. Also, the
much better weather is an obvious advantage, as the dry conditions create the
opportunity for a greater and more consistent number of laps, in which to fine
tune the driver and their equipment."
He adds: "The daily schedule consists
of a lot of seat-time - up to 300 laps per day - plus we devote plenty of time
to detailed analysis of the driver and their kit. I genuinely believe that the
RL Racing Department training camp makes you fitter, faster and better prepared
for the new season."
For more information, call Steve
today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
New Kart World Record (16/10)
Lloyd
de Boltz-Miller drove into the history books when he set a new Guinness World
Record at PFi on 8 October following a gruelling 24 hours at the wheel.
The freelance motorsport consultant
first hit the headlines in 2009 when he set a new British and European record
before going on to claim the World Record the following year. However, America's
Trey Shannon pushed the distance to 845 miles in 2011, sending his English rival
back to the drawing board.
Two
years were devoted to planning this latest assault, with de Boltz-Miller
determined to bring the record back to Britain.
"We'd planned to run an aggressive
strategy, as I wanted to be the first through the 1000 mile mark," said de
Boltz-Miller. "With Trey having covered 845, we'd need to push it but also
create a good buffer. However, it came to light that a disputed claim of 1,054
miles (set in 2012) may have still stood. As we couldn't talk to Guinness we
needed to adjust our strategy to break this and Trey's record. This meant that
for the entire 24 hours I was going to have to consistently lap the circuit in
less than 34 seconds and that my pit stops couldn't last more than four minutes
each time. My fastest lap on low fuel and new tyres in testing was 30 seconds
dead. This meant I had to drive the entire record like a sprint!"
Despite their communications
equipment failing before the attempt had begun, prompting Lloyd's support crew
to invent a range of interesting hand signals to 'talk' to him from trackside,
everything was going to plan during the opening few hours. De Boltz-Miller
survived some exciting moments during his fourth stint when his water bottle
holder broke, leaving his drinks container to empty its contents at the first
corner, which made for a couple of interesting moments.
"Throughout, the package - CRG Black
Star chassis and IAME X30 engine - worked flawlessly," Lloyd said. "We had a
single issue with a sticking throttle cable but my mechanics, Shaun and Russell
Carter, replaced it in just 3 minutes during my ninth stop."
As
the hours rolled on, keeping de Boltz-Miller focused and informed without a
radio led his team to try some interesting experiments, as Lloyd explains: "They
tried to make life a little comical. I would come out of the last corner to find
them gesturing, dancing, building human pyramids and even spelling words with
their bodies on the gantry over the track. One of the film crew wrote a sign and
held it out to me. It said "Make History" and this served to really put the bit
between my teeth."
The physical toll also began to have its effect: "Whilst
the circuit had been chosen for its pace, its physical demands were very much of
an unknown over distance, but soon revealed themselves. Because of the
high-speed, sweeping corners and minimal opportunities to rest, it meant that
after around 10 hours the effect on my mind and body was similar to that which a
very high aero car exerts on a driver. I'd have to hold my breath before
entering Turn One as I was loaded with the effects of G-force for around eight
seconds plus. But this is what I wanted - the ultimate test!"
To further keep him focused on his
task, friends joined Lloyd out on the circuit in their own karts and creating
new competitions: "Riki Christodoulou joined me for three stints and it was a
real tale of cat and mouse as we traded lap times. Olly Walker also came out and
the rivalry saw me bang in my fastest time of the event a 29.61 after around
20-21 hours of running." This tactic almost had a catastrophic effect on the
challenge though, as Lloyd reveals: "I was broken though. My team had to lift me
out of the kart for the last five stops, but I continued to smash the time
sheets! I also had an 'off' 40 laps, during which I dropped half a second off
pace due to agonising stomach cramps. Going into my penultimate stint I couldn't
grip the steering wheel and decided to stop using the front brakes, which are
operated by a lever by the steering wheel which you need to pull firmly. Despite
all my aches and pains, my speed was still good and my final stop sent me out
with just over an hour to go. With fifty minutes remaining I started to crank up
the pace and finally broke the record with 38 minutes remaining."
Although
he had achieved his goal, Lloyd used the remaining time to put the record beyond
doubt: "I wound on the pace and was lapping within a hair's breadth of my
fastest lap, every lap! I was going Hell for leather. It was my chance to make
history and put the record out of reach. I was 100% dialled and the clock was
ticking. I really feel this was the drive of my life!"
Lloyd's new
world record is 1081.66 miles. As a key part of his 24 hour challenge, he is
also raising money for Cancer Research UK. Donations can be made via
www.justgiving.com/24hrWR.
Lloyd could not
have achieved his goal without the support of a dedicated team of friends and
family, plus factory assistance from CRG SPA, IAME and Strakka Racing.
For more
information and updates you can follow Lloyd on Twitter, just go to
@deBoltzMiller
or visit his website,
www.lloyd-miller.com.
Photographs courtesy of Lou Boileau.
[ Top ]
Awning Space & Test Drives (15/10)
It's
the end of the season and ST Racing have had another successful one!
In the NKF championship Stuart
Middleton retained the teams Junior Max title after winning it in 2012, Stuart
has impressed massively this year with a lot of race victories and his
commitment to his racing.
In
Senior Max the team finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th in the championship, Kearn
Tsang getting second in his first senior year, Spencer Scaife third also in his
first senior year, Antonio Gagliasso in fifth after some unlucky heats through
the year but always came good in the finals, and Matthew Dickinson in sixth
after missing a round but a job well done after his big jump up from Junior TKM.
In Minimax Jae Dale is coming on very
well and ended the year in the top five, looking forward to next year with him!
In Super One John Stewart ended the
year 5th in the Senior Rotax championship, that's his 7th year in a row inside a
top ten seeded position, John also won the British Open championship earlier in
the year for the second time after winning it in 2011, he also grabbed the track
record at PFI, Junior Max driver Chad Little was unlucky just to miss out on a
seeded number after a tough year it's onto seniors now for him.
Thank you to all of our customers for
your support this year we look forward to many more.
We have awning space available for
next year in all classes in NKF, Super One and most club meetings, there are
also test drives available for the Gillard TG14 call John on 07500 958789 or
email us at
stracing@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Team
Openings With KR-Sport
(15/10)
KR-Sport
now has openings within their successful race team for Club events and major UK
competitions for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014.
2013 has demonstrated once again the
team's commitments and dedication to excellence with dominant performances in
Mini Max, Juniors Max and Senior Max at the highest level in the UK.
The team now have openings for
Drivers at both Club level competitions and Drivers looking to settle into a new
team in preparation Super One and European events in 2014.
With a number of packages available
the team are able to offer the same services that have guided their drivers to
success at the highest level this season with 8 Final wins and over 13 Podium
finishes across the three major Rotax categories at Super One along with Senior
Rotax GP Plate winners and Junior GP plate runners up.
With team support available at
Whilton Mill, Shenington and PF International Club meetings we can help drivers
looking to develop under the guidance of a top flight team, to drivers looking
to fine tune and find extra performance and consistency with added benefits of
access to race winning equipment and data analysis.
To find out more information on the
team or to discuss your options contact Ashley Orchard on 07921 225680 or email
ash@kr-sport.com.
For further
information on KR-Sport, Tonykart Products and Cream Racing engines visit
www.kr-sport.com.
It may be the best move you ever
make!
[ Top ]
New TKM Scholarship (15/10)
Tal-Ko
and Super 1 have joined forces to create a unique £3000 scholarship to help a
club driver make it into the UK's top karting championship for Formula TKM.
The winner will be selected from club
level drivers in both Junior and Senior Extreme competing at the Maxxis TKM
Festival and within the TKM club championships.
He or she will get free entry into all rounds of the 2014
TKM Super 1 series, a free set of Maxxis slick tyres for each round, a set of
wets at the first round, a 10 litre can of race fuel for each round and free use
of a works supplied Tal-Ko kart. Together the prize is worth around £3000
Announcing the scheme TKM boss Alan
Turney said: "We know that many talented drivers would love the opportunity to
compete in the S1 series but do not have the budget.
"What we have done here is to make that step up very much
easier and even backed with Tal-Ko technical support."
And added John Hoyle, who organises
the S1 series: "We want to encourage more drivers through to our series which is
quite simply the top level of karting anywhere in the UK. This award will
encourage more drivers to aim at the top and we look forward to making a final
choice on the first winner."
The scholarship will be valid for just one year and is
only valid in the TKM Junior or Senior classes. A decision on a winner for 2014
will be announced shortly.
For more information on Formula TKM
visit www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Litchfield Motorsport (14/10)
Dave
Litchfield would like to congratulate Dino Lee and Charlie Bruce-White for
winning the main finals respectively in the Junior and Senior TKM classes at the
last round of the S1 championship both drivers were on Tonykarts with Litchfield
prepared engines.
Litchfield Motorsport will be racing at PF International,
Kimbolton and Shenington through the winter months and preparations are now
starting for the 2014 S1 season.
If you would like to race with a winning team, have your
engine prepared by Dave, or try either the Tonykart EVK in Junior/Senior KGP
/X30 or the Tonykart TKM Viper Dave would love to hear from you and can be
contacted on 07789 177977.
[ Top ]
Wight Karting (14/10)
Wight
Karting is looking for experienced, determined, professional in motor sports:
The Isle of Wight attracts 900,000
holiday visitor a years, and has 140,000 local residents. The only karting
centre on the Isle of Wight is to open in April 2014 and is looking for a
dynamic, personable and capable track manager to lead the final stages of the
site set-up and staff recruitment in readiness for business. This new attraction
will be open all year and Wight Karting Ltd aim to deliver excellent service and
maximise customer retention from its purpose built clubhouse and out-door 460m
track. This facility will provide a twenty first century karting experience for
clients of 12 years upwards.
This opportunity comes with a relocation package available
to the right candidate - someone with proven track record and excellent
references.
Please e mail a letter and cv to
info@wightkarting.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Buckmore
Announce Upgrades
(11/10)
Buckmore
boss, Bill Sisley, has announced a major circuit upgrade today, to take place
over the forthcoming winter period. A new 144 seat competitors grandstand
will be installed at the Kentish venue near the entrance to the existing Parc
Ferme, with a connecting bridge to the paddock area. This will enable teams and
drivers to view virtually the whole circuit for the first time during races. In
addition a completely new pit lane will be constructed, starting on the outside
of the Esses section of the circuit (before the beginning of the downhill Symes
sweep).
Other improvements include the widening of the Paddock on part of the woodland
side, to create a new flat area to accommodate larger team vehicles and to
increase the Paddock area in general (planning approval pending). Bill
Sisley says, "Over the last few months I have been canvassing the opinions of
promoters, teams and drivers, and I have taken note of their comments. We
have already created more run off on turn 1 (Conways), and also on the exit of
the Paddock bend, and we will be installing some Recticel barriers on high
impact points, from March next year". The upgrades are scheduled for early
January 2014 (Pit Lane construction) and late February 2014 (Grandstand and
Paddock extension). All improvements will be in place in time for the BPKC
summer series in April.
The
upgrades are only the start of the long term plans here, and these investments
alone come to over £100k. I believe that it is very important not to lose the
basic integrity of the venue, with its natural gradients, twist and turns, and
Kentish woodlands. We need a mixture of all types of circuits in this country,
you have to remember that Buckmore was originally built in 1963, and is one of
the most demanding circuits to drive.
It has only been possible to agree this first tranche of
re-development with the support of John Surtees OBE, who of course now owns the
land that we hold the leasehold interest on. He has also purchased an
additional 90 acres of woodland around us. John has been very supportive and, of
course, has his own dream for the venue including an educational centre, and
further circuit developments in memory of his son, Henry, via the Henry Surtees
Foundation.
For information on Buckmore Park visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Four Out
Of Six
(10/10)
2013
has yet again proven successful in many different ways for Tooley Motorsport, in
both club events and national events.
After being crowned British Champions
last year, the team wanted to set their sights high, but they knew it would be a
hard year. The team recorded seeded numbers 3, 6 and 9 in Mini, and 6 in
Junior Max.
Team Principal Andrew said "I'm really pleased from a team point of view this
year, we didn't win the British championships, but we did have 4 drivers get
seeded numbers out of the 6 we ran this year at S1. We also had success in other
areas such as numerous club wins, British open champions and Vice British kart
grand prix champions."
The
team ended up with 3 drivers in the top 9 in the Mini Max category. Number 3 for
Dan zelos, who only narrowly missed out on number 2, Dan also claimed the O
plate. Cameron Roberts earned 6th in his first year of mini max and Josh Skelton
getting 9th again in his first year. Jordan Brown Nutley was the only mini
driver not to claim a seeded number, Jordan has come on leaps and bounds
throughout the year which was proven when winning a final at Larkhall S1.
In Junior max Nathan Aston and Greg Mckenzie represented
the team throughout the year, Greg showing his pace once again but a little
consistency to improve on and Nathan Aston proving his talent and achieving
number 6 after a few bad rounds. Nathan showed his potential towards the end of
the year when having podiums at each of the two last rounds, narrowly missing
out both times finishing 2nd.
The drivers now move onto next year with winter testing
for all, all of the mini max from Super 1 will graduate to mini max, Mckenzie
will stay junior max and Aston will move into the senior max category.
Macpherson and Paylor are also considering S1 next year after gaining experience
throughout 2013. There will also be two extremely promising additions to the
team coming out of cadet.
We would like to thank all involved in this years Super
One asssault, a great team effort by all. To the drivers, mechanics and the
parents.
For more information on Tooley Motorsport visit
www.TooleyMotorsport.com or call on Andrew on
07851 228619.
[ Top ]
Win For Myles Apps (10/10)
Myles
Apps's win at last weekend's TVKC meeting on his Zip/RPM Honda was the latest
great result for the kart that has been breaking lap records and Scoring podiums
at the highest level over the last Month. Apps drove a faultless weekend with 2
heat wins and then a win in the final with a full grid of 34 drivers, the racing
was fast and furious but the Zip driver had the pace to dominant the meeting and
lead from the front throughout.
The weekend before it was Next Gens Matthew Hopcraft
setting the pace on his Zip during the final round of super one at Shenington.
Matthew was on the front row after qualifying and didn't look back from his
front row position, Matthew collected his first Super one final win later that
afternoon ,with his team mate Keaton Samra coming home a great 6th in Final 2!
The Zip /RPM Karts latest
results include:
Super One Rd 6: 1st Place Matthew Hopcraft, 6th Place
Keaton Samra
TVKC October: 1st
Place Myles Apps
Buckmore
park: 2nd Place Myles Apps
Shenington September: 1st Place Matthew Hopcraft
Kimboulton September: Lap Record Matthew Hopcraft, 3rd
Place Harrison Huggan
Rissington Midland Champs: 1st Place Keaton Samra
Well done to all the Zip/Honda drivers!
Zip kart would like to thank RPM
Engines, Next Gen Motorsport, Lucas Racing and Zip All Stars.
Should you wish
to arrange a test on the Zip then please feel free to contact the office on
01327 855310 or email
info@zipkart.com to arrange
a suitable time and place. Full race hire is also available at selected events
this year.
Zip Kart's 2014 kart will be available for testing very
soon - please contact us for details.
[ Top ]
EPKC Non-MSA Event (10/10)
Open
to both members and non-members, round 11 of the EPKC is on the 19th October
2013.
This
will be a non-MSA event, run to MSA guidelines along with MSA timers and
Scrutineers.
Open to all classes! IAME, Super cadet, Comer/WTP, Honda
Cadet, KF classes, Mini Max, Junior max, Junior TKM 2/4stroke, Senior Max,
Biland, Pro karts (Twin GX160's, twin GX200's and single GX200's), senior TKM
and Swiss auto.
The cost for this one-day event is £45.00 for members
(membership is £20.00) or £55.00 for non-members. A late entry fee of
£10.00 will apply after 14th October and transponder hire is £10.00 if needed.
The event format will start with 8am
sign-on, 830am until 1130am scrutineering, 9am drivers brief, 930am practice in
4 groups (Cadets, minis/Juniors, Seniors, Pro Karts) Practice laps can be timed
if you have your transponder on. At 12pm timed qualifying starts - 10 minute
session + 1 lap for each class/group, followed by heats (2 x 10 minute + 1 lap)
and finals (14 minutes + 1 lap).
You can enter in online by clicking
on 'book online' on our website
www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk or pop us an
email with all your details and we will call you back for payment.
Email
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk, call 01502
717718.
Our cafe will be open all day from 730am serving tasty
food which is all locally sourced!
Come and join us at Ellough Park for a great Saturday's
racing!
[ Top ]
Pooled Engines Tender Request (10/10)
The
promoters of the Super One Series invite tenders for the supply of pooled
engines for the MSA Junior British Kart Championship from 2014 - 2015 with the
possibility of an extension to the end of 2017, subject in part to the engines
being replaced by a current CIK homologated model. The MSA has given its
approval to the concept.
1. There are six weekend rounds per annum in the series,
usually between April and October, but the contract may be extended by mutual
agreement to facilitate the supply of pooled engines at other major annual
events such as the ABkC 'O' Plate.
2. The engine supplied must be a currently homologated CIK
KF Junior engine and use the Tillotson HW23 homologated carburettor.
3. All parts except the radiator must be supplied
including wiring loom, complete exhaust system, battery, carburettor, airbox
etc. The competitor will supply his or her own chassis with radiator.
4. Each competitor will receive two identical engines per
weekend, issued on Thursday evening or Friday morning for the weekend use.
Engines will be issued by a random draw.
5. Engines must be tested and confirmed equal power output
and dyno curves on each occasion.
6. The minimum number supplied per event will be 20 (10
competitors) but it is expected that the average entry will be between 15 and
25, however this cannot be guaranteed. If the entry for a meeting falls
below 10 the promoters reserve the right to suspend the operations until the
entry proves sufficient.
7. The
supplier must have available a minimum of four spare engines per weekend.
The number of engines required per weekend will be given one week in advance
(Thursday). The number registered for the series will be given three weeks
before the first round, note there can be guest entries.
8. The successful tenderer must be
able to guarantee relevant supply levels and be fully supported by the
manufacturer of the engines. Either the manufacturer or a UK agent may tender in
their own rights but agreements between them must be shown.
9. The supplier must provide full
technical support to the series and the competitors and provide initial set up
information for gearing, carburettor etc.
10. Damage to engines will be at the expense of the
competitor at normal retail spare parts prices.
11. The exhaust systems and wiring looms must be affixed
with a unique seal to prevent tampering, and the seal must have a bar code.
12. The engine bottom end and cylinder must be sealed with
a unique seal number and bar coded engine but it must allow for the cylinder
head to be removed for inspection by the competitor.
13. The supplier or UK Agent of a manufacturer supplying
the engines must not have any involvement or be associated with any competitor
in the class, they must not be 'running' any competitors.
14. The tender must include the price per two engine
package per weekend hire (showing whether this includes VAT or not), remembering
that only one exhaust, airbox and loom will be needed but two carburettors.
15. The tender must also have a price for the outright
purchase of an engine, in case a competitor wishes to purchase an identical
engine for private testing.
16.
Annual increase must not exceed UK CPI as know at 1st November of the preceding
year.
17. A homologation fiche
must be supplied in order for eligibility checks (and for each competitor).
18. The successful tenderer must have insurance as
follows:
i) public liability
insurance in the minimum amount of £5million sterling for each event thereunder
and,
ii) professional indemnity
insurance in the minimum amount of £1million sterling for each event thereunder
(copies of policies to be provided before contracts signed) and,
iii) product liability insurance in the minimum amount of
£5million sterling for each event thereunder.
19. The tender opens immediately and closes at 1700 hours
on Monday 21st October. Tenders must be delivered in a sealed envelope,
enclosed in another envelope with covering letter, to Mr John Hoyle, Manley
House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire, WA6 0PF, tel +44 (0)1928 740090.
20. The Super One promoter has no obligation to accept any
tender nor to enter into any agreement with anyone that submits a tender.
Further, the tender process is subject to a written agreement being entered into
with the successful tenderer.
[ Top ]
Karting
Magazine
(09/10)
Lodgemark Press, the publishers of Karting magazine,
have decided to cease publication of the monthly magazine on kart racing with
immediate effect. The 'November' edition, issue number 692, published in early
October will be the last ever issue unless another publisher takes over the
title.
Karting magazine's publisher Mark Burgess commented: "It's a very sad day but we
can no longer continue to publish Karting which started way back in March 1960.
For a small independent magazine to have notched up over half a century of
continuous publication is quite remarkable. Hopefully another publisher will
take the magazine under its wing and they can continue to cover the wonderful
sport of kart racing for another 50 years.
I'd personally like to thank Mary-Ann Horley and Vivien
King for all their hard work on the magazine, our contributors, advertisers and
of course our many readers."
[ Top ]
Ginetta Shot For Easykart Drivers (09/10)
As
part of Ginetta Cars support of the Easykart UK Championship, two Easykart UK
Junior drivers - Jordan Sanders and Esmee Hawkey have been awarded wild card
entries to this year's Ginetta Junior scholarship!
Jordan Sanders was runner up in this
seasons Easykart Junior Championship and produced a race win and podium finishes
throughout the season. Esmee Hawkey finished the 2013 Championship with ever
improving results with a podium and culminating with a win for her at Ellough
Park in the last round. Both drivers have been involved with Easykart UK from an
early age and have graduated from Easykart Cadets to Easykart Juniors - Ginetta
Juniors could be their next step!
The 2014 Ginetta Junior Scholarship will take place at
Bedford Autodrome on the 28/29/30 October 2013. The prize for the winner is a
fully funded season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship.
This
prize includes...
- The use of a
Ginetta G40 Junior Race Car
-
Championship Entry Fee
-
Championship race suit
- All
official Championship tests
- A
team to run the car
- Season
supply of race tyres
- Season
supply of race fuel
- Test and
race day insurance
Drivers will have to attend one of the two qualification
days, either the 28th or 29th October, where entrants will be assessed on their
driving and media skills, along with their overall fitness.
The top drivers from each
qualification day will then go through to the final, where they will undertake
further driving and more in depth media assessments. After which, the
winner of the coveted prize will be announced.
For more
information visit
www.ginetta.com/junior_scholarship.
[ Top ]
Edgar's Hyundai Super One (09/10)
As
we approach the last round of this amazing Super One season, all three MSA
British Championships are still to be settled, plus the champion for Formula
KGP.
In
Formula IAME Cadet, the battle is continuing between Alex Quinn and Oliver York
as it has been all year. The MSA Junior British title will almost
certainly go to one of the RFM team, but whether it be the Sahara Force India
supported Jehan Daruvala or Daniel Ticktum is very much in doubt.
The
Junior and Senior TKM titles were put beyond reach by Matt Davies and Will Van
Es at the previous round, congratulations to them both. In fact Van Es has
entered the senior MSA British Championship class for KZ1, the massively quick
125cc 6-speed gearbox karts. They have around 29 gear changes a lap to
contend with and accelerate to 60mph in 3s, with a top speed of 90mph.
Since all three rounds count the title could go to any of the top half dozen
drivers in the class, including Lucas Orrock, who said after the previous round:
"I think the wet conditions helped, I've always had more of a natural ability to
drive in the wet, so whenever it clouds over and the rain starts falling, I know
I'm more likely to be capable of a good result. However I wasn't expecting to
win both the KZ1 finals at Glan y Gors, and I certainly wasn't expecting to win
them both by over 4 seconds! But I knew as soon as I drove out for the first
final and got a feel for the conditions that I could win, and once I got to the
front it was just a case of driving within my limits to make sure I didn't make
a silly mistake! Personally I feel my first win in the KZ gearbox class will go
down as one of my best results, having not driven in the class very long and up
against some very good drivers, I'm enjoying the new challenge of driving in the
gearbox category and I'm looking forward to the final round at Shenington, one
of my favourite tracks."
The evergreen Bobby Game is in pole position for the
Formula KGP title with another former British Champion Mark Litchfield and the
young Danny Keirle snapping at his heels, waiting for any slip up.
The timetables
and entry lists are available on the Super One website under 'Entries' /
'MSA/TKM Race Entries'. Shenington is located near Banbury, Oxfordshire,
full details on
www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk
where admission on Saturday is free, and on Sunday is only £5 per car.
Full details on
http://superoneseries.com with live timing from
TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning:
www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.
During the last finals look out for the innovative virtual championship points,
showing the standings in a real time basis.
Photograph courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
TAG Heuer & Super One (09/10)
The
final round of the ABkC Rotax and Honda Cadet National Championships, including
the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship held at Shenington on 28th - 29th
September saw more innovation come from the TAG Heuer and Super One partnership.
For the first time the live timing
page also included a Virtual Championship showing the top 10 places which would
be the ranked drivers for 2014. As drivers overtook one another on circuit
the championship standings and points totals would change, any drivers name
shown in green indicated that they had gone forward and any driver shown in red
had dropped down the championship table.
"The Comer Cadet final was amazing, as York, Wood and
Quinn fought for position on track you could see them swapping places in the
overall championship. During the race all three drivers were heading the
championship at some stage, it really couldn't have been any closer" explained
Ian Rogers, Championship Timekeeper, "we are looking to run the Virtual
Championship again at the last round of the MSA, TKM & Formula KGP series on
13th October."
Graham
Smith, Secretary of the ABkC, comments around this latest innovation were
succinct: "The dynamic live championship points during the finals was
stupendous".
Another new feature was the addition of a new field on the
live timing page showing how many positions a driver had gained or lost from
their starting grid position. The arrows shown in red or green also have a
number beside them to quickly identify how many places a driver has gained or
lost.
As
always the direct link to the race circuit would ensure any warning or technical
flags issued to drivers were displayed online in real time, a service we have
now become accustomed to with TAG Heuer.
For further details of the TAG Heuer
timing solution or just to view live timing from Super One, Trent Valley Kart
Club or Hunts Kart Racing Club visit
www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Series (08/10)
Race
this coming Sunday 13th October at Lydd Kart Circuit in the first round of their
Winter Championships. Practice will be available on Saturday.
Besides all the usual classes that
Lydd caters for, this month's meeting will also see 100cc karts competing on
Kent's fastest kart circuit. A few more new faces could be seen in the paddock
last month and we look forward to welcoming you again this weekend as well as
all our regulars. Why not bring a friend along for some fast friendly racing?
Entries can be made right up to race
morning, prior to 09.30am please, with no late entry fee!
Keep up to date
with what is happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
Should you wish to call the Circuit, our numbers are 01797
321747 or 01797 321895.
[ Top ]
More Reasons To Race... (07/10)
There
are now even more reasons to come and enjoy fantastic racing at Clay Pigeon in
October and November.
Any driver who has not competed at Clay Pigeon this season
will get 1/2 price entry at both meetings and dont forget that all Rotax drivers
have the opportunity to win a set of Mojo tyres courtesy of Jag Engineering. The
circuit has open pit lane practice on Fridays and sessioned practice on
Saturdays.
So why not come along to Clay Pigeon and race at one of the fastest and
friendlist circuits in the UK.
For entry details and more
information about CPKC and Clay Pigeon Raceway, go to the club website at
www.claypigeonkartclub.com, and make sure that
you come and talk to us at Kartmania in November.
[ Top ]
Jack Saffery Comes Close (03/10)
Jack
Saffery proved that he is now one of the top drivers in the country by
dominating both finals at the last round of the Rotax Max Super One Series at
Shenington finishing second after leading right until the end.
Jack's performance throughout the
weekend shows the progress he has made under Protrain's guidance. From first
practice on Friday Jack was setting the fastest times and he continued this
throughout the meeting. Timed qualifying was a messy affair with drivers
constantly slowing and blocking the track. To get a lap in Jack had to do the
lap by himself and on his last lap without any aid from another driver he was
still fast enough for 4th overall.
Saturday's racing at Shenington Super One was shocking to
watch, drivers driving round the inside of the track next to the white lines
made it impossible to race and to his credit Jack had to just sit in the long
train of karts to gain third position in his first heat. After strong
clerking by Alan Bryant, who should be congratulated on his stance of penalizing
drivers who defended or blocked, there followed on Sunday, one of the best days
racing for many meetings. Jack was now able to show his speed and ability.
In his second heat he quickly overtook for the lead and won by many seconds.
That qualified Jack on grid two for the first final. Initially there was a
magnificent battle between 5 drivers for the lead. Never out of the top three
Jack lead most of the laps but the lead was lost with just a few laps to go for
him to finish second.
The main final was just as open but from grid two Jack
quickly took the lead and this time Jack proved for most of the race to be just
too elusive and was out of reach of the battling championship contenders behind.
Finally with four laps to go Jack fell back to second but despite the proposed
penalties the leader defended the rest of the final and left Jack no
opportunities to regain his deserved lead.
Gary
Chapman said afterwards "Congratulations to Jack he deserved to win but second
is a fantastic result and I am so pleased for him, one of the nicest guys in the
pits. I have to give a huge thanks to all the team, particularly Adam Leftley
and Ian Boucher for their efforts in maximizing Jack's performance and I am sure
that this will be a springboard for even greater success in the future for Jack.
It shows the level that Protrain operate at and we are pleased to finish the
year on a high which justifies our movement back onto Tony Karts."
Fellow Protrain driver Charlie Turner
matched Jack Saffery throughout testing but suffered whenever race tyres were
used, fastest in warm ups was no consolation.
Over from Romania Vladimir Simion in Junior Max continues
to progress and will be looking for a strong championship next year building on
this learning year.
Protrain thank all their drivers for their great
Championship performances in 2013 and we look forward to a fantastic 2014.
Contact us on
01280 814774 or visit our website at
www.protrainraceteam.co.uk. You can also find
out more about Protrain driver training at
www.protrainracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (02/10)
Congratulations
to the 2013 champions - Sean Babington who has retained his senior Max title,
Guan Yu Zhou who adds the UK National Junior Max title to his European one,
Connor Hall and Kiern Jewiss in MiniMax and Honda Cadet respectively who put
their titles out of reach at the previous round, and Oliver York in Comer Cadet.
An innovation during the last finals
was to see the virtual championship points live on the TAG Heuer Apex web timing
page, changing sometimes lap by lap as the race progressed. The radio controlled
helicopter with camera was again in action to supplement the Motors TV coverage
and the weather was sunny and warm. The drivers were given warnings about not
blocking and mostly they took this to heart, which greatly improved the racing.
Numbers held up well with 195 entries and 170 showing up to race.
Visit
http://superoneseries.com for all the points
standings.
Honda Cadet ABkC National Championship
It was Mark Kimber who topped the timed qualifying over
Matthew Hopcraft, Tom Canning and Kiern Jewiss who was still racing despite
being champion-elect. Hopcraft won both his heats and Rory Hudson the other
putting them on the front row for the first final. Hopcraft took up the lead
until Myles Apps roared up from fifth to relieve him, Hudson falling back a bit
at the time. But Apps was hung out to dry at the Stratford hairpin, and then he
fell to the back. With the lead changing sometimes twice a lap, the racing was
incredibly exciting as it swung between Hopcraft, Matthew Hayden, and Kimber.
Eventually Hopcraft regained the front for the win, chased by Tom Canning,
Hudson, Hayden and Kimber. "Kiern kept pushing me to help me win," said
Hopcraft. A rejoining Kimber after a track excursion put Jewiss down to 15th.
Chris Lulham was excluded for driving standards. After a red flag stoppage at
the start of the second final to check on those involved in a crash, Hopcraft
took up the running once more with Hudson and Kimber helping to gap the rest.
Hudson managed to dart ahead of Hopcraft, saying later: "I just wanted us all to
get away from the rest, then took the lead on the second last lap." Jewiss
finished fourth, won the title, and will now concentrate on IAME Cadet.
Comer
Cadet MSA National Championship
Tom Wood equalled William Pettitt's time for the top of
the timed qualifying table, Jonny Edgar next. But it was Olli Caldwell who took
the first heat, Edgar the second and he lined up second to Pettitt at the front
of the first final. Pettitt hung onto the lead for the first half of the race,
repelling a nearly successful move in the chicane by Caldwell. Alex Quinn and
Tom Wood towed their way up to the leading trio, Quinn reaching second then
shuffled to a distant sixth. On the penultimate lap York darted ahead, Pettitt
dropping to fifth, with Wood and Edgar the beneficiaries. Quinn was quite upset,
thinking his title hopes were over, whilst York was happy. "I got a good start,
worked with Will Pettitt, then I dropped back but with two laps to go I passed
Will then defended," he said. York took the lead of the second final with
Pettitt protecting his rear once Edgar and Wood had been put behind. But Wood,
still in contention forged ahead, the virtual live championship points showing
the title swinging between York, Wood and Quinn. When Quinn moved into second he
went briefly ahead in the points, Wood was dropped to fifth and would be third
in the series with York ahead. Pettitt picked off his rivals all the way to the
front, putting York into second and equal on points with Quinn. But the
tie break of the best of the dropped rounds made York the champion. "I had a
good race and it will be MiniMax for next year," he said.
MiniMax
ABkC National Championship
Luke Wooder and Dean MacDonald were at the top of the
combined qualifying table, whilst Tushar Viekananan who topped the first session
was only tenth. Six drivers had five place penalties in the first heat,
including Cameron Roberts, Josh Smith, Stefanos Charalambous and MacDonald was
excluded. That all left Dan Zelos with the win, and MacDonald went onto win the
second heat, Wooder the third. That all put Zelos on pole for the first final,
Vivekananan alongside, with MacDonald on 23rd. A lot of drivers came off at the
start as Zelos led a challenging Tom Gamble. The latter made a move stick
for the lead, whilst Zelos and Alex Sedgwick clattered over the chicane kerbs
losing many places. The lead battle was now between Gamble, Sandy Mitchell, Hugo
Bentley Ellis and Charalambous, all chopping and changing until the second group
joined in. In the end Bentley Ellis prevailed with a move on the recovered
MacDonald, he having stormed through almost the whole grid. "There was no
defending or blocking, it was a really good race and I just saw the gap was
there for the win," said Bentley Ellis. The start of the second final was
quickly red-flagged to attend to the crashed Adam Smalley and on the restart
Bentley Ellis took up the running from Gamble. Josh Smith was next to forge
ahead, he traded first place with Harrison Thomas but Thomas and Luke Wooder
clashed pushing Bentley Ellis into a spin. That let Smith roar ahead with Thomas
managing to hang onto second over MacDonald, whilst Gamble's ninth was still
good for the championship runner-up by two points from Zelos.
Junior
Max ABkC National Championship
Josh Price was quickest over his main rival Guan Yu Zhou
in the combined TQ table but Price's hopes were dashed with a meeting exclusion
for verbal abuse of a fellow competitor. His appeal to the Stewards was not
successful and he would fall all the way to seventh in the points. Tom Harvey
won the first heat whilst Dave Wooder and Josh Price were excluded. Zhou won the
second and Brett Ward the third, Price getting his meeting exclusion and so
taking no further part. Zhou managed to hold the first final lead almost all the
way to the end, but Brett Ward had other ideas and sliced up the inside at the
Stratford hairpin on the last lap for the win. "To be honest he was just quick
enough to stay ahead but when he defended on the last couple of laps I had just
enough in my pocket to attack," said Ward. Nathan Aston had been on his own for
third place until Tom Harvey and Knott both overcame him, that battle swinging
back and forward to the end. Knott prevailed over Harvey and Aston. Ben Hingeley
was not showing enough pace to challenge Zhou for the title, and his 18th and
14th were only just enough to keep the runner up spot over Harvey by one point.
Initially fighting for the lead of the second final with Ward and Aston, Zhou
gave up halfway through and settled for a safe fourth place. Philip
Hamprecht had come to join the party an took third, Ward winning once more. Jai
Nijjar stormed up from grid 24 to take fifth. Zhou is already booked for the
Grand Finals at the Nola track near New Orleans, so the two places allocated to
Super One go to Hingeley and Harvey.
Senior Max AbkC National Championship
Oliver
Hodgson took the fight to Sean Babington but only a disaster could stop
Babington cruising to his consecutive title. Hodgson and Kyle Fowlie were
fastest in their respective timed qualifying sessions but it was Hodgson over
Babington before Fowlie in the combined times. Hodgson, Babington and an
impressively fast Jack Saffery won the heats, Hodgson only eighth in his other
heat after a five place penalty and so only on the third row of the first final
grid. Babington had pole over Saffery with Harry Webb and Oliver Myers
behind them. James Singleton also had bad heats, he won the repechage. Babington
and Saffery traded the lead of the first final, until Fowlie came through.
He fell to Saffery but by then Hodgson was in place to go ahead. That changed
once more in favour of Saffery but Hodgson prevailed over Saffery, Fowlie and
Babington. Defending vice-champion Charlie Eastwood fell from his grid 12
starting point to 18th and would have even less luck in the second final. "I
just had to be patient and be in the right place at the right time as you can
only defend on the last lap now," explained Hodgson. The first start in the
second final was immediately red-flagged so the Clerk could tell the drivers to
drive more sensibly, several karts being damaged including Eastwood's. Fowlie
had a puncture, Thomas Arme also went in for repairs and Harry Webb also
stopped. Hodgson led the race with Babington challenging but Saffery going
ahead. Myers was just about hanging onto these three but was gradually dropped
and eventually Babington played safe and watched Hodgson win over Saffery. "I
just wanted to get some consistent finishes, I only had to be better than ninth
so I looked behind and saw I had a gap," explained Babington. He already
has his DD2 ticket to the Grand Finals, and so does Fowlie, so the four places
(two for DD2) will be offered to Hodgson, Webb, John Stewart and Arme as
Eastwood is another to have already earned a place.
Results
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 2 Jack Saffrey
(Tonykart); 3 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 4 Sean Babington (Alonso); 5 Oliver Myers
(Tonykart); 6 Andreas Backman (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Hodgson; 2 Saffrey; 3 Babington; 4 Myers; 5
Kieran Gifford (Kosmic); 6 Adam Glear (Kosmic).
Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Brett Ward (Kosmic); 2 Guan
Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 3 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Nathan
Aston (Tonykart); 6 Morgan Rose (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Ward; 2 Aston; 3 Philip Hamprecht (Kosmic); 4
Zhou; 5 Jai Nijjar (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker (Kosmic).
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Hugo Bentley-Ellis (Tonykart); 2 Dean MacDonald
(Kosmic); 3 Harrison Thomas (Tonykart); 4 Luke Wooder (Alonso); 5 Tom Gamble
(Tonykart); 6 Josh Smith (ART).
Final 2: 1 Smith; 2 Thomas; 3 MacDonald; 4 Charalambous; 5
Jordan Brown-Nutley (Tonykart); 6 Sandy Mitchell (Tonykart).
Comer Cadet
Final 1: Oliver York (Zip); 2 Tom Wood (Zip); 3 Jonny
Edgar (Zip); 4 Oli Caldwell (Zip); 5 William Pettitt (Zip); 6 Alex Quinn (Zip).
Final 2: 1 Pettitt; 2 York; 3
Quinn; 4 Caldwell; 5 Wood; 6 Edgar.
Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 2 Tom Canning (Project
One); 3 Rory Hudson (Project One); 4 Matthew Hayden (BRK); 5 Mark Kimber (BRK);
6 Ollie Hall (Project One).
Final 2: 1 Hudson; 2 Hopcraft; 3 Kimber; 4 Kiern Jewiss
(Project One); 5Hayden; 6 Keaton Samra (Zip).
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' Plate (01/10)
Competitors
for the televised ABkC 'O' plate for Honda Cadet - sponsored by IDD Contracts -
at Buckmore Park on 20th October are reminded that the closing date for ordering
fuel and tyres is the 4th October 2013 and the closing date for entries is
Monday 7th October. The BPKC has managed to arrange a special deal with the fuel
supplier to allow competitors to share fuel to reduce costs. A list of the
superb prizes is available on the
Buckmore Park website.
The 'O' plate is incorporated into
round 6 of the BPKC summer championship and the 50th anniversary meeting of the
Buckmore Park Kart Circuit.
Special attractions on the day include Formula 1 driver
Johnny Herbert demonstrating the 1982 Cobra/Komet that he won the 135
championships on, a demonstration by the British Historic Kart Club, a high
speed demo by Henry Easthope of the latest KZ1 machinery and a demo lap by Bill
and Tom Sisley of the 1959 'Yellow Peril', the first prototype kart ever to be
built in Britain, a hog roast is also available.
Spectators are welcome at £5 per adult
(£4 if booked and paid for in advance), under 14s free.
Practice on Friday 18th and Saturday
19th October.
For more details contact Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.
[ Top ]
NJL Racing At Whilton Mill (30/09)
NJL
Racing, who already race in the British Super One Series and in Club
Championships around the UK, are to compete at Whilton Mill, Northamptonshire
from October.
Any drivers - experienced or non-experienced - interested
in racing at Whilton in Rotax, TKM and Cadets should contact the team for more
details on the services available.
Experienced team, NJL Racing, have
spaces available and are now talking to drivers who wish to compete in club
championships in all classes including Rotax, TKM, Cadets and the new KGP Club
and Juniors, X30 and all Classes in the British Super One series for 2014.
Awning Space and Testing is also available.
NJL Racing Team Services offer:
- Full Professional Team support
- Kart Storage and transportation facility
- Full Preparation of Kart
- Driver management/coaching/analysis
- Driver PR & Sponsorship services
- Awning Space: includes use of team's exclusive awning,
team equipment, and use of hospitality area.
Driver Programme packages available,
full team support or just awning space. For more information and your
requirements contact us on 07774 891435 or email
nick@njlracing.com.
[ Top ]
H-Tech Racing Brake Pads (30/09)
The
distributors for H-Tech brake pads would like to congratulate all drivers using
our brake pads this year. H-Tech are now the choice of many and have become very
popular in the paddock. There have been many Super One wins using our products
and are sold worldwide.
Why not try a set for yourself and save some money?
Available from all good karting
stores.
Our
pads are suitable for Tonykart, Alonso, Kosmic, Expirit & Redspeed. The VEN05
pads will fit Maranello, Lewis Hamilton, Zanardi, DR Kart, Tal-Ko, Formula-K, GP
Kart, Maddox etc for all karts using the VEN05 brake system. Other chassis makes
to be added soon.
[ Top ]
Mallory Park (30/09)
It
is with great regret that Mallory Park Motorsport Limited has today announced
that the company has been put into Administration. Motorsport fans will
know that Mallory Park has been operating as a motorcycle, car race and long
circuit racing venue for many years and has much history attached to the
circuit.
In
1985 a highly restrictive Noise Notice was attached to Mallory Park Motorsport
Limited ('MPML') embracing all circuit activities but, significantly, a number
of the provisions within the Notice were very much open to interpretation.
MPML has enjoyed a long and fruitful
relationship with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council ('HBBC') over the years
and a level of understanding had been established to work within the 1985
Notice. Regrettably, however, this arrangement was placed under scrutiny by
local residents some of whom were new to the village, who made representations
to HBBC to apply the rigid interpretation of the 1985 Notice.
MPML and the local authority worked
extremely hard with the residents to find a compromise solution but,
unfortunately, the council decided to prosecute MPML on five charges of the
Notice during 2012. Following the Court case, MPML immediately implemented the
highly restrictive conditions of the 1985 Notice, thus effectively reducing the
circuit activity to two days per week. Significant losses were being incurred
which no business can sustain. It was clear that a more dynamic approach needed
to be taken to overcome the significant hurdles and two weeks ago MPML developed
an innovative three stage Recovery Plan to take Mallory forwards which would
hopefully meets the wishes of the residents and form the basis of a viable
business.
Very constructive dialogue was held with the Leader of HBBC and senior officials
and we were receiving very encouraging reactions from them to the Plan. A
fundamental component of the Plan was the agreement of the Land Owner to reduce
the annual lease rental, which had risen by over 40% over the last eight years
and had reached untenable levels. Very regrettably, despite intense work by the
MPML board, the Land Owner - Titan Properties Ltd - refused to make a
substantive offer to allow the Recovery Plan to proceed.
British Automobile Racing Club were
keen to support MPML (and did so up to the final race meeting yesterday by
paying for certain essential supplies allowing the meeting to place) and indeed
would have supported MPML to ensure all its trade creditors were paid. To that
end, it needed the support of the Landlord with a sustainable rent but,
regrettably, this was not possible to achieve.
Accordingly, having no firm visibility into 2014 and
beyond, MPML directors had no option but to place the company into
Administration.
[ Top ]
Iztech Kart Seats (27/09)
Iztech
Kart Seats would like like to congratulate Will Van Es on his first S1
Championship win!
Following very dominant recent form, Will Van Es went to
the penultimate S1 round at PFI on a high.
Here he put his Martech Tony Kart Viper on pole position,
smashing the lap record in the process. He duly won the first heat, but was
excluded from the second heat for an exhaust failure.
This left him last on the grid for
the first of Sunday's finals, where he produced a superb fighting drive to win
it. Will drove the grand final flat out, to win it by a huge margin, celebrating
his securing of the S1 Senior TKM Championship with one round to spare.
Will's trusty Iztech IZ3 seat is
making a trip to Rowrah soon for a day's testing on a 125 Gearbox KZ1 Tony Kart
running a TM10 engine, as his comfort is key to facing this new challenge. Test
results pending, he may compete in this class at the last S1 round at
Shenington, supported as always by Dad Roel and of course his mechanic Paul
Wilde of Snakebite, without whom none of this would have been possible.
For more
information on the Iztech IZ3 kart seat, as well as Iztech's other products,
visit
www.iztechkartseats.com.
[ Top ]
Pro-Kart Team Endurance (26/09)
Are
you interested in owner driver pro kart team enduro racing at Buckmore Park
again?
In
2014 Buckmore Park are looking to resurrect their monthly Friday evening owner
driver Pro Kart Team Enduro series starting in March if there is sufficient
interest.
This is a series that Buckmore ran for many years incorporating clubman and pro
classes and at its peak attracted over 45 entries each round. If there are
enough teams interested, Buckmore will run the series again next year starting
in March.
Contact Chris Pullman if you are interested or for more
details at Buckmore Park on 01634 661604 or email
chris@buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Edgar's Hyundai Super One (25/09)
With
two titles already settled in that Connor Hall is the ABkC National Champion in
MiniMax and Kiern Jewiss in ABkC Honda Cadet, all the others are going to be
fought out at the Midlands track near Banbury (www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk).
Alex Quinn and Oliver York will contest the MSA National Comer Cadet series with
Tom Wood waiting for any slip ups. Ben Hingeley, Josh Price and EuroMax
champion Guan Yu Zhou are in with Junior Max chances. In the senior Max it
is Oliver Hodgson, Sean Babington and Kyle Fowlie who are fighting for the
champion's spot and from the class four drivers will be selected to go to the
Grand Finals in New Orleans, two will race in DD2. Two will go from Junior
Max as well.
The timetables and entry lists are available on the Super
One website under 'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.
Full details on
http://superoneseries.com with live timing from
TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning:
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Super One MSA Championship (25/09)
The
penultimate round of the series that hosts the MSA British Kart Championships
also held the try-out of a pooled engine class, for MiniMax. The dozen
competitors had a draw for their engines on Friday morning and all they had to
supply was their own kart. The entry fee of £800 covered the engine, fuel
and tyres. It was judged a great success and will be offered in MiniMax and
Junior Max in 2014. Summer returned for the event with hot, sunny weather. It
was perfect weather for the new helicam addition to the TV coverage, using a
Radio controlled DJI S800 Hexacopter. Watch the results on MotorsTV,
syndicated world wide.
MSA British IAME Cadet Championship Class
William
Pettitt had a good weekend, a very good one. Although only third in timed
qualifying behind Alex Quinn and Oliver York who topped their respective
sessions, he earned himself pole for the first final from two heat wins.
Albert Carter won the other after Lewis Thompson was found with squish out of
tolerance in his engine and excluded. He would win the repechage. So
Pettitt set off in the lead of the first final with Quinn tucked up behind and
trying to push them clear of the rest. Tom Wood had started sixth but was
storming up to the front and had the pace to close the gap and join the leaders.
York, from the outside front row, didn't have the best of starts and never
really recovered, embroiled in the battle to finish sixth. Sean Butcher had been
shuffled back from fourth leaving Kiern Jewiss and Tyler Chesterton trying in
vain to stay clear of the sixth place battle. Wood took Quinn at the second
hairpin but the latter regrouped to retrieve the place and briefly went ahead.
Jewiss and Chesterton were now trading fourth with York, at the flag it was
Jewiss, Chesterton, York an Tom Douglas. As the laps ran down Pettitt was
once more in the driving seat leaving Wood and Quinn to fight for second,
finishing in that order. Matthew Graham was excluded from the meeting
after the race as his engine seal had found to be tampered with. Pettitt was
quick to regain the lead from Wood over the bridge at the opening corners of the
second final, Wood hung out and falling to sixth as Quinn and Chesterton slotted
in behind the leader. Wood wasted little time in coming back to trade third with
Jewiss but in the end Thompson had worked his way up from the back of the first
final to take fourth behind Wood. Chesterton had not been able to stick
with the leaders and fell to twelfth after being hung out over the bridge. Quinn
looked for a gap on the last laps but settled for second, saying: "I was
thinking more of the points than taking a risk." He now moves into the
lead of the series.
Junior
TKM
Daniel
Baybutt showed his pace in the timed qualifying although the heats didn't quite
work out for him as he lined up sixth on the first final grid. It was
Matthew Round-Garrido and Stephen Letts who took the heat wins and they formed
the front row for that first final. Kyle Hornby was quick to leapfrog Letts for
the lead but was soon put back by Round-Garrido. Baybutt was on the move,
soon picking off Matt Davies and the rest to demote Round-Garrido, Davies soon
to follow. "We made lots of changes overnight," revealed Baybutt. Round-Garrido
re-grouped, caught Baybutt but had his nose rudely chopped at the second
hairpin. That lost him ground and he fell to Davies. Amongst the close
bunch behind, Hornby speared off into the barriers, whilst Alex Forward caught
and passed Davies. The latter also succumbed to Round-Garrido who challenged
Forward hard over the last lap. There was yet another thrilling second final
with Baybutt not making a great start as Letts took Round-Garrido for the lead.
Baybutt leapfrogged both until Forward took over at the front, Baybutt falling
to the back of the five kart queue, Forward similarly demoted a little later.
Baybutt moved back up to run side by side with leader Letts, then suddenly he
pulled off with a thrown chain. Hornby had a massive recovery drive from near
last and was now in contention for the lead, slicing past new leader
Round-Garrido with Dino Lee nipping in behind, and won. Matt Davies in
fifth celebrated exultantly over the finish, he was just ahead of his main rival
Letts and had won the championship with a round to spare. "I had to come in no
more than four places back from Stephen but it's been a mad year with winning
the O Plate and Super One," said Davies.
TKM
Extreme
Will Van Es had
a setback in Heat 2 after topping qualifying and winning the first heat.
His exhaust manifold cracked and when he did not come in immediately he faced
exclusion putting him last on the first final grid. John Hogan won the heat and
took pole with Kyle Sproat alongside. Hogan took the lead but Jack New was at
least as quick and they were soon energetically trading first place with Ryan
Stronach and Kyle Sproat in close attendance. Meanwhile Van Es was slicing
through the pack, soon reaching fifth and closing on the lead group. His task
was eased when Stronach and Sproat collided, the latter later excluded along
with Charlie Bruce-White. A couple of swift moves and Van Es led, although
having to defend hard against New on the last lap. Luke Graver didn't quite
manage to make a move for third on Hogan stick. Graver made a great start in the
second final whilst Van Es lagged and even dropped to third behind Hogan
momentarily. Meanwhile Stronach came off, and Bruce-White didn't go far either.
Van Es went ahead with Hogan nearly 7s in arrears by the chequer flag. "I've won
the championship now and I just wanted to see how far ahead I could get if I
pushed," said Van Es. Graver was a more distant third over Douglas Hayford.
MiniMax Academy
A dozen excited youngsters queued at 7am on Friday morning
for the draw for their engines, then set off to mount them on their karts. Only
one was a S1 regular, the rest thrilled to be part of the premier series.
Ayrton Simmons had come over from Spain, he was the MicroMax winner at the last
Grand Finals. Cameron McLoughlin was quick but in timed qualifying he was found
to have broken the seal on his wiring loom and used his own and was promptly
excluded from these results. Lewis Brown was fastest over James Gee Coates
and Elliot Harvey, the latter winning the first heat whilst McLoughlin came
through to win the second. A good fight ensued at the front of Final One between
Harvey, McLoughlin and Brown. Scott Symons and Ryan Luscombe had fun
dicing for fourth until Symons fell back and was later excluded. Brown and
McLoughlin were still trading first place until Harvey went between them and
tried for a switchback on leader Brown. Unfortunately he left the door
open for McLoughlin to regain second. Simmons by then was in fourth.
For the second final Harry Carter surprised Harvey at the first hairpin whilst
Brown was already in the lead. Harvey tried to get back in line but
tangled with McLoughlin, the latter losing some places then receiving a black
flag and later excluded. Harvey restarted last and set about catching the pack.
Carter had forged ahead to lead over Simmons and Brown, the latter soon back up
and trading first with Carter. Carter fell to third and at the end succumbed to
Ryan Luscombe whilst Brown held off Simmons to the flag. "I think it is a really
good idea because it makes for very close racing," opined Brown.
KF
Junior MSA British Kart Championship
Daniel Ticktum had the edge on the rest over the weekend,
starting with timed qualifying where he was quickest over his RFM team-mates
Enaam Ahmed and Jehan Daruvala. Ticktum had a setback in the first heat
with a technical issue, Daruvala winning, but won the second so Daruvala was on
pole for the first final with Max Fewtrell alongside, Jamie Caroline and Ahmed
behind. Ahmed surprised Daruvala with a good pass on the second lap at the
second hairpin for the lead, and he held it until Ticktum roared up from this
mid grid starting position. Billy Monger tried to keep with Ticktum on the way
through, but lost ground. So Ticktum took Daruvala over the Suzuka style
bridge, then a few laps later sliced under Ahmed at the second hairpin, Ahmed
putting up little resistance. Ticktum then proceeded to pull out another 2.5s.
Ross Martin had come up to fourth after passing Daniel McAuley, the latter
fading behind Dean MacDonald. The second final was much of a repeat in the
result, but this time Ticktum leapt ahead from pole and stayed there throughout,
with only a slightly bigger margin at the end. Daruvala and Ahmed traded second
for much of the race, the Sahara Force India supported Indian driver getting the
upper hand at the end, and Ross Martin again fourth. Manuel Maldonado
-brother of the Williams F1 driver - returned to the series for his first race
at the track and came in 14th in both finals.
Formula
KGP
The
Croatian driver Martin Kodric guested in the KGP class and demonstrated his top
class. Croatia has just joined the EU so of course he is now eligible for points
unlike when he used to be a regular in KF3 in the series. "It's a bit harder
without the front brakes and a bit less power than KF but a good class," opined
Kodric. Despite not having raced in the class before he topped qualifying,
albeit by only 2 hundredths of a second over Toby Sowery, and went on to win the
first heat. Local driver Mark Litchfield won the other but Sowery had an
exclusion for contraversion of flag signals. Danny Keirle lined up third on the
grid behind Kodric and Litchfield and nipped past Litchfield on lap three, Dan
Stocks following. Meanwhile Kodric was extending a lead at the front.
Litchfield regrouped, swiftly redressing the balance and soon back to second
place. Bobby Game took Stocks at the hairpin but positions reversed later
at the same spot. Danny Cruttenden was the fastest mover, vaulting into third
place and demoting and blocking against Keirle on the last lap. Game moved back
past Stocks for third, Stocks then falling to Denis Gorman. Litchfield
tried very hard to take Kodric on the last lap, a mere half a tenth down on the
line. As Kodric took the hole shot at the start of the second final, Game nipped
past Litchfield for second but a couple of laps later Litchfield took a tight
line up to the bridge and regained the place. Cruttenden lost a couple of
places, leaving Keirle to attack Game, unfortunately once past Game cut back and
tore off Keirle's rear bumper forcing a pit stop. Gorman and Stocks crashed
heavily at the entrance of the dummy grid after Gorman's plug cap had come off,
bringing out the quarter full yellow pace flags. Once Gorman had been
helped away the racing resumed with Litchfield intent on winning. Sowery was
embroiled in a battle with Cruttenden and Game and came out third. Litchfield
then chanced his luck on the last lap diving inside a defensive Kodric but
pushing him wide according to the camera evidence. The karts rubbed round the
next turn, Kodric having to give way but Litchfield later losing the win with a
five place penalty. He appealed the decision but failed to have it
rescinded.
Results
Iame Cadet
Final 1: 1 William Pettitt (Zip); 2 Tom Wood (Zip); 3 Alex
Quinn (Zip); 4 Kiern Jewiss (Zip); 5 Tyler Chesterton (Zip); 6 Oliver York
(Zip).
Final 2: 1 Pettitt; 2
Quinn; 3 Wood; 4 Lewis Thompson (Zip); 5 Jewiss; 6 Teddy Wilson (Zip).
Junior TKM
Final 1: 1 Daniel Baybutt (Jade); 2 Alex Forward (DSG); 3
Matthew Round-Garrido (Tonykart); 4 Matt Davies (Tonykart); 5 Stephen Letts
(Tonykart); 6 Alex McRoberts (Jade).
Final 2: 1 Kyle Hornsby (DSG); 2 Dino Lee (Tonykart); 3
Round-Garrido; 4 Shea Pearce (ARC); 5 Davies; 6 Letts.
TKM Extreme
Final 1: 1 Will Van Es (Tonykart); 2 Jack New (Tonykart);
3 John Hogan (Tonykart); 4 Luke Graver (Tonykart); 5 Douglas Hayford (Tonykart);
6 Ryan Stronach (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Van Es; 2 Hogan; 3 Graver; 4 Hayford; 5 Joe Forsdyke (Tal-Ko); 6
Michael Eastwell (Tal-Ko).
MiniMax Academy
Final 1: 1 Lewis Brown (Tonykart); 2 Cameron McCloughlin
(Tonykart); 3 Elliot Harvey (OK1); 4 Ayrton Simmons (Octane); 5 Ryan McLeish
(Wright); 6 Harry Carter (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Brown; 2 Simmons; 3 Ryan Luscombe (Kosmic); 4
Carter; 5 Charlie Lamb (Tonykart); 6 Morgan Porter (Tonykart).
KFJ
Final 1: 1 Daniel Ticktum (Alonso); 2 Jehan Daruvala
(Alonso); 3 Enaam Ahmed (Alonso); 4 Ross Martin (Wright); 5 Dean MacDonald
(Kosmic); 6 Billy Monger (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Ticktum; 2 Daruvala; 3 Ahmed; 4 Martin; 5
Monger; 6 MacDonald.
KGP
Final
1: 1 Martin Kodric (Alonso); 2 Mark Litchfield (Kosmic); 3 Danny Cruttenden
(Birel); 4 Danny Keirle (Jade); 5 Bobby Game (Alonso); 6 Denis Gorman
(Maranello).
Final 2: 1 Kodric;
2 Toby Sowery (Tonykart); 3 Game; 4 Cruttenden; 5 Joe Porter (Tonykart) 6
Litchfield.
Photographs courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Podium Lockout At PFi (24/09)
At
the 5th round of the S1 at PFI Litchfield prepared TKM engines came 1st 2nd and
3rd in both the Junior and Senior TKM classes. Dave would like to congratulate
Mat Davis for winning the Junior TKM S1 with a round to go on a Tonykart with
Litchfield prepared engines. And Will Van Es winning both finals at PFI he has
also won the Senior TKM championship with a round to spare on a Tonykart and
Litchfield prepared engine making it the 5th year running that Litchfield
engines have won the senior S1 championship.
In the KGP class engines prepared by Litchfield were 1st
and 2nd in qualifying and the main final of the day making it a great weekend.
If you would like your engines
prepared by Dave or would like more information on the Tonykart products Dave
can be contacted on 07789 177977.
[ Top ]
Back-To-Back Club Meetings (24/09)
TVKC Club Championship - Round 5 on 29th September and
Round 6 on 6th October. Last chance to enter for this weekend!
Following a hectic Summer programme
at PFi, TVKC are back on course with their 2013 Club Championship. Normally
racing on the 1st Sunday of the month, the September Club meeting is a little
different in 2013 and will take place this weekend (5th Sunday) instead due to
the CIK-FIA World KF Championships clashing at the venue on 1st September. Round
6 of the Championship will follow close behind and will resume the calendar back
to the normal 1st Sunday of the month (6th October).
If you haven't yet entered for this
weekend - Entries close imminently. To get yourself racing this weekend, you'll
need to either enter
online here or complete an
Entry Form and send it off asap.
The Club Championship will climax on Sunday 3rd November
at the seventh and final round of the 2013 Series. This meeting will also
celebrate the third running of PFi's Continental Cup and will showcase the
first ever ABkC IAME Cadet O Plate.
[ Top ]
Grice Racing Engines (23/09)
As
the season draws to a close, Grice Racing would like to take this opportunity to
thank our customers for their continued support.
We have been preparing motors since 1975 and during this
time have had the pleasure of working with current stars such as Paul DiResta,
Jamie Green, Mike Conway and Alex Lloyd, who all enjoyed British and European
championship success in Jica - a piston-timed engine with exactly same
requirements as our now popular Iame Cadet class.
Our
presence can now be seen in the Iame Super1 teams including Next-Gen, Fusion,
Eclipse and Lee Kellett's recent team.
If you would like to discuss your Iame
requirements for 2014 call us on 01268 727 847 or 07768 047 253. As well as
servicing, engines are also available to hire or buy.
Likewise, our Rotax experience is
unrivalled with Jason Parrott becoming one of the first Junior Max champions on
a Grice prepared motor back in 2001. 12 years of Super1 competition, giving our
customers an all important edge!
We are still running our popular full rebuilds special
offer at unbelievable prices.
For full prices on rebuilds and
engine hires please visit our website at
www.griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
North East's Karting Talent (20/09)
The
Tyne and Wear Kart Club and Karting North East wish to congratulate past and
existing members on their fantastic performance at the NKF Hooton Park Circuit
on Sunday 8th September 2013. Seventeen drivers in total graduated from cutting
their teeth at Warden Law, a favourite kart track of now F1 star Lewis Hamilton.
It's great to see the progression of
North East talent and our travelling members, we hope it continues!
Come and learn on one of 'the' most
technical tracks in the UK. Our next race meeting is Sunday 6th October
2013 with the final round on Sunday 3rd November 2013.
Email us at
kartclub@kartingnortheast.com or call 0191 521
40 50. You can also visit our website at
www.twkartclub.com
or visit the circuit...
Tyne & Wear Kart Club - Warden Law Motorsports Centre,
Sunderland, SR3 2PR.
[ Top ]
Buckmore Celebrating 50 Years (20/09)
The
iconic Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an
exceptional race meeting on 19th and 20th October 2013.
There has been a
kart track at the Chatham site since 1963 when it existed as an army engineering
exercise. The track was used by a wider range of people in the 1970's including
visitors from the Buckmore
Park Scout Centre and the Rochester Motor Club,
but fell into disrepair in the 1980's.
After extensive restoration and resurfacing under new
ownership in 1985, events started to take place again, with the first RACMSA
event taking place in 1989. The circuit was extended in 1994 and in 1999 with a
new £1.23m clubhouse built in 2003. The circuit has plans to continue
development with upgraded facilities and this year saw John Surtees Ltd
completing the purchase of not only the freehold land that Buckmore Park holds
the leasehold interest on, but a further 90 acres of land adjacent to the
circuit which will allow the site to be developed further.
Buckmore
Park is the circuit where many current and past Formula 1™ drivers learned their
trade, including Johnny Herbert and champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton
(who was discovered by Ron Dennis in the 1996 Champions of the Future Event held
at Buckmore Park). It also played host to Prince William and Prince Harry when
they made their karting debuts in 1992!
The 50th anniversary meeting starts with unofficial
practice on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October. The racing starts on Sunday
20th October at 10.30 a.m. and spectators are very welcome to come along to
enjoy the action. Visitor entry is only £5.00 on the day, but is pre-bookable at
a discounted rate of £4.00 per person. (under-14's go free, car parking is
included, however, dogs are not permitted).
Along with wheel-to-wheel racing by some of the best
junior and senior kart racers in the country (incorporating the IDD Contracts,
2013 ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' Plate), there will be special lunch time displays
(Sunday 20th only) including ex-F1 driver and Buckmore 'old boy' Johnny Herbert
demonstrating a restored 135cc Cobra/Komet kart which he used to win the British
karting Championships in 1982.
Further demonstrations include a high speed demonstration
by the current Under 18 World Champion Henry Easthope, using the very latest 100
mph plus 125cc international equipment and a display by the British Historic
Kart Club of machinery from 1961 - 1982.
Last but not least circuit owner (since 1985) Bill Sisley,
a kart champion himself in the 60s and 70s, and his son Tom, a multi-kart and
car champion in the 90s will demonstrate the 1959 'Yellow Peril' which was
Britain's first prototype go kart.
The fun-filled, adrenaline packed race day will also
feature parade cars and grid girls, a karting simulator and a sumptuous Hog
Roast plus much more.
For more details please contact the
circuit at Buckmore Park Karting Ltd on 01634 661626, visit
www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk or email
sales@buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Formula TKM Festival (19/09)
The
DVD featuring action from this year's Maxxis Formula TKM Festival at Kimbolton
has just gone on sale.
The DVD shows finals as well as other action and
interviews.
It also features - as described by the man in charge of filming virtually all
top level kart racing on UK TV - as the best kart race he has ever seen with the
Junior Elite TKM final.
The DVDs are realistically priced at
£13.80 inc VAT or £15.72 inc post, packing & VAT, and are available from Tal-Ko
Racing on
info@tal-ko.com or 01767 682020.
[ Top ]
Tony Kart Products (18/09)
HTR
Racing is now pleased to announce that they have been chosen by Strawberry
Racing to become the official North-East agent for the Tony Kart product. You
will now be able to purchase new and used karts from the team catering for all
budgets along with all OTK parts and clothing.
HTR have now been established for 10 years and is one of
the most well known teams in the paddock. For 2014 the team will again be
competing in all National events, PF and Rowrah club events specialising in the
Honda, Iame and Rotax classes. We can supply everything from a full arrive and
drive package to basic awning space at an extremely competitive rate, along with
providing an excellent service.
For all further enquiries please do
not hesitate to contact Derrick on 07836 248459 or email
derrick@htrracing.com.
[ Top ]
DHR Settle In At Whilton Mill (18/09)
The
DHR team and official Alonso distributors have now settled in to their new,
trackside, state of the art workshop at Whilton Mill Kart Circuit after a
successful summer's racing throughout the UK and Europe. After an intense and
busy schedule of races the British and European championship winning team are
now pleased to offer the following services:
One to one driver training days
Come and develop your
driving skills with one to one management from team managers Dan and Shaun. Fine
tune racing lines, kart control, race craft and more with expert tuition and
guidance. Prices start from just £150!
Rotax experience days
For new drivers to the class,
novices to karting or just for fun! Come and try our Rotax high spec fully race
prepared Alonso karts. Prices start from just £295!
Kart
Jig and Chassis Straightening Service
Come and check your chassis on our
bespoke kart jig with laser alignment and straightening service available.
Prices start from £30!
Kart
Preparation and Storage
Professional kart preparation, strip and rebuild
service available. Safe and secure trackside location to store all your karting
equipment. Prices start from just £10 per week for storage!
Workshop Space
For test or race days workshop space
and work stations available for hire, fully lit and heated with power and air
included. Prices start from just £50 per day!
For more information on any of the
above services please contact Dan direct on 07960 047810, email
dan@danhollandracing.co.uk, or visit our website
at
www.danhollandracing.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you!
[ Top ]
Big Smiles At Clay Pigeon (18/09)
Following
a fantastic days racing at Clay Pigeon, 4 lucky Rotax drivers were each
presented with a set of Mojo tyres courtesy of Jag Engineering. Every Rotax
driver on the grid had the chance to win the tyres as the winners were drawn
from the start list.
There are more Mojo tyres to be won at the next round on
Sunday the 13th of October where CPKC are also offering all drivers who have not
raced at Clay Pigeon this season, a half price entry.
So why not come
along to Clay Pigeon and race at one of the fastest and friendlist circuits in
the UK. For more entry details and more information about CPKC and Clay Pigeon
Raceway, go to the club website at
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Honda Cadet 'O' Plate (17/09)
The
superb prizes on offer for the televised IDD Contracts ABkC 'O' Plate Honda
Cadet meeting at Buckmore Park on 20th October 2013 have been confirmed and will
feature...
Honda Cadet 'O' Plate:
1st: Mini
Max engine from JAG, SuperOne entry for 2014, Scalextric set, £125 Dartford
Karting vouchers, Kartmania family ticket, Oils and lubricants, ABkC Honda Cadet
perpetual trophy, Trophy, Buckmore Park Jacket & Hat & Gold Garland
2nd: V2CMR Helmet from V2sport, Scalextric set, £50
Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy,
Buckmore Park Hoody & Hat, Silver Garland
3rd: Formula Stars made to measure race suit, Scalextric
set, £25 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants,
Trophy, Buckmore Park T-Shirt & Hat, Bronze Garland
Honda Cadet Clubman:
1st: Project One Chassis with RPM Engine, Scalextric set,
£125 Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants,
Trophy, Buckmore Park Jacket & Hat, Gold Garland
2nd: Tillett Kart Seat, Scalextric set, £50 Dartford
Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy, Buckmore
Park Hoody & Hat, Silver Garland
3rd: £70 Pro Kart Engineering voucher, Scalextric set, £25
Dartford Karting voucher, Kartmania family trip, Oils and lubricants, Trophy,
Buckmore Park T-Shirt & Hat, Bronze Garland
Other Prizes:
Mountain Bike
Scalextric sets
Competitors are reminded that the last
date for ordering fuel and tyres is 4th October and the closing date for entries
is 7th October. To further reduce costs an arrangement has been made with
the fuel supplier to allow competitors to share fuel.
For further details please contact
Chris Pullman on 01634 661604.
[ Top ]
MSA Confirms Bambino Tyres (17/09)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) is delighted to announce that it has selected the
Le Cont MSA 04 intermediate as the Bambino kart class tyre, with effect from 1
January 2014.
The tyre will be homologated by the MSA. The announcement
follows a tender process launched in August 2012 to find a supplier for the
Bambino tyres and another for the engine. The engine has already been confirmed
as the Comer C50.
Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive, said: "The Le Cont MSA
04 tyre will help us to take the Bambino kart class forward and build on its
solid foundations as a popular first step into motor sport. Combined with the
Comer C50 engine, the new tyre should ensure a bright future for the class, with
parity of performance in all weather conditions for a fair cost."
Dan Parker of Zip Kart, Le Cont's UK
distributor, said: "We have worked closely with the Le Cont during this tender
process to produce this brand new all-weather tyre . In testing the tyre has
delivered very consistent behaviour in both wet and dry conditions as well as
great durability. We feel this is a fantastic tyre for the new class allowing
drivers one tyre for all conditions."
[ Top ]
Piet Klaassen (16/09)
Rissington Kart Club would like to announce the sad
passing of our Club President, Mr Piet Klaassen, who died on the evening of
Thursday 12th September. Piet was an enthusiastic member of our club, not
only taking on the roles of President, Clerk & Scrutineer, he was also a keen
mentor to the young and old within the sport, but definitely enjoyed watching,
coaching and supporting the young cadets with him often involving you with his
view that they could be our next Formula 1 stars.
Piet and his late wife Marge, had been active members of
our club from the very early 70's, setting a precedence to those entering the
sport, enforcing standards but giving equality and fair sportsmanship. The
karting world has lost an amazing gentleman, but his memory within the sport
will definitely live on. Our prayers and thoughts are with his
family at this very sad time.
[ Top ]
Hobzie Motorsport (16/09)
Hobzie
Motorsport would like to congratulate Robbie Gallier on winning the Junior Max
BNL championship this year. Robbie has now earned a place at the World finals in
New Orleans in November. Being only one of two drivers to win a final at each
event and under immense pressure at the final round it was a tense last final in
wet/dry conditions that secured the championship. Robbie had to finish within
the top eight and his closest challenger for the championship had to win so his
eventual cruise to third place was enough to take the top spot.
Robbie achieved this being run by
Hobzie Motorsport using Revolution Racing Engines, Talon sprockets, Kart Genie
measured jet sets, Kart Genie prepared bearings and H-TECH brake pads. Many
thanks to his sponsors PIAA and Eurocams.
Hobzie Motorsport will again be
competing in the BNL & BMC championships in 2014 with only limited spaces left.
To register your interest please contact us now by e-mail to
jhobzie@aol.com.
[ Top ]
TKM Welcomes MSA Decision (16/09)
Formula
TKM have welcomed the decision of the MSA to put on hold changes to the ages for
Junior kart racing which had been due to come into effect in 2014.
The changes would have allowed
Juniors into a senior class from 14 years old and taken a year off the top age
of Junior karting. They had received strong opposition from TKM and others and
sparked a barrage of concern from competitors, parents and trade alike.
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "We
applaud this change of heart from the MSA and welcome their commitment to fully
explore the issue of ages and weights within karting during 2014. Our thanks go
to all those who took the trouble to make their feelings known over this
matter."
For more information on Formula TKM visit
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Karting Ages Unchanged (12/09)
In
the course of this week's meeting of the Motor Sports Council, it was confirmed
that the proposed changes to age limits in junior karting will be postponed
until 2015.
The Kart Committee requested Council's agreement to withdraw the regulations
that had been approved in June 2013 that would have amended the ages at which
karters could move up between classes. This followed a review which had
highlighted a number of safety concerns and unintended consequences that would
have resulted from the implementation of the proposed regulations.
The Kart Committee will take the
opportunity not only to review the proposed ages, but also to consider other
factors that should be considered when determining an individual's suitability
to compete in each category. This will result in a structure that will be based
not only upon the age of the competitor but also on a 'triple lock' system that
considers the experience, competency and weight ratio of the karter.
Consequently a review of driver weight ratios will also take place.
Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive:
"This is a very pragmatic approach from the Kart Committee. The intention of the
original regulation was very clear: to reduce the age at which an experienced
competitor can transfer up to a Senior Class and to ensure that young karters
are on track with appropriate competitors. However, it became apparent that in
order to achieve the desired result, there were other issues that also needed to
be addressed. This 12 month delay will allow time for that work to be completed
and will provide immediate clarity for all kart competitors for 2014."
[ Top ]
Strawberry Racing (12/09)
Strawberry
Racing, together with Cream Racing Engines, achieved a remarkable feat in the
Euro Max Challenge at Salbris last weekend (7/8 September), with 1st and
2nd-place finishes in the Junior and Senior classes.
China's Guan Yu Zhou has been involved
in a season-long tussle with team-mate Connor Hall for overall supremacy in
Junior Max, and even after the two-stroke infused exhaust smoke had long
dispersed, only a tie-breaker could separate them.
Not to be over-looked, Jai Nijjar
stormed through to 3rd in the points, locking out the championship podium for
the Tony Kart team. Darren Keane claimed 9th overall, marking him as one of
America's most exciting prospects in recent years.
As has been the case for most of the
season, Hall and Zhou were virtually inseparable after the heats at Salbris.
Both had taken heat wins, but it was the Chinese star who put his kart down on
P1 ahead of the pre-final, with Hall alongside. Nijjar started from fourth, Juri
Vips and Thomas Issa claimed 8th and 9th respectively. Keane went from P13,
whilst Finlay Hutchison and Omar Ismail were also automatic qualifiers by virtue
of their 21st and 25th positions in the post-heats rankings.
A
terrific drive from Jai produced his best result of the campaign with a fine 2nd
place. Hall claimed 3rd ahead of Zhou in 4th. Hutchison and Keane crossed the
line in 12th and 13th but Issa, Vips and Ismail were all sidelined by racing
incidents or mechanical issues.
The main final saw Guan Yu turn the tables on Connor, as
he led his team-mate home for a Strawberry two-three finish on the road, but
sealing the championship victory. Darren earned 4th with a superb drive, pipping
Jai in 5th. Having started 30th, Thomas passed sixteen karts on his way to 14th,
ahead of Finlay in 17th and Omar sneaking into the top twenty in 19th. Sadly,
Juri was black-flagged for missing out a section of the track.
"The whole season has been a battle
between the two drivers, Connor and 'Joe' (as the team call Guan Yu) which has
led to some ups and downs throughout the season," said team manager Warwick
Ringham, adding: "To be honest we had all miscalculated the points situation and
thought that Connor only had to follow Joe home to clinch the championship.
After the flag both drivers experienced the highs and lows of winning and losing
all in the space of five minutes."
Reflecting
on the performances of Jai, Darren, Omar and Thomas he said: "All the other
drivers have improved significantly over the year, which has also been
encouraging. It was fantastic for Jai to clinch 3rd in the championship. His
battle over the weekend was different to Connor and Joe's, as there were a few
drivers fighting for 3rd position. Really, I can't believe we have achieved a
1,2,3 in the championship! It makes all the hard work we have put in at the
workshop and testing worthwhile."
If their Junior counterparts had laid-down a benchmark,
then Charlie Eastwood and Kyle Fowlie were more than up for the challenge.
Charlie
led the way in timed-qualifying, setting the pole position time. He retained P1
status after the heats, to give himself the advantage as the pre-final got
underway. With fellow title protagonists Harry Webb (P4) and Kyle Fowlie (P6)
nearby, everything was to play for.
Although he finished 3rd, Eastwood was
able to put one hand firmly on the trophy after Webb was disqualified following
an over-optimistic challenge for 4th place. With Harry prevented from contesting
the final, only Kyle could possibly stop Charlie's march on the title.
Eastwood is a wily campaigner and knew
that he had the pace to avoid trouble at the start of the final and go with the
equally rapid Fowlie. Second place would clinch the title for the Ulsterman,
whilst victory would put the Scot into the vice-Champion's position.
Keeping clear of the first corner
melee and subsequent scrap for the minor placings, they soon broke away and
having established a comfortable margin, cruised to an historic one-two finish.
Understandably, Ringham was overjoyed.
"Charlie
really stepped up this weekend and showed his class and desire to win. To
achieve what he has in the last ten months is really quite amazing; Rotax world
champ, winning the Florida Winter Tour and finishing it off with being European
champion is pretty spectacular. He still has the Super 1 series to finish off
and had it not been for a bit of bad luck, he would be challenging for title
that as well.
"As for our double winner on the day, Kyle, if you had
watched him six months ago you would never have believed he could have been so
dominant on a European track. His improvement since the start of the year,
especially in the European racing with front brakes, has been amazing. He has
had to change his driving style to adapt to what we wanted him to do, rather
than what he wanted to do. It took some time but i think he got it all sorted
just in time. He has, without doubt, been the biggest surprise for us this
season."
Warwick's delight for Charlie and Kyle was tempered by the misfortune of his
other young star, Harry: "We feel terrible that Harry came away from Salbris
without anything to show for his efforts. One mistimed overtaking manoeuvre
put-paid to his championship. But for Harry's black flag we could of been
looking at a 1,2,3 in Senior as well, and that would have been really
impressive."
In
DD2, Andreas Backman faced an uphill struggle after struggling in qualifying -
posting the 24th-fastest time. However, the young Swede showed his mettle with a
positive series of performances in the heats, turning adversity into a form of
triumph by qualifying on the fourth row of the grid ahead of the pre-final.
All his good work was undone when he
had a bad start dropping back to 22nd then after overtaking 10 people had a
crash while trying for 11th position and he was classified down in 26th place.
Throughout the season, Andreas has developed a reputation for possessing
outstanding pace and he unleashed it in the main final. A terrific drive netted
a commendable 9th at the chequered flag, highlighting his improving racecraft.
"At the moment, Andreas never seems
quite able to put all the elements together over a race weekend. When he does, I
think he will be able to drive away off the front of the grid. What he did do
this weekend was overtake better than he has ever done before, which was great
to see."
Warwick concluded: "Strawberry Racing would like to thank
everyone that has worked so hard this year to achieve the results. At our
Sheffield base; Sue, Paul, Tom S, James, plus Tim and Peter in the Cream 'waft'
department. And huge thanks to our over-worked mechanics Jack, Harry, Mark,
Taavi, Jim, Tom F, Toby, Steve, Ed, Joe R and Joe P and Duncan. I really hope I
have not missed anyone out!"For more information about OTK products and Cream's
preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kiligis.
[ Top ]
European Title Joy (11/09)
Charlie
Eastwood completed an historic quadruple by adding the Euro Max Challenge title
to his Grand Finals, Irish Karting GP and Florida Winter Tour crowns.
The Irishman's greatest threat at the
fourth and final round, held at Salbris (7/8 September) came from his own
team-mates; Harry Webb and Kyle Fowlie both stood strong chances of snatching
the overall victory from Eastwood, should he stumble at the final hurdle.
"Salbris proved to be very exciting,
as my closest rivals were all Strawberry drivers", Charlie explained. "It was
all very tense and competitive, but we were team-mates after all, so you needed
to remain professional and focused on delivering the right result for the team,
as well as for yourself."
Eastwood struck an early psychological blow by setting the
fastest lap during timed-qualifying and went on to claim pole position for the
first of Sunday's two finals. However, with Webb and Fowlie close behind him on
the starting grid, in 4th and 6th respectively, everything had to go to plan.
"At this point, Harry was my closest
rival and I knew I had to do well in both races. If I won the two finals and
Harry was 2nd, then that would be enough for me to win it. However, in the first
final, he was black-flagged and in those circumstances, the rules state that a
driver cannot contest the main final."
He
put one hand on the trophy after taking third place in the Pre-Final, but still
couldn't relax. Fowlie had won and with victory came a good haul of championship
points. This meant the Scot had a chance of causing a major shock should
Eastwood falter in the title-deciding showdown. "In some ways [Harry's
disqualification] took the pressure off and yet put it right back on," Charlie
explained.
Some frantic number-crunching showed what needed to be done. In order for
Charlie to achieve his goal he had to finish second, or higher: "I didn't want
to risk an accident with Kyle and undo all our hard work," he said. "So my plan
was to stay calm and push away from the chasing pack with him. We both knew that
if he crossed the line first and I was second, then I would be champion and he
would move up to second in the points table. Initially, I pushed Kyle hard
through the opening stages but once I saw that the rest of the field was too
busy fighting each other to trouble us, we eased up and made sure it was a calm
run to the chequered flag." He added: "It's a great feeling. The world
championship is held over just one race meeting but the Euro is a multi-round
championship, so winning it shows that I can rise to the big, single-occasion
events and perform consistently over a season."
Eastwood now has his sights set on the
finale of the British Super One championship. He is currently fourth after two
mechanical failures earlier in the season put-paid to his chances of claiming
yet another major triumph: "I've had some misfortunes previously, so I'm out of
the frame to win overall. However, a top three is very much a reality and, given
the circumstances and what I've achieved so far, I'd be happy with that." Keep
up to speed with Charlie by following him on twitter -
@ce_racing_ncc - and via his
Facebook page.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kiligis.
[ Top ]
The UK's Premier Kart Show (10/09)
KartMania
2013 is rapidly taking shape, and early indications are that it will be the best
show we have ever had!
Following a successful show last year in the "The Wing" at
Silverstone we will be returning to this iconic venue for 2013, but with even
easier access this year as parking will be right outside the Kartboot area - no
more busses!
For the 2013 show we will be welcoming the MSA who will be
making up part of the information base with ABkC and ARKS, ready to provide help
and advice. They are also running workshops throughout the weekend featuring
some big names including Mills Engineering with the new Iame, Zip with the
bambino karts, Rotax with news and views, Tal-Ko with the TKMs, and others to be
confirmed - a complete list will be published before the show.
We'll be
welcoming back some of karting's biggest names as well as introducing some new
exhibitors including Intrepid, CRG, Easykart UK, KGP UK with the new KGP Junior, Iame, KartpartsUK, KKC, Protrain,
plus many more. We'll be updating the exhibitor page on
www.kartmania.co.uk
as the list becomes more complete in the run-up to the show. On the
website you can also check out the Grid Girl competition and vote for your
favourite - the finals are on Sunday.
Whether you're competing at national
level, a club or more casual racer, or simply thinking about taking your first
steps onto the racing ladder, make sure you visit KartMania - the UK's premier
kart show - on 30th November and 1st December at Silverstone.
[ Top ]
The Kart
Shop At Buckmore
(09/09)
As
well as providing full Kart prep and repairs, together with Rotax & Tonykart
spares, we offer full dyno testing and evaluation for both Rotax 125 and Honda
cadet engines. In addition we can also carry out chassis checking and alignment
for all adult OTK Karts produced since 2010 and the new OTK Cadet Kart,
which is done on our custom made jig.
The shop is introducing a pre-order
service for, via phone or email, for parts, spares, tyres etc. In advance of
monthly owner driver club meetings at Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows and Lydd.
To take advantage of this, orders must be placed by 10.00am of the Thursday
prior to each meeting which will start with the September Buckmore meeting. Our
on-line service is due to be upgraded in the near future but orders can still be
made via our website.
With
affect from Buckmore's owner driver club meeting a loyalty card for individuals
is being introduced for tyres purchased via or in the shop. Details will be
given out at Saturday's practice.
We are starting to formulate our owner driver training and
race calendar for 2014 to include all classes & would welcome the opportunity to
discuss with you your requirements and plans for next year. Various packages are
available including one to one driver coaching.
Tonykart's
superb Cadet rolling chassis, manufactured to the normal high standard expected
with an OTK product, specifically designed for use in the very popular Honda
Cadet class, can be viewed at our shop. The rolling chassis is
competitively priced at £1,920 (inc vat).
For further
information about any of the above please contact us on telephone 01634 672256,
email
sales@thekartshop.co.uk.
You can also
visit our website at
www.thekartshop.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Buckmore Park Kart Club (06/09)
The
5th round of the BPKC summer championship for all non-gearbox ABkC classes
including Bambino and Subaru is scheduled for Sunday 15th September. The
meeting incorporates the final round of the sixth round Kent Kart Championships.
As this is the last race meeting
before the ABkC Honda Cadet 'O' plate/50th anniversary meeting on 20th October,
bumper grids are expected in all classes.
Practice is available on Friday 13th
and Saturday 14th September. For more details please contact Sheila Rose on
01634 661604.
[ Top ]
Kart Racer's Climb (06/09)
Kart
racer Michael Pollard will soon attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania,
a challenge in itself, and even more so as a Type 1 diabetic.
With just under 2 weeks until Michael
boards the plane to Tanzania to conquer Mt Kilimanjaro here is a short update to
show how he has been getting ready for the trip.
The North Downs in Kent have been my training ground.
There are a number of routes which I have chosen to bed in my boots and walking
with all my hiking gear on, and mainly managing my insulin routine and levels.
This has been the tricky bit, but I think now I have pretty much got it
manageable, and to a point where I can walk for hours with weight on my back
without having a hypo. I found an isotonic drink supplement to add to water that
keeps me going, it's amazing!
I attended an information day in London where I was told
about the route I would be climbing, the temperatures I would be experiencing
and the food situation... I hope I like Goat! I was also told about some
medication called Diamox that can be taken to try and subside the effects of the
altitude sickness so this weekend I will be heading to Boots to try and get
some!
The temperatures was
probably my most surprising information, on day 4 - the Summit climb, I will
experience temperatures in excess of -15 degrees with the wind chill factor on
top of that! So this has caused me to go out and purchase even more base layers
to keep me as warm as possible.
With 1 weekend to go before I head to the lake district
for 1 final training push I still have a few items to buy but I have got myself
a good selection of camera equipment to document the trek itself. I plan on
keeping a video diary each evening with updates of each day's adventures and
struggles.
I have had fantastic support from JDRF and my local Diabetes Centre in
preparation for this and I can't wait to pay them all back by reaching the
summit and proving that diabetes won't stop me achieving anything in life.
To help support
Michael's efforts in raising funds for JDRF (the world's leading charitable
funder of Type 1 diabetes research) please visit his Just Giving page at
www.justgiving.com/MikesKilimanjaroChallenge,
as every £1 helps drive research into this lifelong condition. Type 1
diabetes currently affects over 400,000 people in the UK, including almost 30,00
children and is increasing at a rate of 4% annually.
[ Top ]
IPK
Announce New Agent
(06/09)
Italian
kart manufacturers, IPKarting S.r.L. have announced a new agent for their brands
in the UK.
Benjy Russell of Intrepid (UK) Limited who has been the sole distributor for the
last three years has decided to leave karting due to family commitments.
In the meantime, Steve Russell will be
responsible for the sale of all IPK products. Their flagship brands, Praga and
OK1, will be exclusively marketed by IPKarting and their appointed UK agents.
For further
information about IPK products please visit
www.ipkarting.co.uk.
Alternatively, contact Steve Russell on 07760 888733 or via email
info@ipkarting.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Race Services Available (05/09)
Following
on from great success in Cadets, Milestone Motorsport have upgraded our
facilities which now feature a larger awning and more advanced software for
practice and race analysis. We have spaces available for all classes, and can
accommodate racers from club to national levels. Full team drives are also
available.
With over 8 years' experience competing in the highest levels of karting,
Milestone Motorsport are able to offer a package that suits you, from awning
space to full race support.
Please call, email or visit our
website at
http://milestone-motorsport.co.uk for
more information.
Telephone 07770 921479, or email John
at
john@milestone-motorsport.co.uk or Ryan at
ryan@milestone-motorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Rotax Academy Pooled Engine Class (05/09)
Since
the announcement of the new pooled engine initiative in the Super One there has
been lots of interest and the entries are now rolling in. Just look at the
comments from the Dads: "When you add it up it's the closest you will every get
to a karting bargain at S1," and "This is a very good deal, especially for dad
and lad teams." So don't delay, be part of this bargain offer, entries
close soon.
The Super One Series and Trent Valley
Kart Club invite entries to the MiniMax class for the innovative Rotax Academy
with pooled engines. As a precursor to 2014, this event is a low cost and
controlled cost race for 11 to 15 year olds, where all costs are met with one
single fee except for the provision of the driver's own kart. Engines,
race slick and wet tyres, race oil and fuel will be supplied by the promoters
and entry and official practice costs met by the single fee for the two days.
The entry fee is £800 and the entry form is on the Downloads page on the Super
One website -
Rotax Academy Entry Form.
Entries to be sent to JKH, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire WA6
0PF (Tel 07774 646784) with SAE for confirmation.
This Academy is modelled on the
CIK-FIA Academy to control costs and to permit drivers to compete on a level
playing field no matter their personal funding. It is expected to strongly
appeal to drivers and parents who find the cost of competing in the National and
British Championships prohibitive, and to encourage the 'Dad and Lad' team.
At the same time by being part of Super One, these families will experience the
whole atmosphere of a professional premier level series and be able to mix with
the top kart drivers of the era. The Rotax Academy welcomes all non-novice
drivers.
The Super One Series thanks JAG Engineering who will supply the pooled engines
and technical staff.
In summary:
- Rotax Academy for MiniMax (Junior Max class to follow in
2014)
- Maximum of 30 drivers
per class
- Minimum licence
grade is National B, no novices
- Single entry fee of £800 including VAT
- Fee covers pooled engine supply, race slicks and wets,
S1 fuel, oil and entry fees
-
Driver provides his or her own kart
- Strong links with participating clubs in 2014 to
encourage sponsorship of club member
- Competitor supplies own tyres for practice periods,
Friday practice optional at usual cost
- Engines will be issued on Friday morning, full
regulations available shortly
-
Each engine will be pre-tested for equality
- Technical staff available for support
- Final will be televised for Motors TV
- Entries close on 14 September, but be quick, limited
number accepted.
Further information on
http://superoneseries.com.
[ Top ]
Race Rotax For Free (04/09)
There
are still a few free places for all rotax classes to race at Llandow KC on
Sunday 8th September. Places are on a first come first served basis and the
grids are filling fast - don't wait too long and expect to enter at the last
minute - you might be disappointed.
There will also
be classes for Cadets, Prokarts and TKM, however these will be at the normal
entry fee. Practice is available for the whole of Saturday as usual for only £40
(£35 if pre-booked) and £35 for LKC members (£30 if pre-booked). To secure your
grid place for this wonderful offer go to
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk and follow the links
to our on line entry system - it's as easy as that!
This is a great opportunity to have a
free day's racing at one of the UK's top circuits - too good to miss!
All drivers must be a current MSA
licence holder and be a member of an affiliated ABkC club. Llandow KC are
currently seeking sponsors for the remaining classes for future events.
For any further
information email Colin at
llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk
or call 07817 449617 - evenings are best.
[ Top ]
Last Call For Entries... (03/09)
Don't
forget that every Rotax competitor who enters the CPKC September meeting this
coming Sunday has the opportunity to win a set of Mojo tyres, courtesy of JAG.
There is one set of tyres for each Rotax grid. The lucky winners will be drawn
from the start lists and will be presented with their tyres at the prize giving.
Clay
Pigeon Raceway is one of the fastest and friendliest kart circuits in the UK.
For those who haven't been to Clay Pigeon before, there is open practice for
Cadets every Monday to Thursday, Friday is open pit lane for all classes with
sessioned practice for all classes on Saturdays.
Facilities at the circuit include an on-site shop which
also offers workshop services and engine services including full Rotax engine
support. ARKS testing is also available by arrangement with the circuit
reception.
If you have never been to Clay Pigeon, come and race at one of the fastest and
friendliest S1 kart circuits in the UK. If you haven't raced at Clay for some
time, we would love to see you back. Late entries for this weekend will still be
accepted.
We cant guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee great racing.
For more
information visit
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Race This Sunday In Kent (02/09)
Don't
miss this one, it's the final round of the Lydd Summer Championships with a full
day's racing this Sunday, and practice available on Saturday 7th.
In addition to
all the usual classes that are run, this month's meeting will also feature
Lydd's annual one-off Aixro grid, so if you have an Aixro be sure to get down to
Kent's fastest circuit. Entries can be made right up to 09:30 on race
morning with no late entry fee, or do without the rush and enter online at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com - just go to the Race
Entries tab and click on the link.
Whatever class of kart you race come along and we will
find you a grid to race with. We welcome karts from classes other than our usual
Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax, Senior
Rotax 162 & 177, and ProKarts.
Should you wish to call the Circuit,
our numbers are 01797 321747 or 01797 321895, or keep up to date with what is
happening by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
[ Top ]
Henry Surtees Challenge (02/09)
In
its third year the Henry Surtees Challenge maintains its aim to bring together
the best of young motorsport talent to compete for a staggering range of prizes
that will aid them in their race programme preparation for 2014.
The Challenge will take place at
Buckmore Park, Kent, on Wednesday 23rd October 2013, using the superb Club 100
Birel karts.
The Challenge, created by former F1 World Champion, John
Surtees OBE, seeks to attract young drivers from all classes of motorsport, who
are in their 16th year and over.
The top six drivers will be awarded the prestigious 'H'
trophy; and at least the top six finishers will have a choice of the best career
enhancing prizes ever offered at a kart meeting! Prizes for fastest lap, the
most unlucky driver and a heavyweight prize for 80kg or above will also be
awarded.
A
full range of prizes, including test drives in national and international
Formula will shortly be announced.
Drivers wishing
to take up the Challenge should contact Sharon Bowness:
sharon@henrysurteesfoundation.com.
An entry for the meeting costs £500
and will showcase a broad spectrum of motorsport talent. Drivers from
single-seater formulas, touring, sportscar classes, karting and motorcycling
will share the track in the all comers event. Drivers must hold an MSA National
B licence and be in their 16th year or above or be a member of Club 100 Premier
& Clubman Spirit members or a Buckmore Park Elite driver. Some prizes will be
reserved for MSA licence holders only.
[ Top ]
"Best Ever Kart Race" (29/08)
It's
been described by the man in charge of filming virtually all top level kart
racing on UK TV as the best kart race he has EVER seen. Now this incredible
Junior TKM battle is about to air on TV as part of coverage from this year's
Maxxis TKM Festival.
All the action is great but this one final - for the
Junior Elite title - was an amazing race which had 16 different leaders and 56
overtakes recorded. Says Alan Taddei, who also runs Motors TV coverage for the
S1 series: It was simply the best kart race I have ever seen. We have so much
fantastic material it has been a problem editing down for the show."
That race and all the other coverage
from the Kimbolton Festival will appear for the first time in an hour long
special on the event starting at about 7pm on Monday, Sept 2. There will be
repeats on Motors TV and after the event will be available on You Tube and in a
DVD on sale from Tal-Ko. Check for exact running times of the programme in your
TV Guide.
Says Tal-Ko's Alan Turney: "We always have good racing but this year's Festival
saw some truly epic races It will make great TV."
Keep an eye on
www.tal-ko.com
for details on availability of the forthcoming DVD.
[ Top ]
TAG Heuer Partner With F1 Film (27/08)
TAG
Heuer is partnering with Ron Howard's upcoming F1 movie Rush, reinforcing TAG
Heuer's legitimacy in Motorsport and showing our deep involvement in F1 in the
70's.
In
1971, Enzo Ferrari was looking for a leading timekeeping company to equip his
private track of Fiorano (Maranello/Italy). He chose Heuer and, for the next
decade or so, the Swiss watch company was to serve as Official Timekeeper for
the Scuderia Ferrari.
It was responsible for installing 45 photocells around the
test track, so that Ferrari engineers could monitor the performances of each car
on the track.
This involved not only the speed but the braking and
accelerations, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the overall
dynamics and behaviour of the car thanks to a pioneering system heralding
breakthroughs in modern telemetry.
This revolution significantly contributed to Scuderia
world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1979 with Nikki Lauda and Jody Scheckter.
This period saw a
number of significant developments initiated by the technological collaboration
with Formula 1's Scuderia Ferrari, such as the introduction of the famous Le
Mans Centigraphe 205 in 1972 and the Microsplit 820 in 1973, the first pocket
quartz stopwatch to be accurate to 1/100th of a second.
Other
developments focused on the photocells and speed calculators, such as the famous
"Heuer speed-calculator". These years were very important, as electronic
components provided the possibility of reaching an unprecedented level. With the
help of TAG Heuer's know-how in timekeeping, it was natural to offer some very
innovative devices such as the Speedmeter able to measure the speeds of F1 cars
with absolute precision.
In 1973, for the first time ever, the German TV reserved a
camera, installed in front of the LED display of the Speedmeter, to provide live
transmission of the speeds of the F1 cars during the Nürburgring German Grand
Prix on TV screens around the world.
In the mid 1970s, Heuer developed an entirely automatic
system which could record the times of all cars, even when several crossed the
finish line at the same time.
The idea was to equip each car with mini-transmitters
(transponders) which were detected by a receiver (antenna) placed on the finish
line. Each car transmitted on a different frequency, thus enabling easy
identification and time calculation.
In 1976, Heuer presented this unique Automatic car
identification timing (ACIT) system to the Fédération Internationale de
l'Automobile (FIA) in Belgium (at the Grand Prix held in Nivelles). The way was
thus paved for future applications and the development of these mini
transmitters, which have become the famous transponders now used.
To learn more
about the movie and better understand at a glance why TAG Heuer has decided to
be part of it, please visit
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/?ref_=sr_3
and take a look at the trailer under at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rHaSFugqXI.
[ Top ]
Super One Series: Round 4 (27/08)
Round
4 of the Edgar's Hyundai MSA/TKM Super One Series took place at Clay Pigeon on
24/25 August.
After a long break the MSA series returned to action at the
hill top circuit in Dorset, where the sun failed to shine until late in the
afternoon. There was even a brief rain shower for the last morning heats.
It's the shortest circuit visited, only a 33s lap for the fastest class, so the
pressure on the drivers was unrelenting.
IAME
Cadet MSA British Cadet Championship
Alex Quinn led much of the first final, briefly succumbing
to Tom Wood until a frantic last lap. Whilst those in front over-defended,
William Pettit picked four karts off for a magnificent win over Jonny Edgar and
York. Wood had a five place penalty elevating Alex Quinn. Wood then
had an excursion at the start of the second final, whilst Pettitt was delayed by
a spinner leaving Quinn with a large lead. Despite a broken seat stay,
York hauled in the leader and won with Kiern Jewiss up to third. "Alex defended
hard at the first turn and didn't get a good run down the hill so I got him and
defended to the end. A big thank you to my Dad and Rocky." said York.
Results Final 1: 1 William Pettitt
(Zip); 2 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 3 Oliver York (Zip); 4 Alex Quinn (Zip); 5 Teddy
Wilson (Zip)
Results Final 2: 1
York; 2 Quinn; 3 Kiern Jewiss (Zip); 4 Wilson; 5 Zachary Robertson (Zip)
Junior
TKM ABkC National Championship
Under slight pressure at the beginning of the first final
Stephen Letts eased away from Matt Davies whilst Daniel Baybutt slipped past
Dino Lee at the horseshoe. Davies faded fast towards the end and only just
avoided relegation to third by Baybutt on the finish line, with Kyle Hornby
chasing Lee. Letts was under unrelenting pressure from Baybutt in the second
final, the pair trading the lead twice until Baybutt over-shot the exit of
Billys Blind corner by over defending the inside line. That dropped him to
fifth, with Matthew Round-Garrido well placed to pick up second over Lee and
Davies.
Results Final 1: 1 Stephen Letts (Tonykart); 2 Matt Davies (Tonykart); 3 Daniel
Baybutt (Jade); 4 Dino Lee (Tonykart); 5 Kyle Hornby (DSG)
Results Final 2: 1 Letts; 2 Matthew Round-Garrido
(Tonykart); 3 Lee; 4 Davies; 5 Baybutt
TKM Extreme ABkC National
Championship
As the
dominant Will van Es powered into the first final lead Luke Graver tried to cut
into the train for third but was tipped into a spin, Paul Monks also losing
places. Simon Vercoe took up the chase but was put back by Charlie Bruce-White.
That was until Jack New picked both Vercoe and Bruce-White for second place.
Van Es had it all his own way in the second final as well, despite New almost
managing to snatch the lead at the start but running wide. New leapfrogged
Vercoe on his recovery and set off after Bruce-White, relieving him of second on
the penultimate lap. They swapped places twice but New prevailed and
Douglas Hayford thrust his nose ahead of Bruce-White over the finish.
Results Final 1: 1 Will Van Es
(Tonykart); 2 Jack New (Tonykart); 3 Charlie Bruce-White (Tonykart); 4 Simon
Vercoe (Tal-Ko); 5 Douglas Hayford (Tonykart)
Results Final 2: 1 Van Es; 2 New; 3 Hayford; 4
Bruce-White; 5 Vercoe
KF Junior MSA British Junior
Kart Championship
Jehan
Daruvala scored two great wins despite having a heat non-finish due to a broken
exhaust and is well placed to challenge Daniel Ticktum for the British title.
Ticktum lost his early final one lead and several places to Jamie Caroline, but
Daruvala then carved his way to the front, pulling out 3.5s. Ticktum came
out on top of the second place battle but Caroline was excluded for driving
standards from fourth, and Philip Rawson had a five place penalty. In the second
final Daruvala eased away as Rawson recovered to second over Ticktum and Ross
Martin. Enaam Ahmed and Caroline came up from the back to fifth and sixth.
"It was all about consistency," said the Sahara Force India backed winner.
Results Final 1: 1 Jehan Daruvala
(Alonso); 2 Daniel Ticktum (Alonso); 3 Ross Martin (Wright); 4 Dean MacDonald
(Kosmic); 5 Billy Monger (Tonykart)
Results Final 2: 1 Daruvala; 2 Philip Rawson (Tonykart); 3
Ticktum; 4 Martin; 5 Enaam Ahmed (Alonso)
Formula
KGP National Championship
Initially chased by Toby Sowery, Mark Litchfield eased
clear for the first final win as Sowery faded. Championship leader Bobby
Game was mired in mid field after being excluded under weight in a heat, his
radiator having lost all its coolant. Sowery was helpless to resist the
challenges from Denis Gorman and Danny Keirle whilst Game finished ninth.
Although Litchfield got away well at the start of the second final his pace
slowed as he suffered tyre degradation. Stefan Di Resta was on the move, but Dan
Stocks came off in the hairpin during the pass for fourth. Gorman had
leapfrogged Sowery and ran cleanly up the inside of Litchfield's kart for
the lead and the win, soon followed by James Gornall as Litchfield faded to
seventh, just ahead of Game. "I've been hiding in the shadows looking after my
tyres," quipped Gorman.
Results Final 1: 1 Mark Litchfield
(Kosmic); 2 Dennis Gorman (Maranello); 3 Danny Keirle (Jade); 4 Toby Sowery
(Tonykart); 5 James Gornall (Intrepid).
Results Final 2: 1 Gorman; 2 Gornall; 3 Sowery; 4 Stefan
Di Resta (Alonso); 5 Keirle.
For more informaiton visit
http://superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Race Rotax For Free (23/08)
The
LKS Rotax Cup will take place on Sunday 8th September 2013 at Llandow Circuit,
South Glamorgan, CF71 7PB.
Free entry is available to all MSA Rotax classes on a
first-come first-served basis, up to maximum per class of 30 starters. The rotax
classes are being sponsored by Llandow Kart Shop (LKS).
The racing will be
under the normal club format of practice, 3 heats and a final and will count as
a round of the Llandow KC Championship for members.
There will also
be classes for Cadets, Prokarts and TKM, however these will be at the normal
entry fee. Practice is available for the whole of Saturday as usual for only £40
(£35 if pre-booked) and £35 for LKC members (£30 if pre-booked). To secure your
grid place for this wonderful offer go to
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk and follow the links
to our on line entry system - it's as easy as that!
This is a great opportunity to have a
free day's racing at one of the UK's top circuits - too good to miss!
All drivers must be a current MSA
licence holder and be a member of an affiliated ABkC club. Llandow KC are
currently seeking sponsors for the remaining classes for future events.
For any further
information email Colin at
llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk
or call 07817 449617 - evenings are best.
[ Top ]
Midland Championships (23/08)
There
is still time to enter one of the best meetings of the year.
Rissington have a long history hosting
the Midland Champs and this year it will be over 3 days with practice on the
Friday 30th and then 2 days of racing.
To add even more excitement,
Rissington will host round 3 of the TKM Interclub Championship, so bumper grids,
F1 Simulator, wide open spaces - Rissington is the place to race!
You can still
enter online or via a postal entries, and some pit spaces also available.
Visit
www.rissykartclub.com for more information.
[ Top ]
MSA/TKM Kart Championship (21/08)
It's
time to consolidate on previous good results and try harder for those catching
up as with three rounds to run, all is still to play for in the MSA/TKM/ KGP and
IAME Cadet series. This weekend's event for Round 4 is being held in Dorset at
the Clay Pigeon race track, located between Dorchester and Yeovil just off the
A37 road. See
www.claypigeonkartclub.com
for details.
Daniel Ticktum has consolidated his lead in the Junior KF
class with the Sahara Force India backed Jehan Daruvala now 13 points in arrears
but chasing hard. Dean MacDonald has stormed up to third place, as Philip
Rawson had a lot of bad luck in Scotland. Alex Quinn has carved into
Oliver York's lead in the IAME MSA British Cadet Championship class as York
struggled and Tom Wood took both wins. He is in a strong third place. Two
fantastic wins for the 40 plus year old Bobby Game has put him back in the
Formula KGP championship standings lead, over Arden backed youngster Danny
Keirle. Will van Es is racing ahead in TKM Extreme, Charlie Bruce-White
now 44 points in arrears with Luke Graver snapping at his heels. No one
seems able to catch Matt Davies in the Junior TKM category, although he settled
for second in the last race at Larkhall he is still a massive 52 points ahead of
Stephen Letts with Daniel Baybutt a further ten points behind.
As always live timing and results is available from the
link on the Super One website with
instant results on the TAG-Heuer site
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/results/2013/s1msa/2013.08.24.
The remaining rounds are being held at PF International on 21/22 September, and
Shenington near Banbury on 12/13 October.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
MSA Confirms New Classes (21/08)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) will introduce three new kart classes on 1
January 2014, for an initial three-year period: Formula KGP Junior; IAME X30
Senior and IAME X30 Junior.
The new classes have passed initial on-track testing and
will be introduced at club and regional levels only, with no national or British
championships during their initial three-year homologation period.
These classes will be homologated for
the next three years - subject to final verification - in accordance with
new-for-2013 regulations designed to ensure stability in karting; no further new
junior or senior non-gearbox kart classes will be introduced until at least
2017, when the next homologation period begins.
Nick Bunting, MSA Chief Executive, said: "The MSA's new
three-year homologation procedure for new kart classes is an important
development, ensuring stability and consistency while allowing the sport to
evolve. These new classes have met all the necessary requirements to date and we
look forward to seeing them in action for the first time in 2014."
Andy Cox, Managing Director of KGP UK,
said: "We have already demonstrated engine parity and realistic racing costs in
the senior version of KGP. Now a 'junior' can use the same KGP engine, with some
power restrictions, and have continuity of equipment from Junior to Senior KGP.
We think this is a real positive for a junior competitor and it keeps their
costs lower for the future."
James Mills of JM Engineering, IAME's UK distributor,
said: "We are extremely privileged to have been given this opportunity to bring
the X30 to the UK market. Our goal is to bring an affordable and reliable engine
built for one purpose - kart racing - giving the competitor, whether they are a
leisure or professional driver, the utmost enjoyment, knowing they're using a
dedicated kart racing engine."
[ Top ]
Rotax Academy Class (21/08)
The
Super One Series and Trent Valley Kart Club invite entries to the MiniMax class
for the innovative Rotax Academy with pooled engines. As a precursor to 2014,
this event is a low cost and controlled cost race for 11 to 15 year olds, where
all costs are met with one single fee except for the provision of the driver's
own kart. Engines, race slick and wet tyres, race oil and fuel will be
supplied by the promoters and entry and official practice costs met by the
single fee for the two days. The entry fee is £800 and the entry form is on the
Downloads page on the Super One website -
Rotax Academy Entry Form.
Entries to be sent to JKH, Manley House Farm, Manley Lane, Manley, Cheshire WA6
0PF (Tel 07774 646784) with SAE for confirmation.
This Academy is modelled on the
CIK-FIA Academy to control costs and to permit drivers to compete on a level
playing field no matter their personal funding. It is expected to strongly
appeal to drivers and parents who find the cost of competing in the National and
British Championships prohibitive, and to encourage the 'Dad and Lad' team.
At the same time by being part of Super One, these families will experience the
whole atmosphere of a professional premier level series and be able to mix with
the top kart drivers of the era. The Rotax Academy welcomes all non-novice
drivers.
The Super One Series thanks JAG Engineering who will supply the pooled engines
and technical staff.
In summary:
- Rotax Academy for MiniMax (Junior Max class to follow in
2014)
- Maximum of 30 drivers
per class
- Minimum licence
grade is National B, no novices
- Single entry fee of £800 including VAT
- Fee covers pooled engine supply, race slicks and wets,
S1 fuel, oil and entry fees
-
Driver provides his or her own kart
- Strong links with participating clubs in 2014 to
encourage sponsorship of club member
- Competitor supplies own tyres for practice periods,
Friday practice optional at usual cost
- Engines will be issued on Friday morning, full
regulations available shortly
-
Each engine will be pre-tested for equality
- Techncal staff available for support
- Final will be televised for Motors TV
- Entries close on 14 September, but be quick, limited
number accepted.
Further information on
http://superoneseries.com.
[ Top ]
Win A Set Of Mojo Tyres (19/08)
Clay
Pigeon Kart Club are offering all Rotax competitors who race at the Sept, Oct
and Nov rounds of the club championship, the chance to win a brand new set of
Mojo tyres, courtesy of JAG. There will be one set of tyres for each Rotax grid
at each of the remaining club championship rounds. The lucky winners will be
drawn from the Start lists and presented at the prize giving. You do not have to
be a CPKC member to be entered in the draw.
For those who haven't been to Clay
Pigeon Raceway before, there is open practice for Cadets every Monday to
Thursday, Friday is open practice for all classes with sessioned practice for
all classes on Saturdays.
Clay Pigeon Raceway is one of the fastest and friendliest
kart circuits in the UK. The circuit has an on-site shop which also offers
workshop services and engine services including full Rotax engine support. ARKs
testing is also available by arrangement with the circuit reception. So why not
come along and race in Sunny Dorset at the circuit where F1 champions began
their dreams.
[ Top ]
SYKC Forthcoming Events (19/08)
We
are looking forward to hosting the next round of the Kartmania Championship on
Sunday 8th September, entries look good and we welcome new competitors.
Sunday 13th October is when we hold
the annual 'Cock of the North' event. This is usually a busy event where we see
some fantastic racing.
We would love to see TKMs back at the circuit and we have
some TKM drivers chomping at the bit to get back out on track, so if you haven't
been before get your entries in and come along to join in the race to become the
'Cock of the North'.
Race entries are available at
www.sykc.co.uk
or contact Donna for further information at
dbaines20@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Buckmore Park Open Practice (16/08)
The
circuit has added one additional open practice days on Thursday
22nd August between 10 am and 4 pm. All non gear box ABkC classes welcome
including Bambino.
£50 per kart per day for non members, £5 discount for BPKC
and F6 members on production of membership cards. Class sessions will be
run.
For
further details contact the circuit on 01634 201562.
[ Top ]
New From
Iztech Kart Seats
(15/08)
Iztech
have been working on these latest additions to their race-winning seat range for
the last few months and are pleased to be able to offer their Bambino seat in
two different sizes.
As you will see from the picture one Bambino seat is
narrower and taller than the other thereby catering for the taller young driver.
The dimensions are as follows, from
left to right:
IZB1: 25cm, 23cm, 32.50cm.
IZB2: 26.50cm, 25cm, 32cm.
Measurements taken from widest point
at top to narrowest point in the middle to widest part at the bottom.
Iztech are also pleased to offer what
we believe is the world's smallest karting rib and chest protector to fit size
54-60cm chest. These are again made exclusively for Iztech kart seats by the
world famous Forcefield body armour specialists.
For more details please contact Kevin
at Iztech kart seats on 01908 511000. You can also visit our website at
www.iztechkartseats.com.
[ Top ]
RL Drivers So, So Close (15/08)
It
was a case of 'so near and yet so far' for RL Racing Department at the recent
Kart Masters (2/4 August). Team owner Steve Armstrong watched his talented squad
of youngsters deliver a string of fantastic individual performances - but once
again, crashes robbed his UK-based drivers' chances of greater glory.
In Mini Max, Hugo Bentley-Ellis and
Sandy Mitchell had starred in the preliminaries, with the former taking pole
position for the pre-final, with his team-mate 4th. They were joined by KFJ
driver James Pull, who qualified in 19th place - just three places ahead of the
ever-improving Jordan Cane.
After finishing in 4th place in the first final, Hugo went
on to lead the Grand Prix only to be "annihilated" as his team boss put it on
the last lap, when a driver pushed him onto the grass at the first hairpin.
Sandy was also a victim of poor driving standards. After making three places up
in the opening two laps he was smashed off the Lincolnshire circuit and dropped
to 24th place. This cued a brief fight back, but on lap twelve he retired. James
had been making steady progress until, at three quarter distance he lost several
hard-fought for places but scrapped his way back to 16th at the finish. Jordan
made his Kart Masters debut and acquitted himself well, putting in another solid
shift behind the wheel of his Tony Kart EVK.
Russia's
Nikita Mazepin was using the annual Kart Grand Prix meeting to gain vital
experience ahead of the CIK/FIA World KF Championships (28 August/1 September).
Despite this being his debut appearance at PFi, he finished in a creditable 13th
position, two behind RL regular Luke Knott.
Luke had carved his way up to 4th in the Junior Max Grand
Prix but, just as happened to Bentley-Ellis previously, he was barged onto the
grass as the race reached its zenith. In contrast, Nikita was able to show that
he had adjusted superbly to the unfamiliar Rotax engine and surroundings by
picking his way to 5th at the chequered flag.
"I'm both gutted and yet proud that we've proved a point,"
said Steve. "Luke was driving superbly but was simply driven off the track with
two laps to go. Nikita was doing a one-off race with us, to learn the track for
the KFJ race in September. He races in the official Tony Kart team and is
mentored by our old friend, 2005 World Champion Oli Oakes. He had an exclusion
in one heat and duly drove from p24 at the start of the pre-final to 5th in the
Grand Prix! Just awesome!"
He added: "Hugo was again the class of the field, along
with Sandy during timed qualifying. Both boys took pole position for their
heats, in which they drove really well. I feel gutted for Hugo after he led the
bulk of the Grand Final, only to be to be annihilated with one lap to go. Sandy
also suffered. It was great to see James performing similar heroics to Nikita
against a very tough Mini Max field. Jordan was fast throughout the weekend and
gained more hard racing experience."
The multiple-championship winning RL
Racing Department team is now taking enquiries for its 2014 driver line-up. For
more information, please call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
TKM Reject Age Change (14/08)
Formula
TKM have totally rejected a new MSA regulation change which would have allowed
Juniors to move into the Senior class a year earlier at the age of 14 years and
a day. This age change will not be applied by TKM.
In the words of TKM boss Alan Turney: "We are not changing
our age regulations. It is simply crazy to let such youngsters out in Seniors.
We have made our feelings very clear to the MSA and indeed asked them to
re-think the whole issue.
"I have already had parents on the phone telling me they
will withdraw their child from karting because they don't want them racing with
adults on safety grounds."
The issue was first raised early in 2012 when TKM along
with others made it clear to the MSA they thought the suggestion was totally
illogical. However despite opposition the regulation change was finalised late
last year to apply from the beginning of 2014 potentially for all classes.
However just because the MSA have
created the rule it does not mean that classes have to follow it and TKM
Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth is adamant they will not change.
He said: "The TKM classes will stay
exactly as they are on age. It is not clear why anyone would think this change a
good idea. The CIK do allow younger ages but there is already a rule in place
which allows drivers to take part within this and then switch back to UK rules.
"Some in the MSA are saying that the
rule change went through the normal procedure to be passed, however others there
clearly have concerns. And it is interesting to note that virtually no-one I
have spoken to is aware of the potential change.
"How anyone can regard a 14-year-old as fit to race
against adults defies all logic. And it comes just at a time when the MSA are
voicing concerns over the amount of lead which has to be carried by smaller
drivers. What crazy double thinking.
"We would like every Junior or Senior
driver that is against this change to email the MSA and voice their opinions. If
you are against the scheme please send a brief email of complaint to
Kart@msauk.org.
[ Top ]
IAME At
The London Cup
(09/08)
This
year's London Cup will see IAME racing at Rye House Kart Raceway. Top 3 prizes
are IAME vouchers to the value of £150, £100 and £50, F1 Tour, F1 memorabilia
plus much more.
Hoddesdon Kart Club is pleased to
announce that this year's London Cup will be on the 1st September 2013 and will
incorporate Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.
Entry fee is £105 for
non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the
Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timings sheets for all sessions
and will be uninterrupted. Entry forms will shortly be available at
www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup.
Come along for a great weekends
racing and some fantastic prizes, Including a chance to Win a fully Funded
Season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta race day tickets
to get up close to the action. Plus more to be announced, Watch this space!
If you require any further Information or to book pitbays please email Jason
Robinson on
pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk, alternatively
call on 07984 495158.
[ Top ]
MSA Selects Bambino Engine (09/08)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) is delighted to announce that it has selected the
Comer C50 as the Bambino kart class engine, with effect from 1 January 2014.
The Comer C50 will be homologated by
the MSA; competitors already using the engine must have theirs validated in
accordance with that homologation. The MSA has arranged for this to be carried
out by Zip Kart, the UK distributor, at a cost of no more than £50 plus VAT per
unit (not including any parts or labour deemed necessary to achieve validation)
until 31 December 2013.
The announcement follows a tender process launched in
August 2012 to find a supplier for the Bambino tyres and another for the engine.
The MSA also expects to announce the successful applicant for the supply of
tyres for the Bambino kart class, with effect from 1 January 2014, in the near
future.
Nick Bunting, MSA
Chief Executive, said: "MSA Bambino time trials are very popular among
youngsters taking their very first steps into competitive motor sport, and as
with racing the MSA wishes to ensure parity of equipment and performance at a
realistic price. We are confident that the Comer C50 will help us to achieve
that goal, which we will work towards in conjunction with Zip Kart."
Zip Kart's Dan Parker said: "As the
sole UK distributor for Comer, Zip Kart will be working closely with the MSA and
the ABkC kart clubs around the UK to promote the Bambino class in the coming
months. We are committed to making Bambino an enjoyable and cost effective class
for all, offering a safe and controlled environment for young drivers to enjoy
the sport for the first time."
[ Top ]
Formula KGP Clubman & Masters (07/08)
Within
the existing technical regulations of KGP there are already versions of KGP
called "Clubman and Masters".
These sub divisions of KGP use the same BMB engine as the
KGP "Pro" version which races in the S1 series but they use the harder compound
Vega XH slick (aka Vega Green).
For 2014 the MSA has approved that KGP "Clubman" and
"Masters" can use a fixed jet Tillotson carburettor instead of the KGP Tryton
adjustable 2 jet carburettor used in S1 in the KGP Pro.
For 2014 KGP Pro will continue in the
same specification Vega XM slick tyres and the Tryton KGP carburettor in the S1
series, Kartmasters and PFI and Shenington and Wigan club meetings etc.
"As a natural evolution of the class
we want to offer KGP at all levels of karting from the S1 National Championships
to club level all across the UK. A harder tyre and a carburettor that is easy to
set up will be easier for a club driver to use in KGP- especially racing as a
privateer", says KGP UK boss Andy Cox.
"We have very good experience from the Tillotson fixed
main jet carburettor that we use in Easykart - it's reliable and easy to use and
straight forward to maintain. In our track testing we have found a good reliable
performance when using it on the KGP engine. With the harder Vega XH tyre and
the Tillotson fixed jet carburettor the lap time is slower than KGP Pro but
around the same lap time as Snr Max. All three KGP divisions Pro, Clubman or
Masters can race on the same grid at Club level"
We will be holding some KGP taster test days in the coming
months for drivers to try out KGP.
Formula KGP - Class overview 2014...
KGP "Pro":
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the
year of the 16th birthday .
Tryton 2 jet KGP carb - min driver/kart weight 162Kgs : Vega KGP XM slick tyre :
Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
KGP Clubman:
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the
year of the 16th birthday .
Tillotson fixed jet carb- min driver/kart weight 162Kgs : Vega KGP XH slick tyre
: Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
KGP Masters:
Drivers 16 yrs + or for a Junior with Nat A licence in the
year of the 16th birthday .
Tillotson fixed jet carb- min driver/kart weight 175Kgs : Vega KGP XH slick tyre
: Vega KGP W5 rain tyre.
Call us on 01527 889595 or visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or follow us on Facebook
or Twitter.
[ Top ]
Comeback Kid Reilly (07/08)
Kart
Masters, the self-styled British Grand Prix of karting, is renowned for the
fierceness and high-calibre of its racing. Its winner-takes-all nature means
that every competitor raises their game in a bid to win the coveted 'GP' number
plates.
So
it would be understandable for a driver to select a lesser event at which to
return to racing. Not Joe Reilly, though. The former Junior Max Super One
champion and Formula Renault BARC star-turned mechanic with Strawberry Racing,
made a stunning comeback at PFi last weekend (3/4 August).
The Londoner posted the 6th-fatest
time in qualifying, which saw twenty nine drivers separated by less than a
second. His 8th, 3rd and 5th place finishes in the heats gave Joe a respectable
11th place on the grid for the pre-final.
The 2007 'O' Plate Junior Max champion and Euro Max
runner-up showed that retirement had not dented his natural speed or talent as
he charged up to 2nd place at the chequered flag.
At the start of the Grand Final, Reilly was shuffled down
to 4th but was still within striking distance of the race leader. As the fight
intensified, he lost two further places. By lap three, the race lead had changed
and Reilly was on the move back up the order. A lap later, he was 3rd and
pressing for 2nd place. By mid-distance, little more than two seconds
covered the top ten, but Joe was under pressure from behind. With 30 seconds to
go, Reilly snatched the lead, but in the space of two corners was pushed back to
5th. A thrilling last lap saw Joseph able to claw his back into 3rd, which he
held to the finishing line, to complete a superb performance throughout the
meeting.
Strawberry
Racing team manager Warwick Ringham was both delighted and quite shocked by
Joe's success: "Prior to the event, he had tested the kart just seven times. Joe
decided to enter as a bit of fun and hasn't really driven a kart since he went
to cars in 2009. To come back and lead the Grand Final was pretty amazing. Will
he make a full time return to karting? I don't know - but I suspect he's quite
keen now!"
Jai Nijjar was the team's only other entrant to the event, competing for Junior
Max honours. He qualified in 8th spot following timed qualifying and the heats.
Like Joe, he turned on the style and picked his way through to an excellent 3rd
place at the finish of the pre-final.
Sadly, his hopes of another podium, or
indeed of victory, were dashed in the Grand Final. Jai held his starting
position as the field plunged into the opening sequences of bends. He held
station for several further laps, but as the combatants tripped over one
another, Nijjar lost out and dropped back to an eventual 11th.
"That's the nature of Kart Masters,"
Warwick observed. "Everything has to go perfectly and you need a massive dose of
good luck too. Jai drove really well in the first final, but made some mistakes
in the second one, which cost him. Some of the other drivers weren't racing
cleanly and in those circumstances, it is always going to be hard. Still he
learned a lot and gave a great account of himself, and that's all you can ask
for."
For more information about OTK products and Cream's
preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Positive 6
Months For DR
(06/08)
Since
its return to England towards the end of 2012, the DR kart has come back into
the UK through Richard and Ryan Green. The latest s97 chassis is designed for
versatility and has proven this through being competitive in both KGP and TKM
since its arrival.
It's not just success in the UK though, the works team,
under the guidance of 5 time karting world champion Danilo Rossi have dominated
KZ2 in all competitions. Riccardo Negro won the WSK Euro Series and Emil
Antonsen won the CIK European Championship. Together proving that the 2013 S97
chassis is a cut above the rest in KZ2.
DR UK now have a very busy August scheduled including
Kartmasters, the TKM Festival and MSA Super One. If you're moving up to seniors
or are interested in moving into KGP for 2014, then come and see us for an
informal chat.
Furthermore we are interested in
helping to develop the club racing scene for KGP, please contact us if that also
interests you.
Email
drkartuk@gmail.com
or tweet us
@drkartuk.
Also check out the DR website at
http://www.drracingkart.it/en.
[ Top ]
S1 Mini Max Crown (06/08)
Connor
Hall's domination of Mini Max looked under fire as his rivals staged a fightback
at the beginning of last weekend's (27/28 July) sixth round of the Super One
championship. By Sunday evening however, it was normal service resumed and the
Strawberry star is now the 2013 champion in waiting.
Connor topped the times-sheets in the first qualifying
session, but found himself down in 12th place overall when the second session
proved to be quicker. Finlay Hutchison fared marginally better in 11th, whilst
Darren Keane wasn't far behind, having posted the 15th-quickest time.
Once the heats
had been dispensed with, Hall qualified for the first final in 10th place, with
Keane 11th and Hutchison 16th.
As the race had got underway, Connor wasted little time
carving his way up to 2nd and looked to have accepted the position - but found
himself promoted to the top of the podium when the original winner was handed a
five-place penalty. The rain added plenty of extra drama and controversy, during
which Darren could finish no higher than 19th with Finlay, competing in his
'home' race - disappointed with his 23rd.
When
the rain abated, the rapidly drying track created some set-up headaches for the
field, but Hall suffered no worries as he led the bumping, jostling pack into
the first corner. As has become a frequent sight this year, he controlled the
race from the front and cruised to another lights-to-flag victory, provisionally
sealing the title with a round to spare. In contrast, Hutchison's frustrating
conclusion to the weekend was compounded by finishing a lap down. Keane was a
spectator after parking up just five laps into the race.
Recent
signing Jai Nijjar enjoyed his best qualifying performance of the season with
pole position in Junior qualifying. Title protagonist Guan Yu Zhou was 3rd with
Omar Ismail 26th. With the top ten separated by just a tenth of a second, the
successive racing was always going to be close. Following the heats, Jai claimed
5th on the grid for the first final, whilst Guan Yu qualified in 8th spot. Omar
found himself in 26th position, but clearly making the cut for automatic passage
into the two finals. In the tricky, wet conditions Guan Yu finished in the same
position he started, 8th, with Jai dropping to an eventual 15th. Omar was the
only Strawberry driver able to make real progress and was 19th at race end.
Just as it
had done for the main Mini Max final, the Summerlee Raceway tarmac had dried for
the return fixture. Again, penalties were handed out for overly robust tactics,
which shuffled the finishing order post-race. Zhou had become embroiled in a
fierce scrap for 2nd place and did his title hopes no harm with 3rd at the
chequered flag. Jai crossed the line in 4th but was found 'in
contravention of flag signals' after storming up from midfield. Omar repeated
his previous top twenty finish, bringing his Tony Kart EVK across the line in
19th.
Harry
Webb's latent speed was evident at Larkhall, as he landed pole position in
qualifying with a time four tenths of a second faster than his nearest
challenger. Fellow title challenger Charlie Eastwood ranked 5th overall, with
Kyle Fowlie and Andreas Backman also going well in 7th and 10th respectively.
Wins in both his heats ensured that Harry claimed P1 for the first final.
Excellent results at his home race saw Kyle start directly behind his team-mate,
in 3rd spot, with Charlie alongside him. Andreas' strong form in the heats gave
him a fifth row starting position.
Webb initially maintained his advantage from pole position
but Kyle, racing on home soil, sensed he too could win. Three laps from home,
Fowlie committed to his move and Webb gave him room, whilst also now having to
fend off an attack for the second step on the podium. He succeeded, setting up A
Strawberry 1-2. Eastwood salvaged 10th with Andreas pushed to 13th.
As had been seen in the Mini and Junior races,
uncompromising driving and disobeying of the rules were met with equally
forceful stewarding. Exclusions and penalties abounded, leaving Fowlie awarded
2nd place. Webb had been pushed from 5th to 16th during the race, but was
fortunate to take home valuable points. Andreas and Charlie were both classified
in 24th and 25th spots but in reality, were non-runners at the finish.
This ensures that the title-decider will be at the last round of the series, at
Shenington next month (28/29 September). For more information about OTK
products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Lydd Summer Championship (05/08)
The
Summer Championships at Lydd are nearing their peak, with round 5 of the 6 being
held on Sunday 11th August. Practice is available on Saturday, with many drivers
no doubt searching for that elusive tenth or so that might improve their chances
of a good points finish on Sunday.
Following another bumper month last month, where the
racing was as hot as the weather, we look forward to welcoming as many of you as
possible to our fast and friendly Circuit. It was nice to see several new faces
around the paddock last time - hope to see you again this month. Why not bring a
friend as well?
We will be running our normal classes - Bambino, Cadet
Clubman, Honda Cadets, 2-stroke Cadets, Junior/Minimax, Senior Rotax 162 and 177
and the ProKarts. However, we always welcome karts from other classes and will
find a grid for you to race with.
Entries can be made right up to race morning, prior to
09.30am please, with no late entry fee.
Keep up to date with what is
happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com
Should you wish to call the Circuit, our numbers are 01797
321747 or 01797 321895.
[ Top ]
South West Championships (05/08)
The
2013 South West Championships will be hosted by Dunkeswell KRC at the superb
Mansell Raceway in Devon on the 24th & 25th August 2013.
There will be timed practice on the
Saturday with a full race programme on the Sunday. Cost for the weekend is £85
and includes a Hog Roast meal for drivers. There will be children's
entertainment There will be separate SW plates for 4 stroke and 2 stroke cadets
with the possibility of awarding Comer & IAME plates if there are enough
entrants. Grid sizes are limited to 34 for each class.
Check out
www.dunkeswellkartclub.co.uk for more details as
they are confirmed.
Entries opening soon!
[ Top ]
KartForce Annual
Fundraiser
(02/08)
We're
holding our big annual fund raiser race on Sat 5th Oct at Whilton Mill - it's a
4hr team endurance race in Prokarts.
Race Entry Fee is £200 plus £135 for
tyres. Full info and race entry forms can be found on our web site -
www.KartForce.org.
If
you don't own a Prokart, for £450 we can supply your team with the rental of a
competition Prokart (not a corporate kart) with trackside support, tyres and
fuel - just "Arrive & Drive".
All funds raised will go towards getting more injured
troops karting. Come and find out if you have what it takes to beat the
KartForce lads!
[ Top ]
Additional
Open Practice Days
(01/08)
As there is no race meeting at Buckmore Park in August
the circuit has added two additional open practice days on Tuesday 6th August
and Thursday 22nd August between 10 am and 4 pm. All non gear box ABkC classes
welcome.
£50
per kart per day for non members, £5 discount for BPKC and F6 members on
production of membership cards. Class sessions may be run.
For further details contact the
circuit on 01634 201562.
[ Top ]
At A Loose End This Weekend? (31/07)
The
next round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club championship, held at Karting North
East, Warden Law, Sunderland, is on this Sunday 4th August.
We aim to provide a safe and fun event
for all, with grids for cadets, rotax, tkm & prokarts. Our facilities include an
onsite kart shop and cafe, plus overnight parking is available, so whether you
are new to Warden Law or haven't raced for a while, come and join the excitement
and see what our challenging 1.2 kilometre circuit has to offer.
No race license is required, plus day membership is
available, so just turn up and race (a discount is available for advance
bookings)!
For further details visit the club website
www.twkartclub.com,
email
kartclub@kartingnortheast.com
or ring the circuit on 0191 521 4050.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series Review (31/07)
The
British summer ended abruptly with heavy rain on the Sunday morning at the
Scottish circuit, although the track dried up for the later second finals in the
afternoon. Thus a good wet weather set up was essential to stay at the front of
the pack. With a round to spare, Honda Cadet has a provisional champion
with Kiern Jewiss, and MiniMax with Connor Hall. Many congratulations to both.
Honda
Cadet
Kiern Jewiss made
a great start from fifth on the grid to lead with first Matthew Hopcraft, then
Tom Canning following. Poleman Chris Lulham was clinging on in the top six but
Matthew Hayden from the outside of the front row was falling back, to finish
thirteenth. Mark Kimber was another with a great set up, from starting
eighteenth he had quickly stormed into the leading group, displacing Myles Apps
and quickly taking advantage of Canning's pass on Jewiss to follow through for
second. Jewiss leapt into the lead of the second final over Canning whilst Perry
Cooke briefly ran third, from his seventh place start, but fell to ninth as
Kimber recovered from his outside starting position. Ben Karpeczak stormed up
from ninth to fourth and when Kimber took Canning, Karpeczak was soon to follow
for third. Jewiss succumbed to the hard charging Kimber who pulled out almost 3s
for the win. Jewiss second place was good enough for an unassailable position in
the points table.
Comer
Cadet
Alex Quinn, who
had been on the front row for the first final was unfortunate to have his kart
throw its chain on the formation lap, so Sean Butcher leapfrogged Olli Caldwell
to follow poleman Tom Wood then pick up the lead at half distance. That put Wood
back to third behind Oliver York. Matthew Graham was another out on the first
lap, and Caldwell slipped back to eleventh in the wet conditions. Alex McDade
found a good setup to move up from grid 11 to fourth, displacing Jonny Edgar.
Once ahead, MBR's Butcher pulled a 3s gap on York. With a track just beginning
to dry for the second final, Quinn gambled on slicks, the only one to do so, and
reached fourth from the back. Wood enjoyed a lights to flag victory but Butcher
pushed him hard once clearing York and McDade. These latter two both
succumbed to the attentions of William Pettit and finally Quinn.
MiniMax
Connor Hall was quickest in the first timed session but
dropped to twelfth with the other session being faster, Tom Gamble, Sandy
Mitchell and Dean MacDonald (now on a Kosmic) all at the top of the table. So
Gamble won through to pole for the first final alongside MacDonald, whilst
championship leader Hall was only on grid ten. Gamble took the hole shot, with
Jordan Brown-Nuttley quickly displacing Harrison Thomas and proving too fast for
Gamble. Hall stormed through to second, not quite managing the pass for
the win but picking it up anyway when Brown-Nuttley was penalised five places,
as was MacDonald from sixth. Earlier Alex Stott had been black-flagged in
and excluded. Gamble hung on for third, which became second. With the track now
drying fast, Hall could control the race from the front and with a round to
spare speed to the provisional championship position. He will probably
guest as a Junior Max at the final round. Gamble recovered quickly from falling
to fifth at the start, to chase Hall, whilst Cameron Roberts headed MacDonald,
Thomas and Cameron McClauchlin only to be excluded for a technical
non-compliance.
Junior
Max
Jai Nijjar enjoyed
topping the Saturday dry timed qualifying over Josh Price and Guan Yu Zhou but
after qualifying through to grid five for the first final, he came off at the
start. He would reach fifteenth. Nathan Aston converted pole to the
lead, chased hard by Lando Norris but opening a good cushion until he slid wide
at a corner. That left the door open for a win by Norris, Aston still
clear of Price, Tom Harvey and Jake Walker. Ben Hingeley had gridded fourth but
slipped back in the wet conditions to thirteenth, and Zhou could only manage
eighth, after Philip Rawson was excluded for driving standards from that spot.
With the track almost dry for the second final, Price leapfrogged Norris and
eased away for a 4s victory. Norris had fallen to seventh and would have
finished ninth until he was given a five place penalty. Brett Ward headed what
became a massive battle for second in a long train of karts, Zhou going much
better in the dry and clinching third. Some were too exuberant, Jai Nijjar
excluded from fourth for contravention of flag signals after storming through
the pack, and Aston for driving standards after a clash with Walker.
Senior
Max
Harry Webb and
Philip Morin topped the first timed practice session, but Morin's Sunday did not
go to plan. In the second Shane Daly pipped James Singleton and Sean
Babington, and it was Webb and Daly's names at the top of the combined list.
Jack Saffery did not get a time. Webb won the first and third heat and Babington
the second for the first final front row whilst Daly and Sam Snell suffered
exclusions, Snell for technical. Webb converted pole to first, chased by Kyle
Fowlie, James Singleton and Kieran Gifford, the latter about to be taken by
Oliver Hodgson. But Babington had come off and had to recover to
fourteenth from the back, Charlie Eastwood also dropping places and only
managing tenth on the wet track. Fowlie nipped past his Strawberry team-mate
Webb at his local track with three laps to spare, and Webb was hounded by
Singleton to the line. Josh Collings had to obey a mechanical flag signal, but
would score ninth in the second final, which was an acrimonious affair. Oliver
Myers, from fifth on the grid, slotted in behind Singleton and Fowlie and
leapfrogged both to what he thought was his first senior win, albeit by a
fraction over Hodgson. But he had been seen passing on a yellow flag and
was excluded from the race. Hodgson had been following him through on the now
dry track, and thus inherited the win over what would have been Singleton.
The latter driver had also contravened flag signals and was also excluded
leaving Fowlie second. And then the next on the road Gifford was
underweight, so that put a recovering Babington up from sixth to third, Saffery
next. Harrison Wignall was another with an exclusion for driving standards
whilst Webb had fallen out of fifth to near the back, and Eastwood stopped with
a technical issue. Hodgson is now top of points standings but not when dropped
scores are taken into account so there will be all to play for at the final
round at Shenington at the end of September.
Further
information on
http://superoneseries.com.
Results
Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Tom Canning (Project One); 2 Mark Kimber (BRK);
3 Kiern Jewiss (Project One); 4 Myles Apps (BRK); 5 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 6
Chris Lulham (BRK).
Final 2: 1
Kimber; 2 Jewiss; 3 Ben Karpeczak (Project One); 4 Canning; 5 Hopcraft; 6
Matthew Hayden (BRK).
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Sean Butcher (Zip); 2 Oliver York (Zip); 3 Tom
Wood (Zip) 4 Alex McDade (Zip); 5 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 6 William Pettitt (Zip).
Final 2: 1Wood; 2 Butcher; 3 Pettitt; 4 Alex Quinn (Zip);
5 York; 6 McDade
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart); 2 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 3 Harrison Thomas
(Tonykart); 4 Max Bird (Tonykart); 5 Josh Skelton (Tonykart); 6 Jordan
Brown-Nutley (Tonykart).
Final
2: 1 Hall; 2 Gamble; 3 Dean MacDonald (Kosmic); 4 Thomas; 5 Cameron McLauchlin
(Gillard); 6 Bird.
Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Lando Norris (Tonykart); 2 Nathan Aston
(Tonykart); 3 Josh Price (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Jake Walker
(Kosmic); 6 Brett Ward (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Price; 2 Ward; 3 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 4
Jack Bartholomew (Tonykart); 5 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 6 Dave Wooder (Alonso).
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 2 Harry Webb
(Tonykart); 3 James Singleton (Tonykart); 4 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 5 Oliver
Myers (Tonykart); 6 Kieran Gifford (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Hodgson; 2 Fowlie; 3 Sean Babington (Alonso); 4
Jack Saffery (Tonykart); 5 Connor Jupp (Alonso); 6 Thomas Arme (Kosmic).
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Tattershall Kart Centre
(31/07)
Over
the August Bank Holiday weekend (24th, 25th & 26th August) Tattershall Kart
Centre is holding a 3 day event with one days practice on Saturday and racing on
Sunday and Monday.
The Kart Club at Tattershall normally race on the 2nd
Sunday of each month (apart from January) but at this August Bank Holiday event,
although an extra meeting counting towards the Championship, everyone is
welcome!
During this meeting there will be various activities raising funds for
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air ambulance. A whole weekend's racing at this
non-MSA circuit is £80.00.
If you wish to bring your own meat there will be a BBQ
available to cook it on in the evenings, possible entertainment too, and anyone
is welcome to stay over Saturday and Sunday evenings if you have your own
caravan, etc. The emphasis will be on a family friendly fun weekend!
Around
lunchtime on Monday 26th at this special August Bank Holiday meeting we are
running an all-comers event charity demonstration, for anyone not wanting to
race but would like to have a go! Corporate karts will be available, or bring
your own as any kart of any size (providing it has raced in a class during its
life) can be entered and 1st, 2nd & 3rd trophies will be awarded for the best
presented karts. For this we are asking for a £20.00 donation for Lincolnshire
and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. We are also planning other events to raise
money for the Air Ambulance such as: a raffle, possibly a cake stall (so bring a
cake to sell or money to buy one), bouncy castle & massages, plus hopefully many
other exciting activities.
At Tattershall we pride ourselves on running any class of
karts, so dust off your karts and come and join in the fun. We look forward to
meeting you!
Put this on your calendar of events
and contact Tattershall on 01526 344566 or send an e-mail via the
Tattershall
Kart Centre website.
Please note: Tattershall now use yellow (My Laps)
transponders.
[ Top ]
Forthcoming Events (30/07)
11th
August - IAME Summer Challenge:
Just to remind you that as part of the August Club
Championship meeting we are offering IAME Cadet Competitors the opportunity of
racing for £500 worth of cash prizes.
This meeting is two weeks before the MSA Super 1
Championship round here at Clay and gives all IAME drivers the opportunity of
using it as a Shakedown Event. Of course, all other Super 1 MSA
Championship classes can do the same. The event is open to all National B
Licence holders and the regulations can be downloaded from the Club's website.
24th/25th August - MSA Super
1 Championship:
In
conjunction with Super 1, we are organising a Honda Cadet Challenge. This
will enable all Honda Cadet Competitors to taste the atmosphere of the National
and British Championship Meetings. The format of racing will be the same
as the Championship Classes - timed qualifying, 2 heats and 2 finals. The
entry fee for the two days will be £100 and practice on Friday will be £45.
This Challenge will be televised and will be run under a Clubman Permit and is,
therefore, open to ALL our Club drivers.
For more information on forthcoming
events visit
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Mechanics Required (30/07)
Racing
Perfection specialise in a range of team services and driver development
programs across the South of England. Due to continuing expansion Racing
Perfection are looking for several additional mechanics to join the team.
The appointed mechanics will assist at
Forest Edge meetings and elements of the team's testing program.
Experience with either Honda Cadet or
Junior Rotax Max is required.
Applications should be sent to Steve
Bell of Racing Perfection at
steve.bell@racingperfection.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Connor Hall Is British Champion (29/07)
Connor
Hall arrived at the Larkhall circuit in Scotland having only ever been there a
couple of times before, and only ever in the dry. He missed out on valuable
testing at the race meeting the week before due to European championship
commitments.
For qualifying he was fastest in the first group but the
second group was always faster by around 3 tenths due to the first group going
out straight after the cadets. This meant that most of the second group went
faster than Connors time and he ended up 12th overall. For the heats he was
starting on the outside of row 4 in 8th place and at the start of the first heat
was hit off the track and only managed 16th place. He ended up 3rd in the last
heat which secured him 10th for the pre-final.
As it was wet it was Connor's first
time at the track in wet conditions. He soon found the grip and picked off the
drivers one at a time and soon closed in on the leader with a few laps to go
Connor decided to stay where he was and came home in 2nd as knew he only needed
a few points to secure the title. The race winner was given a 5 place penalty
after the race which promoted Connor to pole for the televised final.
By
the time of the Main final the track had dried enough for slick tyres although
there were still alot of damp patches off line. At the start Connor came under
pressure from a number of drivers but held his nerves to edge away. At the end
the front 2 drivers had a healthy advantage as the rest of the field started
scrapping for positions. This has secured Connor and Strawberry Racing the Super
1 title!
Connor
now has a few weeks holiday before heading to Salbris in France for the last
round of the European championships where it will go down to the last race to
decide the title, as although Connor is leading the championship on drops he is
even with his team mate Guan yu Zhou.
Connor would like to say a massive
thankyou to Paul Spencer, Warwick Ringham, Tim Ezard and all at Strawberry
Racing for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream racing engine. Even more so
Connor would like to thank the kart mechanic of the year Harry Cockill for his
exceptional hard work so far this season. And last but certainly not least his
Mum and Dad Cath and Craig, and his sister Chloe and brother Lewis - known in
the paddock as the pro golfer - for their support.
You can keep up
to date with Connor's progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk and
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Midland Championships 2013 (26/07)
The
Midland Championships, Rissington's biggest and most prestigious event of the
year, will take place on 31 August and 1 September,with open practice on Friday
30 August.
This year, the Midland Championships will be a 'double header' event. This means
a full meeting of 3 heats and a final on Saturday and another full meeting on
Sunday! Both meetings will count for Club Championship points (rounds 8 & 9) and
trophies will be awarded each day.
However, the coveted Midland
Championship awards will be presented on the aggregate scores for the Finals on
both days. In other words, the points scored in each Final will be added
together to decide the Midland Champion in each class. Trophies will also be
awarded for 2nd & 3rd in the Midland Championships.
Drivers can enter just one of the days
if they wish, but to be in the running for a Midland Championship award, you
need to enter both days. Non-members are of course very welcome!
If you enter both days, then special
entry fees apply - £95 for members (i.e. £47.50 per entry) and £105 (i.e. £52.50
per entry) for non-members. Practice on Friday will be at normal rates.
Plus, use our successful online entry
system to enter and pay for the August race weekend and you will be in the draw
for a free weekend of practice and racing at this year's Midland Championships
worth over £130!
The Midland Champs weekend will also see the third round
of the TKM interclub championships, so get booked in for the August
meeting come and get some practice ready for another great weekend at Rissington
and you could be racing in the Midland Champs for free.
There will also be lots of other
attractions, including a Formula 1 Simulator and Historic Karts.
For more
information check out the Rissy web site at
www.rissykartclub.com.
[ Top ]
The London Cup 2013 (25/07)
Hoddesdon
Kart Club is pleased to announce that this year's London Cup will be on the 1st
September 2013 and will incorporate Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.
Entry fee is £105
for non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the
Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timings sheets for all sessions
and will be uninterrupted. Entry forms are available at
www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup.
Come along for a great weekends racing and some fantastic
prizes, Including a chance to Win a fully Funded Season in the 2014 Ginetta
Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta race day tickets to get up close to the
action. Plus more to be announced, Watch this space!
If you require
any further Information or to book pitbays please email Jason Robinson on
pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk,
alternatively call on 07984495158.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series Preview (25/07)
After
a month's break which was filled by some with racing in the UK round of the
Rotax Max Euro Challenge, the series moves to Summerlee Raceway at Larkhall in
Scotland (www.wskc.co.uk),
just off the M74 and easily accessible from the south. Although only 852m
in length the circuit presents a strong challenge to the driver with several
overtaking opportunities available. The event is for the ABkC National
Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National
Championship.
Sean
Babington, fresh from victory in the DD2 two-gear Rotax class at the Euro Max
event, leads the senior Rotax in the ABkC National Championship by one point
only from Oliver Hodgson. Kyle Fowlie and Charlie Eastwood are snapping at
their heels. Ben Hingeley has a healthy lead in Junior Max for those in
their 13th year up to 16 plus. The driver from Shanghai, Guan Yu Zhou is coming
up fast to challenge Josh Price. Connor Hall has such a substantial lead
in MiniMax for 11-15 year olds that another good event could easily see him take
the crown with a round to spare. Dan Zelos is nearest with Cameron Roberts, Hugo
Bentley Ellis and Tom Gamble all close together for third place. Rory Hudson,
Myles Apps and Matthew Hayden could all quite easily challenge Kiern Jewiss'
position at the top of the ABkC Honda Cadet standings. Similarly Oliver
York and Rookie Tom Wood could put Alex Quinn's current first place position in
the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship in danger.
There is an optional day's practice
on Friday, more practice on Saturday morning which is followed by timed
qualifying sessions then heats. The remainder of the heats and the last
chance races are taken on Sunday morning before the all important two finals
each class on Sunday afternoon. All the races count for points, so one
slip up or exclusion can hit very hard. The timetables and entry lists are
available on the Super One website under 'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.
After this the next and last round will be at Shenington near Banbury on 28/29
September where the 2013 champions will be crowned, if no-one sews up the series
in Scotland.
Full details on
http://superoneseries.com with live timing from
TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning:
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
RL Racing Drivers Impress (25/07)
All
four of RL Racing Department's squad took their Euro Max Challenge bows at last
weekend's third round of the championship, held at PFi (20/21 July).
Temperatures had
reached 36 degrees centigrade during the build-up to the race weekend, with
Sandy Mitchell, Jack Martin, Zachary Claman DeMelo and Luke Knott all setting
excellent times during the official tests.
However, matters didn't quite pan out for the quartet in
timed qualifying, with Mitchell 25th-fastest and his team-mate Jack Martin 33rd
overall in the Juniors. Claman DeMelo echoed Martin's place in the Senior class,
with Knott 35th.
Strong performances in the heats saw Sandy qualify for the
pre-final in 11th spot, with Jack joining him after taking 4th in the Second
Chance heat.
An
inspired drive, amongst the frequent crashes, moved Sandy up the order and he
crossed the finishing line in 5th place. Jack also survived the dramas to move
from the back of the field to 25th at the chequered flag.
Mitchell
duly capped a fine first taste of European competition with a creditable 6th
place in the main final. Martin improved to 24th a t the finish, delighting RL
Racing Department owner, Steve Armstrong: "A huge 'well done' to Sandy for
taking 5th in final 1 and 6th in final 2 and on both his Junior and European
debut! Also congratulations to Jack for qualifying via the repecharge and racing
hard in his first Junior and European event."
Canada's Claman DeMelo emerged from something of a baptism
of fire to earn Armstrong's praise after the Senior heats: "P19 for the
pre-final! What a great day for Zachary. He set the fastest lap in two of his
four heats. On top of that he was second-fastest in one and inside the top five
in the other. Despite a tough qualifying, we showed that the speed was
definitely there and I really believed that a podium was possible in the finals.
We were pushing hard for that result."
In what became something of a crash-fest, Zachary claimed
15th in the pre-final, with Luke making up ten places on his way to 25th.
Sadly,
the team's buoyant optimism could not deliver the results it believed were
deserved or possible. Knott parked his kart with three laps to go and Claman
DeMelo had to settle for another 15th-place finish.
"It was a hard day for all the drivers, especially Zach
and Luke. Their pace was very good but the final tuned into one of those races
where you can only shrug your shoulders and say it was a case of 'close but no
cigar!' Still, I'm encouraged by all four of the lads' performances and I'm sure
they took a great deal from the experience."
The
multiple-championship winning RL Racing Department team is now taking entries
for its 2014 driver line-up. For more information, please call Steve today on
07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Rotax Team
Openings
(24/07)
Rotax
Specialists KR-Sport are now taking enquiries for the 2014 season for Mini,
Junior and senior rotax classes, Limited spaces will be available as the team
look to welcome on board new team members ready to start a detailed testing plan
after the 2013 Super One calendar comes to an end.
Team principle Ashley Orchard
explained "We like to start testing as soon as possible with our new drivers and
especially with cadet drivers making the step up to the mini max class so we
will look to be out straight after the major championships are finished."
The
KR-Sport team is well known for producing champions and their current
performances would indicate they are the team to be part off. The team welcomes
you to visit them at Larkhall Super One or at PF International for the Kart
Masters event for an informal chat.
Contact team
manager Ashley Orchard on 07921 225680 to discuss your plans, e-mails can be
directed to
ash@kr-sport.com.
More information on the team can be
found at
www.kr-sport.com.
[ Top ]
Clean Sweep For Strawberry (24/07)
Last
weekend's (20/21 July) third and penultimate round of the Euro Max Challenge at
PFi saw Strawberry Racing's drivers take podiums in the DD2, Senior and Junior
classes.
Andreas Backman - the team's sole representative in the DD2 category - gave a
great account of himself by taking 3rd in the main final. It marked his best
result in the championship this year and comes off the back of a string of
excellent performances in the BNL series.
Andreas built on a terrific qualifying
performance, in which he posted the 2nd-fastest lap time, to claim 6th and
2nd-place finishes in his two heats. Such is the closeness of the standard in
DD2, that this was only good enough to earn him p13 on the grid for the
pre-final.
Demonstrating the pace he'd shown throughout the preliminaries, the Swede went
on to finish 5th before going on to claim his maiden Euro Max podium in the main
final.
Whilst it made for spectacular viewing to the large crowd and TV audience at
home, much of the racing in Senior Max was marred by incidents. "It was all a
bit crash, bang, wallop" observed Ringham. "Many of the drivers were using their
front brakes to go in hard and late on their rivals, rather than the corners."
The
inevitable melee in the final put-paid to the team's chances of adding to their
encouraging heat and pre-final results. Harry Webb had topped the intermediate
ranking and netted 3rd in the pre-final, with team-mate Charlie Eastwood 4th.
Kyle Fowlie had made up ground to go from 13th on the grid to 7th, setting him
up for another strong race in the second final.
In contrast, Harry and Charlie would
complete the weekend as spectators - victims of crashes. Max Aitken's debut as a
Senior was also frustrated by a DNF.
Lifting the team's spirits was Kyle's
richly deserved runner-up finish in the main final. "He likes to make you sweat
a bit", joked Warwick after Kyle had set himself an uphill task following
qualifying and the heats. "We gave him a bit of a talking-to and that fired him
up for the finals. He certainly saved the best 'til last and drove really well."
Guan
Yu Zhou led Connor Hall home for a Strawberry 1-2 in the Junior final. The pair
had been in fine form throughout, but Connor was given a scare in the pre-final,
recovering to 15th after being knocked off the circuit. Jai Nijjar enjoyed an
impressive two days of competition with the Tony Kart team to figure well inside
the top ten at every stage. He capped his weekend with 4th in the final. Thomas
Issa narrowly missed out on a top ten finish with his eventual 11th with Finley
Hutchinson and Darren Keane crossing the finishing line 14th and 15th
respectively. Juri Vips earned Warwick's praise, but was unable to finish higher
than 22nd in the main final. Argentina's Nicolas Dapero European debut showed
just how tough the competition in the heartland of Max racing is, but he gained
valuable experience with the championship leaders. Omar had shown real speed,
but was another victim of the frequent crashes.
Summing up the team's fortunes,
Warwick said: "I'm happy but it could all end in tears at the final round (in
Salbris 6/8 September). Connor and Guan Yu are tied at the top of the table, if
you consider dropped rounds, so it will be 'winner-takes-all' in France.
Similarly, I think Charlie and Harry are first and second when dropped scores
are considered, so there's every chance it could all be fantastic or go horribly
wrong. For now though, we've had a good haul of results really and with Andreas'
podium, we have to be satisfied with our achievements."
For more
information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Persistence Motorsport (22/07)
Persistence
Motorsport are a new Tonykart race team based in the North East of England.
Significant financial investment sees the team providing facilities as good as
any major team in the UK.
The team prides its self on a professional approach to
each and every race, operating the team from a renowned Linea Tende awning,
providing electric, air, kart washing facilities, OTK and Rotax spares,
full chassis alignment and trackside support. All of this along with valuable
driver tuition and the use of the high end data acquisition Pi data logger and
software will maximise the potential of any mini, junior or senior driver.
We pride ourselves on our approach to
each and every race, immaculate equipment, meticulous planning. Attention to
detail is essential for creating the platform for success. Nothing is left to
chance.
Persistence Motorsport will not only provide everything you expect from the best
teams at your fingertips but at a much lower cost and have the full technical
backing of ST Racing.
Team manager Darren recently worked as Mark Litchfield's
mechanic at round 3 of the Rotax Max Euro Challenge where they came away with
both Pre-Final & Final wins in the senior max category. Mark spoke out and said
"I cannot thank Darren enough, he is a top mechanic and I certainly couldn't
have won Euromax without him. I would recommend him to anyone at club or
international level and I know he will make a quality race team."
We will be looking for drivers in any
of the rotax categories to join our team for the 2014 campaign. We will be
competing at all NKF rounds, PFi club rounds, O Plate & Kartmasters.
Karting is not a
business to Persistence Motorsport - it is their passion. For more information
contact Team Manager Darren Brown on 07850 977818 or
daz1186@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
August Charity Bonanza (19/07)
The
club that has some of the biggest grids in the UK and who usually run an annual
charity event for Help For Heroes will this year run for the Hampshire and Isle
of Wight Air Ambulance at its August meeting.
Anyone who has been to the club for
the H4H events will understand the great fun over the weekend, auctions for the
charity, great racing and an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere.
Over two years the club exceeded
£22,500 for Help for Heroes, as the Air Ambulance has been so many kart meetings
throughout the years the club is proud to be supporting them, get your entry in
for a great weekend.
As if that is not enough for all 177/Masters it will be
the third running of the John Fleming memorial cup, John was tragically taken at
aged 21 three years ago and this event celebrates John's life and he love of
karting. If you want to race for one of the best trophies around and to honour
John put Barton Stacey on your calendar for August!
And watch out for a celebrity or two!
For more
information visit
www.fekc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Racking Up The Podiums (18/07)
Following
the success of the first few Super 1 rounds the Tooley Motorsport team have
carried on hauling in the results, collecting numerous wins and podiums every
time out. The team has also welcomed another youngster in mini max, Arron Bass.
He has only done a few races in Britain following his success in America, and
recently competed with Tooley motorsport at a PF club meeting, getting a top 15
out of a whopping grid of 40+!
The last round of S1 was at PF, where the team warmed up
for the event using the club meeting the week before. The team had 3 mini max
out and one junior, Paylor was representing the teams junior outfit and
Brown-nutley, Skelton and Roberts headed the mini max outing. Paylor showed his
progression by putting in very good lap times but was unlucky to be for the
radiator to break in the final! On the other hand the mini max trio put up a
stern effort nearly recording a 1-2-3 , with Roberts leading for the first half
to then be taken by his team mate skelton, finishing that way. Brown Nutley put
in a great performance being in 3rd on the second to last lap but being taken
out by another competitor, making it a 1-2 for Tooley Motorsport.
Super
one also brought mixed fortunes, the team for this outing were Mckenzie and
Aston in junior max, Zelos, Brown-Nutley, Roberts and Skelton in mini max.
Mckenzie put in a stunning drive from last in the main final to 10th, proving
him self to be a contender for a top seed. Aston bagged some good points getting
5th in the main final after battling throughout in the lead pack. Zelos proved
himself once again getting two 2nd places in the finals after leading numerous
times and being fastest by a few tenths, keeping him 2nd in the championship.
Roberts also was battling in the lead pack and was 4th on the last lap, but
after a mistake he ended up 9th costing him vital points leaving him in 5th in
the championship on drops, but 3rd without drops. Skelton bagged some vital
points having a 6th which is his 2nd top 6 finish in the last 2 rounds. Brown
Nutley had to drive his 'socks' off in both finals, the first final he drove
from the back to 6th but sadly got knocked off, putting him last for the main
final, but again he drove through to get a top 15 finish.
The team then ventured back to PF for
another club meeting, Bass' first meeting with the team, Roberts, and Brown
Nutley competing in both mini max and Junior max. Bass put in a great
drive from 25th to 12th position, being his best performance to this date in
Britain. Arron was pleased with the weekend and enjoyed working with the team,
team principal Andrew says ''Both me and Dave are looking forward to working
with Arron, and cannot wait to see the progress he makes in the next few
months''. Roberts once again kept the consistency and put in a solid performance
finishing 4th, after dropping from 3rd due to kart problems. Brown-Nutley rose
above the expectations in junior max and poled it for the final, battling
throughout for the lead but narrowly missing out and ending up 4th. In mini max
he also battled for the lead, and also getting the fastest lap, but ending up
2nd just missing out!
Next, was Rowrah. With a small outing of 2 mini max's the
team were looking for good results, with both Josh Skelton and Michael
Macpherson in mini max. The expectations were not let down, Josh won every
heat and was fastest in 2 of them , with Michael being fastest in the other.
Both of them looked dominant and it proved to be a close final, with Josh
leading all the way but Michael slotted through on the last corner winning the
race to josh by just 0.02 seconds! Another 1-2 for Tooley Motorsport in mini
max.
The team are next out at Larkhall this weekend getting
ready for S1 the week after, for any more details on Tooley Motorsport please
visit the website
www.TooleyMotorsport.com.
We are now open for enquires for next
year, don't miss your chance to be with the British championship winning squad!
To ring call Andrew on 07851228619.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net and
New Image Photography.
[ Top ]
KartCart Update (17/07)
KartCart
have now added a range of products - the EVO range.
We are developing specific products
designed to offer kart racers excellent quality and value for money across a
range of the most popular items such as axles, hubs, rims, track rods etc.
The first item available is the
KartCart Evo axles.
Currently available in 1020mm length which provides
excellent performance in any kart combined with a professional black finish, the
KartCart EVO Axle will help keep you at the front of the pack.
The ultimate in reliability and cost
EVO axles are available in three different grades soft, medium and hard the
providing the required grip in any condition.
These axles are only £37.50 ex
vat/delivery!
For more information or to order
visit
http://www.kartcart.co.uk/kartcart-evo-axles-456-p.asp.
Fully tested in race conditions by our
team drivers these axles have proven quick and reliable.
The KartCart website has recently undergone multiple
changes to allow you to navigate round the products easily with less hassle and
fuss. Our website now has a new modern design, updated pictures and information
regarding all of the Karting products we sell. See for yourself at
www.kartcart.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Kart Masters & TKM Festival (16/07)
NJL
Racing Kart Team Services offered at the TKM Festival and Kart Masters GP.
NJL Racing has over 18 years of
experience in Motorsport and with over three years' experience racing in the
BTCC we have the full infrastructure in place ready to compete at the highest
level. With our vast experience in the racing industry from Karting to the
British Touring Car Championship, NJL Racing Kart Team for 2013 are able to
provide exceptional service and packages in their purpose built awning for the
Kart Masters GP on the 1/2/3/4 August and the TKM Festival at Kimbolton on
the 9/10/11 August.
NJL
Racing Team Services offer:
Full team support.
Kart storage
and transportation facility.
Full preparation of Kart.
Driver
coaching/analysis.
Driver PR &
sponsorship services.
Awning
space, to include use of team's exclusive awning, team equipment, and use of
hospitality area.
Packages available: Just Awning Space or Full Team
Support.
For more information and your requirements contact Nick
Leason on +447774 891435 or email
nick@njlracing.com.
[ Top ]
20 & 21 July EPKC Meeting (16/07)
Rounds
7 & 8 of the Ellough Park Kart Club take place this Saturday and Sunday
(20th/21st July) and with grid sizes growing by the meeting now is a great time
to come and join in for a fun and friendly weekend of karting.
MSA licences are not required but
karts must comply with current MSA regulations, scruiteneering is conducted by
qualified personnel.
Each day comprises of 4 x 10 minute practice sessions for
each class followed by a 10 minute qualifying session, 2 x 10 minute + 1 lap
Heats and a 14 minute + 1 lap Final. Non-members race entry fee is £55 per day
including practice.
Classes catered for include Comer Cadet, IAME Cadet, Honda
Cadet, Minimax, Junior Rotax, Junior TKM, Senior Rotax and Biland. Other classes
can be included, please ask for details.
To be part of this ever growing club
please contact Ellough Park to book your place on 01502 717718 or by emailing
enquiries@elloughparkraceway.co.uk and quote 'UK
Karting'. Online booking and race entry forms are also available at
www.elloughparkraceway.co.uk
[ Top ]
Shenington
Extra Test Day
(16/07)
Shenington Kart Racing Club regrets that the special
test day on Wednesday 24th July for a TV documentary on motor racing and karting
has had to be postponed due to the late notice unavailability of the key talent
person.
Thank you to all who booked a place, our apologies to all involved. The
production company also sends its sincere apologies.
Please keep a look out on here for a
new date. Those that completed a form with their CV will not need to repeat the
process, it is all just on hold.
[ Top ]
Intrepid Returns To The UK (15/07)
DND
Motorsport are pleased to announce that we have been appointed the new UK
importer for Intrepid. At this point we must stress that Intrepid is a
completely separate kart and company to IPK and the OK1 and Praga karts.
After a few months out of the UK it is
with great pleasure that we can announce its return, and with recent good
results in Europe and around the world we look forward to its arrival back in
the UK. The chassis is called the Intrepid Raptor and is a 30mm frame and is
suitable for all Rotax, KGP, KF and TKM classes.
We
have test days available from the end of the month and we have put together some
great introductory offers and packages.
With Kartmasters just around the corner we also have a
range of packages available for the weekend contact us for more details.
For more
information about any of the above don't hesitate to contact us via email at
DNDMotorsport@gmail.com call us on 07535 645730
or visit our website
www.DNDMotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
Strong Home Form For RL (15/07)
RL
Racing Departments Hugo Bentley-Ellis capitalised on his team's home advantage
to put himself in the mix for overall title honours at PFi (29/30 June).
Hugo Bentley-Ellis and Sandy Mitchell
were in excellent form in the team's home race, posting the second and
third-fastest times in qualifying. Rookie Jordan Cane stunned the field when he
posted a time just four tenths off pole position, to go eighth overall. Jack
Martin ended up the 25th-quickest of the 41 runners.
Two runner-up finishes in the heats
put Hugo onto the front row of the grid for the pre-final. Taking a brace of
sixth-place finishes put Sandy on the fourth row of the grid, with Jordan
impressing again - in only his second Super One meeting in the Mini Max class -
and automatically making the cut for the two finals, in 23rd place.
Jack attempted to join his team-mates
via the repecharge but, despite a valiant effort, it was not to be on this
occasion.
Bentley-Ellis
grabbed the lead at the start of the first final, yet it was to be short-lived.
Something of a melee ensued and Hugo found himself shuffled back to 5th, where
he would complete the race. Similarly, Sandy could fare no better than 11th, in
a frustrating race, in which many drivers defended even minor placings. Jordan
again chalked up valuable top-flight experience to complete the top twenty.
'Bentley-Dog' had looked like a likely
contender for a deserved podium, having led the race on numerous occasions as
the leaders seemingly swapped places for fun. Hugo was a firm contender for the
win until the frantic, last moments of the second final he was pushed back to
4th in the bridge-section of the circuit. Jordan was the next-best RL runner
home, crossing the line in 21st place - another strong result for the
inexperienced Sussex driver. Sandy, who expected so much more from the weekend,
was one of several drivers side-lined by questionable driving standards before
the race had begun in earnest.
The multiple-championship winning RL Racing Department
team is now taking entries for its 2014 driver line-up.
For more
information, please call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
[ Top ]
Evening Open Practice Session (11/07)
Buckmore
Park Kart Circuit has added an additional evening open practice session between
6.45 pm and 9.45 pm on Tuesday 16th July.
10 min sessions will be available
throughout the evening for cadet, junior and senior. Please book and pay in
advance via the Buckmore Park Kart Shop on 01634 672256. The cost is £50 for
the whole evening.
The fourth round of the BPKC summer championships
incorporating a round of the Kent Kart Championships and a round of the National
Little Green Men championship takes place on Sunday 21st July with practice
available on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th July. All non gearbox AbKC classes
are welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino.
Overnight parking is available.
As all classes
are expected to be oversubscribed, please enter early for this meeting to avoid
disappointment. For further details contact Sheila at Buckmore Park Kart Club
on sheila@buckmore.co.uk or
01634 201562 ext 210.
[ Top ]
PF S1
Podiums For KR Sport
(10/07)
With
momentum strongly in their favour KR Sport once again left no stone unturned
ensuring they had the best possible driver, equipment and management package as
they arrived at PF International for round four of Rotax Super One championship.
First to throw down the gauntlet was
MiniMax driver Adam Smalley with pace to match his growing capability. Rising
star Smalley joined KR at the start of this season for his maiden season both in
Minimax and Rotax S1 and has already finished in the top five in three of the
six S1 finals. With real determination Smalley once again showed his talent
taking yet another Super 1 podium with a well-deserved third place in Final 2.
In the Junior Max category Team
drivers Tom Harvey, Will Shaw and new signing William Tregurtha all impressed,
Harvey having already won the main final at GYG in a display of total dominance
very capably added another two with a superb clean sweep of final victories.
The KR drivers continued to show
their strength in the Senior Max category with Oliver Hodgson topping the times
in group and overall for the second round running, team mates Harrison Wignall
and Darius Kabarley enjoyed the same performance with Wignall 5th and Karbaley
7th.
Hodgson went on to
claim pole and the final 1 victory and second in the main final, Wignall was
caught up in an accident ending his challenge and Karbaley drove a storming race
from the back after damage in final 1 up to 12th at the flag.
Team owner Ashley Orchard said "Round
three was fantastic for the team winning finals in both Junior and Senior and
2nd in Mini Max, we have gone away and worked hard again and placed our drivers
right at the sharp end with Victory and three more podiums in the three
categories showing the results of immense dedication from team and drivers."
KR would like to thank Strawberry
Racing for the OTK products and a special thanks to Tim at Cream Racing Engines.
KR Sport is known for their attention
to detail and prides itself on the quality of service it provides, if you are
looking for a team achieving success at the highest of level in Rotax give
Ashley a call in complete confidence on 07921 225680.
[ Top ]
Shenington Extra Test Day (09/07)
Shenington
Kart Racing Club has organised an extra test day on Wednesday 24th July which
will be used for an exciting TV documentary for a well known brand. The
documentary is about aspiring racing drivers and we need a good number of kart
drivers with their parents and mechanics present on the day to be part of the
filming. Some drivers may be interviewed for the documentary and many will
be featured driving on the track or in the pits. Those that attended the last
Shenington meeting had the opportunity to complete questionnaires to include the
CVs and aspirations.
The club is only going to charge £25
per kart for the day's testing, from 1000 to between 1600 and 1700 hrs but since
numbers are limited it is essential to pre-book. Also please note that there
will not be the usual catering so bring your own food and drink. However
there will, as always at Shenington, full ambulance and paramedic cover.
There may be short breaks during the test day for the television camera
requirements on track. Track details on
www.sheningtonkrc.co.uk.
If you would like to have a low cost
day's testing with the possibility of being included in the TV documentary for
this important brand name, please email your name, class, age and contact phone
number to the Shenington Secretary, Graham Smith, on
secretary@sheningtonkrc.co.uk or phone 01926
812177 and leave these details.
Please note all drivers will have to
sign a release form for the TV production company and the brand to use their
image.
[ Top ]
Cancer Research UK Challenge (09/07)
The
weather forecast for the weekend is fantastic - dry, sunny and hot. Don't
forget your sun cream.
We have a good entry (including Rotax classes), but if you
want to come and race continental style in glorious 'Costa' weather the club are
keeping entries open until FRIDAY MORNING the 12th July 2013. Trophies,
cash prize funds and special offers for Rotax classes. Barbecue Saturday
night, but unfortunately the Formula 1 simulator has let us down.
Two separate meetings - you can enter
either or both. Open practice for competitors on Friday. You can
enter on line or contact 01458 841100 before Thursday, or 01935 83713 Thursday
and Friday.
For more information on forthcoming
events visit
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
MSA/TKM Super One Series (08/07)
Passing the halfway mark for the series at an
immaculately presented Larkhall circuit in Scotland, the KZ1 gearbox class was
absent, having only three rounds this year. It will return at the
Shenington last round. Hot sunshine was the order for Sunday's racing, too hot
for some.
KF
Junior (MSA Junior British Kart Championship)
Daniel Ticktum dominated the Scottish round of the series,
topping timed qualifying and winning both heats and both finals. His RFM
team-mates Jehan Daravula and Enaam Ahmed were always the closest to him but
Jamie Caroline suffered a five place penalty whilst Philip Rawson went to the
back in the first heat. Josh Smith only managed one lap but made fourth in
the second heat whilst Caroline, Harrison Newey and Rawson all fell to the back.
Will Stowell took an exclusion for his driving. In a curiously static
first final Jehan Daruvala and Enaam Ahmed followed Ticktum all the way with
Ross Martin remaining fourth. Josh Smith capitalised on the fight between
Dean MacDonald and Harrison Newey to snatch fifth on the last corner.
Caroline and Daniel McAuley had an on track clash, neither finishing. Ahmed was
swift to depose Daruvala at the beginning of the second final, the Indian driver
not quite close enough to counter-attack but still some 8s clear of Martin and
MacDonald. Ticktum just held Ahmed at bay on the last lap.
Results Final 1: 1 Daniel Ticktum
Alonso, 2 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 3 Enaam Ahmed Alonso, 4 Ross Martin Wright, 5
Josh Smith ART, 6 Dean MacDonald ART
Results Final 2: 1 Ticktum, 2 Ahmed, 3 Daruvala, 4 Martin,
5 MacDonald, 6 Smith
Provisional
Championship Points: 1 Daniel Ticktum 454, 2 Jehan Daruvala 441, 3 Dean
MacDonald 403, 4 Ross Martin 399, 6 Philip Rawson 394
IAME
Cadet (MSA British Cadet Kart Championship)
Tom Wood had a clean sweep in Scotland whilst championship
leader Oliver York could only manage a tenth and seventh. Although Wood
was only tenth in the timed qualifying he won a heat to line up third on the
first final grid behind Kiern Jewiss and Alex Quinn. A good start put him
second, immediately leap-frogging Jewiss for a lead he would keep until the
chequer. Behind him Sean Butcher and Alex Quinn traded second until Herbie
Grout - storming up from grid 12 - split them at the flag. Grout then slipped
into second at the start of the second final but soon Wood had to work hard when
Butcher relieved him of the lead twice, the last time with eight laps to run.
Lewis Thompson had not even started as his kart let him down on the formation
lap and William Pettit stopped with five laps to run. Butcher had fallen to
ninth at the start so did well to come back to the front. Wood retrieved the
position with a couple of laps in hand, Quinn deposing Butcher at the end as
Grout ran wide at the last corner. Edgar fell back to tenth with a slipping
clutch.
Results Final 1: 1 Tom Wood Zip, 2 Sean Butcher Zip, 3 Herbie Grout Zip, 4
Alex Quinn Zip, 5 Jonny Edgar Zip, 6 Jack Armstrong Zip
Results Final 2: 1 Wood, 2 Quinn, 3 Butcher, 4 Grout, 5
Graham Matthew Zip, 6 Teddy Wilson Zip
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Oliver York 448, 2 Alex
Quinn 437, 3 Tom Wood 417, 4 Kiern Jewiss 378, 5 Teddy Wilson 378, 6 Alex McDade
375
Formula
KGP National Championship
Although Danny Keirle took top spot in the timed
qualifying despite suffering from food poisoning, from there on in Bobby Game
dominated, winning both heats and both finals. Roy Johnson and Toby Sowery
received setbacks in the second heat with technical non-compliance exclusions
for slipping clutches. Keirle was still handily placed on grid 3 for the
first final after being unceremoniously nudged out of the second heat lead by
Game. Denis Gorman fell to fourth at the start from the outside front row
of the first final but soon leapfrogged Robbie Dalgleish. Thereafter the
top three remained with Game unchallenged whilst Keirle had to hold off Gorman.
Stefan Di Resta's fourth place was soon taken away with a brilliant driver
through half the field from Dan Stocks, whilst Sowery stormed up to briefly take
fourth, having to settle for fifth. As Game had to work hard to maintain
his lights to flag victory, Mark Litchfield was slicing through from the back
after a final one non-finish due to an engine failure. Once in touch he
leapfrogged all but Game. Keirle snatched third over Sowery after a lunge
on Litchfield lost him momentum. Johnson, who also after a final one DNF,
took fifth when Davis lost the place with an exclusion for driving standards.
Results
Final 1: 1 Bobby Game Alonso, 2 Danny Keirle Jade, 3 Denis Gorman Maranello, 4
Dan Stocks Tonykart, 5 Tony Sowery Tonykart, 6 Stefan Di Resta Alonso
Results Final 2: 1 Game, 2 Mark Litchfield Kosmic, 3
Keirle, 4 Sowery, 5 Roy Johnson Tonykart, 6 Gorman
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Bobby Game 417, 2 Danny
Keirle 396, 3 Toby Sowery 381, 4 Stefan Di Resta 369, 5 Mark Litchfield 365, 6
Joe Porter 356
TKM
Extreme (ABkC National Championship)
From being fastest in timed qualifying, through winning
both the heats, Will Van Es capitalised on his first final pole for the win by
4s. Rory Pringle and Joe Forsdyke had been closest in the time trials,
each taking a heat second place. Pringle lost second to Forsdyke in the
first final, then Luke Graver stormed into second although Pringle retrieved
third from Forsdyke by the flag. A massive battle ensued for the second final
win with Van Es, Graver and Pringle all trading the lead in a six kart train.
After two brief spells in front Pringle succumbed to Graver, who held on until
the chequer, whilst Forsdyke snatched second at the end. Van Es continues to
hold the top of the points table from Charlie Bruce-White, the latter having a
very subdued round with an eighth and sixteenth.
Results Final 1: 1 Will van Es
Tonykart, 2 Luke Graver Tonykart, 3 Rory Pringle Tonykart, 4 Joe Forsdyke TKM, 5
Andrew Lawrence Tonykart, 6 Douglas Hayford Tonykart
Results Final 2: 1 Graver, 2 Forsdyke, 3 Pringle, 4 Van
Es, 5 Lawrence, 6 Hayford
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Will van Es 459, 2 Charlie Bruce-White 415, 3
Luke Graver 408, 4 Paul Monks 402, 5 Joe Forsdyke 399, 6 Andrew Lawrence 371
Junior
TKM (ABkC National Championship)
The record shows Matt Davies and Stephen Letts sharing the
victories, but Davies is still roaring away with the championship lead. He
topped timed qualifying over Letts and Tom Owen whilst Daniel Baybutt was taken
off and when weighed without some of his race kit was underweight, so having to
come from the back of the heat grids. Davies and Letts shared the honours in
these, but Baybutt had showed his pace for second in the first one. Letts
didn't finish that first heat, whilst Cameron Sharpe was excluded for driving
standards. With Letts and Baybutt starting the first final on grid 9 and
10, Davies had a fairly free run to the chequer as the fast pair stormed up
behind but 6s adrift. Baybutt grabbed the second final lead and held it for 18
of the 24 laps, succumbing to Letts with Davies and Alex McRoberts soon
following when Dino Lee and Baybutt clashed. Lee stopped soon after whilst
Baybutt had to be content with tenth. McRoberts closed the gap to Davies and
Letts right down, but the front pair were in no mood to leave any gaps in their
strong defence.
Results Final 1: 1 Matt Davies Tonykart, 2 Stephen Letts
Tonykart, 3 Daniel Baybutt Jade, 4 Dino Lee Tonykart, 5 Alex McRoberts Jade, 6
Arran Mills Tonykart
Results
Final 2: 1 Letts, 2 Davies, 3 McRoberts, 4 Kyle Hornby DSG, 5 Ryan Edwards
Tonykart, 6 Lewis Taylor Jade
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Matt Davies 472, 2 Stephen Letts 420, 3
Daniel Baybutt 410, 4 Alex Forward 399, 5 Tom Owen 377, 6 Alex McRoberts 349
For more
information on the championship visit
http://superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Lydd Summer Championship (05/07)
Lydd
Kart Circuit is looking forward to another bumper meeting, as round 4 of their
Summer Championships takes place on Sunday 14th July.
Following last month's
record-breaking racing, where 4 new lap records were set, and with the series
moving into its second half, the action is hotting up at Kent's fastest kart
circuit as the drivers go in search of vital Championship points.
We welcome all classes and hope to
see more new faces as well as all our regulars - come along and enjoy the
friendly family atmosphere which continues to prevail around the paddock, as we
seek to put the fun and enjoyment into Club Racing.
You can keep up to date with what is
happening at Lydd by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com and look out for a fresh
new look to the site in the next couple of weeks.
Entries can be made online via the
website by clicking on the link on the Online Entries tab, or at the Circuit on
the Saturday or Sunday of the meeting - we will accept your entry even on the
day up to 9.30am and we don't charge for late entries!
[ Top ]
Kart Parts UK (05/07)
Kartpartsuk
are now a main UK agent for the R3 laser products. On our website -
www.kartpartsuk.com
- there is the full range of all the R3 products from the full alignment system
through to a steering wheel lock. As a main agent we can also offer these to the
trade so any enquires are more than welcome.
Kartpartsuk.com would also like to remind everyone that we
offer free delivery on all orders to UK Mainland addresses within Zone 2, so on
any of the products there is no charge! Kartpartsuk have one of the widest stock
choices available in the UK and free next working day delivery, what are you
waiting for. We stock everything from complete karts to Arai helmets and are
constantly adding new products.
Kartpartsuk also stock Gillard, Tonykart and OK1 range of
karts. On top of our fantastic prices which we won't be beaten on by any other
kart shop, we also offer further great prices in the quantity discounts section.
If you would
like information on any of the products, or any of the 1,000's of spares we have
in stock, please contact us on 01775 712633, email
info@kartpartsuk.com
or visit
www.kartpartsuk.com which shows the entire
product range.
[ Top ]
MSA/TKM Kart Championship (03/07)
The
Super One circus travels north to Scotland for the third round of the MSA/TKM
series, which incorporates the MSA British Junior and Cadet Championships. The
senior MSA British Championship KZ1 class is having a rest until the last round
at Shenington.
Daniel
Ticktum is now leading the Junior KF class with the Sahara Force India backed
Jehan Daruvala only 4 points in arrears with Philip Rawson waiting for any
mistakes. Oliver York continues to be the standard in IAME Cadet, now 33
points to the good over Alex Quinn with Lewis Thompson lagging in third whilst
Jonny Edgar has dropped away from the leading drivers. Wins in Formula KGP
for Danny Keirle and Toby Sowery has advanced Sowery past Bobby Game in the
championship standings, with Luca Hirst and Jack Partridge closing. The earlier
main protagonists Bobby Game and Stefan Di Resta had less then best races in
Wales. Will van Es has now accrued more points than Charlie Bruce-White in
senior TKM Extreme, and Paul Monks has passed Luke Graver for third. Matt
Davies only missed out on one win at the Glan y Gors track so leads Daniel
Baybutt by a huge 29 points in Junior TKM. Alex Forward is only one further
point in arrears.
The Larkhall circuit is very accessible being just off the
M74 main route into Scotland. So with the weather set to be fine some very
exciting racing is in prospect. The postcode is M9 2UL.
As always live
timing and results is available from the link on the
Super One website with instant results
on the
TAG-Heuer site.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
See The World's Top Drivers (02/07)
Want
to come and watch the top kart drivers from all over the world compete at PFi
this Summer? TVKC members qualify for free tickets!
This Summer will witness two of the
biggest International kart race meetings to be held on UK soil in a very long
time...
RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge - 17th to 21st July.
CIK-FIA World KF Championships - 28th August to 1st
September.
Attracting the top drivers from all over the World, there's bound to be plenty
of action to watch at both of these high octane karting events at PFi.
Trent
Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that all current TVKC members qualify
for a free ticket to come and watch these events! Members will be able to claim
one free admission ticket per event when they are accompanied by a full paying
adult ticket that is purchased in advance.
To claim your free ticket, simply fill
in the relevant form(s), tell us which day you'd like to come, how many tickets
you need and where to post them to - simple!
Please note: Free tickets must
be applied for in advance (they won't be available on the gate) and the deadline
for applications is 7th July (Euromax) and 12th August (World Champs).
Download your
application forms on our dedicated websites at
www.tvkc.co.uk/euromax and
www.tvkc.co.uk/cik
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (02/07)
Thrilling
races excited the crowd at Britain's premier circuit, at 1.382km it is the
longest the series will visit. However driving standards were poor, especially
in MiniMax, and many penalties were issued, some appealed with a little success.
Clerk of the Course Alan Bryant warned the drivers, saying: "The driving
standards are unacceptable, penalty points need to come back in my view." The
entry list was swelled to over 190 by several foreign guests, taking the chance
to prepare for the upcoming EuroMax round at the circuit. And for once the
British weather was kind, with two gloriously warm sunny days.
Honda
Cadet
Although Rory Hudson
topped the first timed session, he only came out ninth overall for the heat grid
classification as Myles Apps and Kiern Jewiss were much faster. Hudson's day got
worse with a 5 place heat penalty, as did Thomas Pegram, whilst Morgan Porter
was excluded along with Apps. But Apps had his penalty downgraded to 5
places on appeal, so lined up third on the first final grid behind Jewiss and
Hayden. All three had enjoyed a heat win. The first final was a classic thriller
as Jewiss, Hayden, Harry Thompson, Hudson and Apps all had turns to lead. Jewiss
outbraked himself at the second hairpin letting Hayden into second, and a pass
on Apps sealed the win for Hayden with Hudson, Jewiss and Apps behind whilst
Thompson had clattered back to twelfth. Mark Kimber and Morgan Porter vied for
the second final lead, at one time being in an eighteen long kart train headed
by Jewiss. He defended vigorously but Hudson found a gap at the second hairpin
and set about defending his lead. Matthew Hopcraft helped his Next Gen
Motorsport team-mate to push both past Hudson for a one-two, Apps fourth.
Comer Cadet
Tom
Wood led over both finish lines but an exclusion left him with only one win.
He had nabbed pole for the heats with fastest in timed qualifying over Zachary
Robertson and Alex Quinn then won both heats over that same team-mate Quinn.
Alex McDade and Sean Butcher shared the second row of the first final grid
whilst Jonny Edgar was languishing in sixteenth. Owen Byatt was last on the grid
after a heat exclusion. Wood and Quinn enjoyed a mighty advantage on the first
lap, and by the finish were over 3s to the rest. Although Quinn tried hard
looking for a pass on the last lap it was too risky. Oliver York and McDade were
often at the head of the second group, each shuffled back into the pack but then
re-grouping. In the end it was McDade who beat York over the line. Edgar
fought his way through to sixth. In the second final Quinn emerged from the
lead, with Edgar leapfrogging Wood then assuming the lead over the bridge.
Defending and heading a long train, Edgar found himself pushed off with Wood
receiving the blame as he and Quinn traded the lead. McDade had battled back
after a poor start, and relieved Wood of the lead at the second hairpin, only to
have Wood just edge him on the finish line. Once Wood was excluded for his
misdemeanour it left McDade with the win over William Pettit, York, Robertson
and Quinn.
MiniMax
With its 41 starters for once MiniMax was not the biggest
class, Junior and senior were both larger, but it still needed a repechage.
Connor Hall came out on top of Hugo Bentley Ellis in the timed qualifying, Hall
going onto win both his heats, Harrison Thomas the other. Rory Smith and Max
Bird both had heat exclusions for driving standards and whilst the poleman in
the repechage, Jack Harwood, broke down, Bird won from Stefano Charambolous,
Lewis Brown and Darren Keane, Smith was going no further with sixth.
Bentley-Ellis snatched a short lived lead at the start of the first final, Hall
soon ahead until Dan Zelos came hunting. Hall skittered over the grass and lost
three places only to reel in Tom Gamble and Zelos once more. A couple of good
passes put him in the driving seat for the chequer, Zelos and Gamble behind. All
the action further back resulted in exclusions for Jake Anderson, Alex Sedgwick
and Sam McKenzie, whilst Thomas and Josh Smith were both sidelined at the back.
Battle re-commenced at the front of the second final between Zelos and Hall,
until the O Plated Zelos was shuffled back to fifth. A good recovery
brought him within touching distance of Hall at the flag, whilst Bentley-Ellis
was elbowed back over the bridge, with Gamble caught out by Zelos at the end.
This let Adam Smalley onto the final podium position.
Junior
Max
Whilst Josh Price and Alana
Taylor beat Tom Harvey to the TQ pole, winning his two heats snared the
more important first final pole position for Price. Harvey and Brett Ward
won the other heats whilst Taylor fell to grid 22. International KF Junior ace
Lando Norris was well in touch on grid 5. Price roared away at the start of the
first final, Ben Hingeley briefly taking Norris for second before falling to a
distant fifth. Harvey took charge of the dash to reel in Price and the pass put
Price back to fourth. Guan Yu Zhou inherited second but left the door wide
open for a recovering Price to snatch second, Harvey in charge. For the second
final Price, Harvey and Brett Ward forged ahead of Zhou then Harvey was shuffled
back to sixth, to start yet another comeback drive. Price fell back, Ward and
Zhou traded the lead until Harvey sped into the lead coming over the bridge and
defended to the flag. Price retrieved the final podium spot from Ward, Nathan
Aston coming fifth but championship leader Ben Hingeley was a lowly 14th.
Senior
Max
Oliver Hodgson was easily
fastest in the combined timed qualifying, over Harry Webb and Sean Babington
whilst the joint championship leader Charlie Eastwood languished in thirteenth.
He would only make tenth on the first final grid, where chain off added to his
woes. There were no such problems for Hodgson with two heat wins to
Babington and Connor Jupp's one each set them all up for the front rows of the
grid, James Singleton in fourth. Hodgson enjoyed a magnificent lights to flag
victory, whilst Babington quickly took Jupp but found Hodgson too far distant.
Jupp had fallen back to fourth, defending against Singleton, but regrouped to
take Thomas Arme for third. In the second final Babington and Jupp ganged up on
Hodgson, the latter retrieving second and now only a point down on Babington in
the points. Eastwood was quickly up to mid field but his progress stalled for
eleventh. Harry Webb made a late charge to secure fifth behind Kyle Fowlie.
Further information on
http://superoneseries.com.
Results
Honda
Cadet
Final 1: 1 Matthew Hayden
(BRK) 15 laps in 17m08.69s; 2 Rory Hudson (Project One) +00.06s; 3 Kiern Jewiss
(Project One); 4 Myles Apps (BRK); 5 Morgan Porter (BRK); 6 Chris Lulham (BRK).
Final 2: 1 Jewiss 14 laps in
16m15.56s; 2 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip) +00.04s; 3 Hudson; 4 Apps; 5 Charlie Lamb
(BRK); 6 Connor Grady (Project One).
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Tom Wood (Zip) 15 laps in 16m57.12s; 2 Alex
Quinn (Zip) +00.05s; 3 Alex McDade (Zip); 4 Oliver York (Zip); 5 William Pettitt
(Zip); 6 Jonny Edgar (Zip).
Final 2: 1 McDade 15 laps in 17m05.86s; 2 Pettitt +00.13s;
3 York; 4 Zachary Robertson (Zip); 5 Quinn; 6 Olli Caldwell (Zip).
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart) 16
laps in 16m35.55s; 2 Dan Zelos (Tonykart) +00.20s; 3 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 4
Cameron Roberts (Tonykart); 5 Hugo Bentley Ellis (Tonykart); 6 Samuel Pooley
(Tonykart).
Final 2: 1
Hall 16 laps in 16m35.46s; 2 Zelos +00.27s; 3 Adam Smalley (Tonykart); 4 Bentley
Ellis; 5 Samuel Gerrard (Tonykart); 6 Josh Skelton (Tonykart).
Junior Max
Final 1: 1 Tom Harvey (Tonykart) 16
laps in 16m06.77s; 2 Josh Price (Tonykart) +00.07s; 3 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart); 4
Brett Ward (Kosmic); 5 Ben Hingeley (Tonykart); 6 Luke Knott (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Harvey 16 laps in 16m06.91s; 2 Zhou +00.56s; 3
Price; 4 Ward; 5 Nathan Aston (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker (Kosmic).
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart)
17 laps in 16m32.01s; 2 Sean Babington (Alonso) +03.02s; 3 Connor Jupp (Alonso);
4 Thomas Arme (Kosmic); 5 James Singleton (OTK); 6 John Stewart (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Babington 17 laps in
16m34.78s; 2 Hodgson +01.23s; 3 Jupp; 4 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart); 5 Harry Webb
(Tonykart); 6 Arme.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Eye
Catching Motorsport Artwork
(01/07)
From
bespoke commissions to a wide selection of Motorsport based prints, why not let
KartArt brighten up office & workshop walls with vibrant artwork?
This digital artwork can be used as
attention grabbing imagery for sponsorship proposals, or a framed print would be
a great way to show gratitude to an existing sponsor or family member for their
vital support. Why not treat yourself to a personal piece of art to celebrate a
successful year or just remember your racing career in years to come?
All work is painted from scratch on
Photoshop. Once completed, this work can be printed numerous times across a wide
selection of mediums to suit your needs. Commission start from as little as £50.
We also have a selection of F1 &
MotoGP prints for sale at extremely reasonable prices, all of which are limited
to an exclusive run of prints.
Prices
start at £25 for the print alone and £50 for your chosen print mounted and
framed in a 16x12inch frame as seen in the examples. Prices include P&P within
the UK.
Existing prints can be ordered online at http://aartvark.co.uk/portfolio.aspx?user=jonnyculkin.
For commission
work, contact Jonny Culkin at jonnyculkin@gmail.com for
further details.
[ Top ]
Clean
Sweep For Connor
(01/07)
Connor
Hall and Strawberry racing took another clean sweep at round 4 of the Super 1
series.
After a bit of a scrappy qualifying with all drivers blocking and slowing down,
Connor eventually managed to put his Strawberry Racing Tonykart on pole position
for the heats. Starting at the front certainly helped as both heats saw
incidents at the start which allowed Connor to break free and win both fairly
easilly.
It was to be different for the 2 finals as a number
of front-running drivers had bad luck in qualifying but managed to secure a
decent spot for the start of the pre-final. Again, Connor was in the best
position but after making it around the first lap had a real battle on his hands
as he did not manage to break free, with a number of drivers behind well-placed
to make a move for the lead. Mid-way through the pre-final Connor found himself
back in 7th spot, but composed himself well and slowly picked them off one at
time. Going into the penultimate lap Connor was in 2nd and with a fantastic
switch back move, dived into the lead and a defensive last lap secured a well
deserved win.
It
was much of the same in the main final with Connor managing to maintain the lead
throughout, despite having a few challenges and almost getting hit off the
track. Once again a great defensive drive on the last lap secured Connor the
win, and extends his lead in the championship with 2 rounds to go.
Connor would like to that Warwick
Ringham, Paul Spencer, Tim Ezard for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing
engine to enable this great result. Plus a
massive thank you to Harry Cockill for great work on the spanners!
Connor now has a
few days testing at Larkhall and PFI before round 3 of the Euromax series which
he is also leading. You can keep upto date with his progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk
and
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Clay Pigeon Kart Club (28/06)
Over
the next two months we have some interesting and challenging events for you to
enjoy at Clay Pigeon...
13th / 14th July - The Cancer Research Challenge
This event will offer you two separate days of
racing with Continental Format Racing on the Saturday, with the entry fee as our
normal club race meeting. There will be trophies for this meeting and, if
required, upgrade signatures for novice drivers and others.
On the Sunday we will run our Club
Championship meeting with normal entry fee, points and trophies and again giving
you the opportunity of a second upgrade signature.
The Cancer Research Challenge Trophies and cash prizes
will be awarded to the competitors finishing highest in the combined results
over both days. On the Saturday night there will be a barbecue and, hopefully, a
F1 simulator for you to enjoy.
For all Rotax classes
If you compete
in both days of racing you will be entitled to a half price entry for our August
meeting!
11th August - IAME Summer Challenge
As part of the August Club Championship meeting we are
offering IAME Cadet Competitors the opportunity of racing for £500 worth of cash
prizes.
This meeting is two weeks before the MSA Super 1 Championship round here at Clay
and gives all IAME drivers the opportunity of using it as a Shakedown Event.
Of course, all other Super 1 MSA Championship classes can do the same.
24th / 25th August - MSA
Super One Championship
In conjunction with Super 1, we are organising a Honda Cadet Challenge.
This will enable all Honda Cadet Competitors to taste the atmosphere of the
National and British Championship Meetings. The format of racing will be the
same as the Championship Classes - timed qualifying, 2 heats and 2 finals.
The entry fee for the two days will be £100 and practice on Friday will be £45.
This Challenge will be televised and will be run under a Clubman Permit and is,
therefore, open to ALL our Club drivers.
For more
information on forthcoming events visit
www.claypigeonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Get Ready For Midland Champs (28/06)
This
year prestigious Midland Championship at Rissington in September is going to be
a great weekend of racing. Held over 3 days with practice on Friday 30th August
and then 2 full days of racing it will be a bumper weekend. We know that the
numbers will be up and along with over a 100 TKM drivers racing the 3rd round of
the TKM Interclub series, it's going to be busy weekend but the committee and
the circuit will be ready for all the drivers and visitors. Gates will open
midday on the Thursday 29th August keep watching the Rissington web site
for more details as the event nears at
www.rissykartclub.com.
If you're not
able to come and practice on the Friday why not come along to the July meeting
(6th & 7th) or August (3rd & 4th). Practice on Saturday usually has at
least 7 sessions some great racing on the Sunday on one of the best tracks in
the country. To enter could not be simpler you can go online and enter and pay
for both practice and race (you could even win a set of tyres). With a large
open paddock area, free overnight parking, great track and always a warm welcome
- come to Rissington.
If you're race regular, new to karting or just haven't
been for a while come and see just why Rissington is the place to race.
[ Top ]
FIA Latest Karting Decisions (28/06)
At
its meeting on 28th June 2013 at Goodwood, UK, the World Motor Sport Council of
the FIA made the following decisions on the basis of the proposals of the
International Karting Commission:
Amendments to the Sporting Regulations
Academy Trophy, Articles 20, 21 and 23:
- Removal of the Final "B" and extension of the scoring
scale for the 34 drivers who are now allowed to participate in each race the
finals.
- Tyres: The
Manufacturer chosen after the tender will provide the slick tyres with barcode
and wets to each specification in exchange for a voucher presented by the
competitor. The tyres will be drawn and labeled with the competitor number.
Unmarked and non-unpacked rain tyres will be taken at the end of meeting.
- The measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
from the surface of the tyres with a device MiniRAE Lite, from qualifying to the
finals, should not exceed 15 ppm.
Immediate application.
Specific requirements:
Article 20 on "Ties between Drivers' has been modified to
be consistent with the different Championship formats. The greatest number of
first places in Race 1, Race 2, or Finals, according to the corresponding
format, will decide any tie. If necessary, the second largest number of places,
the third, etc ... will make the difference. If there is still a tie, the
highest number of first places (or second, or third, ...) in the pre-finals will
be used. If the tie remains perfect, the highest place in the last final of the
last event will be decisive.
Immediate application.
Amendments to Homologation Regulations
Racing overalls for drivers, section 8.11:
The approval of overalls for kart drivers is the subject
of a new procedure corresponding to the introduction of the new N2013 standard
and leading to a new label. Overalls can be used for up to five years from their
date of manufacture.
The
materials used for making overalls (leather or textile) must comply with ISO and
EN standards currently in force concerning their resistance to various stresses
(tear strength, abrasion, heat, cleaning, dyeing, safety components, comfort ...
) and ensure quality and protection higher than in the past, with a
classification by activity, level 1 for leisure and level 2 for competition.
Date of mandatory implementation of
the new standard: 01/01/2014. Production of overalls according to the old
standard will not be allowed from 01/02/2014.
Amendments to the Technical
Regulations
General
requirements for Karts in Group 1 and Group 2, sections 4.2.3 and 5.2.1
respectively for KZ1 and KZ2 engines: adding inserts in the pipes is now an
unauthorized change. Article 12 covers KZ1 and KZ2, the crankcase must consist
of two parts. Only inserts for crankshaft bearings and fastening elements
(thread, the centering pin) are allowed.
Date of application: 01/01/2014.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (27/06)
With
no less than 193 competitors enrolled for the fourth round, it is a busy month
for the Rotax-Honda-Comer competitors. This round is at Britain's best equipped
circuit, the PF International in Lincolnshire between Grantham and Newark (visit
http://tvkc.co.uk/beta/ for all the local
details) and is bound to be a real corker. It is also one of the longest
UK circuits at 1.382km.
The event is for the ABkC National Championships for Rotax
and Honda Cadet along with the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship where Alex
Quinn's lead is being cut into by Tom Wood and Oliver York. In the other
class for the youngest drivers from age 9 to 12, Honda Cadet, Kiern Jewiss' lead
over Rory Hudson had been cut to 18 points so all is still to play for. In
MiniMax for the slightly older youngsters Connor Hall is still well clear of Dan
Zelos, with Cameron Roberts a further 41 points adrift. The Chinese driver has
lost a lot of ground in Junior Max and hands over the series lead to his biggest
rival Ben Hingeley. Josh Price is just a few points further back. Likewise
Charlie Eastwood is now tying on points at the top of the Senior Max table with
the 2012 champion Sean Babington, and Oliver Hodgson only a further 2 points
adrift making it the most closely contested class. There will be fierce
competition, not to be missed!
After this round, the drivers have a month's respite until
the Scottish round. There is an optional day's practice on Friday, more practice
on Saturday morning which is followed by timed qualifying sessions then heats.
The remainder of the heats and the last chance races are taken on Sunday morning
before the all important two finals each class on Sunday afternoon. All
the races count for points, so one slip up or exclusion can hit very hard. The
timetables and entry lists are available on the Super One website under
'Entries' / 'Rotax/Honda Race Entries'.
Full details on
http://superoneseries.com with live timing from
TAG-Heuer on this link from Saturday morning:
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.
Photographs courtesy of
Hayden Media.
[ Top ]
Grice Racing News (26/06)
As
weather is now warm and your engine is working overtime, have you wondered why
you are just not as fast as you would like to be?
At Grice, we can offer our Rotronics dyno facility to
analyse the power from your motor. We can also offer the full facility of our
Sports Devices rolling road to help you identify how good your ancillaries are
as these can easily hold back the performance of your engine.
Half day costs are £250, full day
£450.
We
are still running our special offer rebuilds for those on a budget. All motors
are catered for and full details and costs are available from our website.
For the new Iame drivers, we are able
to offer a free test drive on one of our fully prepared race engines.
Lastly, our congratulations to the
ART Asia team for their third successive win in the Malaysian champs for Senior
Max. During the first 2 races in Malaysia, ART struggled, but after our
preparation of their motors and carbs, their dominance has been noticed with new
drivers coming on board at each new race.
If you want to discuss your
individual requirements, please call us on 01268 727847 (workshop) or 07768
047253 (mobile). You can also email
Ricky.grice@virgin.net or visit our website at
Griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
Maxxis TKM Festival (26/06)
Entry
forms and regulations are now available for the Maxxis Formula TKM Festival, the
top rated event in the karting calendar which takes place at Kimbolton on August
9-11.
The
event will follow its usual path with timed qualifying, three heats, pre-final
and final - so loads of racing for everyone and an equal chance for every driver
from novice to superstar to stand on the top step.
A bumper entry is expected this year with a full range of
2-stroke and 4-stroke classes. The Clubman class will run separately as will the
Masters class for drivers 35 and over or weighing 80kg plus.
Mandatory Maxxis control tyres at a
special discounted rate will be used for all classes, except Clubman, which will
have the choice of the new control tyres or their existing old ones.
Adding to the event this year will be
demonstrations of historic karts and engines which have been supplied or made by
Tal-Ko over its 50 plus years involvement in UK kart racing.
Rounding
it off will be a Saturday night BBQ, disco etc at the circuit as well as full
coverage on Motors TV. There are gifts for every driver and entry into a draw
for £1000 worth of TKM vouchers.
Full details, entry forms and
regulations are now available on-line at
www.tal-ko.com or
www.hkrc.co.uk.
Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "We are
expecting a big entry and I'd underline to drivers the importance of entering
before the closing date of July 27. We look forward to another great event."
[ Top ]
Clay Pigeon Kart Club (25/06)
Following
the excellent weekend last year, Clay Pigeon Kart Club is holding a double
header again over the weekend of 13th & 14th July in aid of Cancer Research,
it's the biggest club event of the year at the Clay Pigeon Raceway.
Separate
meetings on Saturday and Sunday will require separate entry forms, so enter now
online at
www.claypigeonkartclub.com
or call the Competition Secretary on 01458 841100 to make sure of your place on
the starting grid at this popular weekend.
All Rotax drivers entering both days will be eligible for
half price entry to the August club meeting, and all Novice drivers seeking
licence upgrades will get 2 signatures if entering both Saturday and Sunday race
days.
With two different race formats and a cash prize fund it
will be a fantastic weekend! Don't miss it,
enter now!
[ Top ]
Bambino Festival (25/06)
Llandow
Kart Club are holding a Bambino Festival on September 29th at the South Wales
Karting Centre.
The event will run alongside the NKRA Grande Finals, which
Llandow KC are proud to be hosting in 2013. This prestigious event, the first if
its kind, is open to Honda and Comer Bambinos with great prizes for both
classes.
The
entry fee for this event will be only £35 per kart for whole days event - great
value at a great venue. We also have Bambinos karts for hire and drivers will
need an MSA licence to take part.
To ensure that you won't be
disappointed get your entry in now, email Colin at
llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk for further details
or call 07817 449617.
[ Top ]
Super One MSA/TKM Series (25/06)
Glan
y Gors, set in the hills of north Wales, proved to be a tough test for man and
machine at the second round of the British and ABkC Championships. A Saturday
punctuated with showers had the mechanics busy choosing the right tyres, then on
Sunday it never really dried at all, wets were the order all day. And sometimes
these wheels refused to stay fixed to the karts, several flying off.
MSA British Kart Championship: KZ1
Shaun Slavin had narrowly beat James Glenister to the heat
poles, but it was the latter who took the first heat from a rejuvenated Sam
Webster, complete with new engine. Joe Charlton won the other heat. The
wet conditions on Sunday suited Lucas Orrock perfectly as he hammered up from
grid 6 and relieved Daniel Borton of the lead. The reigning Max 177 champion
proceeded to pull out 8s at one point before easing down to the chequer.
Borton and Shaun Slavin argued over second, whilst polesitter James Glenister
was flagged in with a broken rear bumper. Orrock had command once more in
the second final, as national champion Matt Dittman cruised into second but was
later relegated by Borton. Newly crowned ABkC O Plate champion Henry Easthope,
fourth in the first final, was given the mechanical flag for a bumper that came
loose almost from the formation lap, whilst Glenister's luck failed to return
with a DNF. F3 ace Hywell Lloyd had his first kart race in a while and came
fifth.
Results Final 1 - 1 Lucas Orrock Tonykart/Vortex, 2 Daniel Borton BRM/TM, 3
Shaun Slavin CRG/Pavesi, 4 Henry Easthope Sodi/TM, 5 Joe Charlton CRG/TM, 6
Jamie Rush Formula K/Modena
Results Final 2 - 1 Orrock, 2 Borton, 3 Matt Dittman Tonykart/Vortex, 4 Ash
Davies Energy/TM, 5 Hywell Lloyd Energy/TM, 6 Slavin
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Daniel Borton 304, 2
Lucas Orrock 289, 3 Henry Easthope 278, 4 Joe Charlton 275, 5 Matt Dittmann 271,
6 Shaun Slavin 257
MSA British Junior Kart Championship: KF Junior
Daniel
Ticktum took to the twisty track with the one long uphill straight immediately,
topping timed qualifying over Enaam Ahmed and Dean MacDonald and did his
championship hopes a whole lot of good with two wins. But he had to fight
back after non-finishing the first heat, Jamie Caroline winning and snaring pole
for the first final. Ross Martin's big lead in the second heat was stymied with
retirement due to a wheel falling off his kart, Ticktum the winner. Soon after
the start of the first final Dean MacDonald relieved Philip Rawson of the lead
whilst poleman Jamie Caroline was out of position at the back due to working on
his kart on the grid. He made fourth at the flag. After losing the lead, an
incident dropped MacDonald out of contention, whilst a good start from eighth on
the grid propelled Ticktum to the front for the win. Jehan Daruvala, only
twelfth on the grid after mixed heat results and some wrong tyre choices, had a
fine recovery to third. Ticktum was in command for the whole of the second
final, whilst Daruvala picked off Caroline and Rawson for second, both the
latter falling back. McDonald made a great recovery drive for fourth
behind Scottish compatriot Ross Martin, whilst Rawson suffered with not having
new tyres, falling to tenth.
Results Final 1 - 1 Daniel Ticktum Alonso, 2 Philip Rawson
Tonykart, 3 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 4 Jamie Caroline ART/TM, 5 Daniel McAuley
Alonso, 6 Ross Martin Wright/TM
Results Final 2 - 1 Ticktum, 2 Daruvala, 3 Martin, 4 Dean MacDonald ART/TM, 5
Enaam Ahmed Alonso/Vortex, 6 McAuley
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Daniel Ticktum 294, 2
Jehan Daruvala 290, 3 Philip Rawson 280, 4 Dean MacDonald 267, 5 Ross Martin
259, 6 Harrison Newey 252
MSA British Cadet Kart Championship: IAME Cadet
Oliver York continued his winning ways in the second round
whilst Jonny Edgar sadly languished in the finals. Zachary Robertson and
Tom Wood topped the two timed sessions, Robertson faster but suffering badly in
the first heat, won by Wood. Lewis Thompson took the second and York the
third but Albert Carter had an exclusion for driving standards, and Owen Byatt
and Tyler Chesterton non-compliances. Many of the engines were stripped
for checks on Saturday evening. Gordon Mutch, Jack Armstrong and Lewis
Thompson were all excluded for various driving issues from the third heat,
relegating some to the repechage. That was won by Joe Turney, from Byatt,
Chesterton and Wesley Brown. York took the first final lead from poleman
Tom Wood at the start. Despite the close attention of Wood and Alex Quinn,
York held on until the chequer. With a fantastic recovery drive, Byatt headed
the second train of karts over Lewis Thompson and William Pettitt. After
briefly falling to third in the second final, York leapfrogged Quinn and Byatt
and threw off a mid race challenge by Quinn. Once back in front he
maintained a tiny gap over Quinn to the flag. Byatt lost touch with this
duo, needing to be aware of Thompson and Teddy Wilson's approach.
Results Final 1 - 1 Oliver York Zip,
2 Tom Wood Zip, 3 Alex Quinn Zip, 4 Owen Byatt Zip, 5 Lewis Thompson Zip, 6
William Pettitt Zip
Results
Final 2 - 1 York, 2 Quinn, 3 Byatt, 4 Thompson, 5 Teddy Wilson Zip, 6 Kiern
Jewiss Zip
Provisional
Championship Points - 1 Oliver York 319, 2 Alex Quinn 286, 3 Lewis Thompson 263,
4 Tom Wood 259, 5 Alex McDade 258, 6 Teddy Wilson 249
Formula KGP National Championship
Toby Sowery and Danny Keirle showed their potential by
leading the timed qualifying session, but Sowery's engine blew up in the first
heat, Jack Partridge winning over Roy Johnson. Fraser Wallace was found to be
underweight. Keirle took the second heat from Joe Porter and Sowery but
the former British Champions Mark Litchfield and Bobby Game appeared to be
struggling somewhat, the latter also losing a wheel in the first final. So all
that had earned Johnson the first final pole, and he led until succumbing to
James Gornall. Once Keirle got into his stride, he proved faster, taking the
lead whilst team-mate Jack Partridge gave Gornall a slight nudge for second.
That later earned him a five place penalty, so Gornall inherited second over
Sowery, Johnson and Litchfield. Phil Smith and Cameron Leason also had
five place penalties, and Jamie Flynn was excluded. Sowery took command of the
second final once he had leapfrogged Keirle and Gornall, for a 3s win, the track
now starting to dry out. Keirle looked safe in second until the last lap
when his engine cut out with an electrical problem, the second time it has
occurred. That elevated Partridge - who had stormed back through despite his
penalty, Litchfield and Gornall but Game's progress stalled at tenth.
Results
Final 1 - 1 Danny Keirle (Jade), 2 James Gornall (Intrepid), 3 Toby Sowery
(Tonykart), 4 Roy Johnson (Tonykart), 5 Mark Litchfield (CRG), 6 Stefan Di Resta
(Alonso)
Results Final 2 - 1
Sowery, 2 Jack Partridge (Jade), 3 Litchfield, 4 Gornall, 5 Luca Hirst (Birel),
6 Jonathan Davis (Praga)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Toby Sowery 267, 2 Bobby Game 257, 3 Luca
Hirst 255, 4 Jack Partridge 263, 5 Danny Keirle 250, 6 Roy Johnson 246
ABkC National Championship for TKM
Extreme
James Ogden made the
best of the conditions for the timed qualifying, over Will van Es and Douglas
Hayford, whilst Joe Forsdyke did not take part. Whilst Van Es won the first heat
over Jack New, Luke Graver and Andrew Lawrence were both excluded for driving
standards. Lawrence went onto win the second heat but Forsdyke had no times due
to not fitting his transponder. So Van Es took pole for the first final
over local expert Paul Monks who beat Van Es off the start, the pair trading the
lead and pulling well clear of Charlie Bruce-White in third. Van Es held
the lead over much of the race, Monks coming back near the end to win. Kyle
Sproat missed out part of the track, and was put down a lap. Forsdyke and Graver
came through to fifth and sixth, behind New. The second final was
punctuated by a red flag stoppage for a multi-kart crash, New, Ryan Jones,
Hayford, Lawrence and Andreas Gutzold not taking part in the new race.
Bruce-white launched himself into second to chase Monks to the flag, Van Es
having to settle for third this time.
Results Final 1 - 1 Paul Monks (TKM),
2 Will Van Es (Tonykart), 3 Charlie Bruce-White (Tonykart), 4 Jack New
(Tonykart), 5 Joe Forsdyke (TKM), 6 Luke Graver (Tonykart)
Results Final 2 - 1 Monks, 2 Bruce-White, 3 Van Es, 4
Forsdyke, 5 Graver, 6 Simon Vercoe (Tal-Ko)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Will van Es 305, 2
Charlie Bruce-White 298, 3 Paul Monks 288, 4 Luke Graver 254, 5 Joe Forsdyke
251, 6 Simon Vercoe 251
ABkC National Championship for Junior TKM
The timed session had Cameron Clarke topping the list over
Matthew Round-Garrido and series leader Matt Davies whilst Daniel Baybutt was
seventh, but speared through to win the first heat over Stephen Letts. Jake
Campbell-Mills was excluded. Matt Davies took the second heat from Kyle Hornby
and Letts so putting himself pole for the first final. Although Davies enjoyed a
big lead at the start, Baybutt hauled him in, and with a couple of minutes to
run assumed the lead. A long way back was Hornby and Lewis Taylor. Alex
Forward, who had to have a new kart after a practice crash, took sixth behind
Letts and Campbell-Mills made it up to seventh. Davies quickly leapfrogged
Hornby and Forward in the second final to forge ahead. Only Forward could
stay with him, although Hornby appeared ahead briefly having missed out part of
the track. He gave the places back but was still put a lap down.
Campbell-Mills was black-flagged and excluded. Baybutt suffered a little
with his tyres, but hung onto Letts for fourth, with Lewis Taylor on his tail.
Results Final 1 - 1 Daniel Baybutt
(Jade), 2 Matt Davies (Tonykart), 3 Kyle Hornby (DSG), 4 Lewis Taylor (Jade), 5
Stephen Letts (Tonykart), 6 Alex Forward (DSG)
Results Final 2 - 1 Davies, 2 Forward, 3 Letts, 4 Baybutt,
5 Taylor, 6 Alex McRoberts (Jade)
Provisional Championship Points - 1 Matt Davies 315, 2
Daniel Baybutt 286, 3 Alex Forward 285, 4 Stephen Letts 281, 5 Tom Owen 248, 6
Shea Pearce 230
For more information on the
championship visit
superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Superprix Success (24/06)
Mixed
conditions greeted the drivers for the Superprix weekend at Shenington kart
circuit in June with a record entry for the O Plate championships as well as the
sixth round of the club championships.
In a packed Protrain awning the
atmosphere was superb as the team and drivers spent valuable time on Saturday
morning maximising set up for the afternoon's first heat.
With weather conditions changing
constantly the day was filled with frantic last minute grid tyre changes but the
team got it just right with mimimax drivers Kieran Wragg and Sean Rudge setting
the early pace with Wragg taking fastest lap finishing 2nd and Rudge 4th. Cadet
Joe Turney also dominated with a fastest lap and first place in his first heat.
Sunday was a bit kinder to everyone
with a broadly dry day and the momentum of Saturday being carried forward. Wragg
and Rudge continued to finish in the top six in each heat giving Wragg pole for
his final and Rudge grid 4.
Wragg drove an excellent race taking the lead right from
the start and not surrendering it as Rudge moved into second but dropped to
fourth before moving up again to complete a 1-2 for Protrain and making Kieran
Wragg the Minimax Superprix Champion 2013. These first year minimax drivers
continue to dominate their class.
Meanwhile Turney was not to be outdone and having won all
his heats with fastest laps in every one duplicated the performance in his final
leading from start to finish and totally deserved his recognition as Iame
Superprix Champion 2013. Joe has not been beaten in his last eight races, an
impressive run.
Honda
Cadet Thomas Bennett also enjoyed a great weekend of racing and was delighted to
take second place reinforcing his high position in the club championship.
With two Superprix Champions in the
awning it was a great end to a very good weekends racing.
Jack Saffery, away at Super One in
Glan Y Gors was also enjoying success in Senior Max with an excellent sixth
place finish in both finals one and two.
The Protrain team is known for
developing drivers and our success is revealed on track. Are you achieving your
potential? Give us a call on 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
Rocco Racing (21/06)
Rocco
Racing is the UK's cheapest custom racewear retailer, and one of the first
manufacturers in the world to provide customers unlimited design possibilities
on race suits, boots and gloves. Rocco Racing prides itself on offering
unrivaled customizability on its products, whilst delivering them to the highest
quality, yet at an Unbeatable price. Rocco Racing brings you the most
personalized racewear on the market, and provides it at a fraction of what the
big names charge.
'Who said premium quality had to come at a premium price?'
Rocco Racing was founded in 2012 by
David Harrison, "the suit price and quality speaks for itself, we custom design
suits, boots, & gloves" said David. They are all FIA/CIK licensed.
The suits can be made to standard
racing suit sizes, or if the customer wishes to have a fully fitted suit made to
the exact measurements this can also be done at no extra cost! Yet again another
fantastic offer to our customers that other companies will charge for. We also
make fully customised Nomex suits with the current FIA 8856/2000 MSA licence.
Our vision combined with our design
skills has opened the eyes to many racing drivers to see what can be achieved at
an affordable cost. We have designed and manufactured suits for Karters,
Autograss, MSA rallying, Charity events & the London to Rome rally event.
Our mission is to provide a unique
service never to have been seen nor done before, offering custom one-off
designed racewear to individuals and teams the world over.
Rocco Racing - "Stand out from crowd"
For more info on
our products and services please go to
www.roccoracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Connor
Hall and Strawberry
(21/06)
Connor
Hall and Strawberry Racing made it 3 out 3 at Super One, despite a tough weekend
at the Glan y Gors circuit in North wales.
After being seriously ill in the week
building up to round 3 of the championship, Connor had lost nearly 3 kilos of
body weight and had actually only started eating on the Friday test day. As a
result of this he only managed half of the practice sessions before taking an
early night to gain valuable strength.
For Saturdays qualifying he only
managed 20th overall, but thankfully he was not in the first heat and once again
made use of the time by eating and taking valuable rest. In his only heat on
Saturday he forced his way to the lead, leaving his rivals fighting over 2nd
place.
Sunday's
race day was soon upon us and for his 2nd heat Connor managed to get to 6th from
12th place, securing him 3rd for the pre final. With a few set up issues mainly
due to lack of seat time on Friday, he found it hard against the very
competitive field and was demoted to 6th at the flag. This is where he started
the main televised final.
With a number of changes to the kart
by Strawberry Racing he soon carved his way to the front and was able to control
the race to the flag. Connor now extends his lead in the championship but is
fully aware that there is a number of drivers in the championship that are
improving meeting by meeting and the last 3 rounds are certainly not going to be
easy. Connor would like to thank Strawberry Racing for providing the Tonykart
EVK and Cream Racing Engine, and especially Connor's mechanic Harry Cockill for
putting up with him on a weekly basis!
Check out
www.connorhall.co.uk
for for further information and updates.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (20/06)
For
the third round and approaching the half way point of Britain's Max Challenge
qualifier and ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with
the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship the series moves to Wales. With much
of the circuit very tight and twisty, but also having a long uphill straight,
Glan y Gors is a challenging circuit for the competitors and set up engineers.
Dropping to third place after the
first lap Rory Hudson forged ahead before the halfway point of the first Honda
Cadet final to keep in front of Myles Apps and Morgan Porter. Apps had suffered
from being on the outside at the start, falling behind but soon storming back
with a great recovery. In the second final there was a great battle between the
top half dozen karts, with Hudson, Morgan Porter, Kiern Jewiss and Matthew
Hayden all having turns at the front. But in the end Hudson pipped Jewiss on the
last lap with Hayden following through. Jewiss keeps his championship lead by 18
points over Hudson.
Oliver York and Jonny Edgar shared the winner's spoils in
the MSA Comer Cadet class. From pole position in the first final, York was in
front all the way to the chequered flag whilst Edgar had only qualified seventh
on the grid during a tricky Saturday punctuated by heavy showers of rain.
In contrast Sunday was bright and reasonably sunny, as Edgar worked his way up
to fifth behind Matthew Graham, never reaching the top trio of York, Tom Wood
and Alex McDade. In the second final York succumbed to the attentions of
Alex Quinn, who had only been eighth in the first one, with Edgar following
through. And then Edgar nipped into the winning position on the very last
lap, whilst York had to be content with third some 3s down the road, just
holding off Wood and Graham. With his consistent results, Quinn maintains his
championship lead at the halfway stage, but will soon come under threat when the
dropped score is taken into account.
Connor Hall's winning run came to an
end in the MiniMax first final as he lost out in the last couple of laps, but
only temporarily. Polesitter Tom Gamble plunged down the order at the start,
with Samuel Pooley going ahead, chased by Sandy Mitchell who took over the lead
after a few laps. When Pooley retrieved the lead, Mitchell fell to the back of
the group and Hall inherited second, only to lost out in the frantic dicing over
the last few laps as Mitchell made a great recovery for second ahead of Hugo
Bentley Elis, Josh Skelton and Adam Smalley. Cadet British Champion Dean
MacDonald was one of several coming off at the start. In the second final
Hall soon picked off his rivals and relieved Pooley off the lead in a less
frantic race. Pooley fell back to fourth behind Smalley and Dan Zelos but was
excluded for a flag infringement. That elevated Mitchell and Ellis.
Ben
Hingeley controlled the first Junior Max final with a lights to flag victory
over Josh Price, Guan Yu Zhou Jai Nijjar and Jack Bartholomew in a remarkably
static race. Jake Walker was holding sixth for many laps but fell to the back,
Max Aitken capitalising for this position. Although the new Welsh Champion Tom
Harvey fell back from his eighth place start in the second final, he had clearly
found some more speed as he stormed through to third place. Josh Price had
grabbed the lead at the start with Hingeley soon back into second and tracking
him closely in amongst a major five kart scrap. Hingeley assumed the front
position with six laps to spare, and just as it looked like he would cruise to
victory Harvey, having displaced Price, pounced at the top of the circuit to
pull off a staggering win. Zhou was black flagged after a few laps for taking
off Max Aitken so Hingeley has extended his points advantage over his Chinese
rival, with Price not far behind.
As Oliver Hodgson enjoyed an
uninterrupted run to victory in the first Rotax Max final over Kyle Fowlie and
Sean Babington, previous winner Charlie Eastwood crashed out at the start.
Hodgson was shuffled back to third in the second final as Fowlie went ahead
chased by Babington in a major battle. Josh Collings surprised Hodgson with a
late pass to demote the first final winner to fourth. Eastwood did well to storm
back through the order to seventh place and now ties with Babington in the
points table with Hodgson only two points in arrears.
For more
information and full race results visit
http://superoneseries.com.
Photographs courtesy of
Hayden Media.
[ Top ]
Historics At Kimbolton (20/06)
Tal-Ko
are expanding the opportunities for drivers of historic karts to take part in
displays at its prestigious Maxxis TKM Festival being held at Kimbolton in
August.
Originally drivers of any kart powered by a TKM or Hewland Arrow engine were
invited to take part and there has been a strong response. Now as a result of
requests, any Tal-Ko manufactured TKM kart may also take part whatever brand of
engine it is fitted with.
Explains Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney: "We have been approached
by drivers with our older Tal-Ko produced TKM karts that use other engines and
it seemed only right and proper to let them also take part. Of course that would
also include the original Get Kart and the legendary Voo Doo kart both of which
were manufactured by Tal-Ko in the late fifties and sixties.
The displays will take place on
Sunday, August 11. There will be a static display and then under agreement with
the MSA governing body, on-track displays during lunch and pre-final breaks.
Drivers must use full safety wear and
have kart racing experience, but MSA race licences will not be required.
It is hoped to let drivers have at
least four five lap sessions on the Kimbolton circuit where racing started back
in 1959.
As
usual the TKM Festival will be covered for Motors TV and the historics will be
expected to appear as part of that adding a touch of nostalgia to the highly
competitive nature of the annual event.
Says Martin Chesterman, Chairman of
the Hunts Kart Club which runs Kimbolton: "This circuit has such a long history
stretching back to the very earliest days of karting so it will be great to
bring some old names and equipment back to the track."
Drivers who would
like to take part should send written requests with full details of the kart,
engine and driver experience to
alan.turney@tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
RL Drivers In Fine Form (20/06)
Fresh
from its success in the shakedown event prior to last weekend's (15/16 June)
Super One round at Glan Y Gors, the RL Racing Department team was again a potent
force in rural Wales.
Hugo Bentley-Ellis had won the preceding club event's Mini
Max final and so travelled to Cerrig Y Drudion in buoyant mood. Similarly,
Junior Max front-runners Luke Knott and Ollie Pidgely were feeling confident
after taking 2nd and 6th at the warm-up meeting.
Bentley-Ellis channelled his earlier form into a positive
showing in timed qualifying by setting the 3rd-fastest lap. Team-mates Sandy
Mitchell, Jack Martin, Tushar Vivekanandan and new signing Jordan Cane
experienced differing fortunes but would fare much better in the coming heats.
So much so, that Sandy qualified on p4 of the grid for the first final, with
Hugo going from the sixth row. On his Super One debut, Jordan was delighted to
make the cut for the finals and started from 22nd.
Due to dramas in their heats, Jack Martin and Tushar would
attempt to join the grid via the repecharge but sadly were not able to progress
further.
Brilliant
drives in the first final netted Sandy 2nd and Hugo 3rd at the chequered flag.
Jordan finished where he started, gaining valuable experience.
A close and
hard-fought second final saw Mitchell maintain his title aspirations by bagging
4th, with Bentley-Ellis also keeping himself in the title hunt with 5th. Another
battling performance from the inexperienced Cane earned him 23rd.
"Sandy
did the lion's share of the leading but due to the nature of the circuit, his
speed advantage was negated in the infield section, because his pursuers were
able to take advantage of the slipstream effect, whereas he had no one to work
with. This prevented his planned breakaway, but he fought back brilliantly to
2nd, having been demoted to 5th at one stage", said RL Racing Department team
owner, Steve Armstrong. He added: "Hugo scythed his way through to 3rd from p12,
showing the speed he'd had in the heats. All in all it was a great show from the
lads.
Final
2 proved harder and with everyone equalising on set-up throughout the day, it
was a much more static affair and once positions were settled after 8-10 laps
the order remained pretty much the same. On the whole it was a cat and mouse
affair, rather than a spectacle."
Luke
Knott emphasised his pace and potential by setting the second-fastest time in
Junior Max qualifying. Ollie Pidgely was 7th-quickest overall and would go on to
take a brace of top ten finishes in his heats.
Knott's 3rd and 2nd place results in his heats put him on
the front row of the first final, with Ollie starting from 11th spot. A bruising
and, at times, chaotic race concluded with Luke pushed down to 15th at the
chequered flag and Ollie out on the opening tour.
A storming performance in the second final saw Knott claim
vital championship points for 8th place with Ollie also making a decent fist of
it, rising from almost last place on the grid to 14th, as Steve explains:
"Despite neither of the Junior RL drivers able to attend official testing on
Friday due to exams, their pace in the first qualifying session on Saturday
morning was good enough to place them 3rd and 10th overall. In all fairness to
Ollie, he didn't get a real shot at showing his true speed due to an incident in
Heat 1, he came back to 7th but was shunted off again in the two races after
that. In the second final 2 he had to come from P30! Luke was also denied a
podium, after starting from the outside row in Final 1 he was shoved backwards
at the start and finished 15th. In the next final he did a great job getting
back up the order thanks to a prolific drive."
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
MSA/TKM Kart Championship (19/06)
Round
2 of the Edgar's Hyundai MSA/TKM Kart Championship takes place at Glan y Gors on
22-23 June.
After some surprises at the first round in Cumbria, the series moves to north
Wales for the eagerly anticipated second round. In the premier KZ1 geared class
for the MSA British Kart Championship title the FIA-CIK U18 World Champion Henry
Easthope stunned the regulars by pulling off two wins. Since then he has
bagged a championship title in the class, the ABkC Open, and therefore can sport
the number zero on his kart. Despite his two wins, Daniel Borton's consistent
heat results puts him two points ahead. The picture shows Easthope on his
way to O Plate glory. For the MSA Junior British Kart Championship the Sahara
Force India driver Jehan Daruvala and Philip Rawson shared the wins, with
Daruvala some 5 points to the good over Daniel Ticktum and Rawson. Oliver
York came out on top of two hard fought MSA British Cadet Championship finals in
the IAME class and enjoys a 14 point lead over Lewis Thompson with fast rising
star Jonny Edgar in third. The former multiple British champion Bobby Game shows
he still has what it takes despite being over 40 years of age, as he lead the
Formula KGP despite the attentions of a more recent multiple British champion
Mark Litchfield, and the O Plate winner Stefan Di Resta. In fact both of
them will hope to do much better as it is Phil Smith and Josh Waring who trail
Game at the moment.
That leaves the economy TKM classes, where Matt
Davies is on a roll in the Junior category with two dominant wins and an O Plate
victory so far. Alex Forward and Daniel Baybutt are nearest to him, albeit
Forward with a 18 point deficit. Charlie Bruce-White leads the senior TKM
Extreme with a miniscule advantage over Will van Es with Luke Graver 9 points
further back. Although Van Es won both finals his poorer heats left him 1 point
behind in the standings.
The circuit is set in rural farmland and has a long
straight plus some extremely twisty corners, so a good overall setup is
important. The 1100m track is situated near Cerrigydrudion, post code is LL21
0RU. The final corner is notorious for a last gasp change of position.
As always live
timing and results are available on the
Super One website
or on the TAG-Heuer site
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/?page_id=350.
Photograph courtesy of TSR
Productions.
[ Top ]
Bumper Shenington Entry (18/06)
More
than 100 Formula TKM karts swelled the entry for the Shenington Superprix which
saw round two of the 2013 TKM Club Championships and some more ultra close
racing.
In
Juniors Joseph Reeves-Smith battled with the UK's top two Junior TKM drivers -
Matt Davies and Stephen Letts - to cross the line within a blink of second place
overall and claimed the fastest lap of the race as well as the club champs win.
Lewis Outten, leader after round 1, was second in the club champs with James
Ireland third.
With Reeves-Smith having a bad first round it leaves Lewis
Outten leading the championship from James Clarke and James Ireland.
Reeves-Smith is in 6th place.
In Senior Extreme Jason Wilson made it two wins out of two
events followed by Matthew Harris, Lee Harrison and Joe Stockford in a race that
saw the first seven karts cross the line within 2.5 seconds.
So Jason Wilson heads the points
table from Joe Stockford, Lee Harrison, Michael Green and Matthew Harris with
just 11 points separating them.
Next round in the TKM Club Championships is at Rissington
on August 31/Sept 1.
For more information on the
championship visit
www.tal-ko.com/icc.
[ Top ]
OK1 Success (13/06)
Team
IPK, the importers of the OK1 and Praga chassis, were at the Anglian Trophy at
Kimbolton last weekend. With new driver Ellis Hanks on board for his first time
on the OK1 and with the team, it was always going to be a challenge.
Ellis took to the kart and
immediately showed his pace in practice setting some of the fastest times of the
day against a strong mini max field. With some great finishes in the heats Ellis
was right at the sharp end for the final. However, the start didn't go his way
and he had to settle for third place on race day one. On the second race day on
a different Kimbolton circuit layout, Ellis showed again that he was getting to
grips with the kart well. Due to the nature of the circuit used on Sunday with
less corners, it really highlighted Ellis' lack of power. He still managed to
come over the line in third place.
William Tregurtha, 13, hasn't been in Junior Max long but
looking at the way he handled the Kimbolton circuit you would think otherwise.
William kept himself out of trouble all weekend and made his way through the
field on Saturday to qualify on grid three for the final. William found himself
fighting for third place, which allowed the leaders to pull away. He soon
managed to pull away from the pack and finished a comfortable third. On race day
two, William showed again that Saturday wasn't by chance and repeated his
performance to bring his OK1 chassis home in third place and finishing third in
the championship.
New
Honda driver, Ben Thomson, showed real pace on practice day but suffered a
slight illness on race day. Despite this he soldiered through and managed to
bring his orange kart home in ninth place out of a strong full grid of Hondas.
Other drivers on the chassis included
Rob Wallace, qualifying on pole in Senior TKM and Ollie Graham who drove
extremely well and found himself fighting in the lead pack of the final.
For more
information on the team or chassis, please contact us via our website
www.ipkarting.co.uk
or call us on 01133 222795.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
TKM Club Championship (13/06)
TKM
Club Championship drivers meet up at the Shenington Superprix this weekend for
round two of the 2013 series.
With 50 drivers competing for the first round at Kimbolton
last month (see photo) more bumper TKM grids are on target for this weekend.
In Juniors Lewis Outten leads from
Owain Rosser and Andrew Rush. In Seniors Jason Wilson heads the field chased by
Joe Stockford and Michael Green.
The next round is at Rissington.
For more
information on the championship visit
www.tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Another Great Month For Vision (12/06)
Its
been yet another great month for the south west's Kosmic distributor Vision
Motorsport. The team has been putting in some consistent results at every
circuit.
The May meeting at Dunkeswell saw Brandon Patrick put in a great drive to finish
a well deserved 2nd in Mini Max after being pushed down the grid at the start.
Pete Griffin in Junior Max also finished a strong 2nd whilst setting the fastest
lap.
The
June meeting at Forest Edge was to be a two day meeting for the prestigious SC
plate. Mini Max driver Fletcher Trueman put in a great performance and took the
win on both days and made it 2 years on the trot for winning the southern
championship. His team mate Ryan Luscombe had a great first time at the circuit
on the Saturday and joined Fletcher on the podium making it a Vision 1, 2.
In Senior Max Levi Coombs made a last
minute return after not having been in the seat this year. With only a couple of
practice sessions on the Saturday to get back into the swing of things Levi put
in some consistent results in the heats on the Saturday giving him great points
going into Sunday. Levi went on to put in a great drive in the final taking the
win and the prestigious SC plate.
Last
weekend's great weather certainly had a great effect on the teams' Mini Max
drivers.
Brandon Patrick had a brilliant weekend at Llandow taking all 3 heat wins and
the final. Harry Carter also had a clean sweep at Clay Pigeon, making it two
meetings on the trot that Harry has taken all the heat wins and the final. It
wasn't made easy as Harry Gooding was pushing hard throughout the 17 lap final
to keep the pressure on. Great drive from both Harrys making it a Kosmic 1, 2.
Fletcher Trueman had a mixed weekend
at the Anglian Cup at Kimbolton. With a strong grid of 31 drivers to contend
with Fletcher came away with a well deserved 5th overall for the two day
meeting.
The team would like to again thank Steve at Aim Motorsport and George and Rob at
Robinson Sport for their continued support.
For information about joining the
team or any queries regarding the Kosmic chassis range please contact Daryl
Burgess on 07792 749566 or email
Dazkartburgess@hotmail.com.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (12/06)
For
the third round and approaching the half way point of Britain's Max Challenge
qualifier and ABkC National Championships for Rotax and Honda Cadet along with
the MSA Comer Cadet National Championship the series moves to Wales. Glan
y Gors is set in a rural hill farm location. The twisty track with a long
straight is a challenging circuit for the competitors and engineers. As always
TAG-Heuer with Apex will supply the live timing and results service so all
followers can keep in touch with the developments.
In the Senior Max class the northern Irishman Charlie
Eastwood had a great run at the previous round whereas first round double winner
and defending champion Sean Babington failed to deliver. Consequently
Eastwood has opened up a 34 point advantage over Babington with Harry Webb
narrowly holding onto third place from Oliver Hodgson.
The Junior Max
wins are so far shared by Ben Hingeley and Guan Yu Zhou, with the British
domiciled Shanghai youngster holding the upper hand, 13 points ahead. Now that
the heats as well as the finals count for points, this is still a narrow lead.
Jake Walker and Josh Price are further behind, vying for third.
The
largest class this year is for the 11 - 15 year old MiniMax, where Connor Hall
has so far been unbeatable. Out to get him this time will be points standing
runner up Dan Zelos, only 23 points adrift, and the on form Welshman Harrison
Thomas.
Honda Cadet grows bigger year on year, this no exception, with
Kiern Jewiss currently in command with 318 points to Rory Hudson's 284. Jewiss
has always managed to forge to the front in the four finals already held with a
plethora of runner-ups behind. Matthew Hopcraft, Myles Apps and Mark Kimber are
only separated by a point each for the third place in the standings.
Alex
Quinn opened his Comer Cadet account at Three Sisters with two wins, then Jonny
Edgar took first at his local track, Rowrah but an engine failure stopped him
competing in the second final. That was won by Oliver York, which consequently
drops Edgar to fifth in the standings. So Quinn leads by twenty points over Tom
Wood and York.
After an optional day's practice on Friday, more practice
on Saturday morning is followed by timed qualifying sessions then heats. The
remainder of the heats and the last chance races are taken on Sunday morning
before the all important two finals each class on Sunday afternoon.
As always full details on
http://superoneseries.com whilst live timing
will be on this link from Saturday morning:
http://www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.
[ Top ]
Need Some
Inside Knowledge?
(12/06)
That's
the offer RL Racing Department is extending to competitors looking to make the
most of the Euro Max Challenge's round at PFi in July (15-21) 2013.
The team won last year's Bernie
Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-supported Formula Kart Stars championship with
Lando Norris, and guided him to victory in the opening round of this season's
European Rotax championship at Genk in April - and now you can benefit from the
same level of preparation and expertise that helped Lando and countless other
drivers achieve so much.
Team boss Steve Armstrong says "We're based right here at
the PFi circuit, so we can offer a home from home to visiting drivers. On top of
that, our knowledge of the track and set-up data is second to none, so it makes
perfect sense for us to offer that support to competitors who want to take the
absolute maximum from their experience here."
From
awning and garage space, to running as a full RL Racing Department driver,
Armstrong has a range of packages designed to help drivers get to grips with the
challenging circuit.
He added "The Euro Max Challenge hasn't been here for
nearly a decade, which means that UK-based drivers will automatically have an
advantage, as we race here so often with our championships. If international
karters want to make the most of our insider knowledge, then they are most
welcome."
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
For all the latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Champs (10/06)
The
third round of the BPKC summer championships takes place on Sunday 16th June
with practice available on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June.
All non gearbox ABkC classes are
welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino and overnight parking is available.
This meeting also offers the last
opportunity for LGM IAME competitors to practice and race at Buckmore before
their round visits the circuit in July and a separate race will be available for
this class (subject to minimum entry level).
For further
details contact Sheila at Buckmore Park Kart Club on
sheila@buckmore.co.uk or on 01634 201562 ext
210.
[ Top ]
London Cup
2013
(06/06)
Hoddesdon Kart Club is pleased to announce that this
year's London Cup will be held on the 1st September 2013, and will incorporate
Round 8 of the 2013 Club Championship.
The entry fee is
£105 for non members and £95 for members which includes your practice fee on the
Saturday. Testing on the Saturday will have live timing sheets for all sessions
and will be uninterrupted. Entry forms will shortly be available at
www.hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk/londoncup.
Come along
for a great weekends racing and some fantastic prizes, including a chance to win
a fully-funded season in the 2014 Ginetta Junior Championship, and VIP Ginetta
race day tickets to get up close to the action. Plus more to be announced -
watch this space!
If you require any further
information or would like to book pitbays, please email Jason Robinson on
pitbays@hoddesdonkartclub.co.uk, or
alternatively call on 07984 495158.
[ Top ]
Extra Owner Drive Practice (05/06)
Buckmore
Park Kart Circuit, in conjunction with the Kart Shop, is organising an evening
test session for owner drivers on Tuesday 11th June from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Sessions will be divided into Cadet, Juniors and Seniors. The practice fee is
£50 per kart.
It will be necessary for you to book
and pay for the test session in advance and all bookings must be made by Sunday
9th June. The practice fee is non-refundable but see note below. To book your
sessions, phone, email or fax The Kart Shop, card details will be required.
The telephone number is 01634 672256, email
sales@thekartshop.co.uk, or fax 01634 668662.
Your preferred contact details will
also need to be supplied.
Please note: Should insufficient numbers of bookings not
be made the session will not be held and your money will be refunded. You will
be advised on Monday 10th June if the session is not being held.
[ Top ]
Kartmasters Entries... (05/06)
Trent
Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that entries for the 2013 MSA
Kartmasters British Kart Grand Prix are now open!
Visit the
dedicated website
www.tvkc.co.uk/kartmasters
to enter online, download all the relevant forms and view the latest
information.
Entries close on 20th July 2013.
[ Top ]
Rissington Online Entry (05/06)
Once
again the Rissington online entry system has a winner!
Rotax Max driver Toby Payne won the
June Prize a £150 voucher from M K Racewear. Toby was over the moon with his
prize saying I know I need a new race suit by the end of the year this is
fantastic news.
We know that we had a few issues with
the post entries this month so going online and getting you entry in is so easy.
Visit
www.rissykartclub.com.
Next months prize will be a set of
tyres not bad for just getting you entry in. For more information on M K
Racewear check out their website at www.mkracewear.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Marge Klaassen Memorial Cup (05/06)
The
sun shone down on a very special race this weekend at Rissington, the Marge
Klaassen Memorial Cup.
With 13 cadet novices it was going to be a great battle.
The eventual winner was Ollie Royer in his Honda. Ollie received a huge
perpetual trophy - a replica which he will keep - a set of tyres and some
sponsorship from the Klaassen family.
Piet along with Paul and David came
alone to watch a fantastic event which will be held every year for
Cadet novices.
This was a great tribute to Madge it lovely to see so many
novices Piet said. All the drivers that raced also received a trophy as lasting
memory for the first running of this event.
Rissington kart club would like to
thank all the drivers and there families for supporting for this very special
race.
[ Top ]
Lydd Summer Championship (03/06)
Lydd
Kart Circuit is gearing up for the 3rd round of their Summer Championships,
which takes place on Sunday 9th June. Practice is available on Saturday 8th,
from 10am to 4pm.
The
Championships reach their mid-point at this meeting, with the various class
battles hotting up along with the weather. The circuit was very busy on bank
holiday Monday, as almost 50 drivers attended our open practice day - with half
that number being Seniors.
The format is practice, timed qualifying, then 3 Heats and
a Final - giving plenty of track time and therefore great value for money at
Kent's fastest Kart Circuit. All classes are welcome as we will always try to
accommodate you on the grid.
Entries can be made online at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com - just go to the Race
Entries tab and click on the link - or you can enter at the circuit right up to
09:30 on Sunday, with no additional fee for late entries!
Please contact the circuit if you have
any questions - tel 01797 321747 - or visit the website to keep up to date with
what is happening at our circuit.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Racing Goes 1-2 (03/06)
The
Euro Max Challenge reached its halfway stage at Castelletto di Branduzzo (25/26
May) and saw Strawberry Racing maintain its lead in the Junior and Senior
categories.
The superb Pista Sette Laghi (Seven Lakes Circuit) saw the
Tony Kart team aiming its encouraging position in the early points tables, but
aware that it faced additional challenges from Italian-based drivers and efforts
from rival manufacturers - some of whom had bolstered their teams with factory
drivers from the KF and KZ classes.
In Junior, Connor Hall, Guan Yu Zhou
and Juri Vips led Strawberry's charge, posting the 3rd, 5th and 7th-fastest laps
in timed qualifying. In contrast, their team-mates Thomas Issa, Omar Ismail and
Darren Keane experienced varying fortunes to classify 15th, 24th and 32nd
respectively.
Once the heats
had been dispensed with, however, it was Zhou who had claimed pole position for
the pre-final, with Hall 7th and Vips, in 8th, automatically joining him. Keane,
Ismail and Issa faced the task of qualifying via the Second Chance heat. A win
for Darren and 3rd for Omar saw them through to the pre-final but a crash in the
early laps had put Thomas too far down the order to get into the all-important
top six.
In
the Pre-Final, Guan Yu led home Connor to ensure an all white, green and red
front row for the second final, with Darren crossing the finishing line in a
remarkable 17th place, after storming his way from the back of the grid. Juri
completed the top twenty with Omar in 30th.
A huge crash at the start produced full course yellows and
at the re-start Zhou and Hall outsmarted Mathias Kristensen - who had driven
around the carnage to snatch the lead at the first attempt to get the race
underway. Having stayed in formation for almost the entire race, Hall and Zhou
began to dispute who would win on the last lap. A terrific scrap developed, with
no quarter given. As they touched, other drivers were able to capitalise. Connor
took the chequered flag in 2nd but Guan Yu was just pipped to 3rd on the run to
the line, finishing 4th. Darren had enjoyed another good drive, taking 10th.
Sadly Juri and Omar were victims of the earlier crash and saw out the race from
the sidelines.
Strawberry
Racing team manager, Warwick Ringham, says that lessons will be learned from
Castelletto: "The team was very disappointed not to have the one-two finish we
had worked so hard for, and I hope that everyone has learned from their mistakes
and that it won't happen again. On the positive side, we are first and second in
the championship and our other drivers are getting better all the time, so we
have come away really happy."
Harry Webb's star quality was never in doubt after the
Norfolk ace won last season's Junior Euro Max and Grand Finals titles before
going on to step up to the Senior ranks and win the 2013 Rotax Winter Cup. At
Castelletto he underlined his talent with terrific performances throughout the
meeting.
Fastest
in timed qualifying, Webb laid down a marker for the racing, whilst reigning
Rotax world number one Charlie Eastwood was tenth-quickest overall. Sweden's
Jessica Backman recorded the 25th best lap with Kyle Fowlie experiencing a
nightmare, due to struggling with the high grip levels and thus found himself
down in 53rd spot. Like Keane before him, Fowlie would prove to be one of the
most exciting drivers to watch in the heats and final.
After all the scores from the heats
had been added up, Webb lay 3rd, Eastwood had improved to 4th and Fowlie was an
incredible 7th overall in the intermediate classification. Problems in her heats
had put Jessica into the Second Chance heat and, despite a spirited drive to
7th, it was not enough to guarantee her passage into the Pre-Final.
As he had been in qualifying trim,
Harry was the fastest man on the track in the first final. Using his "naughty
waft" - as the Strawberry Racing team likes to refer to the pace of its
Cream-prepared engines - Webb burst into the lead and from there, controlled the
pack behind him all the way to the flag. Charlie bagged valuable points for 3rd
with Kyle also doing a sterling job to take 8th.
The nature of the Castelletto track,
with its long radius right-hand first corner feeding into a tight left-hander,
often catches a large field out as the drivers jockey for position. Eastwood
fell victim to the aggressive driving of others and was pushed onto the grass,
dropping him well down the order. Webb held the lead from Max Verstappen, who
seemed content to bide his time behind the Tony Kart driver. Of course, it was
only a matter of time before the son of the Former F1 star Jos, would try to
win. As the clock ran down, the Dutchman attacked - but his lead lasted just one
lap. Webb responded and again unleashed his pace that proved to be the deciding
factor and he won by several kart-lengths.
Eastwood recovered to 8th, keeping his
title hopes alive and now sits 2nd in the Championship table, just four points
shy of new leader, Webb. Kyle was edged out of the top ten but 11th was still a
positive result considering his qualifying woes, as Ringham was quick to
highlight: "Harry's drive for victory was amazing! His overtaking move to regain
the lead was one of the best I have seen for many years. Had Charlie not been
put on the grass, I am sure he would have been up with Harry and Max. After
being half a second off for most of the week, during testing in the hot, dry
conditions, it was good to see Kyle get on the pace at last and he really should
have had two top seven finishes."
DD2
continues to attract star names and a quality-packed field. In his first season
in the class, Andreas Backman continues to demonstrate that he is getting to
grips with the twin-speed machinery and possesses the sort of pace that will put
him amongst the front-runners.
He showed this with his 5th-fastest lap in qualifying.
However, matters went a awry in the heats and he completed them ranked in 22nd
place ahead of the finals. Fresh from his recent success in the BNL
championship, which he now leads, Andreas made up ground to take 18th in the
pre-final and went on to be one of just four drivers able to post 48.6 second
lap-times in the final. However, demonstrating just how close the racing in DD2
is, he was unable to finish higher than 16th.
"Andreas has everything sorted apart
from his opening laps, where he needs to be more aggressive," observes Warwick.
"Almost always he drops back a few places and in DD2 you just can't afford to do
this because is very difficult to overtake. Once he nails that, he'll be right
up there."
The third and
penultimate round of the Challenge returns to Britain's premier track, PFi after
an absence of eight years, on 20/21 July.
For more
information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Another
MiniMax Victory
(31/05)
Its
been a busy but highly successful spell for the Protrain club team with
great results becoming a regular feature.
The EuroMax team were away enjoying some great testing and
racing at Casteletto where Tommy Preining and Jiri Forman achieved some superb
results in very mixed conditions on the Tony Kart. Both drivers were very strong
as soon as the karts hit the track with Preining second fastest in timed
practice, Forman winning a heat and taking fastest lap delivering a superb grid
five for both drivers in the finals. The switch from Formula K to Tony Kart was
no problem for the drivers or the team demonstrating an ability to bring in
excellent results whatever the equipment. Preining is now 8th and Forman 18th in
their respective championships despite some misfortune on track.
Meanwhile
the club team were keeping up a spell of great results, at the recent Shenington
meeting the Protrain team had five drivers taking top five places across four
classes including another race win and fastest lap for Senior Max driver Jack
Saffery.
Round two of Whilton Mill Stars brought some much needed sunshine and some
superb racing over the two days. Dominant in MiniMax again was the Protrain duo
Sean Rudge and Kieran Wragg. The two drivers traded places each with heat wins
but it was Rudge who took victory with Wragg completing the 1-2 for Protrain.
These two MiniMax newcomers are showing great pace and racecraft and the results
just keep coming.
The club team moves on to PFI and then Kimbolton for the
Anglian Trophy weekend, always a good weekend with some great karting. We are
able to offer awning space for both of these meetings so if you're looking for a
team to bring you the club success you are looking for give us a call on 01280
814774.
[ Top ]
Rotax 177 At TWKC (30/05)
As
of this weekend the 2nd June 2013, the Tyne and Wear Kart Club will no longer
have a Senior TKM class, but in place of this we will be running a Senior Rotax
177 Class!
No race license required, and all newcomers are welcome.
The 5th round of the Tyne & Wear Kart
Club championship, held at Karting North East, Warden Law, Sunderland, is on
this Sunday 2nd June. We aim to provide a safe and fun event for all, with grids
for cadets, rotax, tkm & prokarts. Our facilities include an onsite kart shop
and cafe, plus overnight parking is available, so whether you are new to Warden
Law or haven't raced for a while, come and join the excitement and see what our
challenging 1.2 kilometre circuit has to offer.
No race license is required, plus day
membership is available, so just turn up and race!
For further details visit the club
website at
www.twkartclub.com, email
kartclub@kartingnortheast.com or ring the
circuit on 0191 521 4050.
[ Top ]
Webb Storms Into Lead (30/05)
Back
to back victories in Italy (26 May) have put Harry Webb into the lead of the
Euro Max Challenge.
The 16-year-old Strawberry Racing driver opened his
account at the Pista Sette Laghi - or Seven Lakes Circuit - at Castelletto di
Branduzzo in Pavia by topping the timesheets in qualifying. This gave him an
important advantage on the starting grid for each of his four heats - and the
teenager duly capitalized by claiming two wins, a second and fourth place to
earn third place for Sunday's first final.
Not that it was an easy route to the second row of the
grid, due to the challenging conditions, as Harry explains: "The weather changed
from qualifying to the heats, going from sunny and dry to heavy rain. This meant
we struggled with the kart's set-up in the first two races but making
appropriate changes resulted in me winning the remaining heats."
With his Strawberry Racing team-mate
and early points-leader Charlie Eastwood finishing third - and therefore
replicating the same finishing positions from the championship's opening round
at Genk in Belgium a month earlier - Harry knew that nothing less than a win
would do, if he was to put himself at the top of the table.
"Charlie and I had planned to work
together on the track to pull away [from the rest of the field] but
unfortunately he collided with another driver and dropped back a few positions,
so I knew from then on I had to use my initiative and drive to the best of my
ability on my own."
If their earlier finish had been a coincidence, what
followed in the second final was uncanny. Webb won an exciting encounter with
Eastwood unable to finish higher than eighth - reversing their respective
positions from Genk and putting Harry four points in front of Charlie in the
title race.
"I
got a good start from pole position and pulled away from the rest of the field,
with Max Verstappen trailing me by two kart-lengths for the whole race. With
three laps to go, Max overtook me going into the Hairpin which dropped me down
to second, with the third placed driver still quite a way behind. I managed to
regain my lead on the following lap at the exact same corner, leaving me with
enough breathing space to not have to defend for the final two laps."
Summing up his twin victories and the
position they have put him in, Webb said: "At the beginning of the weekend I was
hoping to return to winning ways and take the lead of the championship.
Fortunately, I had better finishes than Charlie, which allowed me to grab more
points and take the championship lead."
He added: "My hopes for the remaining two rounds of the
championship are that I can continue to the same standard that I'm currently at,
and aim for more wins."
Harry returns to domestic competition on 15/16 June, when
he will go for glory at the picturesque Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales. He
currently lies 3rd overall in the UK's Super One series.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
From Karts To Kilimanjaro (29/05)
Ever
thought how difficult climbing Mount Kilimanjaro might be? How about climbing
Kilimanjaro whilst coping with Type 1 Diabetes?
Michael Pollard, a life long kart
racer from Teesside, is embarking on this challenge in September.
2013 marks the 5th anniversary of
Michael being diagnosed with Diabetes and having received help and support from
a fantastic charity called JDRF, he is now working to give back and help support
others in a similar situation to him by fundraising for JDRF.
Michael has set
up a JustGiving page for his challenge at
http://www.justgiving.com/MikesKilimanjaroChallenge,
and you can also find more information on the challenge, the charity, and
Michael's relentless training as well as his karting career at
www.ukpollards.com/kilimanjiro/website/page1.htm.
[ Top ]
ITS Support KartForce (29/05)
Having
fun is something KartForce takes very seriously. Founded in 2010 by ex-Royal
Engineer Dave Player, himself a wheelchair user since a spinal injury in 1991,
the charity has an exciting approach to helping injured troops get through the
rehabilitation process, by getting them involved in karting across the UK and
into Europe.
Taking part in the kart racing is open to any injured
troops, and in the past year alone the charity has helped over fifty service men
and women to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and working as a team
again.
KartForce's work has significantly aided the rehabilitation of many British
troops, including Ryan and Luke - childhood friends and both above knee double
amputees with hand injuries. During a practice run, members of the team were
clearly really enjoying being behind the wheel of the karts, which are operated
using hand controls. "It's great welcoming new lads to KartForce and showing
them that they can compete on a level playing field with non-injured drivers, "
said one, while another said it was "the most fun I've had" since beginning his
rehabilitation. Comments like this show why the external support KartForce
receives from donors such as ITS and track provider Daytona, is so crucial.
As you would expect, this isn't the
cheapest of sports to get involved in. It costs around £1500 for the team to
compete on a race-by-race basis, not counting entry fees, practices, trial runs
for newcomers, and on-going maintenance for their equipment, including two
specially-modified karts, each of which can be operated by using only one hand.
So with KartForce now entering races regularly, Essex-based power and hand tool
supplier ITS has stepped in to help support the charity, by supplying £2,000
worth of tools and equipment including a generator and compressor.
ITS first became
involved with KartForce in 2013, through Managing Director Kevin Hubbard's
longstanding love of karting. For Kevin, getting involved didn't need any
thinking about whatsoever: "KartForce is a fantastic charity that gets injured
troops through rehabilitation by having fun! ITS are proud to say that we
support them and will continue to do so in the future. They modify Karts for
amputees and other injured troops, and compete in track events (and do very well
I may add!)."
Charities such as KartForce deliver a vital service,
supporting wounded troops through very difficult times, and founder Dave Player
is sure the assistance ITS has provided will help the charity continue to move
forward. "We are very grateful for ITS' on-going support to KartForce and have
really benefited from the donation of tools".
This is a team that's really going places, and with ITS as
a partner, they can be sure their karts will remain in top condition. But
further support is required and much appreciated, to allow the charity to
continue its great work backing our troops.
For more
information on KartForce visit
www.kartforce.org.
[ Top ]
Hall & Strawberry On Top (28/05)
Connor
Hall and Strawberry Racing have taken a commanding lead in British and European
Championship.
Connor was disappointed after round 1 of the Euromax
championship in Genk after a small mistake in the pre-final cost him the
win.
He
arrived at the Casteletto circuit in northern Italy for round 2 only to be
admitted to hospital after feeling unwell. With a course of antibiotics and a
few days rest it was into practice on Wednesday. Still not fully recovered he
battled through and looked in good shape for qualifying on Friday. Even after
making a mistake on his best lap he secured 3rd overall for the heats aided with
a great package provided by Strawberry Racing. Saturdays heats were in very wet
conditions, he struggled and it took until the 3rd heat for Connor to get to
grips with the circuit. It was to be a case of damage limitation. Despite this
he finished the day 7th overall which is where he started the pre-final.
With a scrappy first few laps he
muscled his way through to 2nd place and with a couple of laps left had forced
his way to the lead. Unfortunately with a poor exit from a hairpin on the last
lap he dropped back to 2nd at the flag.
With
another start from the outside of the front row it was a case of surviving the
first corner without incident. Fortunately he did but ended up 7th going into
turn two. At the end of the first lap he had regained 5th place but due to an
accident at turn one the drivers were forced into single file under caution.
Desperate for
the win Connor was keen to get going and at the restart dived into 3rd. Within a
few laps he had made his way into 2nd place and started to hunt down the leader.
After being glued to his bumper Connor was keen to make a move but was also
fully aware of the championship points available. Despite being well clear of
the driver in 3rd Connor attempted to pass, but with a defensive move by the
leader and team mate Guan Yu Zhou Connor nose cose became stuck in his rear
bumper which slowed both of them down considerably enough to allow the driver in
3rd who was some way behind to take the win. Connor came home in 2nd and Zhou
4th. With these results and the fact that most of the Championship contenders
either crashed or had poor results Connor takes a commanding 33 point lead in
the championship. The next round is at PF International in July.
You can keep up
to date with Connor's progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk and
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Championship details can be found at
www.rgmmc.com.
[ Top ]
Iztech Kart Seats (24/05)
Iztech
Kart Seats would like congratulate Will van Es on yet another winning
performance at Rowrah in the first round of the Super 1 TKM Extreme.
Will had a great weekend at Rowrah,
and put his new Martech supported 2013 Viper on pole for the first round of S1,
having been very fast during free practice too.
The heats were both run in interesting conditions, the
first one on wets on a drying track, when Will chose taller gearing, having
estimated that it would actually dry quicker. He finished in a solid 3rd place,
having been a bit slow off all three tight corners, but comfortably quickest on
the rest of the circuit. The second heat was once again - as seems to be
tradition in Extreme at S1 recently - on a drying track but this time on slicks.
Here we went out on too low a tyre pressure, having taken the view that it would
dry quite fast. It rained again briefly...
Will had a moment of interest, when,
having dropped down the order a bit, two karts in front of him collided in the
last corner. He had to take to the wet off line in avoidance, and in some
lightning quick thinking steered into the pit lane exit. To everyone's amazement
he performed a neat pirouette here, sped back out, and resumed racing in 4th
place, where he finished.
His aggregate results gave him 2nd place on the grid for
the finals. In the first final he had a race long close battle with the number
48 kart of Charlie Bruce-White out front, which was eventually settled with Will
taking the lead about half way through, beating Charlie by about 1/100ths of a
second. In the second final Will was more dominant with Charlie and Luke Graver
slogging it out race long for second place, which eventually went to Charlie.
Will has come away from the weekend
very happy, and we can also report that the latest generation IZ3 performed
faultlessly over the weekend, on what is quite a physical track.
The Iztech IZ3HF 1/4 is more than £21
cheaper than the equivalent VG 1/4 elsewhere!
Check out our
website at
www.iztechkartseats.com or phone Kevin on 01908
511000.
[ Top ]
MSA/TKM Kart Championship (21/05)
The
British Championship with the ABkC National TKM Championships started later than
usual this year, but any expectation of good weather was dashed on Saturday when
all track activities had to stop for two hours due to the heavy rain. Sunday was
better, once the early drizzle had cleared up and everyone got onto slicks for
the finals.
KZ1 MSA British Kart
Championship:
The
premier class for the British title has moved to the gearbox, or shifter 125cc
class as the original KF2 failed to attract enough entries. Henry Easthope, the
CIK-FIA U18 World Champion, stunned the 125cc regulars by dominating the new
class, with fastest time in qualifying, over KZ2 champion Matt Dittman and
Daniel Borton. Easthope had only sat in the kart for the first time two
weeks earlier. He and Borton shared the heat wins on the very wet Saturday.
Easthope had slid off the track in a heat and only started fourth for the first
final. He reeled in the hefty gap to poleman Daniel Borton to relieve him
of the lead mid-race. Super One Max 177 champion Lucas Orrock has changed
disciplines and came fourth behind Dittman. In the second final Easthope
enjoyed a lights to flag victory, with Borton a distant second whilst James Mudd
stormed up to third after suffering a fie place penalty in the first final which
had dropped him from fourth to ninth.
Results Final 1: 1 Henry Easthope Sodi/TM, 2 Daniel Borton
BRM/TM, 3 Matt Dittman Tonykart/Vortex, 4 Lucas Orrock Tonykart/Vortex, 5 Joe
Charlton CRG/TM
Results Final 2:
1 Easthope, 2 Borton, 3 James Mudd Energy/TM, 4 Dittman, 5 Orrock
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Daniel Borton 154, 2
Henry Easthope 152, 3 Lucas Orrock 142, 4 Matt Dittmann 137, 5 Joe Charlton 134,
6 Jamie Rush 131
MSA
British Junior Kart Championship KF Junior:
The Sahara Force India supported Jehan Daruvala topped
qualifying over the newcomer to the series, the Thai driver Sasakom Chaimongkol.
The latter came off in the first heat and although he came second to Daruvala in
the second, he started grid 8 and never really recovered. He whilst
Daruvala won the first final from pole. The rest strung out behind Daniel
Ticktum and Philip Rawson. In the second final Daruvala was pushed into a
spin at the start, but stormed back to finish fourth. Chaimongkol
was excluded from that final for driving standards. All that had left Rawson out
on his own until his engine lost all its coolant. He just survived for the
win, Ticktum dropping to third on the last lap in favour of Harrison Newey, son
of the Red Bull Racing F1 designer, after Ticktum had tried for a pass for the
win.
Results Final 1 : 1 Jehan Daruvala Alonso, 2 Daniel Ticktum Alonso, 3 Philip
Rawson Tonykart, 4 Daniel McAuley Alonso, 5 Dean MacDonald ART
Results Final 2: 1 Rawson, 2 Harrison Newey Wright, 3
Ticktum, 4 Daruvala, 5 Charlie Barlow Zanardi
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Jehan Daruvala 154, 2
Daniel Ticktum 149, 3 Philip Rawson 140, 4 Harrison Newey 140, 5 Dean MacDonald
133, 6 Ross Martin 125
MSA
British Cadet Kart Championship for IAME Cadet:
Oliver York set down his marker for the British title
amongst the forty hopefuls, taking both final wins. William Pettit and
Oliver York had topped their respective qualifying sessions, Pettit just getting
the verdict overall. Alex Quinn and York took the heat wins, York both of
his. In the first final, Teddy Wilson slotted into second as they all fought
round the first few corners but he succumbed to Lewis Thompson and fell back to
an eventual seventh. Thompson got alongside York over the line, the
official gap was 0.01s. Kiern Jewiss stormed up to third after poor heats, over
Matthew Graham and Jonny Edgar. In the second final Edgar relieved York of
the lead on the first lap, but York found a gap in his defences mid-race.
William Pettitt and Alex Quinn stormed through from their start positions of
tenth and fourteenth respectively to finish third and fourth, the top four all
closing up at the end.
Results Final 1: 1 Oliver York Zip, 2 Lewis Thompson Zip,
3 Kiern Jewiss Zip, 4 Matthew Graham Zip, 5 Jonny Edgar Zip
Results Final 2: 1 York, 2 Edgar, 3 William Pettitt Zip, 4
Alex Quinn Zip, 5 Jewiss
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Oliver York 160, 2 Lewis Thompson 146, 3
Jonny Edgar 144, 4 Kiern Jewiss 137, 5 Alex Quinn 137, 6 Matthew Graham 134
Formula
KGP National Championship:
Mark Litchfield and Bobby Game shared the wins but only
after a penalty had been applied. Luca Hirst had topped the qualifying over Game
and Danny Keirle on the very wet Saturday, whilst Litchfield had a fuelling
problem and didn't set a representative time. He soon stormed through the
second heat to sixth after another problem in the first. The heats were won by
Game and Joe Porter, so Hirst and Game shared the front row and soon a five way
battle commenced with Litchfield slicing through to the front over Hirst and
Game after Keirle dropped out with an electrical problem. Porter had
slotted into second but gradually slipped down the order. In the second
final, Hirst fell out of the lead battle with a spin at the second hairpin
leaving Game and Litchfield duelling hard for the win. A tiny mistake by Game
was capitalised on by Litchfield with a chop into Pits corner, then Game took a
wide line to run out of hairpin 2 side by side, Litchfield just getting the
verdict only to receive a 5 place penalty for contact, so leaving Game the
winner over Phil Smith. Keirle had stormed up from the back to fifth, just
behind Ryan Green.
Final 1: 1 Mark Litchfield CRG, 2 Luca Hirst Birel, 3
Bobby Game Alonso, 4 Josh Waring Tonykart, 5 Denis Gorman Maranello
Final 2: 1 Game, 2 Phil SmithTonykart, 3 Toby Sowery
Tonykart, 4 Ryan Green DR, 5 Danny Keirle Jade
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Bobby Game 153, 2 Phil
Smith 138, 3 Josh Waring 134, 4 Luca Hirst 134, 5 Toby Sowery 133, 6 Mark
Litchfield 130
Junior
TKM ABkC National Championship:
Matt Davies dominated the junior economy class in both wet
and dry conditions, and took home a full points tally. Daniel Baybutt had been
nearest in the wet qualifying, then Jake Campbell-Mills and Jak Watson were the
heat runner-ups. Campbell-Mills retired after the start of the second heat so
only started the first final on grid 11 whilst Baybutt shared the front row.
Baybutt managed to get into second at the start, but was usurped by Alex
Forward, and later by Alex McRoberts whilst Campbell-Mills only reached seventh.
In the second final Davies nearly doubled his early winning gap to 8s, this time
Letts waiting until mid-race to regain third from McRoberts then vault over
Forward to take second.
Final 1: 1 Matt Davies Tonykart, 2 Alex Forward DSG, 3
Alex McRoberts Jade, 4 Daniel Baybutt Jade, 5 Stephen Letts Tonykart
Final 2: 1 Davies, 2 Letts, 3 Kyle Hornby DSG, 4 Dino Lee
Tonykart, 5 Cameron Clarke TKM
Provisional Championship Points: 1 Matt Davies 160, 2 Alex Forweard 142, 3
Daniel Baybutt 136, 4 Stephen Letts 135, 5 Shea Pearce 130, 6 Tom Owen 126
TKM
Extreme ABkC National Championship:
Although Will van Es topped the timed qualifying sheets
over Charlie Bruce-White, he didn't fare so well in the heats, with only a third
and fourth, as Bruce-White claimed both wins. Luke Graver from grid 3 took
advantage of both at the start of the first final, but was soon relieved of the
lead by Bruce-White. He and Van Es traded the lead a few times until Van
Es settled into first, challenged to within 0.01s over the finish line.
Graver had fallen away by some 6s, holding off Andrew Lawrence and a train of
karts at the finish. Joe Forsdyke was not scored at all as his transponder
was missing and he only reached eighth from the back in the second final.
Van Es enjoyed a lights to flag victory in the second final with Graver and
Bruce-White swapping second at the end for exactly the same top five as in the
first one. This year points are awarded in the heats, and this has enabled
Bruce-White to take the championship lead by a point over finals winner Van Es.
Final 1: 1 Will van Es Tonykart, 2
Charlie Bruce-White Tonykart, 3 Luke Graver Tonykart, 4 Andrew Lawrence
Tonykart, 5 Ryan Stronach Tonykart
Final 2: 1 Van Es, 2 Bruce-White, 3 Graver, 4 Lawrence, 5
Stronach
Provisional
Championship Points: 1 Charlie Bruce-White 156, 2 Will Van Es 155, 3 Luke Graver
146, 4 Paul Monks 136, 5 Andrew Lawrence 134, 6 Ryan Stronach 131
For more
information on the championship visit
http://superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
BUKC Season Update (20/05)
The
2013 British Universities Karting Championship continued during March as student
teams from across the UK battled it out both on track and with the weather to
compete for the coveted 2013 Champions title.
With
the snow and freezing weather playing a part once again, Rounds 5 and 6 were
held on 13 March at Buckmore Park. Race day saw some impressive driving from
many drivers having to deal with challenging track conditions. Hertfordshire A
took the overall win for Round 5 and Southampton finished 2nd, while Swansea
Metropolitan had their best result of the championship so far by finishing 3rd.
Round 6 saw Durham A step up and take first place in the Endurance races,
followed closely by Oxford Brookes A in 2nd.
The action then headed South to Jenson Buttons' home track
at Clay Pigeon in Dorset on 22nd and 23rd March. Round 2 of the Rookie
Championship was held on the Friday where once again the weather wasn't being
too kind. The Rookie teams seemed to cope admirably as they drove their hearts
out whilst dealing with the freezing conditions. Cranfield A took the podium,
followed by Coventry D in 2nd and Bristol B in 3rd.
Saturday's
racing saw the drivers compete in Rounds 7 & 8 of the main national Championship
and luckily, despite a damp morning session, the track dried up throughout the
day. With Southampton A, Hertfordshire A and Oxford Brookes technically able to
secure a season victory on the day, it was always going to be a frantic day of
racing. After Round 7, Southampton took 1st place on the podium and it looked
like they were going to wrap the title up on the day in the afternoon. However,
they needed a win to secure the title in Round 8 and it went down to the last
race where they were pipped to the post by both rivals Hertfordshire A (1st) and
Swansea Met A (2nd). This meant that although Southampton ended up 3rd and at
the top of the overall table by 1 point at the end of Round 8 leaving
Hertfordshire A as the only other team able to challenge them for the title.
The BUKC
2013 will therefore go down to the wire this year at the fabulous Whilton Mill
circuit near Silverstone on Monday 24th June, where both Southampton A and
Hertfordshire A teams will be battling it out for the 2013 title.
"The racing in March has continued to
impress me," comments BUKC organiser, Will Tew, "And now we have the 2013
Championship being decided on the very last day of the season near the home of
British motor racing. It's going to be an epic finale and one that I know I'm
looking forward to watch."
The 2013 BUKC Finals are being held on Monday 24th and
Tuesday 25th June at the Whilton Mill circuit, Northamptonshire.
The BUKC
2013 - March results:
Round
5 winners - Buckmore Park / 13 March:
1st - Hertfordshire A
2nd - Southampton A
3rd - Swansea Met A
Round 6 winners - Buckmore Park / 13 March:
1st - Durham A
2nd - Oxford Brookes A
3rd - Plymouth A
Rookie
Championship Round 2, Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 22 March:
1st - Cranfield A
2nd - Coventry D
3rd - Bristol B
Round 7 winners - Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 23 March:
1st - Southampton A
2nd - Warwick A
3rd - Durham A
Round
8 winners - Clay Pigeon, Dorset / 23 March:
1st - Hertfordshire A
2nd - Swansea Met A
3rd - Southampton A
2013 remaining Championship dates are 24 June at Whilton
Mill (Round 9 + Graduates Champs + Drivers Champs) and 25 June at Whilton Mill
(Drivers Champs + Rookies Champs Finals).
For more information on the BUKC
championship visit our website at
www.bukc.co.uk, find us on
Facebook at
www.facebook.com/britishuniversitieskartingchampionship,
our YouTube channel is
www.youtube.com/user/3tracing
and you can follow us on Twitter
@karting_bukc.
[ Top ]
Three Sisters Race Circuit (16/05)
Three
Sisters' Race Circuit, located in Wigan, Lancashire, has launched an Independent
Kart Racing championship designed for owner drivers of 2 stroke karts who want
to race competitively but don't hold an MSA licence. Open to anyone from
age 6 years upwards, the next race is scheduled for Sunday 19th May. Entry to a
race is £45 in advance and £50 on the day, with gates open from 7am. The
circuit's café will be open all day and the bar will open in the afternoon. Four
race categories are available; Bambino, Cadet, Junior and Adults.
Three Sisters is the North West's premier kart circuit, with a variety of
different track configurations being used over the course of the championship.
At the end of the season the winner of each category will not only receive a
trophy but also enjoy a fantastic prize, one prize being an Intensive Race
Training course worth £495. Provided by The Racing School, this is a full
day of 1-to-1 coaching from professional instructors in a saloon and a
single-seater racing car. Drivers are sure to develop their skills, increase
confidence and improve their speed.
For more
information please visit
www.three-sisters.co.uk/karting/owner_driver.asp.
[ Top ]
RL Drivers Bounce Back (16/05)
Following
a frustrating second round of the Super One championship at Rowrah, RL Racing
Department's talented young squad returned to form in Wales (12 May), with
victory for Junior star Luke Knott and a podium for Mini Max front-runner Sandy
Mitchell.
In the Mini Max class's timed qualifying session, Jack McCarthy set the
second-fastest lap, whilst Mitchell and Hugo Bentley-Ellis also made it into the
top ten, finishing 7th and 8th respectively.
The opening heat saw Hugo lead Sandy home for a team 3-4,
with Jack 9th and the inexperienced Jack Martin progressing to 12th at the
chequered flag.
McCarthy romped to the win in the second race, with
Bentley-Ellis' metronomic consistency yielding another 3rd and subsequently pole
position for the final. Martin again claimed 12th but Mitchell was unfortunate
not to finish, following a minor crash.
Hugo
was cruising to victory in the final until, just three laps from home, his kart
suddenly stopped out on the circuit. Having started mid-pack, Sandy picked his
up to 2nd but a mistake cost him several places and he had it all to do again.
He was rewarded for his efforts with an eventual 3rd. Jack McCarthy also enjoyed
an exciting encounter to hang on to his 4th place, while Jack Martin's day
concluded with his third, straight 12th place finish of the day.
Fresh from taking an electrifying 3rd
at Rowrah the week before, Luke Knott showed that the slightest mistake can
prove costly. After forgetting to fit his transponder to his Tony Kart EVK
chassis, he was adjudged not to have set a lap time and so was made to start
from the back of the grid in each of his two heats.
Unfazed, he finished 2nd in both races to earn pole
position for the final. A near textbook lights-to-flag victory followed, with
the RL driver underlining his domination of the race by setting the fastest lap
and taking the chequered flag nearly two seconds clear of the next driver.
"This
weekend revealed that we can shrug off a difficult event, galvanize ourselves
and deliver the right sort of results," said RL Racing's Steve Armstrong. "Luke
walked away in the Junior Max final which is indicative of his confidence right
now. The way he carved his way from the back of the grid at Rowrah and at Glan Y
Gors, also shows what a cracking driver he is."
Reviewing his Mini Max drivers' performances, Steve said:
"McCarthy made mincemeat of the opposition in his second heat, whilst Hugo
showed this incredible consistency to put himself at the front of the field when
it really mattered. Had it not been for his spark plug failing, he would have
won comfortably. Sandy made some small mistakes that may have cost him a higher
place on the podium but he deserved his trophy. Jack's pace in the wet didn't
quite match that in the dry, so 4th was a positive result for him. Jack Martin
is gaining experience all the time and learned a great deal, so all in all this
was a beneficial weekend, in terms of our preparation for the Super One round
here."
For more information about racing with RL Racing
Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
FEKC Southern Championship (15/05)
Forest
Edge Kart Club will be hosting the 2013 Southern Championship event at the
popular Barton Stacey circuit. This will be a 2 day event run over the weekend
of the 1st & 2nd June with the SC trophies will be awarded for the best aggregate result over the 2
finals, plus 3 trophies for each class with the winner of each class
receiving the SC plate for the year.
The format will be... Saturday: normal session practice
until midday followed by 3 laps official practice, 2 heats and a final, followed
on Sunday by 3 laps official practice, 3 heats and a final. This is a great
circuit offering Friday night access with camping and good tarmac pit facilities
along with trade shops and plenty of good food for an excellent weekend racing.
FEKC have the
largest entries in the country offering full grids and fantastic competitive
racing, online entries available. Entry fees - £75 members and £95 non members
for the whole weekend including practice and both days racing - visit
www.fekc.co.uk.
Alternatively you can contact Carole
Parsons who is the competition secretary on 01258 451097 - but no calls after
9pm please!
If you haven't raced at Forest Edge before you need to
come along to this premier event and enjoy racing with the biggest grids in the
country!
[ Top ]
Super One MSA/TKM (15/05)
A
new era of MSA British Championship racing commences at Rowrah this weekend, for
the first round of the MSA/TKM Super One Series. The most prestigious title in
British karting has transferred to the gearbox, or shifter, class of KZ1 which
in the past has produced such illustrious drivers as Frank Wrathall, Dean
Stoneman, Nigel Moore and Jack Hawksworth. Wrathall, a former Ginetta G50
champion, is now a British Touring Car Independent winner and podium finisher.
Stoneman won the Formula 2 series and now races Porsche Cup. Nigel Moore is also
a Ginetta champion and the youngest driver to race at Le Mans whilst Hawksworth
is the current Star Mazda champion and now races in Indy Lights. For this
weekend 15 KZ1 karts, capable of 90mph, will line up headed by KZ2 ABkC Super 4
champion Matt Dittman, with runner-up James Mudd expected to press him hard.
Multiple Super One Max 177 champion Lucas Orrock has transferred disciplines to
the shifter classes, whilst Under 18 CIK-FIA World Champion Henry Easthope is
also on the list. It will be mega-exciting to see just who comes out top
at the twisty Cumbrian track. The attached image shows Dean Stoneman and Frank
Wrathall battling it out at Rowrah in the past.
For
the MSA British Junior Kart Championship, 18 young hopefuls are down to compete
for the chase to the junior title. Jamie Caroline comes fresh from winning the
ABkC O Plate title the previous weekend, but will face stiff competition, not
least from Asia Pacific KF3 Cup winner Jehan Daruvala, the Indian driver
supported by Sahara Force India Formula 1 team. Another with strong connections
to F1 is Harrison Newey, son of the famed Red Bull Racing designer and Chief
Technical Officer. Many of the direct drive senior aces have turned to the
Formula KGP class, including former British champions Mark Litchfield and Bobby
Game. Current champion Jonathan Davis has moved teams to Praga whilst
Stefan Di Resta, brother to Sahara Force India driver Paul Di Resta has recently
won the O Plate at the same circuit, and is very much on form. Forty
youngsters from age 9 to 13 will compete for the inaugural MSA British Cadet
Championship using the new IAME Parilla Gazelle UK motor. It's anyone's
guess who will come out on top but Oliver York and local driver Jonny Edgar,
scion of the title sponsors, have both had strong results at the track. The line
up is completed by the senior TKM Extreme and Junior TKM classes competing for
the ABkC National Championships.
It's an event not to be missed and
everyone can follow the action on the TAG Heuer live timing at
www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk/s1livetiming.
Entry lists and
timetables are available on the Super One website at
superoneseries.com/race_entries_msa_tkm/
For circuit details go to
superoneseries.com/locations/rowrah-lakeland-stadium/
or to
www.cumbriakrc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Racing Dominates (15/05)
The
Tony Kart EVK chassis and Cream-prepared engines are proving to be the perfect
combination, as Strawberry Racing's Connor Hall, Guan Yu Zhou and Charlie
Eastwood demonstrated at Rowrah (4/5 May).
The trio monopolised the top step of the Super One podium
in their respective classes, putting Strawberry Racing firmly on top of the
Mini, Junior and Senior Max point's tables.
Connor Hall proved too hot to handle
in Mini Max, winning both finals in emphatic style. Having taken back-to-back
wins in his two heats, he started the pre-final from pole position. From the
start he made a clean getaway, leaving his rivals to dispute who would be the
first of the runners-up, as he opened an unassailable 11-seconds lead.
Another great start, aided by crashes
behind him, put Hall in charge of the main final. His winning margin was cut to
a shade over four seconds, but it was an indication of the maturity and
professionalism Connor is driving with, that he conserved his equipment and
brought it home without unnecessarily pushing it.
Darren Keane battled gamely in the midfield to earn a top
twenty finish on only his second visit to the Lakeland venue, whilst Finlay
Hutchinson's first race with the team was rewarded with a thoroughly-deserved
9th.
"Connor
is in top form at the moment," said Strawberry's team manager Warwick Ringham.
"He seems to have everything under control, whether it is in wet or dry
conditions. Darren flew in from the USA midweek and did not really get going
until the final, when he showed the same speed he had at last month's club
event. Finlay did far better than we could have hoped for. He had a few setbacks
over the weekend but enjoyed a fantastic final."
In the Junior Max class, Guan Yu 'Joe'
Zhou and Ben Hingeley claimed 1st and 3rd place starting positions for the
pre-final. Their team-mates Max Aitken and Omar Ismail also qualified directly
into the race, avoiding the repecharge, to line up on p18 and p23 respectively.
'Joe' held his advantage as the
30-strong field streamed into the tight, first corner with Ben following him to
make it a Strawberry one-two in the race's early stages. The pair then thrilled
the crowd - whilst putting their team's collective heart in its mouth - by
dicing for the lead. They passed and re-passed each other with Ben finally
settling matters in his favour and Guan Yu dropping to 3rd. Max took the
chequered in 19th with Omar 24th.
A series of pile-ups during the opening lap brought the
second final to a stop. At the re-start, Zhou deftly out-smarted Hingeley and
soaked up the relentless pressure to take the win and the narrowest of leads
over his team-mate in the championship table. In contrast to Guan Yu and Ben's
delight, there was frustration and disappointment for Max and Omar, with both
reduced to spectating by crashes.
"Ben
and Joe are proving hard to beat at the moment and it's great to see them both
at the front, racing for the win. Max and Omar struggled a little, mainly due to
a lack of track time at Rowrah, whereas the other two have more experience of
the circuit," explained Ringham.
Having started from 3rd in the Senior pre-final, reigning
world number one and Florida Winter Tour champion Charlie Eastwood scythed his
way past the pole-sitter, with fellow Strawberry driver Kyle Fowlie slotting in
behind him. Their positions remained unchanged. Current Junior Grand Finals and
Euro Max Challenge champion Harry Webb fought his way from an 8th-row start to
11th, whilst Sweden's Andreas and Jessica Backman finished 21st and 28th.
Fowlie turned the
tables on Eastwood in the early moments of the main final to head the squabbling
pack for the first seven laps. Having dropped to 4th, Charlie quickly regained
his composure and the ground he'd initially lost to pick his way up to 2nd by
lap five. After catching and passing his team-mate, he then opened a commanding,
3-seconds gap over Kyle, who in turn had a healthy margin over the driver in
3rd. Harry improved to 8th, with Jessica also making ground to cross the line in
18th spot, ahead of Andreas in 21st.
"Since the World Finals, Charlie has
been pretty-much unstoppable in the major races," asserted Warwick. "He keeps
coming up with the big race wins and is driving really well. Kyle had a torrid
time at Round One, so to come away with two 2nd-place finishes was great for him
and the team."
For more information about OTK
products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Shwartzman On The Podium (15/05)
The
third and penultimate round of the WSK Masters series (4/5 May) saw Forza
Racing's Robert Shwartzman carry his successful form from Sarno to Precenicco
and take another KFJ podium.
Just as he had done in his previous race with Jamie
Croxford's Forza Racing team, Robert went straight into the Super Pole
shoot-out, ultimately placing 9th overall in a close and tense session.
Bouncing back from a time penalty in
the opening heat - for what the officials judged as a 'bad manoeuvre'- Robert
finished 9th in the second heat and 6th in the last of the preliminary races
before Sunday's all-important finals.
"With a reduced entry, the organisers changed the format
of the racing to three heats and two finals. With no separate groups, this
effectively made each race a final," explained Forza team owner, Jamie Croxford.
"Consequently, that made the racing aggressive and quite frenetic because, to
qualify for the pre-final, you had to improve throughout the meeting. In
the cut and thrust of the opening heat, Robert was a little too 'enthusiastic'."
Despite his earlier transgression,
the Russian youngster had done more than enough to earn himself a fourth row
start in the pre-final. A solid drive in the 17-lap encounter netted a fine 5th
place at the chequered flag and the vital inside line of row three on the grid
for the main final.
"We
were unlucky not to have finished higher. Before the pre-final started, the wind
got up and made the track really dusty and slippery. The bigger drivers could
use their weight to generate more mechanical grip, and so coped better in the
conditions but the lighter ones were hindered," said Croxford.
As the leading pair duelled over the
lead, Robert made the most of his lightning start to carve his way through the
traffic into 3rd place.
"Throughout the race Robert was under a lot of pressure
from the drivers behind him. He did really well and didn't succumb to it. He was
by far the best of the smaller drivers, and I've said for the past four months
that it was only a matter of time before he had a podium. I knew that once he'd
achieved that then more would come, and this latest success shows that he's
thrown the psychological monkey off his back. His speed was never an issue but
his racecraft and confidence needed to improve. Now he knows that he is capable
of achieving top six finishes in every race, or at least top eight, I think
we'll see him flourish."
The result moves Robert from 10th to 7th place in the
championship with one round remaining.
In
the KF class, Poland's Igor Walilko recorded the 17th-fastest time in qualifying
and finished in the same position in the first heat. He improved on this
with 14th in the following heat, but suffered a DNF in the last; compromising
his chances of qualifying higher up the order for the pre-final.
Undaunted, Igor
delivered another solid performance that saw him move up the order to claim a
respectable 14th place.
Starting the final from the outside row in the heart of
the midfield didn't faze him. In fact, quite the opposite and he enjoyed his
best race of the WSK season to date. Igor charged up into the top ten and from
there picked his way forward to 7th place, delighting his team boss: "Igor
enjoyed his best ever performance. He made some mistakes in the heats but drove
really well in the main final. He absorbed everything he experienced in
qualifying and the heats, learned from it and then came through to 7th. I was as
pleased with that, as Robert's podium. Like Robert, Igor will hopefully go on
and improve from there."
For more
information and to discuss a race seat with the team or arrange a test day,
compete in a club meeting or have a day of one-to-one driver coaching, please
contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940. Alternatively, visit
www.forza-racing.co.uk.
Photographs courtesy of Joan
Codina/Foto Formula K.
[ Top ]
IAME Cadet
'O' Plate
(14/05)
Trent
Valley Kart Club are pleased to officially announce the date for the first
ever... ABkC IAME Cadet 'O' Plate!
This inaugural title will be decided
on Sunday 3rd November 2013 at the legendary PF International kart circuit -
IAME's UK home.
With more details to follow in the
coming weeks, you can be assured that the 2013 ABkC IAME Cadet 'O' Plate will
make its debut with a bang.
To guarantee your entry at this
premier race meeting register your interest today by emailing our Competition
Secretary, Danielle Short, at
compsec@tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Eastwood Rules At Rowrah (14/05)
Charlie
Eastwood dominated the second round (4/5 May) of the UK's most prestigious
karting championship - the appropriately named Super One - to put himself 34
points clear at the top of the table.
The reigning world number one and
current European championship points leader had travelled to the dramatic Rowrah
circuit in Cumbria and was immediately one of the pacesetters.
In timed qualifying - in which the
top 26 competitors were separated by no more than eight tenths of a second -
Eastwood recorded the 4th-fastest lap time.
The Strawberry Racing star old then signaled his intent in
the opening heat with a close-fought win over James Singleton. However, he
suffered something of a reversal of fortune in the following race, when he
crossed the finishing line 8th:"I started 3rd but was on slick tyres on a drying
track, like the rest of the field. That meant that there was just one line
through the corners and, just after the start, I arrived at the first chicane
with the other top six drivers and we were all pushed off the track by the guys
behind. I was able to come back through from the back of the field to salvage
8th," explained Charlie.
Nevertheless, his combined results were sufficient to give
him 4th position on the grid for Sunday's first final.
The
Rowrah track presents drivers with a series of high speed uphill and downhill
sections, interspersed with challenging hairpin corners and chicanes. It is a
place that rewards bravery, but punishes mistakes severely.
Eastwood delivered a perfect
demonstration of how to attack the historic venue and burst through to take the
lead on lap 5: "I'd been squeezed off the circuit at the start and had lost
ground, but picked my way up into the lead quite quickly. I led for the last 10
laps and was keeping it calm but my Strawberry Racing team-mate, Kyle Fowlie,
had reeled me in. So I got the signal to 'push, push, push'. I managed to
re-open the gap to about a second, but Kyle took a big chunk out of it, so I
pushed again and then stayed relaxed to the chequered flag."
If he had been impressive in the
first final, Eastwood was imperious in the second. Although, he suffered an
anxious get away from the start-line: "You'd think from my eventual winning
margin that I'd breezed it, but it was quite the opposite. As the lights flicked
to green my engine spluttered and I came out of the first corner in 4th place. I
managed to move up to 3rd and caught the front pair pretty quickly. Having moved
into 2nd, Kyle was leading but I chased him down and once I was past, edged
away. He put me under pressure but during the last two laps came under attack
from behind, so had to defend and that gave me the gap I needed."
Having arrived in 3rd place overall in the points, after
the championship's opening round at Three Sisters in Greater Manchester last
month, Charlie was delighted to return to Belfast as the points leader: "My aim
is to try and stay on top in both championships now. I'm going to take it track
by track, race by race, as so much can happen. Of course, I'd like to win every
race, but a more technical approach is needed now."
The Super One series next moves to the
stunning Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales in June (15/16). Before then,
Charlie will fly out to Italy, hoping to increase his points advantage at the
Pista Sette Laghi, Castelletto, near the ancient city of Pavia, on 25/26 May.
Keep up to speed with Charlie by
following him on twitter -
@ce_racing_ncc - and via his Facebook page -
Charlie Eastwood.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Spring Offers From IPK (13/05)
IPK
are pleased to announce our latest offers on our World, European and British
Championship winning karts.
Complete OK1 Cruiser Rolling Chassis - from £1500 + VAT.
Complete Praga Dragon Rolling Chassis - from £1995 + VAT.
Complete karts ready to race in Rotax - from £3400 + VAT.
If you are
interested in testing one of our products then please feel free to give us a
call and this can be arranged. For more information on our offers please feel
free to call us on 01133 222795 or send us an email
info@ipkarting.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Vision Motorsport On Form (13/05)
The
newly appointed South West Kosmic Agent, Vision Motorsport, is enjoying a solid
start to the season as a new team in the paddock. Although it is early days for
this fledgling team, the hard work and effort has started to deliver good
performances and consistent results.
April saw team drivers' Fletcher
Trueman and Harry Carter take a great one-two for the team in Minimax at Clay
Pigeon. The team then moved onto Dunkeswell where Ryan Luscombe, Brandon Patrick
and Harry Carter in Minimax, and Ash Reeves in Senior Rotax all showed great
pace, but race misfortunes prevented any podiums.
The May meeting at PFI saw Junior Max
driver Pete Griffin put in a great performance claiming 3 out of 4 fastest laps,
only to be robbed of a 2nd place in the final, but he still held on to a strong
5th.
May's
meeting at Clay Pigeon produced more good results with Minimax driver Harry
Carter putting in a cracking performance, claiming all three heats and
delivering his first Minimax victory in the final. Harry's brother Jamie also
put in a great drive in the competitive Honda cadet class to get his first
podium since moving from novice plates at the start of the year.
The Team would like to thank Aim
Motorsport and Robinson Sport for their continued support.
For information
about joining the team or any queries regarding the Kosmic chassis please
contact Daryl Burgess on 07792 749566 or email
Dazkartburgess@hotmail.com.
[ Top ]
BPKC Summer Champs (10/05)
The
second round of the BPKC summer championships takes place on Sunday 19th May
with practice available on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May.
This meeting incorporates round 2 of
the Kent Kart Championships which attracted record entries at round 1. All non
gearbox ABkC classes are welcome, including Junior Subaru and Bambino. Overnight
parking is available.
This meeting also offers the ideal opportunity for LGM
competitors to practice and race at Buckmore before their round visits the
circuit in July.
For further details contact Sheila at
Buckmore Park Kart Club on
sheila@buckmore.co.uk or on
01634 201562 ext 210.
[ Top ]
It's Here... (10/05)
Ambition
are pleased to announce the welcoming of the OTK Tonykart/Kosmic and FA Alonso
Brand to the Honda Cadet Class. After its maiden visit to Forest Edge this
weekend for all to see, the kart was fast from Saturday morning. Easy to set up,
user friendly and proved to be a race winner on Sunday with Ryan Truman at the
wheel.
Team Manager Paul Janes commented "We tested the kart for the first time last
year with some amendments to be made, Its now come along at a great time and has
already turned heads with its pace, Even beter with a Final Win on its first
official race event in the Honda Cadet Category. The whole package is appealable
to new and more experienced drivers and we welcome drivers to sample the kart to
understand how good it is".
Ambition
would like to thank Warwick and the team at Strawberry Racing and look forward
to working with the Kart for many outings during the 2013 season.
The Tonykart/Kosmic/FA Alonso is
available to test and buy now. Please contact Strawberry Racing, Ambition
Motorsport or The Kart Shop @ Buckmore to arrange your test soon.
Strawberry Racing - 0114 269 6215
Ambition Motorsport - 07951 831236
Kart Shop @ Buckmore - 01634 672256
Ambition
Motorsport are Southern distributers for the FA Alonso Brand of Kart by OTK,
Bambino, Honda and All Rotax Class Karts available to buy new or used. Please
contact us at
info@ambitionmotorsport.com
or telephone +44 7951 831236 for more details.
[ Top ]
Ambition Dominate (10/05)
Ambition
Motorsport UK have started 2013 with a bang. The team have taken time out from
the British Championship this year to concentrate on the next generation of
drivers starting karting at the young age of 6 onwards and helping them progress
throughout our race schools in Bambino and Honda Cadet. The winter training
programme is now earning its rewards leading into the start of this years Summer
Championships at Buckmore Park, Bayford Meadows, Forest Edge and Lydd with Wins
at all 4 circuits in continuous weeks in various classes.
Zach Ripley took the spoils within
the Bambino Category at Lydd in April with a fine win with newcomer to the
circuit Tristan Thorpe taking the final podium place in 3rd, Ambition driver
Ollie Marsh also took a great Pole position in Qualifying in Honda Cadet Clubman
and 5th in the final with Fastest Lap to his name also.
Rubin Stanilaus took a clean sweep of
wins at Buckmore Park on his first race meeting in Honda Cadet Clubman, Ronnie
Foster has also progressed very well throughout the winter period taking a
strong 2nd place finish in the final the month before.
Rubin was also victorious again in
Honda Cadet Clubman at Bayford Meadows with a strong showing from his other team
mates of Owen Tolley, Alfie Prince and Ronnie Foster. Ollie Marsh and Zak Rogers
improved strongly and set great times too be as fast as the front guys but both
were unlucky in the final otherwise they would of been challenging the more
experienced guys at the front.
Tyler
Sullivan took his first final victory at Forest Edge in Minimax on his 3rd visit
to the circuit and his 2nd meeting of Novice Plates. Tyler started grid 9 and
took the lead on the last lap after making some fantastic moves throughout, Also
taking fastest lap to round up a great day for the young 12 year old. It wasn't
just Minimax, The Honda Cadet Final was won by a new driver to the team for the
weekend Ryan Truman. After consistent results in his 3 heats to grid p3, Ryan
won the final on the last corner of the last lap on his Tonykart Mounted Honda
Cadet Kart celebrating not only his first win with the team but also first win
on the new 2013 Tonykart (See separate news bulletin)
Ambition now turn there attention to
the month of May and helping 6 drivers graduate from Bambino Karting into Honda
Cadet with Zach Ripley, George Oxford, Theo Marsh, Max Merritt, Drew Davidson,
Bradley Spickett and Jack Spickett all taking to the track in there new outfits.
The
team would like to congratulate all of the teams drivers, mechanics and tutors
for all there hard work over the cold winter and look to building a strong line
up for the 2013 season.
Team places are available in all classes from Bambino to
Senior Max and One to One Tuition is also available after school for hour or two
hour sessions at our base at Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit, Sittingbourne, Kent,
Throughout the Summer Months during 2013 for Bambino and Honda Drivers looking
for that extra edge on the competition.
Visit our website at
www.ambitionmotorsport.com, or contact us to
book your day/weekend with the team by email to
info@ambitionmotorsport.com or telephone +44
7951 831236.
Ambition Motorsport will be attending all Southern
Circuits throughout 2013 and are FA Alonso Southern Distributers for all
Bambino, Honda and Rotax Class Karts with New or Used Equipment available for
all.
[ Top ]
Exclusive TKM Test Day (10/05)
Formula
TKM has teamed up with Whilton Mill to host a special test day at the
Northamptonshire circuit catering exclusively for drivers of TKM 2-stroke class
karts and those looking to move up into the class from Cadets and other classes.
The event will take place on Friday
July 26 - the first day of the school holidays for many - making it a great way
to kick off the summer break. It will include support from Tal-Ko, organisers of
the TKM classes, as well as other top TKM class trade teams and manufacturers.
No MSA licence is required to take
part in the test day which will provide a unique opportunity for drivers to hone
their skills, test equipment, and for potential newcomers, to try a TKM kart for
the first time.
TKM boss Alan Turney explains: "We have so many new
drivers coming into the class that we felt a special day like this would benefit
everyone and provide great value testing."
The day will run from 10am to 5pm on the Whilton Mill
International circuit which has recently undergone a number of changes to
barriers, run off areas and kerbing as part of a program of improvements at the
track.
Normally a full day's testing at the track costs £50 per kart but for this event
it will be just £30. Sessions will be split into Juniors, Seniors and newcomers
allowing for all experience levels. Newcomers sampling a kart will pay just £10.
With Whilton Mill hosting the last
round of the TKM Club Championship it will provide an important opportunity to
test before that double header race meeting in September.
Whilton Mill manager Graeme Smith
explained: "We are very keen to rebuild our TKM grids and wanted a way to give
all TKM drivers the best opportunity to sample and learn the circuit. We are
confident the day will be well received and the attendance levels healthy."
Aside from allowing existing TKM
drivers test time, special efforts are being made to help potential new drivers
to the TKM classes whether currently in Cadets or any other class. Says Alan
Turney: "This is the perfect chance for new drivers to try out TKM karting. So
long as they have full safety equipment and at least some karting experience we
will get them out in a kart."
Further details of traders taking
part and more detailed information will be made over the next few weeks. In the
meantime any driver interested in taking part should email
testday@tkmdriversclub.com to apply for an entry
sheet.
[ Top ]
Tooley Motorsport Trio (09/05)
After
narrowly missing out on the O plate last year in both Mini Max and Junior Max,
the team were aiming for both titles this year. To push this title hope the team
had 5 Mini Max out but only one Junior Max, these consisted of Dan Zelos, Jordan
Brown-Nutley, Josh Skelton, Cameron Roberts, Michael Macpherson and Nathan
Aston. The testing went well in the dry with Jordan heading the pace for the
team in mini max, battling for the top few places in each race. Aston qualified
in the top 5 as well.
Come race day the weather changed and the testing was out
the window, it was wet and after practice all looked well. Aston was 5 tenths
clear of the field and Zelos was in the top few quickest. Zelos won the pre
final with ease, pulling away from the field and winning by a huge gap. Going
into the final Zelos knew he was the quickest and he just had to control the
main final at his own pace, he did just this. Keeping the gap constant he held
the lead from start to finish, a very convincing win! Macphereson had a crash at
the start after finishing a great 12th in the pre final, showing a massive
improvement. Whilst Skelton put in a good performance for 5th, Roberts was 9th,
and Brown Nutley 10th.
The
team have now completed the trio in Mini Max - number 1, GP, and the O plate!
S1 Rowrah
After the 1st round at Wigan there was room for
improvement from all, after a lot of testing team principal Andrew Tooley
commented "I think from a team point of view, we have moved forward massively
from Wigan, and I'm positive we can have good results all round".
After a good week at the O plate 1
week prior to the S1, this proved a good test for this event.
Zelos was supporting his O, Roberts
had thought about his mistakes, Skelton felt on good form after a solid 5th and
Brown Nutley again on good form especially in the dry. The mini outing was
looking quite strong. This was backed up in qualifying when Zelos went 2nd in
group, Roberts went 3rd and Jordan went 4th. Skelton was unlucky to be in the
wrong place at the wrong time and never managed to put a time in so ended up
14th. Come the finals some had work to do, Jordan set off near the back and made
a good start, but to then be knocked clean off on the 2nd hairpin putting him
straight to the back, this put him on the back foot for the main final and was
then taken out in that again causing him not to finish. Skelton was also
unfortunate and was knocked off at the top corner causing him to drop to the
back of the field after battling for 10th. Roberts and Zelos performed
stunningly filling out the podium in the pre-final, and again for the main
final. Where they swapped positions and were only margins off halls pace,
proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
The Junior side of the team Consisted
of Greg Mckenzie and Nathan Aston, who were both quick throughout the whole
weekend. Qualifying 2nd and 5th they were off to a flying start, only narrowly
missing out on pole by hundredths! Leading up to the finals Aston had a few
battles and ended up mid pack, but Mckenzie had a 9th and a heat win, after
beating other contenders convincingly. The finals brought miss fortunes once
again; the pre finals were good with Aston getting a great 2nd place and
Mckenzie getting 6th. But in the main final once again the crashes at the start
claimed both of them!
Aston still lies 8th in the championship, Zelos is a good
2nd, Roberts is 4th and the others are mid pack and are hoping for better
results in the future. Consistency is proving to be the key!
For more
information visit
www.Tooleymotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
Super One Rotax Series (09/05)
Round
2 of the Edgar's Hyundai Super One Rotax Series took place at Rowrah on 4th &
5th May 2013.
Domination
held sway in senior Max, MiniMax and Honda Cadet with the weather leaving
something to be desired, wet for much of the finals day and cold for the second
round of the Rotax - Honda - Comer series. Exactly the same number raced
as at the first round - 171 drivers for Britain's ABkC national championships.
But the driving standards in some classes were not always good, with much
loading into the first corner and the Clerks were busy giving out penalties.
Honda Cadet:
Kiern
Jewiss is on a great winning streak at the moment, and although timed qualifying
didn't go quite to plan, by Heat 3 he was on top of things. He did enough for
the first final pole, with Charlie Lamb alongside, Morgan Porter and Rory Hudson
behind. Jewiss duly took the lead, with Porter leapfrogging Lamb on the first
lap until Hudson stormed by both. The wet track was helping Myles Apps up from
his row 4 start to find more speed, and soon into second. Matthew Hayden reached
fourth but spun back in the tricky conditions and Jewiss just held off
Apps with Hudson close behind. Lamb successfully defended fourth from Matthew
Hopcraft and Morgan Porter. A get well message goes out to Shaun Proudlock who
broke his leg scrambling down to attend his son's crash. Jewiss was quick to
relieve Apps of the lead in the second final, going on to pull a 6s lead on a
drying track with everyone still using wet weather tyres. Hudson pipped Apps
down the hill but they both fell back as Porter and Hayden came through, the
latter prevailing for second. Lamb just nicked third from Porter on the line,
with Mark Kimber overhauling Apps for fifth.
Comer
Cadet:
Second in timed
qualifying to Tom Wood, Alex Quinn was the more consistent to earn the first
final pole position from Wood, Oliver York and Jonny Edgar and they set off much
in that order but Tom Wood crashed down to the back. Edgar, who only lives a
short distance from the track and scored his first big championship title the
weekend before taking the O Plate title, soon burst through to lead over Quinn.
Lewis Thompson was making good progress, relieving Quinn for second whilst Matty
Easton did the same to York. Wood came back to ninth. The top drivers
mostly chose slicks for the second final, but nothing could help first final
winner Edgar when his engine stopped on the formation lap. York and Quinn traded
the lead as Matthew Graham fell away, soon to succumb to Wood for third. Losing
the lead when he put a wheel on the grass, York managed to regain it for the win
over Quinn.
MiniMax:
Connor Hall is another driver on top of his game at the
moment, and he kept up the momentum at the twisty Cumbrian track, built in an
old quarry. Hall was quickest over Sandy Mitchell and Josh Smith, and fastest
overall with Alex Stott topping the other session. Heat wins went the way of
Hall twice and Harrison Thomas but it was the more consistent Dan Zelos who
lined up alongside Hall on the first final front row, Smith and Stott behind. As
Hall disappeared into the distance, by the flag he was 11s ahead, Zelos newly
crowned with the O Plate, tried in vain to catch up and indeed came under
pressure from Cameron Roberts at the end. Alex Sedgwick stormed up to fourth as
Smith succumbed, Thomas next. For the second final all the karts were on slicks
and yet again Hall made a great start whilst others crashed, Jack McCarthy
spinning into the first corner. Zelos eventually got the upper hand on Roberts
and Thomas battled in a train of karts, finishing fourth on the track but
suffering a five place penalty. That elevated Tom Gamble, Alex Sedgwick and
Smith.
Junior
Max:
Ben Hingeley and
Luke Knott were each quickest in the their timed sessions but both suffered 5
place penalties relegating Hingeley to the second row for the first final behind
'Joe' Zhou and Tom Harvey. Knott was mid grid but failed to start when his
engine oiled up. Hingeley, Jake Walker and Greg McKenzie took the heat wins.
Zhou leapt into the lead with a handy gap over Hingeley as Nathan Aston
leapfrogged Jai Nijjar for third. Harvey was battling hard to keep fourth from
Jack Bartholomew. But the latter was flagged in for a bent sidepod,
emerging a lap down. Hingeley had caught and even passed Zhou, they swapped
again and again but Hingeley had the win. Josh Price came all the way from
fourth last and a repechage win to fourth place. There was so much carnage at
the start of the second final that it was stopped to lecture the drivers. Zhou
slipped past Hingeley to lead after the restart and just held onto the advantage
throughout, everyone on slicks but damp off line. Robbie Lightfoot wore down
Walker's defence of third, but fell back mid race to ninth, Walker soon to
follow but to fifteenth. Philip Rawson took up the position but overshot the
hairpin and had to settle for fifth as Knott stormed up from the back to the
podium. Harvey had been forced to start from the back after damage at the first
start, and he made it to eighth but was then excluded for driving standards.
Bartholomew was another slicing through the field from near last to fourth.
Rotax
Max:
Adam Glear and
James Singleton were at the top of their respective timed qualifying sessions,
but Charlie Eastwood, Oliver Hodgson and Josh Collings took the heat wins.
However it was rookie Adam Glear who snatched pole for the first final off
Philip Morin, Eastwood and Charlie Turner, whilst Singleton was on grid 7 and
the champion Sean Babington languished on the ninth row after a series of heat
clashes and he never really recovered. Eastwood wasted little time in jumping
Glear, the latter succumbing to Kyle Fowlie as well. John Stewart, having
regained his O Plate the previous weekend had fallen to last, but would finish
19th in the first and 14th in the second. Singleton was another in the
wars, he only made 16th. Luke Hughes made steady progress and nabbed third from
Glear on the last lap. Eastwood was out-gunned at the start by Fowlie, Myers
-from fifth on the grid - and Hughes, but picked his way back to the front and
pulled a 3s gap over Fowlie. Hodgson, another one in the final one incidents
finishing tenth, stormed back into contention to pressure Fowlie after passing
Connor Jupp. Jupp had to win the repechage for his place in the finals,
reaching ninth in the first one so was very happy with fourth. Eastwood,
who has already sealed a place in the Max Challenge Grand Finals, now
comfortably leads this qualifying series as well.
Results
Honda Cadet
Final 1: 1 Kiern Jewiss (Project One) 15 laps in
16m56.55s; 2 Myles Apps (BRK) +00.11s; 3 Rory Hudson (Project One); 4 Charlie
Lamb (BRK); 5 Matthew Hopcraft (Zip); 6 Morgan Porter (BRK). Fastest lap
Apps 1m03.73s (40.72mph).
Final
2: 1 Jewiss 17 laps in 16m56.28s; 2 Matthew Hayden (BRK) +05.69s; 3 Lamb; 4
Porter; 5 Mark Kimber (BRK); 6 Apps. Fastest lap Hayden 0m58.79s
(44.14mph).
Comer Cadet
Final 1: 1 Jonny Edgar (Zip) 15 laps in 16m07.58s; 2 Lewis
Thompson (Zip) +02.72s; 3 Alex Quinn (Zip); 4 Matty Easton (Shark); 5 Oliver
York (Zip); 6 Matthew Graham (Zip). Fastest lap Edgar 1m03.82s (40.66mph).
Final 2: 1 York 17 laps in 16m37.21s; 2 Quinn +01.12s; 3
Tom Wood (Zip); 4 Graham; 5 William Pettitt (Zip); 6 Zachary Robertson (Zip).
Fastest lap Wood 0m57.21s (45.36mph).
MiniMax
Final 1: 1 Connor Hall (Tonykart) 17 laps in 16m33.79s; 2 Dan Zelos (Tonykart)
+10.87s; 3 Cameron Roberts (Tonykart); 4 Alex Sedgwick (Kosmic); 5 Josh Smith
(ART); 6 Harrison Thomas (Tonykart). Fastest lap Hall 58.07s (44.69mph).
Final 2: 1 Hall 19 laps in 16m11.21s; 2 Zelos +04.65s; 3
Roberts; 4 Tom Gamble (Tonykart); 5 Sedgwick; 6 Smith. Fastest lap Hall
0m50.24s (51.66mph).
Junior
Max
Final 1: 1 Ben Hingeley
(Tonykart) 17 laps in 16m22.88s; 2 Nathan Aston (Tonykart) +00.80s; 3 Guan Yu
Zhou (Tonykart); 4 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 5 Josh Price (Tonykart); 6 Jake Walker
(Kosmic). Fastest lap Walker 0m57.02s (45.51mph).
Final 2: 1 Zhou 20 laps in 16m12.46s; 2 Hingeley +01.98s;
3 Luke Knott (Tonykart); 4 Jack Bartholomew (Tonykart); 5 Philip Rawson
(Alonso); 6 Brett Ward (Kosmic). Fastest lap Zhou 0m47.97s (54.10mph).
Rotax Max
Final 1: 1 Charlie Eastwood (Tonykart) 18 laps in
16m49.31s; 2 Kyle Fowlie (Tonykart) +01.30s; 3 Luke Hughes (Tonykart); 4 Adam
Glear (Kosmic); 5 Oliver Myers (Tonykart); 6 Philip Morin (Alonso).
Fastest lap Eastwood 0m54.16s (47.92mph).
Final 2: 1 Eastwood 21 laps in 16m31.47s; 2 Fowlie
+02.90s; 3 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart); 4 Connor Jupp (Alonso); 5 Glear; 6 Hughes.
Fastest lap Hodgson 0m46.47s (55.85mph).
For more information on the
championship visit
www.superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Calling All Novice Cadets (09/05)
The
June meeting, held on the weekend of the 1st (practice) and 2nd (race) will have
a very special trophy up for grabs.
As many of you are aware last year the
karting world lost a very special lady Marge Klaassen, after long discussions
with Piet we have come up with the Marge Klassen Memorial Cup for Cadet Novices.
Rissington Kart Club would like to invite as many novices as possible there will
be trophies and prizes.This will become a annual event with perpetual trophy as
well.
We
would love to get a good number of drivers any cadet engine allowed (Comer,
IAME, Honda and WTP) If we get a large number of drivers will give them their
own races and final.
You may even get some coaching from a former Rissington
Champion!
More details of this event will shortly be available on the
Rissington web site at
www.rissykartclub.com.
[ Top ]
And The Winner Is... (09/05)
Rissington
On Line entry system had it's first prize draw winner, Cadet regular Tyler Read
won himself a set of tyres just for entering on line. Tyler's Mum was overjoyed
at the result, we needed a new set so this is great news and all I did was enter
Tyler online.
For our next meeting in June we have another great prize
kindly donated by Alan from MK racewear - a voucher worth £150 to spend at the
shop that's enough for a new race suit!
Alan said "I am happy to help
Rissington, its a great track great people". The voucher can be used any time so
if someone wins and want to wait to spend it later in the year you can. Based
down a Mr. Karting indoor kart track in Leamington spa you can visit the shop
and try on suits, helmets, boot, gloves etc to make sure they fit correctly,
check out their web site
www.mkracewear.co.uk.
Just go to the Rissington web site
www.rissykartclub.com enter on line and pay for
the June meeting and you will be in the prize draw, it's so simple.
[ Top ]
Kartal Motorsport Success (08/05)
Tom
Geaney was jubilant after winning the Gold Cup in Comer Cadet at MBKCs meeting
at 3 Sisters. He was joined on the podium by Tamzyn Buckley who was 3rd. Tamzyn
also picked up her Winter series winners trophy.
In IAME Cadet Wes Brown was 3rd in the Gold Cup event - he
also collected his Winter Series Winners trophy.
Joe Bleackley won the Winter Series trophy in Junior Blue
following his recent good form.
In Junior Rotax Robbie Lightfoot made it 2 years in
succession by taking victory in this well supported class, an excellent
achievement.
Young Ben Deeming in the Cadet class was awarded a Special
achievement award by MBKC following his recent success of winning Young Sports
personality of the year as awarded by the Trinity Mirror Media group.
Kartal Motorsport
would like to thank all these customers for choosing to use engines supplied by
them.
Please note that we now have a fully operational FlowPerformance bench available
to trade and private customers for testing carbs and airboxes Recent
customers include Lewis Seville, who after testing a combination of Rotax Carbs,
air boxes and trumpets, won at PFi in Senior Max. Along with our Eddie current
dyno we offer these excellent facilities to enable you to achieve the best
performance possible. Get the most out of your equipment and join the winners!
Contact Alan at Kartal Motorsport for
Comer, IAME, Rotax and TKM rebuilds on 07801 379880.
You can also
find
us on Facebook.
[ Top ]
Protrain's Wragg And Rudge (08/05)
Kieran
Wragg and Sean Rudge are certainly showing that they are drivers with talent
making an almost seamless transfer from Cadet success to Mini Max success.
At the season opener at Whilton Mill
11 year old Wragg lined up in a new Tony Kart with 15 other karts and showed
impressive pace all through practice and into race day. Despite this being his
first race weekend at Whilton Mill in Mini Max his heat 2, 3 and 1 finishes
including a fastest lap delivered a well deserved pole position for the final
where he enjoyed a great racing battle and showed great racecraft to take his
first Mini Max victory in style.
Out of four finishes this year Kieran has finished, 5th,
4th, 3rd and 1st and taken third place in the Shenington Winter Championship,
truly impressive in this new and highly competitive class.
Sean Rudge has also been highly
impressive in his maiden Mini Max season on the Formula K taking his first
victory in a field of 30 karts at Kimbolton in April taking fastest lap in the
process. Sean's finishes including two 3rds, a 4th and a 5th as well as taking a
superb second place in the Shenington Winter Championship show how quickly he
has also adapted to his new class.
Making
the move from cadet to Mini Max is a massive step up and very often talented
cadet drivers seem to struggle but under Protrain Racing's guidance the Rotax
masters have shown that it is possible make an immediate impression on the Mini
Max field.
These two drivers have shown that even with large grids including much more
experienced drivers new Mini Max drivers with great backing and great talent
will quickly see themselves at the front of the grids.
Kieran will be competing in the
Shenington and Whilton Mill Championships and Sean will be in the Shenington,
Whilton Mill and Kimbolton Championships in 2013.
Are you struggling to make an impression in any Rotax
class? We can help you bring yourself to the front of the grids too, give us a
call on 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
Lydd Summer Championship (07/05)
The
Summer Championships at Lydd continue this weekend, with practice available on
Saturday 11th ahead of our non-MSA Race Day on Sunday the 12th.
The Summer Championships are over 6
rounds, with the best 5 scores to count for each driver - so those who missed
the first round still have the chance to win the series as long as they do all
the rest of the rounds.
We look forward to another great meeting to continue the
trend of the last couple of months, where we have enjoyed fantastic racing and a
really friendly atmosphere throughout the paddock.
We cater for all classes, with the
regular classes starting at Bambino and progressing through Cadet Clubman, IAME
& Comer Cadets, Honda Cadets, Minimax, Juniors, Senior Rotax 162 and 177 and the
Prokarts.
If
you haven't visited us here at Lydd before, then why not come along and give it
a try? If you have been here before, but not been back for a while, then come
back and remind yourselves what you have been missing at Kent's fastest Kart
Circuit.
For more information, please visit the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com or phone us on 01797
321747.
[ Top ]
ACR Are Recruiting... (07/05)
ACR
are the Sole UK Importers for Birel racing and rental Chassis and the Easykart
range of karts and also distribute Freeline kart accessories.The company is one
of the longest serving Birel Importers in the World dealing with the Italian
chassis giants for nearly 18 years.
ACR are also the sole UK Importers for
Vega tyres with products such as Vega (green) XH slicks, Vega (whites) XM slicks
and the Vega W5 rain tyre. ACR are also sole UK Importer for Exced Oils
and Lubricants.
ACR has competed with its Championship racing team
"acrbirel" in the Super one series for over 21 years running drivers such as Tom
Sisley, Mike Conway (Indycar), Michael Simpson (Ginetta), Alex Lynn (euro
F3) and Jake Hughes (KGP and F4).
ACR is based 20 mins from Birmingham in Bromsgrove,
Worcestershire. It operates a busy factory with the import and re distribution
via mail order of it's represented imported brands. The company also caters for
engine service and preparation, chassis storage and preparation and technical
support for Easykart clients as well as the running of its racing team acrbirel.
Due to expansion and re-structuring
ACR now has the following positions available....
Factory
and Trackside Technical Support Manager
Position: Permanent (subject to a 3 month probationary
period).
Salary: Starting from
£20K to £25K dependant on applicant experience.
Position Based at the ACR factory in Bromsgrove in
Worcestershire.
Applicants should have their own transport; a good
knowledge of kart mechanics, racing experience would be advantageous. Applicants
will receive initial support on the introduction of the role during the
probationary period; however, applicants are expected to be able to work on
their own initiative.
The position will involve the management, service and
preparation of Birel chassis and Easykarts. The successful applicant would be
required to assist clients with technical support over the phone and at
trackside at race events.
The position will also involve the PDI of new karts and
registration of chassis and engines on official databases. The role will also
involve taking mail order requests over the phone, stock control and
distribution of parts to clients.
Basic PC skills would be required as well as a good level
of competence for completing service job cards and records.
Applicants would also be required to
attend the Easykart UK Championships and work in our team as trackside technical
support. Travel and subsistence at these races would be covered by ACR Ltd.
There may also be an opportunity to work with our associated company Kart Grand
Prix UK Ltd at Super One KGP events.
Applicants should have a genuine passion for karting/
motorsport and be self motivated with a good personal level of initiative as
well as being a team player.
We are looking for a person to become an integral part of
the ACR team for the future.
Interested applicants should send
their CV and covering letter FAO: Jayne Moore, ACR Ltd Lissone House, Harris
Business Park, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4DJ or you can email your covering
letter and CV FAO: Jayne Moore at
acraccounts@btconnect.com. Closing date for
interested applicants is Friday 20th May 2013.
The
second vanacy is...
Factory and Trackside Kart Mechanic
Position: Permanent (subject to a 3 month probationary
period).
Salary: Starting from
£12k to £15K dependant on applicant experience.
Position Based at the ACR factory in Bromsgrove in
Worcestershire.
Applicants should have their own transport; a good
knowledge of kart mechanics, racing experience would be advantageous. Applicants
would be supervised during the probationary period.
The position will involve the service and preparation of
karts featuring the Easykart and Birel Motorsport range of karts. The position
would also involve the PDI of new karts and equipment.
Basic PC skills would be required as
well as a good level of competence for completing service job cards and records.
Applicants would also be required to
attend the Easykart UK Championships and work in our team as a trackside kart
mechanic. Travel and subsistence at these races would be covered by ACR Ltd.
Applicants
should have a genuine passion for karting/ motorsport and be self motivated with
a good personal level of initiative as well as being a team player.
We are looking
for a person to become part of the ACR team for the future.
Interested
applicants should send their CV and covering letter FAO: Jayne Moore, ACR Ltd
Lissone House, Harris Business Park, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4DJ or you can
email your covering letter and CV FAO: Jayne Moore at
acraccounts@btconnect.com. Closing date for
interested applicants is Friday 20th May 2013.
For more
information on ACR visit www.acrbirel.com.
[ Top ]
2013 Welsh Championships (07/05)
Only
a couple of days left to enter Wales' Premier Karting Event for the nationally
recognized "C" plate. All classes are welcome for a great weekends racing.
For only £85 you
get timed qualifying and a heat on Saturday and timed qualifying, heat,
pre-final and a final for all classes on Sunday. All class winners will be
awarded the "C" plate for their class to race at any ABkC recognised event for
12 months.
Llandow will have IAME's for the first time this weekend and
would welcome some more.
Entries close on line at midnight this Wednesday
and by first post Thursday.
For more information visit
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk or call Colin on 07817
449671.
[ Top ]
Connor
Hall And Strawberry
(07/05)
Connor
Hall was in sensational form at the second round of the Super 1 series at the
Rowrah circuit in Cumbria.
He started off by placing his Strawberry
Racing Tonykart on pole for the heats, which he converted to pole position for
the pre-final. In a wet race which also saw him getting a big hit from
behind at the start, Connor drove away from his rivals opening up a lead of over
8 seconds at the flag.
For the Main final it was a fast drying line
around the track and slick tyres was the choice. It was essential to make a good
start and this he did. After a couple of cautious laps finding the grip, he soon
got into his rythm and managed to stretch a 3 second lead at the flag and take
his second clean sweep in the championship.
Despite this Connor is fully
aware that it is a long season and there are some very talented drivers in the
class that will be snapping at his heels all the way.
Connor would like
to thank Body Management for all of their help with his diet and training, all
at Strawberry racing for the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing engine along with
their massive effort and especially his Mechanic Harry Cockill for doing a great
job all weekend.
You can keep up to date with Connors progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk
[ Top ]
TVKC & PFI
International Races
(07/05)
Trent
Valley Kart Club and PF International kart circuit are set to host three major
International race events this Summer...
RGMMC Rotax Euro Challenge: 17-21 July
2013
Kartmasters British Kart
Grand Prix: 1-4 August 2013
CIK-FIA World KF Championships: 28 August-1 September 2013
Preparations are well under way for
these landmark events. The latest developments are the dedicated websites which
TVKC have just launched specifically to cover each event individually.
The
websites include all the information about the events - for both competitors and
spectators alike. Whether it is how to find the circuit, the cost of admission
tickets, what's happening during the course of the weekend or to find
accommodation - it's all on there. The sites will be constantly updated with the
latest news and information as we move closer to the date.
Visit these brand new sites directly
at...
www.tvkc.co.uk/euromax
www.tvkc.co.uk/kartmasters
www.tvkc.co.uk/cik
[ Top ]
Tal-Ko's Veloce Kart (07/05)
The
latest Tal-Ko made Veloce kart driven by Joe Forsdyke has taken the prestigious
ABkC Senior Extreme 'O' plate title at Rowrah.
In pouring wet conditions for the final, Forsdyke took an
early lead from his second row grid position and pulled away to win by a
dominant 21 seconds from second place Rob Wallace.
Afterwards a delighted Joe said: "The Veloce kart was
fantastic. In the dry the kart was really good but when the rain came down it
was in a class if its own."
The Junior 'O' plate title was taken by Matt Davies from
Stephen Letts, also in wet conditions.
For more
information on the Valoce Kart visit
www.tal-ko.com.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
A Touch Of Nostalgia (07/05)
Owners
of historic karts are being invited to join in one of the UK's top karting
events - the Maxxis TKM Festival which celebrates its 15th year at Kimbolton in
August.
With historic karts becoming more popular by the year and with both Tal-Ko and
Kimbolton being trail-blazers in karting with histories going back to its birth
more than 50 years ago, it is a perfect addition to this special
celebration of TKM karting.
Any kart using a TKM or Hewland Arrow engine will be
eligible to take part in what will be an on-track demonstration on Sunday,
August 11. And under agreement with the MSA governing body, provided drivers use
full safety wear and have kart racing experience, race licences will not be
required.
Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney said: "This is great news. We started making TKM engines
back in 1978 and it will be great to see some of the old models out on the
circuit where they used to be raced many years ago.
"Over the past year or so interest in historic karts has
been accelerating rapidly and we have been pleased to help those with older
equipment by supplying spares which we still have on our shelves."
The organisers are also hoping to
encourage along drivers who used to race at the Kimbolton circuit over its 54
year history for a special reunion.
As usual the TKM Festival will be covered for Motors TV
and the historics will be expected to appear as part of that adding a touch of
nostalgia to the highly competitive nature of the annual event.
Says Martin
Chesterman, Chairman of the Hunts Kart Club which runs Kimbolton: "This circuit
has such a long history stretching back to the very earliest days of karting so
it will be great to bring some old names and equipment back to the track."
Drivers who
would like to take part should send written requests with full details of the
kart, engine and driver experience to
alan.turney@tal-ko.com.
[ Top ]
Live
Timing This Weekend
(03/05)
Round 2 of the Super One Rotax series as well as the
Trent Valley Kart Club meeting are taking place this weekend, and if you can't
make it to your favoured event why not follow the action live on-line?
Whether it's the
national championship at Rowrah or club racing at PFI you're missing, TAG Heuer
will be streaming live timing from both events at
www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
SaxMax
Arrive & Drive
(03/05)
Team
Dynomite have arrive and drive spaces available for the BARC 2013 racing season
where you can race or test in our fully race prepared Saxmax. The next round is
Oulton Park on the 27th May.
The team are pleased to anounce they will be competing in
the 2013 SaxMax Championship. Rookie Tom Parker has been joined by
ex-karter Adam Hatfield for the the 2013 championship, and running as a 4 car
team this means we have 2 'Arrive and Drive' packages remaining, as well as and
1 owner driver space available.
Fancy a test? We have fully prepared cars just waiting to
go!
Well
done to Team drivers Tom Parker, Adam Hatfield and Martin Poole for finishing
4th, 5th and 6th in the second round at Croft last weekend.
A
2014 scholorship is available - email or call for details.
Also, Team Dynomite in conjunction
with Sportdevices.co.uk have their own in-house rolling road, engine dyno, shock
absorber dyno and a newly developed Flowbench. These tools, coupled with 30
experience in motorsport, offer a formidable package.
So if you fancy
progressing from karts to cars email
info@sportdevices.co.uk or call us on 0800
6126977 for more information.
[ Top ]
Instructors Required (03/05)
Due
to continuing expansion Racing Perfection have several part time instructor
positions available.
Minimum requirements for instructors:
- Proven history of competing successfully at national
level Karting or Car racing or higher
- Very good communication skills
- Very good people skills
- Live within a sensible commuting distance of either
Eastleigh or Lancing (30 minutes or less).
- Available to work on Sunday mornings once a month
Applications are
to be sent to Steve Bell of Racing Perfection at
steve.bell@racingperfection.co.uk.
[ Top ]
ART Grand Prix Impress (01/05)
Dean
MacDonald collected an impressive runner-up spot at the British Open
Championship at Rowrah last weekend and if not for some bad luck for Josh Smith
the top 5 would have seen 2 ART Karts in the top 5 positions. An impressive
start in the debut year for ART in the Rotax class, and it's also the first year
in the class for Cadet Champion MacDonald and Super One Cadet runner-up Josh
Smith.
Rotax Team Manager Jamie Allen commented; "We are really happy with the results
we have achieved so far this year and I'm very impressed with all of our team
drivers and how they have adapted to the class. The step up from Cadets is a big
one, so to be able to collect a podium and have both Dean and Josh running at
the front this early in the season gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of
the year."
Alfie Brown was also in action in the ultra-competitive Junior Max class. Alfie
had a mixed weekend but pace wise he showed good speed. Jamie commented;
"Alfie's testing programme for this year has mainly been based around KF3, so to
jump straight into the Rotax and have the pace of many of the older and more
experienced drivers is great and gives us a solid base to work from."
ART Grand Prix's next race is the 2nd
round of the Rotax Super One championship where all drivers will be looking to
build on the results gained at the O Plate meeting.
The ART/RSF/Zip team currently have
one place spare for either a Mini Max or Junior Max driver at Super One in 2013.
Any interested drivers should contact Zip Kart on 01327 855310 or email
info@zipkart.com.
[ Top ]
Make The Most Of Spring (01/05)
Now
the sun has finally broken cover, it's time to clear out all your old equipment
and have it tested on our Rolling Road. This facility is proving to be
invaluable in assessing the ancillliaries of your engine such as the exhaust,
carb, coil and airbox. These can then be confirmed on track to gain you those
extra few tenths you're looking for.
We also have our own range of IAME
engines - anybody interested in a free test should get in touch using the
contact details below.
April saw some very impressive results with Elliott Harvey
and Luke Oliver winning at Shennington, Brett Ward on the top step at Belgium's
BNL first round, and Andy Rees-Reynolds enjoying his first win for some time at
Whilton in Seniors!
We've also been successful in Malaysia with ART Gran Prix
Asia. A 1st, 3rd and 4th in seniors, plus 3rd in juniors providing great results
for the team there.
Lastly, our congratulations to Dean McDonald in his 2nd
place at the O Plate race at Rowrah - his first time on Grice motors.
We are still running our special
offer for full rebuilds and these details can be found on our website. If you
have any questions on rebuilds, rolling road evaluation or engine hire, please
contact Ricky on...
Telephone 01268 727847 (workshop),
07768 047253 (mobile), email
Ricky.grice@virgin.net or
visit our website at
www.griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
Swede Dreams In Belgium (30/04)
The
opening weekend of the BNL Karting Series took place at Genk last weekend (20/21
April) and saw Strawberry Racing's Swedish siblings Jessica and Andreas Backman
competing in the senior and DD2 classes.
The BNL operates around a
double-header format, with qualifying, heats and finals taking place on both
Saturday and Sunday.
A large grid had entered for the Senior Max class but
reigning Swedish Junior Max champions Jessica was instantly on the pace, setting
the 3rd fastest time in the qualifying.
She overcame her disastrous first heat
by winning the second and making the cut for the A Final. A blistering drive,
saw Jessica carve her way into the lead and from there pull away to win by over
three seconds.
"It was a fantastic drive," said Strawberry Racing team
manager Warwick Ringham. "Jessica made a really good start and slowly picked off
the drivers in front of her. Once she'd got to the front, she kept putting in
really good lap times and just drove away from the chasing pack."
On day two, two 4th place finishes
demonstrated the young Swede's consistency and turn of speed. However, a tougher
race saw Jessica pushed down to 8th position and in a lonely position of neither
having an attacking opportunity or defend from the driver one second behind her.
"Her intelligent driving and keeping
out of trouble meant that she banked more valuable championship points,"
explained Warwick. "Jessica's now in a strong 2nd place in the championship and
that's a great start for her."
With
a different race schedule giving the DD2 class two finals - but no heats after
time qualifying - on each day, Jessica's older brother, Andreas, was able to
demonstrate that he is a rising star in the burgeoning twin-speed karts.
He claimed a fine 2nd in the first
final and completed the day with 3rd in the following race.
Like Jessica, Andreas found Sunday a
slightly tougher proposition. His Tony Kart EVK chassis with Cream-tuned motor
ensured that he was able to compete at the sharp-end of the grid but he was
unable to repeat the previous day's results.
However, his 9th and 5th places
combined with the points from Saturday put him in a strong 4th place overall
with two rounds remaining. The next race takes the drivers to Ostricourt in
France (11/12 May) before returning to Genk for the August (24/25) finale.
"Andreas' results did not do justice
to his pace. If he can sort out his starts, then he will be in a better position
to challenge for the wins that his natural speed deserves."
For more
information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Brian
Wilson Memorial Meeting
(30/04)
The
SYKC Annual W Plate meeting held in memory of Brian Wilson will take place on
Sunday 12th May 2013.
Brian was an active member of SYKC from 1970 until his
untimely death in 1992. His involvement with karting started when his 11 year
old son, Mike Wilson, took up karting at Wombwell. Mike had great success in
karting and at 18 years old moved to Italy to work as a team driver for Birel
and eventually won the World Championship 6 times.
Whilst Mike raced for Birel, Brian continued his
involvement at SYKC and started a kart business producing the Premier Karts and
providing track side support at all meetings, along with working on the club
committee; maintaining the track and trying to improve the club.
Following his Death in 1992 the club
decided to recognise his contribution by holding an annual memorial meeting,
which is always supported by his wife Eileen and members of the Wilson family.
Mike
Wilson donated one of his World Championship trophies to be awarded to the
Driver of the Day chosen by Eileen and her family.
If you would like to compete in this very special event
please ensure your entry reaches the SYKC Competition Secretary before the 4th
May 2013.
Entry forms are available on
www.sykc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Fabulous
Forsdyke
(29/04)
Clarke Karts / Tal-Ko Race Team would like to
congratulate Joe Forsdyke on his success in the TKM Extreme class at the 'O'
Plate at Rowrah last weekend.
Ably assisted in the pits throughout by his
father/mechanic Ken, Joe took the lead on the first lap of the final after
starting in 5th, and led all the way to take the chequered flag over 21 seconds
clear of his rivals.
For more information on Clarke Karts,
who run Lydd Kart Circuit in Kent, visit
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
[ Top ]
X30
Chassis Run Riot
(26/04)
Having
utterly dominated the 2012 OEKC series with the X30 chassis, the GMS supplied
teams in the 2013 series showed no mercy at Rye House in March, with the latest
2013 edition of the chassis leading home the field under the control of the
Screw Loose Racing team.
In an event featuring a tricky mix of track conditions,
the brand new machine led home the field as part of an all X30 top seven,
proving it speed and durability in a strong, twenty-three team field. Series
veterans Box Tech and reigning champions Team Specsavers completed the podium.
This was followed up by an equally dominant showing from the chassis at Sandown
Daytona last weekend, with Team Specsavers coming home five laps ahead to lead
another X30 podium sweep.
Designed by the GMS team, the 2013 X30 frame is crafted by
world renowned chassis specialists, Gillard Karts, before being equipped with
GMS spec parts at the team's Kent facilities. The new machine is already proving
to be a marked improvement over the versions that took numerous victories and
fastest laps at Super One in the past three seasons, with the first production
run already sold out.
The X30 is available for immediate
test drives by interested customers, and usually retails at the rolling chassis
price of £2795 + vat. However, any customer who gets in contact to arrange
chassis testing/ordering before the 2nd May will receive a special discount down
to £2595 + vat, saving around £240 off the full price of the fearsome blue
machine.
In order to find out more about the
GMS Team and the X30 Chassis or to contact the team, visit
www.gms-x30.co.uk
without delay to take advantage of this limited time offer.
Photographs courtesy of Rene Lubbock.
[ Top ]
Charlie Enjoys Flying Start (25/04)
Fresh
from his sensational triumph in the Florida Winter Tour, Strawberry Racing's
Charlie Eastwood got his European and UK Rotax campaigns off to a superb start
with victory in the opening round of the Euro Max Challenge and the runner-up
spot in the first race of the Super One championship.
Building on a remarkable 2012 in which
he triumphed at the annual Rotax Grand Finals - regarded as the world
championships for the Rotax category of karting - at Portimao on the Portuguese
Algarve (1 December), the 17-year old from Belfast, carried his rich vein of
form into 2013 with victory in the Florida Winter Tour, in March (24).
The
prestigious series attracts entries from 28 different nations and takes place
over three rounds spanning from January to February. Charlie faced stiff
competition from 60 drivers - including ex-F1 star Nelson Piquet Junior - and
saw him travel to Palm Beach, Miami and Ocala. This gave Charlie and his team
plenty to look forward to as the first race of the Euro Max Challenge beckoned.
His
subsequent victory in a thrilling and hard-fought run to the chequered flag in
Genk, Belgium (31 March) not only gave him the early points lead, but also
confirmed his position as one of Irish sport's most exciting prospects.
A week later, the
globetrotting youngster was back at the wheel of his Tony Kart EVK, aiming to
put points on the board in the opening fixture of the Super One championship at
Three Sisters near Wigan.
Despite a tough and sometimes bruising weekend, Eastwood
returned home 3rd overall in the championship table, with ten points-scoring
races remaining until the season finale in October.
"It's been a great past few months,"
said Charlie. "Winning the Grand Finals was a dream come true and to do it
wearing the colours of Ireland was extra special. Consequently, I was invited to
take on nearly sixty other drivers in America off the back of my victory in
Portugal which was an amazing experience. Everyone knows the connection that
exists between Ireland and the USA but I was still surprised by the response I
got in Florida. It was like being a rock star! Everyone was so welcoming,
enthusiastic and helpful. Even when I beat their top drivers they kept on
cheering for me."
Eastwood - whose family appropriately run's Northern
Ireland's premier karting circuit, Nutts Corner at Crumlin - is targeting a
successful defence of his world crown and winning the Euro and British titles
for the first time.
"It would be nice if I could do the treble. Winning the
Euro Max, Super One championships and retaining my world title would be awesome,
as these are three of the hardest karting championships anywhere in the world.
So far, I'm in a strong position and have a great team behind me, plus lots of
support from my family and friends. It's all to play for!"
Keep up to speed
with Charlie by following him on twitter -
@ce_racing_ncc
- and via his Facebook page -
Charlie
Eastwood.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net
(racing) and Bas Kaligis (podium).
[ Top ]
KZ1: Still Time To Register (24/04)
KZ1
is being held open for new registrations now that the Motor Sports Association
(MSA) and Super One Series have confirmed that the 2013 MSA British Short
Circuit Kart Championship title has been transferred to the 125cc gearbox class. Just go to
superoneseries.com to register and enter
on line, or go to the Contact section to download all the necessary forms.
Don't delay to have a chance at the top title in British karting, this is an
opportunity not to be missed. As well as benefiting from all the
usual Super One prizes, including receiving a TAG Heuer timepiece, the champion
and a guest will be invited to the MSA's Night of Champions at Pall Mall,
London.
The 2013 championship for KZ1 will comprise three rounds:
May 18-19: Rowrah (Cumbria Kart Club)
June 22-23: Glan Y Gors (Dragon Kart Club)
October 12-13: Shenington (Shenington Kart Racing Club).
John Hoyle, Super One Series promoter,
said: "This should be a huge boost for gearbox karting in the UK following the
great popularity this purist class has had on the continent, and we invite
anyone interested to register without delay." Entries for the first round
should be lodged with Cumbria Kart Club by 5th May if possible.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and
Kart Committee Chairman, added: "The MSA is delighted that the British Short
Circuit Kart Championship title will now be awarded to the KZ1 class this year.
These are difficult times for KF2 but in KZ1 we have a competitive and
well-supported category that is worthy of the UK's premier karting title."
The KZ1 class will run at a class
weight of 180kg, and use the Dunlop DEH slick and KT13 wets to have the minimum
of differences to the KZ2 class that was to have been the support races.
It will be differentiated from KZ2 by having yellow number plates with black
numbers, and CIK homologated chassis will be required.
With all rounds
counting towards the British title, everything will remain as already advised to
the gearbox drivers. The Super One Series looks forward to an exciting
battle for the British title, and all details and registration is available on
http://superoneseries.com.
[ Top ]
Shwartzman Uses The Forza (24/04)
Reigning
KFJ European champions Forza Racing returned to the WSK Euro Series podium with
a superb 2nd place for Robert Shwartzman at Sarno (21 April).
Over 70 drivers had entered for the
series' penultimate round, and from the outset the young Russian was among the
pace-setters.
In timed qualifying, Robert automatically made the cut for
the Super Pole session and enjoyed a strong run in the heats with ever-improving
results, taking 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st respectively. His reward was p3 on the
starting grid for the first pre-final. Due to the large field, two races were
required in order to determine the starting positions for the single, main
final.
Shwartzman confidently won by half a second and set the race's fastest lap,
handing him pole position for the final.
"At the start he dropped to 4th," explained Forza team
boss, Jamie Croxford. "However, Robert held his nerve and stormed back to 2nd.
He threw everything he'd got at the race leader and I believe that if there had
there been one more lap, he would've won. Robert simply ran out of corners but
it was still a fantastic result for him."
Jamie added: "He's come a long way and really matured.
Robert put on a great show at Sarno and he's flicked a switch in his mind. He
should now be consistently performing at this level. He was 2nd in Super Pole
during the 2nd round of the WSK Masters series, so we know he has the necessary
speed within him and the equipment (Tony Kart EVK chassis with GFR-tuned TM
engine) is certainly good enough. This result has been coming since then, and
thankfully all our hard work has paid off."
Keen to highlight the vital contribution of his colleagues
and team partners, Croxford said: "Big thanks to Gordy (Gordon Finlayson of GFR
Engines) and Robert's mechanic Shane McFadden, it was a great all round effort."
Forza's 60 Mini driver, Ronan Graves,
experienced contrasting fortunes which Jamie described as "seriously tough".
After a difficult time in qualifying, Ronan was on the backfoot for the rest of
the meeting. "It was a good first experience for him and he learned a great
deal," said Croxford.
KF driver Igor Walilko marked his second meeting with
Forza with an encouraging 15th place in the main final. His progress to that
point had not been smooth but the Polish youngster automatically qualified for
the pre-final, albeit at the tail of the grid. He picked his way forward to
cross the line in 24th place and again delivered a strong drive in the second
final to claim 15th.
"He got as high as 12th and we began to think that a top
ten finish might be on the cards, but it wasn't to be," Croxford shrugged.
"However, Igor showed he's a fighter and that he's got tons of potential. We're
looking forward to the next round of the WSK Masters championship at Lignano
Sabbiadoro (4/5 May)."
For more information and to discuss a race seat with the
team or arrange a test day, compete in a club meeting or have a day of
one-to-one driver coaching, please contact Jamie on +44 7921 393 940.
Alternatively, visit
www.forza-racing.co.uk.
Photograph courtesy of Sport In Photo.
[ Top ]
RL Maintains Momentum (24/04)
RL
Racing Department kept up its rich vein of form with successful visits to Rowrah
(14 April) and Larkhall (21 April), seeing Jack McCarthy claim the top honours
in Cumbria and Scotland's Sandy Mitchell taking a fine 2nd place on home soil
with team-mate Tushar Vivekanandan 3rd.
Round three of Cumbria Kart Club's summer championship was
RL Racing Department's rehearsal for this weekend's (27/28 April) Rotax 'O'
Plate and the Super One series' second round, a week later (4/5 May).
Mini Max front-runner Jack McCarthy
put his name forward as 'one to watch' with what his team boss, Steve Armstrong,
described as a "top job" in the final. After starting on the second row of the
grid, McCarthy hit the front on lap 3; he then underlined his superiority by
further extending his lead in the last two laps.
His team-mate, Hugo Bentley-Ellis also ran well - setting
the fastest lap before tangling with a backmarker as he diced for 2nd place. The
incident dropped him out of contention and was scant reward for another fine
performance throughout the day.
Sandy
Mitchell, however, enjoyed another strong day behind the wheel. He took a heat
win before crossing the finishing line 5th in the final. Jack Martin's drive
from the midfield into the top ten further delighted his team, as he took the
chequered flag in 9th place.
The team's Junior driver Luke Knott stormed from the back
of the grid to grab 2nd place with a terrific drive.
Buoyed by this, the team made the trip to Larkhall looking
to build on their recent positive results. Steve was delighted to see his
talented young squad open their account with an RL Racing 1, 2, 4 result in the
very first heat.
In
the following race, Tushar Vivekanandan claimed an eventual 3rd after
challenging for the win, whilst Sandy Mitchell wasn't able to repeat his heat
one victory and settled for 6th. Jack Martin battled from the rear of the grid
to finish 11th.
Sandy returned to the winner's circle in the third heat
and thus claimed pole position for the final. A crash dented Tushar's chances of
a better grid slot but jack Martin's 8th place result gave him p5 for the start
of the final.
Sandy led the race through the initial stages but was
caught and passed just after the midway point. Knowing that he was comfortable
in 2nd, he maturely opted to bring his kart home safely, rather than scrap for
the win. He was able to lead home Tushar, who had carved his way to a
thoroughly-deserved podium, whilst Jack banked another top ten finish with his
fine run to 8th.
"I'm pleased with the boys' individual performances," said
Armstrong. "Sandy did the right thing and was very professional. Tushar showed
pace and great determination, whilst Jack continues to improve, learn and go for
consistent finishes. They're all in a very good place right now."
For more
information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843
586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Superb Shenington Results (23/04)
Following
on from the recent run of good form the Protrain team arrived at a sunny
Shenington on Saturday ready for the hard work before race day. With the
good weather lifting everyone's spirits a great deal was achieved and the nine
drivers in the awning everyone left ready for some good racing.
We were not disappointed, by the end
of the day we would have pole position in Iame, Minimax and Seniors and top five
positions for six of our nine drivers including a fantastic second place for
our Honda driver in his first yellow plate race.
The Iame's were first out with Joe Turneys heat results 2,
1, 1 putting him in pole position for the final. In a nailbiting race the action
was between the front three drivers but Turney drove a great race to take the
chequered flag, his third this year at Shenington.
Next out was the Minimax drivers Sean Rudge and Kieran
Wragg who had both been dominant all day. Kieran's 1,2,4 heat results placed him
on the front row next to pole sitter Sean Rudge who finished 1,1 and 3 in his
heats. Wragg was hit by another kart on lap nine costing him valuable
places and limiting his time to get back to the front but eventually came third.
Rudge was even more unlucky, following an early incident which put him back to
fifth he drove back to take the lead when a driver took him out at the last
corner, the exclusion of that driver did nothing to help Rudge who ended fifth
and took the fastest lap but was robbed of the win.
The successes didn't stop there, not to be outdone Jack
Saffery's pole position was maximised from start to finish with the win never
looking in doubt, another dominant performance from the number 10.
Perhaps
the star of the weekend though was Honda cadet Thomas Bennett who came home
second in his first ever yellow plate race. Bennett drove a very solid race and
in the last four laps found himself taking five places with some great driving.
Team mates
Oliver Pidgeley, Joe Byrne, Tim Penny and James Bailey all had days of highs and
lows as is often the case in Karting. Pidgeley took fourth in Junior Max, in
seniors Byrne struggled with a power valve issue in the final and finished
seventh, Penny was involved in a crash at the first corner leaving him last but
managed to drive back to 10th, while relative newcomer Bailey set his best lap
time at the circuit.
Gary Chapman said afterwards "What a great weekend for our
team. I am really pleased with the whole team performance we achieved some great
results which were well deserved but I am really disappointed for Sean, he
showed great pace and racecraft all weekend and to be denied the win in this way
is extremely upsetting."
The good weekend in Shenington was matched in Graz,
Austria where Protrain Driver Thomas Preining won both his finals to kick off
the Austrian championship in great style, well done to him.
The team moves on to the O Plate in
Rowrah and to Whilton Mill's first club round of the season.
Are you getting the best results? You
could be part of our winning team, give Chapman now on 01280 814774 or 07802 966064 - it could be the best call you ever made.
For more
information please see
www.formulak-uk.co.uk or
www.protrainracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Stunning Start For Strawberry (23/04)
Fresh
from its strong start to the Euro Max Challenge, Strawberry Racing carried its
winning momentum into the opening round of the Super One championship, at Three
Sisters (7 April) - claiming victories in the Mini and Junior Max classes, with
reigning Grand Finals champion, Charlie Eastwood runner up in Senior Max.
The Mini Max entry of 42 drivers - the
largest field - presented early season favourite, Connor Hall with a stern
challenge. However, the youngster from Bristol emerged from the heats with
flying colours to take pole position for the pre-final.
A perfect start saw Connor hold onto
his startline advantage as the rest of the pack jockeyed for position behind,
allowing him to escape with another driver. Setting a blistering pace and not
putting a wheel wrong, the number five seed extended his lead to some 8 seconds,
as the chasing group began to dispute 2nd spot. The gap stabilised at this
margin, and from there Hall stroked his kart home to take first blood. Connor's
teammate, the American Darren Keane, made a good fist of his first experience of
Super One competition. Darren qualified 13th on the grid for the first final,
but was a victim of some of the mid-pack action and ultimately crossed the line
in 25th spot.
Hall
again made no mistakes at the start of the main final, initially easing away
from his closest rivals. However, they were able to claw him back when an
official dashed onto the track and into his path, forcing him to brake sharply.
The Strawberry ace then had to firmly defend his advantage before settling
himself and pulling away once more. This time his margin of victory would be
nowhere near as emphatic as before, but he crossed the line over half a second
clear to take maximum points and the points lead. Darren fared better and
finished inside the top twenty to get his challenge underway.
Guan
Yu Zhou is arguably one of, if not the, most exciting motorsport talent to
emerge from China and for the past two seasons has promised a big win. It
finally came at Wigan and he was visibly delighted to seal his maiden Super One
victory - and on his S1 debut in the Junior Max ranks. He laid down a marker
with wins in both his heats and was joined on the front row of the pre-final
grid by teammate Ben Hingeley, with fellow Strawberry driver Max Aitken directly
behind him on p3 and Sweden's Jessica Backman qualifying on the 6th row.
It was Aitken who out-gunned Zhou on
the run into the first corner, but the former Shanghai resident quickly fought
back and was never headed again. Similarly, Max was able to go clear of the
fight for 3rd involving Ben. Try as he might, Hingeley could not find an
opening and had to settle for 4th. Jessica's hopes of a good race were sidelined
by an opening lap crash, leaving her with work to do in the following race.
Loading
up is something a of a 'feature' in this class and Three Sister's monster
straight means that the driver at the front of that train arrives at the first
corner far faster than he, or the officials, would wish. Guan Yu was lucky to
avoid a big accident as the field barrelled into Turn One. Max was less
fortunate and dropped to 8th in the ensuing chaos. Damage to his Tony Kart EVK
chassis meant that he plummeted to last place, although he bravely soldiered on.
Completing the 22 laps just a handful of places ahead of him was the similarly
luckless Jessica. In contrast, Ben's efforts were rewarded with 3rd place and
his first silverware with the team.
Proving that he has lost none of the form that carried him
to the Rotax 'world' title last December, Charlie Eastwood claimed pole position
for the Seniors' first final, with reigning Junior Euro and Grand Finals
champion Harry Webb on row two. Andreas Backman qualified on p12 with Kyle
Fowlie just making the cut for automatic qualification in 25th spot.
Once
the initial skirmishes had settled down, the race saw little further action
leaving Eastwood to drive for points on the board and take 2nd, with Webb
adopting a similar view in 4th. Andreas finished where he started but Kyle was
classified 18th after being given a five-place penalty.
A controversial start to the second
final saw Eastwood drop to 6th before colliding with another driver and losing
more ground, eventually finishing 9th. Webb battled hard but had to be content
with 5th. Also unable to make significant progress, Backman received the
chequered flag in 14th. Fowlie gave a strong indication of what might have been
had things fallen his way sooner, with a superb drive from the back of the grid
to 8th.
"We've
traditionally gone very well here, so I was really pleased to see that our
material and drivers were right up there in all three classes," said Strawberry
team manager Warwick Ringham. "Connor is on fire at the moment and deserves his
latest success. The same can be said for 'Joe' (Guan Yu Zhou) after the
disappointment of Genk he deserved the result."
He added: "We have a talented young squad with different
levels of experience, so to see Darren do well in a totally new environment was
great, whilst Andreas and Jessica are also making improvements with each outing.
Being world champions, we expect a lot of Harry and Charlie and it's easy to
forget that Harry was a junior until recently. Senior Max is very hard this
year, so we have no excuses. We did okay but there's a bit more we need to do
before the next round but I'm confident we'll be where it matters, when it
matters."
For more information about OTK products and Cream's
preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Or call 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
2013 Welsh Championships (22/04)
Llandow
Kart Club will be hosting the prestigious Welsh Championship at South Wales
Karting Centre on Saturday May 11th and Sunday May 12th.
This two day event is the major
karting meeting in the Welsh calendar and gives the class winners the right to
race the nationally accepted "C" plate at all ABkC approved events for 12
months.
Two
days racing at one of the best circuits in the UK for only £85 for the whole
event. All classes will get two timed qualifications, two heats, a pre-final and
a final over the two days.
To enter follow the entry form links
at
www.llandowkartclub.co.uk, email
llandowcompsec@hotmail.co.uk or call 07817
449617.
Remember, the sun always shines in Wales and the racing is
wonderful!
[ Top ]
Cadet Wet Tyres Update (19/04)
Dunlop and Anderson CSK wish to thank everyone involved
with the issues that arose on the Dunlop Cadet KT3 Wet weather tyres over the
winter for their forbearance and understanding.
The exchange programme has now come to
an end as from 19th April 2013. Very many tyres, both new and used, have been
replaced under the exchange programme offered by Dunlop.
For any further information contact
Anderson-CSK on 01977 603838.
[ Top ]
Easykart Round 2 Preview (18/04)
The
sun is shining, the days are longer and for the first time this year, the
easykart community are preparing themselves for a beautiful race. Round 2 of the
easykart championship is being held at Clay Pigeon this coming weekend. After
the ferocity and unpredictable weather of round 1, many will be determined to
change the running order of the established few and to make a point.
In
Cadet, the
grid may be small but the competition is fierce. After a sensational debut by
Morgan Wroot, he must be looking forward to going a few steps further and taking
top spot in the final at Clay. Harry Barlow will be beaming with confidence
despite Wroots presence after dominating the final and It will be fascinating to
see which of these two young chargers will come out on top. But don't discount
Jacob Wardle who brilliantly took the lead initially to only be displaced by
Barlow soon after. The best lessons are those learnt the hardest and with this
in mind, I for one would watch out for Shayne Harrison who, after a luck-lustre
start to the season will be itching to show his competitors just what he's made
of.
Junior
hopefuls, Thanassi Barnicoat and Zack Nickson will be locking horns yet again in
what is - an amazing duel which is developing between the proposed title
contenders. After dismal luck at Whilton, Nickson is fired up and ready to state
his claim where nothing short than a clean sweep of wins will do. I'm sure
Barnicoat will have other ideas. Looking at spoiling the party will be Jordan
Sanders, James White, Callum Croxon and Matas Grigalauskas. All of whom have the
pace to be a front runner. If only they can work together, push each other
forward and race smart, there's no telling what they could do.
The Lightweights
- Barnaby Pittingale. Patrick Lay. Jamie Summerhayes. James Lay. Kieran
McCullough. Steve Youle. AJ Morris. Owen Jenman. Where to begin? Pittingale was
on fine form at Whilton but the cynic would argue the conditions favoured the
multiple Champ. With proposed sunshine for Clay, Pittingale will have the
opportunity to show any naysayers the science and the magic behind the man.
Looking for a little luck will be Jenman and Youle who were unfortunate at Round
one and will be eager to upset the proposed order. Almost unnoticed to the eye
at Whilton was Brandon Williams. With mechanical gremlins compromising his
qualification, the established junior winner demonstrated great maturity with a
fantastic display of race craft that set him apart from the rest, by forcing his
way through his competitors to salvage what he could from his earlier problems
with a very respectable 4th place. In this game, 'points mean prizes' and those
points could be invaluable to Williams, come the season closure.
Has Roland Breadner set in motion a wrecking ball after his
maiden win in the Heavyweights?
Or was he the best driver on the day in the tricky conditions? This weekend will
be the perfect opportunity for him to realise his dreams. Set to bring Breadner
crashing back down to earth with a severe bump will be Joe Paterson. Don't
discount Neil Fisher either. He has the pace of a front runner but his race
craft has more to be desired. If he can get a grip when racing wheel to wheel,
I'm sure he could be the surprise of the season. Fighting fit after his hard
impact crash is Jack Bruce. The 'old hands' were unwise or just plain unlucky at
Whilton but I've no doubts that Bruce, Mark Lawrence or Simon Mace will be ready
to start their season campaign.
With Practice starting on Saturday
20th April and the final conflicts taking place on Sunday 21st - Prepare
yourself for a battle royal, in hopefully what will be, beautiful sunshine at
the Clay Pigeon Kart track in Dorset.
For more
information on Easykart visit our website at
www.easykart.co.uk.
Report by Andrew Gould.
[ Top ]
Maiden Minimax Victory (17/04)
It
was only his second Mini Max race at Kimbolton and the 29 other drivers who
lined up on the grid with him were equally determined for success but Sean Rudge
looked totally in control all weekend as he sailed to his maiden Mini Max
victory in real style.
Following on from his recent successes at Shenington Rudge
is already showing impressive form as he embarks on his first season out of
cadet racing.
Under the guidance of Rotax masters Protrain Racing and on
a Formula K chassis Rudge was excellent in both of his heats putting his kart on
pole for the final. Rudge knew what he needed to do and managing to avoid the
first corner mayhem he took a commanding lead very quickly and didn't look back
taking the chequered flag and securing the fastest lap in the process.
Commenting
afterwards his Dad said "The team was spot on all weekend" as was the driving
according to team boss Gary Chapman, "Sean did exactly what was expected of him,
he responded well to every situation he was put in and to take the fastest lap
in the final when he was out on his own shows that the package was exactly
right. There is no doubt that this will be the first of many victories for this
mini max newcomer".
Have you changed classes this year? Are you enjoying the
success you deserve? If not give us a call and let us see how we can help you.
Call Gary on 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
Short Circuit Kart Championship (17/04)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) and Super One Series have confirmed that the 2013
MSA British Short Circuit Kart Championship title has been transferred from KF2
to the KZ1 125cc gearbox class.
The championship was originally awarded to KF2 (KF Senior)
but insufficient entries were received.
The 2013 championship for KZ1 will now comprise three
rounds:
-
May 18-19: Rowrah (Cumbria Kart Club)
- June 22-23: Glan Y Gors (Dragon Kart Club)
- October 12-13: Shenington (Shenington Kart Racing Club).
John
Hoyle, Super One Series promoter, said: "After we discovered there were
insufficient entries in the KF2 class we were forced to consider alternatives
and I am delighted to say that the MSA has agreed to it being the KZ1 class.
This should be a huge boost for gearbox karting in the UK following the great
popularity this purist class has had on the continent, and we invite anyone
interested to register without delay."
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and Kart Committee
Chairman, added: "The MSA is delighted that the British Short Circuit Kart
Championship title will now be awarded to the KZ1 class this year. These are
difficult times for KF2 but in KZ1 we have a competitive and well-supported
category that is worthy of the UK's premier karting title."
It should be noted that the ABkC O
Plate for KZ2 has been moved to 15/16 June at Shenington instead of the last
round of the Super One.
Entrants to the KF series will have the choice of a
transfer to the KZ1 class, or all their fees returned and should inform Series
Co-ordinator Sonja Game accordingly. The KZ1 class will be amended to run
at a class weight of 180kg, and use the Dunlop DEH slick and KT13 wets to have
the minimum of differences to the KZ2 class that was to have been the support
races. It will be differentiated from KZ2 by having yellow number plates
with black numbers, and CIK homologated chassis will be required. With all
rounds counting towards the British title, everything will remain as already
advised to the gearbox drivers.
The Super One Series looks forward to
an exciting battle for the British title, and all details and registration is
available on
superoneseries.com.
[ Top ]
Forman
Supreme In Hungary
(17/04)
Pannonia-ring
in Hungary provided the setting for the opening round of this year's Central and
Eastern European Rotax Max challenge where once again Protrain's Formula K
drivers met with some of the very best drivers in Europe all hoping for a good
start to the series.
Junior Driver Thomas Preining was joined by Senior team
mate Jiri Forman competing against a very determined world class field knowing
that every point would make a massive difference in the final calculations for
this prestigious title.
Forman threw down the gauntlet immediately with impressive
results in early practice continuing to show what a talented driver he is.
Following
a totally dominant performance in timed qualifying the Czech Champion took pole
position and went on to win both his first and second finals with superb driving
in each. He is surely the one to beat in this series.
The good news didn't stop there, team
mate Thomas Preining was also showing immense talent and finished both his
Junior Max finals in second place with the spectators enjoying a nail biting
final two which he was incredibly close to winning. Preining once again showed
what a great driver he is and the frustration of his second place is only
matched by his determination to seal victory next time out.
Gary Chapman of
Protrain said afterwards "I am thrilled for the drivers and the team, we have
had a few very frustrating races with on track incidents costing us dearly so it
is great for these great drivers to be able to secure these results."
Protrain has once again shown that
it's a winning team; why not see what you could achieve with them? Give Gary
Chapman a call on 07802 966064 in complete confidence.
For
more information please see
www.formulak-uk.co.uk or
www.protrainracing.co.uk.
Photograph of Jiri Forman (86)
courtesy of TSR Productions.
[ Top ]
MSA Karting Update (16/04)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) has confirmed details of Cadet kart tyres and
chassis, plus non-gearbox Junior and Senior class homologations.
Formula Cadet tyre and
chassis:
The existing
Cadet tyres, the Dunlop SL3 (slick) and KT3 (wet), will be homologated for three
years until the end of 2016. In early 2016 the MSA will nominate the tyre for
the following three-year period to the end of 2019.
As stated in the 2013 MSA Kart Race
Yearbook, the next period of MSA Cadet chassis homologations commences on 1
January 2014. During 2016 the MSA will homologate chassis for the following
three-year period commencing 1 January 2017.
Meanwhile the current Cadet engine
contract is for an initial five-year period until the end of 2017 and will be
reviewed towards the end of this period, with an option for the MSA to grant a
two-year extension.
Junior and Senior class homologation
(non-gearbox):
All
existing British and National championship kart classes can continue until the
end of 2016.
The deadline for new class homologations closed on 31
March 2013. The MSA can confirm that applications have been received and are
currently under consideration. Should any new class achieve homologation, the
introduction date will be 1 January 2014 at regional and club level.
From 1 January 2017, all kart classes
must be homologated by the MSA. This includes the homologation of existing
classes, plus the renewal of any potential new class homologations. All class
homologations will be for three-year periods and will include the engine and
nominated tyres (both wet and dry).
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and
Kart Committee Chairman, said: "This homologation programme will bring stability
and transparency to the selection process and provide the most economic and
sustainable structure for UK karting in the future."
[ Top ]
A Great Day At Lydd (15/04)
Wow,
what a day! Summer finally arrived, a few hours late maybe, and the racing was a
fantastic way to start the Summer Championships here at Lydd. A really friendly,
enjoyable, atmosphere was evident throughout the paddock and we had another
great race meeting. Well done and thank you to all the drivers, parents and
teams, as well as our hardworking officials and marshals.
Congratulations to all the winners on
the day and commiserations to one or two who had problems and didn't get the
results they had hoped for.
The winners were:
Bambino - Zack Ripley
Cadet Clubman - Oliver Appleby
Honda Cadet - Sam Powell
IAME Cadet - Rashan Chigorimbo
Comer
Cadet - William Martin
Minimax -
Taylor Harding
Junior Max -
Michael Smith
Junior TKM -
Michael Kemsley
Senior Rotax -
Daniel Brett
Rotax 177 - Jamie
McGeoghan
Prokart - Marcus
Shephard
Ethan Barford was a delighted winner of the Driver of the Day trophy following a
fine showing in his first Bambino event, having just moved up from hire kart
sessions at the Circuit.
The Summer Championships continue with Round 2 on 12th May
(practice the day before as usual), and runs through to September.
You can keep up
to date with what is happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the
website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
[ Top ]
Victory For Strawberry (15/04)
Reigning
Rotax Grand Finals champion Charlie Eastwood won a nail-biting Senior Max final
after his Strawberry Racing team-mate and fellow world number one, Harry Webb
had triumphed in the pre-final. Connor Hall took a brace of 2nd place finishes
in the Junior finals, with China's Guan Yu Zhou also on the pre-final podium.
The 2013 Rotax Max Euro Challenge
kicked off in earnest at the impressive Genk circuit in Belgium (30-31 March),
and once again Sheffield's Strawberry Racing was at the forefront of the action.
Strong
performances in timed qualifying and the heats saw Connor claim p2 on the grid
for the pre-final. Guan Yu qualified on the 6th row of the grid, ahead of fellow
Strawberry drivers Thomas Issa (14th), Max Aitken (20th) Juri Vips (25th) and
Darren Keane (28th).
Despite
a ten kart crash at the start, Connor survived unscathed, as did the
hard-charging Guan Yu. Also able to make good progress as the race developed,
was Darren - who ultimately finished in 11thplace. Hall eventually settled
for 2nd with Zhou also banking valuable points for 3rd.
Another
pile-up shortly after the start of the final caught Connor out and he lost
ground to the pole-sitter, Lando Norris. This prompted a gritty
fightback from the Winter Cup champion which yielded a deserved runner-up spot
at the chequered flag.
Guan Yu was reduced to the role of spectator by the
starting crash, with Keane unable to improve on his earlier 11th and taking
12th. Aitken, Issa and Vips were all victims of misfortune and will be hoping
for better luck at the next round.
Strawberry's senior stars faced a stern challenge from a
mammoth grid of over 80 competitors. Ten heats were required to whittle the
field down to 34 drivers and it was the 2012 Euro and World champion Harry Webb
who spearheaded the team's attack after taking 2nd place on the grid. Charlie
Eastwood sat directly behind him (on p4) with newcomer Kyle Fowlie 16th on the
grid.
An
initial three way fight for the pre-final victory, turned into a scrap between
ten drivers but it was eventually Harry who claimed victory, with Charlie 3rd.
Sadly, Kyle was ledft to rue what might have been following a DNF.
If
the pre-final had been exciting, the main final ramped matters up even further.
Eastwood and Webb again played their part in a thrilling contest which reached
fever pitch on the last lap. A coming together saw Webb forced onto the grass
and out of the reckoning for a podium, but Eastwood had saved his best until the
very last lap. The Irishman seized his chance in the penultimate corner. Almost
inevitably, contact was made with the defending race leader, but it was Charlie
who sprinted to the line with his nose ahead. "I got a chance for overtaking and
simply had to chance it," he told the waiting media afterwards. Kyle delivered a
storming drive to take a stunning 5th, with Harry recovering to 8th and taking
sufficient points to put him 2nd in the championship table, with Charlie
enjoying the early lead.
Andreas Backman had looked set for another competitive
showing in the burgeoning class DD2, with a top ten finish wholly possible after
he finished 13th in the pre-final, but a radiator leak put-paid to his chances
and he was forced onto the sidelines four laps from home.
For more
information about OTK products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Kart Coach Vacancy (15/04)
iZone
have made a major upgrade to their unique Kart Simulator and need a Kart Coach
to support our expansion. The role is full time and involves regular weekend
working. iZone trained drivers won 5 British Kart Championships last year.
The successful applicant will have to
demonstrate ability to build on this success, commitment to excellence and
passion for success. The job requires someone who is totally computer literate
and able to fully exploit the potential of our powerful systems. On Target
Earnings of £40K are achievable through a basic £20K Salary and commission based
on personal sold hours.
Please ask for a full Job Description
and send your CV to
Wilma@izoneperformance.com.
Our website
www.izoneperformance.com
has more information about the company.
[ Top ]
BRK
Performance Delights
(12/04)
BRK
are delighted with the pace shown at the first round of the Super One series at
Three Sisters in the Honda cadet category.
Having won all four rounds of the PFI
Winter Championship and with Morgan Porter taking the overall championship, we knew
we were in good shape!
In qualifying one, Morgan Porter and
Matt Hayden took 4th and 5th place and in qualifying two, Mark Kimber and
Charlie Lamb were 1st and 2nd place up until the last lap, unable to find the
toe needed for a fast time around Three Sisters also having to settle for 4th
and 5th place. Charlie Lamb and Matt Hayden had some Friday test problems but
despite that, showed their strengths, both pushing themselves into the top 10 in
the A final.
Mark Kimber showing great talent throughout the weekend
and looking very solid, unfortunately just lost out in 4th place on the last
corner but taking the fastest lap. Morgan Porter had looked very sharp and
confident all weekend but due to a problem in heat two he had to start near the
back for final one and with a brilliant drive came home 5th which gave him grid
5 for the A final. It didn't take long for Morgan to take the lead but we knew
it would be difficult to break away and equally as difficult if not impossible
to defend for half the race or more, falling back into 2nd and with immense
pressure from the chasing group he showed just what a mature driver he has
become and made a decision to take the points for 2nd place. A very credible
podium for Morgan Porter.
Ben
Platten, team manager for BRK, said after "Wigan is an engine circuit and was
always going to be close, having seen the teams pace this weekend I'm looking
forward to the next round at Rowrah."
Chris Hawes from BRK commented "Ben is doing a fantastic
job with the team and with three seeded drivers and a very fast rookie - I feel
confident we can have a good season. I would also like to welcome our new rookie
Tyler Proudlock who after a couple of tough heats found himself in the
repercharge, after working very hard to get himself into 3rd place to qualify
for the main finals got pushed wide on the last corner."
If anyone is
interested in testing the BRK cadet chassis or running with our race team should
contact Ben at
brkuk@msn.com or call 07887 538590.
[ Top ]
Continued Success For Zip (12/04)
In
the Honda Cadet class Zip Kart enjoyed its continued success in this fantastic
budget class with Matthew Hopcraft and Keaton Samra showing great pace all
weekend on their Zip/RPM Hondas. Keaton Qualified joint fastest in
his qualifying group with Hopcraft lining up 2nd fastest in his group. In
the main final Hopcraft finished in an impressive 3rd in a great race with some
of the best racing of the weekend coming from the large Honda grid. Keaton raced
well against drivers that were far more experienced at national level until
losing a chain which ruined his chances of a poduim finish.
With the result, Hopcraft collects a
free set of Dunlop tyres for his efforts. All Zip drivers in the Honda
class receive a free set of tyres or vouchers to an equivalent value for every
podium they collect!
For information on Zip's Honda Cadet
or to arrange a test day please call 01327 855310, or email
info@zipkart.com.
[ Top ]
Enter Rissington Online (12/04)
Rissington's
new online practice and race entry system is already a winner and now there is
even more reason to use this function! Book online before 27th April for the May
race weekend and you could win a set of tyres.
Every driver who enters through the online booking system
will automatically have their name put into a hat. The draw will take place just
before the race weekend.
All you need to do is just go to the
Rissington web site at
www.rissykartclub.com and
click on the online booking button, pay for practice and race with either
credit/debit card or via Pay-Pal (you don't need a Pay-Pal account) and you
could win that set of tyres - wets or slicks - you choose, and you can have them
ready for the race weekend!
The May meeting also includes the Pelican Trophy for the
Rotax guys. This is usually well attended so get online and get booked in.
We already
have another great prize for the June race weekend so keep checking the
Rissington website for more details!
[ Top ]
Two In The Top Ten (11/04)
The
latest Zip/ART results from Wigan Super One Round 1 are in.
Zip Kart/ART enjoyed a successful
start to the 2013 campaign in the Super One series open at the fast open track
in Wigan. The event would be the first for the Zip Team in Rotax Super One in
over 12 years. The team equipped with the new ART chassis and the new RSF
drivers coming straight out of Cadets were looking forward to the challenge
ahead.
Dean
MacDonald and Josh Smith adapted well to this new class. Both enjoyed
different qualifying sessions with Dean grabbing P3 and Josh unfortunately
losing his chain guard meaning he would have to start from the back of the grid
in all his heats.
Both
drivers worked hard over the weekend and showed that the new team will soon be
challenging for the honours in this ultra-competitive class. They both finished
safely in the top 10 with Dean in 7th in the final and Josh coming home in 10th.
Jamie Allen, Team Manager for the
Zip/ART Rotax team said "I am really pleased that we managed to get our two
drivers in the top ten. The teams that compete in this Championship have been
doing so for many years, so to be able to compete and beat some of them from the
off is a very positive start. We have a great kart and a busy development
program for 2013. I am very happy with our debut and know that we will get
stronger as the year continues".
The Zip Cadet kart continues to dominate in the new MSA
Comer National Championship with the Top 10 drivers all on board Zip karts and
all 12 of the new Rookies also choosing the Zip brand!
Drivers are reminded that ALL rookies
for the Comer Super One Championship will receive their tyres FOC for the first
round that they compete in.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
IPK And The OK1 Chassis (11/04)
Team
IPK has started the year well again with even more victories and great results
from our drivers, exceeding all of our expectations. The chassis is also proving
to be a success with other teams.
Stephen Letts in Junior TKM has proved yet again that his
jump from Tonykart to OK1 was the right decision, winning nearly every heat and
final that he has competed in since the move late last year. He comfortably
wrapped up the Trent Valley Winter Championship at PFI with a sensible and
mature drive at the last round. As the Super One draws closer he is sure to be
the one to watch for this years British Championship.
Elliot Harvey has recently joined
Team IPK on an OK1 chassis after a successful year in Honda Cadets last year and
he has adapted to minimax faster than we could have hoped for. After only his
fourth race he took his first minimax victory along with the winter championship
at Shenington. We were excited for him to compete in Super One this year, but
unfortunately he has had to pull out for financial reasons, which is a real
shame for a kid with such pure natural talent.
In
Honda Cadet, Matthew Hopcraft has grown in confidence over the winter months and
started the season with a bang, winning at the opening round at Shenington this
year. With some more classy displays of his ability he too wrapped up the Winter
Championship at Shenington with ease. At Super One with a strong grid of 35, the
youngster never looked out of place qualifying 2nd overall. Having led every
race at some point over the weekend, Matthew showed great pace in the finals but
with an unfortunate tangle with one of his rivals dropping him to seventh. This
is where he started the main final, and yet again he slowly made his way to the
front of the pack where the top three frantically exchanged positions. As
Matthew saw his opportunity to progress to the front again, he pulled out to
overtake, however the front pair decided that this was their moment to defend
for the rest of the race. Matthew played it safe to pick up the points finishing
in third place. He now lies second in the championship.
Our
other drivers are also progressing nicely with Jack Fabby making the A Final at
Super One in minimax after only five races in the class. William Tregurtha, at
only twelve years of age, has moved into Junior Max for the rest of the season,
and he has quickly got used to the extra speed and looks very comfortable in the
class. Unfortunately he wasn't able to compete in the first round of Super One,
but is excited by the challenge that lies ahead this year.
In other news, the reigning British
Champion in KGP, Jonathan Davis, has decided to stay on the IPK brand after
testing all of the other chassis available. He has switched from the orange of
OK1 to the blue of Praga for the forthcoming season. Pre season testing has gone
well and he along with the rest of the KGP drivers using IPK chassis are looking
to have yet another strong year.
For more information about the team
or the chassis please visit our website
www.ipkarting.co.uk
or by calling us on 01133 222795.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
New
Homologated Race Suits
(11/04)
We
would like to introduce what we believe is the best value Level 2 homologated
race suit on the market. The Concept 1 Level 2 homologated suit is on
offer at the introductory price of £35.95.
The Concept 1 suit is a great quality suit which can be
used in all levels of karting, from the indoor hobby race through to Super 1.
The suit features:-
- Elasticated back panel
- Velcro belt
- Elasticated cuffs and ankles
- Slim fit
- Towel lining
- Black with white stitch detailing
- Velcro collar
- Double zip
- No epaulets or box stitching for more modern design
The Concept 1 suit is available in
cadet sizes 120, 130, 140 and 150. And senior sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 68 and 60.
We are also offering a 100%
satisfaction guarantee on this suit. If you are not happy with your purchase
just send it back in the same condition and you will receive a 100% refund.
This suit is
exclusively available through our eBay shop
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Shop-Concept-1.
[ Top ]
Delta Karting (10/04)
With
over 30 years' experience in the sport, Delta Karting have now launched their
eBay shop to help you with the credit crunch. You should be able to find
everything - helmets, karts, engines, tyres, etc, etc. If you cannot find what
you're looking for just email us for the best prices.
Our stock list includes Tonykart,
Rotax, Comer, TKM, DID, CZ, Koden, Mojo, Dunlop, Maxxis, Douglas, Beta, OTK,
Silkolene, Shell, Millers, Kartcare, the list just goes on.
Over the years Delta Power has won
just about everything in the UK. We have been a Rotax & Comer service centre for
many years and we are now doing large quantities of Iame motors. Don't get left
behind this year!
Visit our eBay shop at
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/dkracing2011, or
contact us by email to
dean@deltakarting.com or
deltakarting55@yahoo.co.uk.
You can also reach us by phone on
01792 792485, 07968 150535 or 07970 524150.
[ Top ]
Leaders In Kart Training (10/04)
When
looking for the best in kart training and development the Federation of
Automobile Sports Clubs of the Peoples Republic of China (FASC) are not alone in
approaching Protrain Racing to develop their top 11 finest drivers. Clubs and
organisations worldwide regularly access this resource that we are lucky enough
to have on our doorstep.
In excess of 3,500 drivers have now benefitted from
Protrains highly successful driver development and ARKS testing days mostly at
the Northants based Whilton Mill Circuit. Over the past 15 years over 1,000
drivers have taken ARKS tests and many more have enjoyed one to one driver
tuition; several of them have developed skills enabling them to achieve
international karting success.
Imperative to Protrain is the quality of coaches and
instructors they employ, each one of them is MSA qualified and individually
selected to operate at the highest possible level to achieve maximum results.
Unsurprisingly therefore the training division meets the impeccably high
standards of being an MSA Accedited Training School.
Every training day delivered is focused on the individual
needs of the driver from stretching the talents of highly experienced and
talented karters to nurturing and coaching those sitting in a kart for the very
first time.
Protrain
MD Gary Chapman still loves the sport he excelled in commenting "I thoroughly
enjoy weekends racing but there is something highly rewarding about working one
to one with a driver who is at the top of his game and seeing an improvement,
equally taking a young enthusiastic novice and seeing them develop confidence
and racecraft is a great pleasure."
Protrain
has a long established reputation for excellence in training and with ex
Protrain driver's such as Jack Hawksworth, (2012 Champion of the Star Mazda,
Indy Lights Driver and Autosport McLaren driver of the year candidate), leading
on the world stage Protrain is regularly receiving calls from karting newcomers
to high achieving drivers worldwide wishing to hone their driving skills to
achieve that extra edge.
It's never too late for expert coaching, give Protrain a
call and see how you could benefit. For more information on Professional
coaching for you or your driver call Protrain on 01280 814774 or call Gary
directly on 07802 966064.
We are taking bookings now for the next school holidays at
Whilton Mill.
[ Top ]
RS Racing @ Forest Edge (09/04)
Round
2 of the Forest Edge club championship took place on 7th April. With Jack
Mayle topping the championship table after round 1 on his new Wildkart and with
a full grid of 34 drivers entered for round 2, it was all set for some great
racing in the senior max class at this much improved circuit.
Nathan Harrison made a good start to
the day by setting the fastest lap time on the new Lotus Kart whilst making up
14 places to finish 5th in the first heat and then continued with a strong 4th
place in the second heat and a win in heat 4 to secure a front row place for the
final. The rest of the RS Racing team continued to show their pace on the new
Wildkart with some strong drives in the heats mixed with some bad luck but still
manage to secure 5 drivers in the top 10 for the final.
Nathan Harrison ended the day in style
by finishing first and setting the fastest lap in the final on his debut in the
Lotus Kart with Jack Mayle and Jonny Drabble coming through to finish the race
5th and 6th on their Wildkarts and Angus Mainland finishing 8th on the Gillard
in his first race of the year giving RS Racing 4 places out of the top 8 in this
very competitive final.
It was more success for Mark Redding in the 177 Masters
class on the Gillard. Mark set the outright fastest lap of the final in this
combined 177/Masters class on his way to reeling in the leading two 177 drivers
and he managed to finish 2nd overall taking a comfortable victory in the Masters
class and a good lead in the championship.
The Team are
looking to build on this solid start to the season and will be attending the 3rd
round of the Clay Pigeon Championship next weekend and are always happy to
provide help and advice, for information on all the services we can provide
please see our website at www.rsracing.org or
call John Parsons on 01256 760633 or mobile 07795 486957 to discuss your
requirements.
[ Top ]
Edgar's
Hyundai Super One
(09/04)
The
Edgar's Hyundai Super One Rotax Series Round 1 took place at Three Sisters on
6th/7th April 2013;
With over 170 starters for the first round of the new
season, it has to be said that the Super One Series is in a very healthy state.
Promoter John Hoyle brought the new race control display vehicle, kitted out to
show the live timing from TAG Heuer on a large screen, along with videos from
partner GoPro and several new exciting sponsors. The circuit used at Three
Sisters, which is near to Wigan in north west England, was the 1060m Valley
layout, which has one of the longest and fastest straights in the UK leading to
lots of drafting and passing. This year the heats count for points as well as
the two finals to try and prevent do or die lunges. Unfortunately the Max
177 and Masters class did not have sufficient entries to run this time, many of
the protagonists having moved to DD2 for the EuroMax.
Honda
Cadet:
This economy
Cadet class just keeps growing and growing, with about 15 newcomers to the
series, however it was the experience of top seed Kiern Jewiss who prevailed in
both finals, along with a clean sweep of his heats for a maximum score. Jewiss
had a great game of snakes and ladders in the first final, quickly losing the
lead to Rory Hudson, getting back to the front, then falling as far as sixth
mid-race. He battled back, as Matthew Hopcraft took a turn at the front,
then rookie Tom Canning deposed Hopcraft to fourth. Once ahead with a few laps
to run, Jewiss defended against the building train behind until the chequer. For
the second final there were a few spinners at the start and Luke Whitehead from
eighth had a puncture. Jewiss was only out of the lead for a short period
mid-race by Hudson, soon leapfrogging Hopcraft and re-taking Hudson. Canning
fell out of the top group to 11th, and Hudson was hung out to dry leaving
insufficient time for him to battle back, he finished 8th. So once again Jewiss
defended cleverly, backing up a train of seven karts to take his second victory
over Morgan Porter, Hopcraft, Myles Apps and Ollie Hall.
Final 1: 1 Kiern Jewiss (Project
One)19 laps in 16m22.83s; 2 Tom Canning (Project One) +0.06s; 3 Rory Hudson
(Project One); 4 Mark Kimber (BRK); 5 Morgan Porter (BRK); 6 Chris Lulham
(Project One).
Final 2: 1
Jewiss 19 laps in 16m26.48s; 2 Porter +0.07s; 3 Matthew Hopcraft (OTK); 4 Myles
Apps (BRK); 5 Ollie Hall (Project One); 6 Kimber.
Comer
Cadet:
Comer Cadet in
the UK has been displaced by the new IAME Parilla Gazelle class for the main
British Championship but the MSA has authorised three years of a national
championship with the result that many drivers are racing both classes, one in
each of the parallel Super One Series. Along with a dozen rookies, the grid
numbered 23 in total where Alex Quinn dominated and only missed out on a clean
sweep by coming third to Oliver York in the first heat. Lewis Thompson made a
super start from the outside of the front row on the first final to sweep into
the lead over but a mistake at the Pits corner left him in a spin with a damaged
kart. He fell back as Quinn and Tom Wood broke away, the order staying the
same to the end despite Wood having a good look down the inside on the last lap.
Behind the leaders a massive battle ensued, finally York breaking free to split
the gap to Wood. Alex McDade lost out on third when hung out on the first
corner, finishing sixth, behind Jonny Edgar and William Pettitt. In the second
final Wood led York and Quinn for most of the race whilst Thompson, on a
replacement kart, was leapfrogging his way to the front, reaching fourth with a
move on Pettitt, also displaced by Edgar. As York tried to get up the inside of
Wood, taking them both a little wide, Quinn grabbed his chance using a tow by
York and slipped inside both for the win.
Final 1: 1 Alex Quinn (Zip) 19 laps in 16m06.08s; 2 Tom
Wood (Zip) +0.05s; 3 Oliver York (Zip); 4 Jonny Edgar (Zip); 5 William Pettitt
(Zip); 6 Alex McDade (Zip).
Final 2: 1 Quinn 19 laps in 16m09.65s; 2 York +0.52s; 3 Wood; 4 Lewis Thompson
(Zip); 5 Edgar; 6 Pettitt.
MiniMax:
This year MiniMax is the largest class, 42 karts entered
so it was bound to be busy at times. Connor Hall, top seed and fifth last year,
was in the driving seat with Tom Gamble beside him and Dan Zelos and Sam
McKenzie behind for the first final grid. As Hall and Zelos grabbed big gaps at
the start, Gamble struggled to stay in line through the first turns, others
having to take evasive action. Gamble was quickly set back by Harrison Thomas,
he in turn put back a couple of places by Thomas and Alex Stott. In this mighty
slip streaming lottery, Stott got to the front of the group to find Zelos
drifting back towards him leaving Hall some 8s clear. Thomas made an audacious
move round the outside of the train at turn one to grab third and give Zelos a
breather. For the second final Hall again eased away at the front, only to
suddenly drop back and start to defend. Apparently he had come across an
official on the track, having to brake. Eventually he got clear again, whilst
Gamble, Thomas and Stott stayed in station behind. Initially second, Zelos fell
to fourth early on, then plunged to an eventual ninth.
Final 1: 1 Connor
Hall (Tonykart) 21 laps in 15m55.21s; 2 Dan Zelos (Tonykart) +8.14s; 3 Harrison
Thomas (Tonykart); 4 Tom Gamble (Kosmic); 5 Alex Stott (Tonykart); 6 Dean
MacDonald (ART).
Final 2:
1 Hall 21 laps in 15m57.11s; 2 Gamble +00.60s; 3 Thomas; 4 Stott; 5 Anderson; 6
Hugo Bentley-Ellis (Tonykart).
Junior
Max:
Guan Yu Zhou was
ecstatic to take his first Super One wins in his maiden appearance in the Junior
Max class at national championship level after finishing fourth in MiniMax last
year. The UK domiciled Shanghai youngster fell briefly to second after the
start of the first final, but soon re-took Max Aitken and forged a 4s victory.
Aitken was little troubled by the fight between Josh Price, Ben Hingeley and Tom
Harvey behind as Hingeley became impatient with Price's defence. Zhou only
just avoided disaster at the start of the second final when everyone loaded up
behind, causing some chaos through the first turns and several taking to the
escape road. Lemuel Pay had an exclusion in a heat, came through the repechage
to 15th in the first final then was given the mechanical flag in the second.
Aitken was caught up at the start and fell to eighth, but finished a distant
last. Price, Hingeley and Harvey battled and traded third again, finishing in
that order with Philip Rawson and Jai Nijjar behind them.
Final 1: 1 Guan Yu Zhou (Tonykart) 22
laps in 16m07.79s; 2 Max Aitken (Tonykart) +4.02s; 3 Josh Price (Tonykart); 4
Ben Hingeley (Tonykart); 5 Tom Harvey (Tonykart); 6 Philip Hamprecht (Kosmic).
Final 2: 1 Zhou 22 laps in
16m09.62s; 2 Price +01.52s; 3 Hingeley; 4 Harvey; 5 Philip Rawson (Kosmic); 6
Jai Nijjar (Tonykart).
Senior
Max:
Although not on
pole, current Max champion Sean Babington soon got into his stride for the
finals, relieving Charlie Eastwood of the first final lead on lap three by
darting to the inside on the run up to turn one. Oliver Hodgson was excluded
from timed qualifying, still making 8th on the grid, whilst James Singleton and
Kyle Fowlie suffered heat exclusions. Babington, Singleton and Eastwood took the
heat wins. From sixth, Luke Hughes lost all his good work when flagged in
with a missing chain guard. John Stewart had just passed him for fourth, and
continued to leapfrog Harry Webb and settle in behind Babington and Eastwood.
Each of the first two just started to open the gaps so no challenges were
possible on the closing laps, with Hodgson behind Webb for fifth.
Singleton stormed up to eighth at the chequer. There was a horrible start for
the second final, even after all the drivers had been stopped and Babington
warned about coming too fast to the line. Babington just survived but Eastwood
suffered on the outside, dropping to about sixth only to tangle again further
round and only managing ninth by the flag. Stewart tracked Babington and even
took the lead for a lap, letting Singleton catch up, although unable to move up
further with Babington's clever defence. Only Hodgson found a way of moving up a
place, relieving Webb of fourth, without losing a place or two in the process.
"I knew Charlie was going to try for the lead at the start, and John Stewart
gave me a little nudge to get me past him" said Babington.
Final 1: 1 Sean
Babington (Alonso) 22 laps in 15m50.94s; 2 Charlie Eastwood (Tonykart) +00.294s;
3 John Stewart (Gillard); 4 Harry Webb (Tonykart); 5 Oliver Hodgson (Tonykart);
6 Charlie Turner (Tonykart).
Final 2: 1 Babington 22 laps in 15m51.69s; 2 Stewart
+0.27s; 3 Singleton; 4 Hodgson; 5 Webb; 6 Connor Jupp (Alonso).
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Lydd Revs-Up (08/04)
The
Summer Championships at Lydd Kart Circuit start next Sunday, the 14th April,
with practice available on Saturday 13th from 10am to 4pm. This will be a 6
round series, with the best 5 rounds counting towards each driver's final total.
The format reverts to 3 Heats and a
Final, following Timed Qualifying, for this series - with all classes welcome.
Bambinos will get three timed runs as usual after they have had their practice.
We will also be presenting the Winter
Championship trophies at the end of the day's racing, so we look forward to
seeing as many of those winners as possible.
You can keep up to date with what is
happening at Kent's fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
Entries can be made online, by visiting the website and
clicking on the Online Entries page, or when you arrive at the weekend. Signing
on will start at 07.45 on Sunday, with scrutineering aiming to finish by 09.30,
followed by drivers' briefing and then practice starts at 10am.
[ Top ]
Pole And
Win For Hall
(08/04)
Connor
Hall and Strawberry Racing start the Super 1 season on top.
Connor showed his class by taking
pole position at the 3 Sisters circuit in Wigan. He then converted this to 2
heat wins and started pole position for the first final. Fortunately for Connor
there was an incident at turn 1 which enabled his to break free and eventually
open up an 8 second lead at the flag.
He then started the main final in pole position and broke
free at the start. However on lap 2 one of the officials was strolling across
the track as the race leaders were flying round the circuit. Connor had to take
avoiding action which allowed the 2nd and 3rd place drivers to catch a tow, from
then on he kept the lead but was under pressure until the flag where he won by
around half a second.
This places Connor in the lead of the
British championship and with the next round at his favourite circuit (Rowrah)
he is now looking forward to hopefully increasing his lead. Connor has a couple
of weeks of hard traing now before competing at the British "O" plate where last
year he led until suffering mechanical issues.
Connor would like to thank everyone at
Strawberry Racing for the great effort all-round and providing the Tonykart EVK
and Cream Racing engine.
You can keep up to date with Connor's
progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Comer Cadet Kart Champs (08/04)
Alex
Quinn kicked off the new MSA National Comer Cadet Kart Championship with two
fighting wins at the fast Three Sisters circuit.
Quinn took pole for the first final
but Lewis Thompson made a tremendous start for a short-lived lead until a crash,
a spin and a damaged kart relegated him to 15th. Quinn and Tom Wood ran out in
front while Oliver York relegated Jonny Edgar to fourth.
Wood led York and Quinn for most of
the second final until Quinn saw his chance, explaining: "Ollie went to get Tom
at the first corner so I got a good tow off Ollie, they went wide and I just
went for it." The move put Quinn on top once again, while Thompson stormed up to
fourth ahead of Edgar.
Results - Final 1:
1 Alex Quinn (Zip)
2 Tom Wood (Zip)
3 Oliver York (Zip)
Results - Final 2:
1 Quinn
2
York
3 Wood
[ Top ]
2013 Season Gears Up (05/04)
The
finest British senior, cadet and junior karters gear up for tougher challenges
and more exciting showdowns in pursuit of the titles at stake, as karting
unwraps another action-packed season via the ABkC Super One Championship.
Earlier this year TAG Heuer were
awarded the Official Timing partners of this talented championship, home of the
MSA Cadet, Junior and Senior Karting Championships.
Through its relationship with the leading national karting
championships and domestic kart clubs in the UK, TAG Heuer has been the first
provider to bring state of the art benefits to clubs and drivers worldwide. The
Timing brand has introduced dedicated innovative developments in Karting
including sector timing, live internet timing, and benefits to grass roots and
world championship events in the past 3 years since launching its transponder
timing product range.
TAG Heuer is looking forward to a
highly successful 2013 season with all its karting partners and would like to
remind people that its dedicated customer support services can be reached via
Sports Timing Systems, the exclusive and official TAG Heuer distributor for the
UK and Ireland either on the web at
www.sportstimingsystems.co.uk.
Thanks to the efficient support of Sports Timing
Systems in the UK and Ireland, TAG Heuer will continue to offer a permanent
level of product innovation, technical support and ongoing development that has
been the hallmark and DNA of the global brand since introducing the ground
breaking kart timing and scoring system in 2010.
Recently, the brand has installed its unrivalled
hardware and software (also the official CIK-FIA and WSK) equipment to the Trent
Valley Kart Club based at the PF International circuit, home of the annual MSA
British Kart Masters Grand Prix and is also either currently installing or in
negotiation with other UK kart circuits.
Drivers, teams, and family members
will follow every sector of every lap in this year's ABkC and MSA British
Karting Championship from either the paddock or in the comfort of their own
homes live on the new TAG Heuer UK Live Timing website at
www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Turney, Rudge And Wragg (04/04)
Sean
Rudge becomes Vice Champion in the Mini Max Winter 100 Series at Shenington with
a very strong start to his season on his new Formula K chassis, Kieran Wragg
takes third as Joe Turney becomes the iame Winter 100 Champion.
Rudge joined the Formula K UK
team in January this year for his first ever mini max race, having enjoyed a
very strong period in comer cadets, and was impressive from the outset. The
championship was held up in January due to bad weather and his 14th place finish
in February didn't do the Mini max newcomer justice. He soon corrected this with
a third place in March and repeated this result at the rescheduled January
meeting over the Easter Weekend. He was destined to finish much higher but was
taken off the track by another driver and drove a superb race to claw his way
back up to secure his podium place.
Securing second place against a largely more experienced
Mini Max field shows the talent and likely success this young FK driver is
likely to enjoy in his maiden year.
Wragg also impressed with excellent results and was
undeterred by a puncture in his first heat and went on to finish third place on
the day and overall in the winter Minimax Championship. An excellent result for
him and a two three for the Protrain Minimax drivers.
Meanwhile
iame Cadet Joe Turney finished his Winter Championship with his feet on the
highest step of the Podium becoming the Shenington iame Winter Champion.
With a victory in February and a
throttle failure in the March final it was definitely a roller coaster ride that
brought him to the final round but he was determined to get his hands on the
winners' trophy.
Despite a difficult start Turney drove a mature race
recognising the need to keep in touch with the leaders to have any chance of
victory. He positioned himself well and using slipstreaming to his advantage
went into the final turn in third place where a collision between the front two
let Turney through to take the chequered flag, his second victory at Shenington
this year and sealing his place as the Winter 100 Iame Champion.
Gary Chapman commented, "These young
drivers have shown immense potential and maturity in their racecraft. It is a
pleasure to work alongside them and they have shown that despite misfortune on
the track if they keep working they can still succeed. I am really looking
forward to seeing them continue to achieve and progress in 2013."
Joe Turney has shown great pace and
race craft in the short time he has been karting and will be competing at Super1
in 2013, do you have a cadet driver who could partner him? We'd love to hear
from you and have a great offer for the right driver. Please call Martyn
Smithers or Gary Chapman in total confidence on 01280 814774.
[ Top ]
Brian
Wilson Memorial Meeting
(04/04)
The
SYKC Annual W Plate meeting held in memory of Brian Wilson will take place on
Sunday 12th May 2013.
Brian was an active member of SYKC from 1970 until his
untimely death in 1992. His involvement with karting started when his 11 year
old son, Mike Wilson, took up karting at Wombwell. Mike had great success in
karting and at 18 years old moved to Italy to work as a team driver for Birel
and eventually won the World Championship 6 times.
Whilst Mike raced for Birel, Brian continued his
involvement at SYKC and started a kart business producing the Premier Karts and
providing track side support at all meetings, along with working on the club
committee; maintaining the track and trying to improve the club.
Following his Death in 1992 the club
decided to recognise his contribution by holding an annual memorial meeting,
which is always supported by his wife Eileen and members of the Wilson family.
Mike
Wilson donated one of his World Championship trophies to be awarded to the
Driver of the Day chosen by Eileen and her family.
If you would like to compete in this very special event
please ensure your entry reaches the SYKC Competition Secretary before the 4th
May 2013.
Entry forms are available on
www.sykc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Pidgley's Winter Season (03/04)
2013
looks set to be a stellar season for Downton youngster Pidgley, after completing
one of the most dominant closed season performances of any Junior Rotax hopeful
in the UK for many years. Since the start of 2013, Ollie has stood on the podium
a total of 6 times from only 8 outings at some of the UK's top venues against
current and ex-British champions, and up to 60 drivers at each race.
This month saw the climax of the 2
major winter series in the country, and the Downton school GCSE student didn't
disappoint. A fighting drive at PFI saw Ollie so close to taking victory against
a field full of future stars. He battled from 7th after lap 1 all the way
through and into the lead before making a tiny error on the final lap, but hung
on to claim a well deserved 2nd in the TVKC winter championship behind former
British champion and current seeded driver Tom Harvey.
A solid 2nd place finish at Shenington
last weekend saw him take runners up spot in that series too, which could have
been so different if it weren't for an accident at round 1 3 months previously.
However the performance was strong, with the lead 2 drivers finishing some 3
seconds clear of the chasing pack.
'I have never had such a strong start to a season, and the
success that we've had this year, only missing the podium in 2 of my first 8
outings, really helps my confidence going into the 1st round of the British
championship next weekend. I can't thank my partners and Sam at P1 Racing enough
for giving me everything that I need to achieve the results, and I go to Wigan
on Thursday knowing that I have what it takes to race against the best that the
UK can offer.' Ollie remarked about his dominant closed season pace.
The
OEP backed star now travels with his team to the Three Sisters circuit in Wigan
for the revised 1st round of the Super 1 series. With an entry of 60 drivers,
the team orders will steer towards staying on the circuit, and consistent
drives, with the aim to take a good haul of points from which to build a
championship challenge.
With 2 years of learning under his belt, Ollie will now
attack the championship as lead driver for the P1 Racing team, with full support
and backing of multiple British and European champion engine producer Grice
Engines, and financial support from OEP Ltd, a specialist building firm. Ollie
has also had unrivalled support from Downton School, which allows him to study
hard for his much needed GCSE results, whilst being able to compete at such a
high level week in week out throughout the year.
Follow Ollie's
progress throughout the first round of the Super 1 by following him on Twitter,
@OPidgleyRacing, or on
www.facebook.com/OlliePidgleyRacing. There is a
live timing link to the series available on his website at
www.olliepidgley.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Lando's Sensational Return (03/04)
KFJ
star Lando Norris enjoyed a triumphant return to his Rotax roots with
back-to-back Junior Max victories in the opening round of the Euro Max Challenge
at Genk (30-31 March), whilst his brother Oliver also scored a stunning podium
in the Senior class.
The reigning Formula Kart Stars Mini Max champion returned
to RL Racing Department during a break in his KFJ duties and soon showed that he
was still a force to be reckoned with - despite having not raced a Junior Max
kart for several months.
"Lando couldn't quite get used to the lack of grip at
first," observed RL Racing's owner, Steve Armstrong. "He'd become used to the
softer tyres used in KFJ, but once he'd re-acclimatised he was away."
However, a frustrating timed
qualifying session saw the Glastonbury teenager only able to record the
14th-fastest time overall. Undeterred, he duly converted his fourth row grid
starts into three heat wins and a 2nd place, ultimately earning him 3rd spot on
the grid for the pre-final.
Having managed his tyres superbly in the preliminaries,
Norris was able to quickly work his way to the front and control the first final
all the way to the chequered flag.
Taking
up his allocation of fresh rubber for the main final, Lando put his tactical
advantage (over many of his rivals who had opted to go with new tyres in the
pre-final) to good use and eased into a strong lead during the opening laps. The
gap stabilised at several kart lengths, not enough to allow him to relax, but
sufficient to ensure that his nearest pursuers could not afford to make any
mistakes.
A faultless drive secured the win, leaving Armstrong impressed and delighted:
"He's got better as a driver. Lando's done a lot of karting and a heck of a lot
of laps since he last drove with me, all giving him valuable seat-time and
experience. He was able to put that into practice and drove perfectly.
Ultimately, he cruised to victory."
For Norris' team-mate in the Junior Max class - Jack
McCarthy - the finals were not altogether happy experiences.
"He
was smashed up in the pre-final and DNF'd in the main race," rued Armstrong. "Up
to that point, Jack's progress had been massive. He was 5th-fastest overall in
timed qualifying, giving him p3 on the grid for each of his heats. Despite his
lack of European experience he was able to take two top ten finishes. He learned
a great deal and in terms of pace, he could hold his own against the likes of
Lando. It's easy to forget that he's only 12 and still a Mini [Max driver] at
home. It won't be long before he's running at the front!"
Lando's older brother Oliver had to
qualify for the pre-final via the Second Chance heat, but made remarkable
progress once he had. "We put the new tyres on for the repecharge to help him
and this worked a treat. We then swapped back to his old rubber for the
pre-final, but even though he was pushed back at the start, due to being in the
'crash zone, he used his fantastic speed to recover and carve is way up to 15th
at the chequered flag. We then put the scrubbed-in tyres from the Second Chance
race back on his kart and he quickly charged his way to 9th, before picking his
way forward from there. All hell broke out on the run to the chequered flag and
Oli briefly led before emerging from the melee that followed to snatch a
thoroughly-deserved podium place. For me, it was the drive of the weekend!"
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Connor Hall Shows Class (02/04)
As
usual, Connor Hall made it hard for himself by qualifying 7th overall in a
66-strong European field at round 1 of the Euromax championship.
Connor always seems to hold back in
qualifying, starting from 3rd and 4th in the 3 heats which he converted to two
wins and a 2nd. As two other drivers also had the same results it went down to
qualifying positions for the pre-final grid, placing him on the outside of the
front row.
Connor dropped to 5th at the start but soon made it to the front and looked to
be on course for a comfortable win, but with a couple of laps to go he caught a
curb at the wrong point and lost the lead, but salvaged 2nd at the flag.
It was a similar story in the main
final where Connor dropped back to 10th at the start, but he soon started
cutting his way through the field. With 4 laps to go he was in second place and
over 2 seconds behind the race leader. Head down, he took over 4 tenths per lap
out of the lead but sadly didn't have enough time to challenge for the race win
and at the flag was split by just 0.7 of a second.
Connor said after the race "I was
confident of a good result with the overall package I was given by Strawberry
Racing, and 2nd place in both finals is great points towards becoming European
champion at the end of the season."
Connor would like to thank the great
effort all-round by everyone at Strawberry Racing for this result who provided
the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing Engine. He now has a couple of days training
before heading to Wigan for Round 1 of the Super One championship.
You can keep
up-to-date with Connor and the team's progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk.
[ Top ]
24 Hour Charity Race (28/03)
A
24 Hour Le Mans style karting race is being organised for The James Hopkins
Trust - 20 teams of 6-12 Drivers, 70 mph karts, 1.13KM circuit, 24 hour race!
Minimum of 12 & maximum of 20 teams.
Minimum of 6 & maximum of 12 drivers per team.
Cost: £1500 entry per team, so 6
drivers = £250.00 per driver, 7 drivers = £214.30 per driver, 8 drivers =
£187.50 per driver, 9 drivers = £166.70 per driver, 10 drivers = £150.00 per
driver, 11 drivers = £136.40 per driver, 12 drivers = £125.00 per driver.
Sponsorship forms will be issued to
every driver to raise their race entrance fee and possibly more for the charity.
Venue: Birmingham Wheels Karting
Centre, Adderley Road South, Birmingham, B8 1AD.
Track: The World Famous International
Circuit The home of the current and past British champions, this truly awesome
circuit was extended in 2009 and is now, more than ever, fully deserving of its
International reputation. If your only experience of Karting is of the indoor
variety, one look at a fraction of this circuit will simply blow your mind. The
Circuit is stadium floodlit, and its unrivalled facilities include private
parking for 200 cars, a dedicated new hospitality suite and adjoining VIP
paddock, plus the very latest MAGIX / AMB timing system accurate to one
thousandth of a second. Recent visitors have included Jenson Button, Alan McNish
and a whole host of celebrities. Whilst the Circuit automatically attracts some
of the UK's top drivers, the sheer size and track space make it the ideal venue
for this upcoming 24 hour race.
Karts: 70mph Sodi GT 250cc Go-Karts.
Date: Saturday 03rd August 2013 -
Sunday 04th August 2013.
Time: Race Start 19.00 Saturday Evening & Finish 19.00
Sunday Evening.
Example Times / Itinerary:
Saturday 17.00 - Registration
17.30 - Briefing, Tips & Suit Up
18.00 - Practice & Qualifying
18.55 - Grid Line-Up
19.00 - Race Start
Sunday 19.00 - Race Finish
19.15 - Presentations & Podium
19.30 - Farewell
Want more track
info take a look here -
www.grandprixkarting.co.uk.
Take a look at
all the great work your money will go towards -
www.jameshopkinstrust.org.uk.
Join the Facebook
event here -
https://www.facebook.com/events/362826273826612/?fref=ts#.
[ Top ]
Knott Wins At First Attempt (27/03)
After
signing a last-minute deal prior to travelling to Larkhall (17 March), RL Racing
Department's latest exciting star delivered a lights-to-flag victory for his new
team.
Luke
Knott enjoyed a dream debut with PFi-based RL Racing to put himself in the frame
as a pre-season contender for Super One title glory. "He certainly bedded-in
quickly and very well!" said RLRD owner, Steve Armstrong. "Luke is still
adjusting to the class and, by his own admission, he wasn't perfect in
Saturday's wet conditions. However, we all worked at improving his times and by
Sunday, Luke was right on the pace."
Indeed, the former Honda Cadet O Plate champion went on to
take an emphatic pole position for the final with two wins and a 3rd place in
the heats.
Once
the final had got underway, Knott became locked in a game of cat and mouse with
the driver in 2nd but with two laps remaining, he picked up his pace and put
matters beyond doubt. "He broke away at the perfect time and set the fastest lap
on his run to the chequered [flag]. Understandably, he was very happy and, of
course, so was I and the rest of the team!"
In the Mini Max class, the team maintained its 100% record
of scoring podiums in all of its pre-season club events. Larkhall proved to be
another happy hunting ground for Sandy Mitchell and Jack McCarthy. The pair
featured throughout the preliminaries and against a quality field.
Sandy's day was not without some
controversy, when he was disqualified for contact during the third heat -
something he and the team felt was not entirely justified after his rivals' own
driving standards went unpunished. However, this served to fire him up further
and he charged from the 9th row of the grid to a fine 3rd at the finish.
Crossing the line ahead of him, Jack had briefly led, but by mid-distance the
top three finishing positions had already been decided.
"It was alright, really" said
Armstrong, summing up. "We always knew we would face a tough test against the
local heroes, so to come up and take away two more trophies was satisfying. We
needed to find a couple of tenths in the wet - but championships are won on
podiums and pace in the dry is second to none, so everything is still pointing
forwards."
RL
Racing Department's Euro Max squad is currently in Belgium, preparing for the
opening round at Genk (30-31 March).
"Jack will join Lando and Oliver Norris in Belgium. We
haven't seen Lando for a while now, as he's been racing in KF Junior, so it will
be great see him back in the team alongside his brother."
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Buckmore Park's 50th (27/03)
As
you may be aware, Buckmore Park Karting is fast approaching its 50th
anniversary. The anniversary race meeting will be held in October and we would
like to make a bit of a splash about the history of kart racing at the circuit.
We are
seeking any pictures, memorabilia, interesting stories, race programmes or
indeed anything that might be of interest. Obviously, the older the item is, the
more interesting it will be.
If you have anything historical from
the circuit we would be very grateful if you could contact Chris Pullman on
01634 201562 ext 209 or via email
chris@buckmore.co.uk
Anything you can contribute or loan will be gratefully
received and will form part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations in October.
[ Top ]
TKM Club Championship (26/03)
The
trend-setting Formula TKM Club Championship has received another 50 plus strong
entry with Senior numbers up on last year and registrations still being
received.
Although the closing date for the series has now closed, the organisers will
still accept late entries at the slightly increased fee of £65 up to the first
round at Kimbolton.
Says TKM Boss Alan Turney: "It is another great entry and
we are delighted to see an increase in Senior numbers which underlines the
growing strength in that sector."
The first round takes place at
Kimbolton on May 12 and with such a strong TKM Club Championship entry
competitors are urged to enter in good time to ensure that they get an entry.
Entries and payment can be carried out online at
www.hkrc.co.uk.
Please ensure your entry is clearly marked TKM Club Championship.
Where entries are high as expected,
clubs will run extra heats and A and B finals to make it possible for all
drivers to race. But in order to do this drivers must get their entries in early
to give the clubs time to organise such arrangements.
Full details of
testing opportunity, race entry forms and other local detail are available on
the website of each of the clubs organising club championship rounds. Further
details are also on the
www.tal-ko.com website.
Any further registrations should be
made using the registration form on the Tal-Ko website.
[ Top ]
New Structure For Karting (22/03)
A
new simplified structure for UK Kart Championships will be introduced from 1
January 2014, the Motor Sports Association (MSA) has announced.
Under the new structure championships
will be run at the following levels:
- British
- National
- Regional
- Within standard club meetings
- Club only
In line with the new structure and regulations only the
MSA may designate a promoter for the British and National Championships. In
September 2012 the MSA announced Super One Series as the British Championships
promoter for five years from 1 January 2013 and MSA National Comer Championship
promoter for three years from 1 January 2013. Additionally the British Superkart
Racing Club was designated the MSA Long Circuit Championship and MSA Long
Circuit Grand Prix promoter for five years from 1 January 2013.
The MSA has asked the Association of
British Kart Clubs (ABkC) to promote the MSA National Championships (with the
exception of the MSA National Comer Championship) until the end of the 2016
season to ensure stability during these transitional years. The MSA will then go
out to tender during 2016 for the promoters of the National Championships.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive and
new Kart Committee Chairman, said: "These changes are designed to put in place a
new structure for the future benefit of karting following the comprehensive
Karting Review. The support from the ABkC allows the MSA to put in place the
processes necessary to implement the changes, which for 2017 will include not
only the tender process for National Championships but also a full homologation
process for all karting classes."
[ Top ]
Kart Coach
Vacancy
(22/03)
Due to continued growth, iZone driver performance have
a fantastic opportunity for a Karting Coach.
iZone is based at Silverstone circuit
and provides fully comprehensive physical and mental training to karters using
our kart simulator.
Training can be given to the right
candidate. For more information please contact us on 01327 856872 or email
kevin@izoneperformance.com.
[ Top ]
Charity GP Event (21/03)
For
the fifth concetucitive year, Mr Karting in Leamington Spa are happy to announce
we will be running our annual Charity night again, to help raise money for
the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
The event will be held on Saturday
22nd June 2013 and will be run to our popular Grand Prix event. Every driver
will have 5 laps of practice, followed by 5 races of 8 Laps, with the top 6
drivers progressing into the Grand Final.
The cost of the Charity GP night
is £35 per person, with £10 from each driver going towards the Air Ambulance.
During the Event all race winners will
pull out a raffle ticket, for a lucky person who will win a prize after each
race, along with an Auction at the end of the evenings racing.
In addition to
the Charity Event, we have set up a seperate Prize Draw raffle with a chance
to win a Kartsuit, Boots and Gloves which has been donated by MK Racewear worth
over £200. For your chance to win this great prize all you have to do is buy a
raffle ticket from our track, or you can make a donation here www.justgiving.com/mrkarting,
and for every £2 you donate you will be allocated a raffle ticket. The more you
donate, the more chances to win!
We will also have the BBQ set up again with food being
sold during the evening to go towards our goal of raising as much money as
possible.
Support this worthy cause by entering the event or donating now!
[ Top ]
Buckmore Improvements (20/03)
Buckmore
Park Karting Circuit has recently completed various safety improvements over the
winter period including increased run off areas on the outside of turns 1 and 2
(Conways and leading into Henry's bend) and on the exit of Paddock bend (post
6). These areas are currently being asphalted. The venue has also lodged plans
for a new pit lane entrance which will lead to karts leaving the circuit much
earlier than the existing exit point which will improve safety. The work will be
carried out later in the year.
Other important news is that after 10 years of negotiation
John Surtees Ltd has completed the purchase of not only the freehold land that
Buckmore Park holds the leasehold interest on but a further 90 acres of land
adjacent to the circuit which will allow the site to be developed further. John
Surtees said "I'd like to create an extension to the circuit for alternatives
for learning, testing and road safety training. I have dreams, we'll just try to
realise them".
Circuit owner and Managing Director of Buckmore Park
Karting Ltd, Bill Sisley, says "We have been waiting for this for a long time
and now at last we can move forward on the long term development for Buckmore
Park Kart Circuit. Watch this space for further exciting news.".
For more
information on Buckmore Park visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
New Kosmic Distributor (19/03)
Vision
Motorsport are pleased to announce that they have been appointed as the South
West agent for the Kosmic Kart from Aim Motorsport.
Vision Motorsport are a new team in
the paddock for 2013, with Team Principle and owner Daryl Burgess driving the
team forward and looking for success for its drivers with the Kosmic brand.
Daryl commented "I have always
considered the OTK brand to be the best designed kart on the market. The
consistency and quality of the manufacture gives reliability in terms of its
performance and feedback to the driver. This overall stability allows drivers to
concentrate on their driving."
Daryl has a wealth of Karting experience spanning over
sixteen years and had his first ever win driving a Kosmic kart. A Rotax champion
at both Junior and Senior level, he has moved over recent years to focus on
driver tuition and management. The most recent success was helping Connor Hall
to finsih 5th in Super 1 in the Mini Max class in 2012.
He continued "I
look forward to a long and successful partnership with Kosmic and the success I
believe it will bring the drivers. Also a big thanks to Aim Motorsport for their
continued help and support."
The team will be covering many of the tracks across the
South and South West over the course of the year such as Forest Edge, PFI, Clay
Pigeon, Shenington, Llandow and Dunkeswell.
New and used karts will be available
imminently and we will be carrying a stock of OTK spares. Test drives are
available on request.
Vision Motorsport can be contacted by
phone on 07792 749566, or email to
dazkartburgess@hotmail.com.
[ Top ]
Aged 13 To
17 Years?
(18/03)
The
BARC are delighted to have the opportunity to take over the reins of the very
competitive 2013 SAXMAX Junior Championship for 14 to 17 year olds.
On the 30th
March 2013 you are invited to a SAXMAX LIVE event, the event is being organised
to give this year's potential drivers aged between 13 to 17 the opportunity to
experience the performance and thrill of a race-prepared Citroen Saxo as raced
in the Club's SAXMAX Championship. The Saxmax Live event will take place at
Blyton Park in Lincolnshire -
www.blytonpark.co.uk.
Fancy a change from karting? Then
Saxmax Live is for you, you will drive in race prepared Saxmax hatchbacks at
Blyton Park race circuit, you will get a dedicated Clio Cup driver/instructor to
guide you around the 7m wide circuit.
To book a place please email
info@saxmax.co.uk
or call 0800 6126977.
The Championship takes place at major UK motor racing
circuits including Brands Hatch and Silverstone and is run with other BARC
championships at its race meetings, there will be 13 rounds over 7 weekends in
2013.
Visit
www.saxmax.co.uk
or call 0800 6126977 for further info.
For a dedicated Saxmax test day or
1-to-1 tuition see
www.teamdynomite.co.uk or
call 07817 416293 email
keith@teamdynomite.co.uk
arrive and drive available.
[ Top ]
Aspiring Racing Drivers... (15/03)
The
hunt for the next Ginetta racing driver is on as Leeds-based want2race and
Ginetta Cars are offering one aspiring driver a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Qualification begins with an assessment at a kart circuit and the ultimate prize
is a race package, valued at £6,000.
Launched at the Autosport International show in January,
the want2race competition offers ambitious would be racers an opportunity to get
behind the wheel of a Ginetta G40 race car, with a fully funded drive in the
Ginetta GT5 Challenge at Donington Park in October 2013.
The competition
has already seen an unprecedented amount of interest and entries have already
been flooding in from all across the UK. The prize is a chance to be taken
through the all-important ARDS test which grants an MSA race licence, the loan
of a race car, the race entry, fuel and insurance, plus tuition and support for
the full race weekend.
Following the success of the Ginetta Junior Scholarship -
which runs annually during the winter period and offers one young racer between
14-17 years old a fully-funded season in the Ginetta Junior Championship - the
Yorkshire marque was keen to give the same opportunity to an older generation.
Mike Simpson, Head of Sales at
Ginetta explained; "The concept of want2race fitted our strategy perfectly. We
have had a genuine demand from older drivers wanting to get involved in racing
Ginetta cars for some time, so we are very pleased to be able to offer such
excellent support and main prize package."
Qualification for the competition is by means of a simple
registration form and £59 fee payable online. Entrants then select their chosen
category and at which of the 14 top UK kart venues they would like to qualify.
Round two will see drivers invited back to drive Ginetta G40 racing cars on
track with top racing drivers and instructors. The best 30 will be invited back
at the end of the week for a final, where the overall winner will be selected.
want2race reports a wide variety of
drivers entered so far, including three female drivers and one member of the
Kart Force Injured Troops team; David Birrell. David is a double amputee who
races karts for the Kart Force team and also enjoys high performance driving at
track days in his Ford Focus RS. David said; "As soon as I saw the advert for
want2race I knew I had to enter, I love nothing more than competitive motorsport
and cannot wait to be involved".
Mark Hales, Chief want2race Judge, explains the appeal of
ther competition; "We are looking for a contender. They can be the track day
enthusiast looking to progress and race or the kart racer keen to make the jump
into cars and long circuit racing, or anybody with enough desire to do it. We
welcome all ages, experience levels and backgrounds."
Entries are open
now at
www.want2race.co.uk and all entrants must be
aged over 16, and not hold a valid MSA car race licence. On completing their
registration, drivers will receive a Welcome Pack, Entry Form and their
Qualifying Kart Voucher.
[ Top ]
HTR Racing Team (14/03)
Due
to our recent success, HTR Racing Team is expanding for the 2013 season.
We are now looking for an experienced
driver coach/team manager to help amongst the team at all Super 1, pre-Super 1,
PFI and Rowrah club meetings.
We also have 2 more spaces remaining in the team for all
of the events above in either: Iame, Honda, Comer and Rotax Classes.
HTR Racing Team has he following
services available at extremely competitive prices: Basic awning space (with use
of the HTR equipment and hospitality), technical advice, driver coaching, kart
storage/preparation and transportation, flat bed services, as well as a
Rotronics dyno service, so we know your equipment is always at its peak.
For further
information with regards to the job vacancy or running with the team for 2013
please don't hesitate to contact Derrick Hardy on 078362 48459 or 0191 528 9005,
or via email to
derrick@htrracing.com.
[ Top ]
NJL Racing Kart Team (14/03)
With
Whilton Mill now up and running in its new format with their first event next
weekend (March 23/24) the good news is that NJL Racing is able to offer full
team services from awning space to full team support at each Whilton Mill race
weekend.
NJL Racing Kart Team for 2013 will be competing in Rotax/TKM/Cadets and Formula
KGP classes and attending various club meetings across the UK and will
also be competing in the British Super One Series.
NJL Racing are able to provide exceptional service and
packages in their purpose built awning for the entry level Karter right up to
the more experience Kart racer competing in Club level and The British Super One
Series, with over 18 years of experience in Motorsport and over three years
experience racing in the BTCC.
NJL
Racing Team Services:
Full Team
support
Kart Storage and
transportation facility
Full
Preparation of Kart
Driver
coaching/analysis
Driver PR &
Sponsorship services
Awning
Space (to include use of team's exclusive awning and team equipment, and full
use of NJL Racing exclusive Hospitality area).
Drivers looking for team services
please email Nick on
nick@njlracing.com.
[ Top ]
Elite Karting League (14/03)
The
1st round of Season 2013 took place at Whilton Mill last weekend, 9th March.
The conditions were testing to say the least, the cold weather took its toll on
both the officials and competitors, but the racing was a great success.
Titan Motorsports continued were they
left off in season 2012, dominating both the sprints and enduro, also winning
the "Dash for Cash" prize fund £1000 (T&C's apply). As usual the racing
was close between Teesside Tigers and Teesside Thunder both hot on the heels of
2nd place Northampton Knights, Whilton Mill's home team.
One of the incredible aspects of this
type of racing is how close the lap times are, only 100ths of a second
separating each team/drivers. This is down to the dedicated care and
standard of the preparation, with all engines being dyno tested. Surely
this type of racing is the future, both competitive and reasonably priced.
1 hour practice, 12 x 10 lap heats "dash for cash" and a 2 hour endurance at
just £396 per team (£99 per driver).
If you would like a team in the
league representing your town or county, then check out our website -
www.thekartingleague.co.uk - or call us on 01642
231117. The next round is at Teesside on 13th April.
[ Top ]
Bentley-Ellis Makes The Grade (14/03)
Just
a handful of races after graduating from Cadet, RL Racing Department star Hugo
Bentley-Ellis claimed his maiden Mini Max victory at Rowrah (10 March).
Like many of their Super One
contemporaries and rivals, the PFi-based team had taken the opportunity to
compete in a club event at the famous Cumbrian circuit, ahead of the series'
visit in May (4/5).
The opening heat saw Jack McCarthy bravely take 2nd place,
despite nursing a painful wrist after a tumble in the paddock the day before.
His team-mates Sandy Mitchell claimed an encouraging 4th but Bentley-Ellis had
to stage a fightback after crashing at the start. He eventually finished 13th,
one place behind Tushar Vivekanandan. Jack Martin finished 25th on his first
experience of racing at the legendary Cumbrian track.
After
his heroics in the first race, McCarthy found the pain in his wrist too great to
bear in the later races and retired before any further damage was done.
Tushar then lead an RL Racing 5,6,7 in the second heat, leading Hugo and Sandy
home, whilst Jack Martin's progress was sorely hindered after being shoved into
the bark at the second hairpin and he finished at the tail of the field.
The
last heat saw Bentley-Ellis bring his Tony Kart home 3rd, with Mitchell 7th and
Vivekanandan 9th and Martin rallying to a more encouraging 18th.
"The remaining heats saw the boys put
in some decent performances," observed team owner Steve Armstrong. "Sandy had
driven a Mini Max round Rowrah in the dry before Sunday, Hugo did well after his
nightmare start to the racing and Tushar is just improving all the time. Jack
Martin is on an upward learning curve, and Rowrah isn't an easy place to come to
for the very first time and get to grips with. He plugged away, kept out of
trouble and learned."
Mitchell's lead, from pole position, in the final lasted
as far as the first hairpin. As the 24-kart field arrived en masse at the
corner, he was shunted from behind and span in front of the entire pack. A huge
pile-up ensued, splitting the field and leaving the hapless Mitchell out of
contention.
Enjoying
contrasting fortunes, Bentley-Ellis and Vivekanandan survived the melee and
worked their way into 1st and 3rd respectively. However, by mid distance Tushar
had slipped to 4th and ultimately took 7th place at the chequered flag. Jack
completed the top twenty, with Sandy finishing a hugely disappointed last, after
being forced to pit to repair a dramatically folded-up sidepod following the
first lap contact.
"Sandy was smashed off, clean and clear," said a fuming
Armstrong afterwards. "The resultant pile-up ended his attack and any chances of
a podium. Hugo and Tushar worked in tandem to go 1st and 3rd by the midway point
of the race. Tushar's lack of experience of running in the podium positions got
the better of him, which is a shame but it will inspire him now. He knows he's
capable of being a front-runner, just as Hugo now knows he can win in Mini Max,
just as he did in Comer Cadet. He was a star, he led for much of the race and
from there took an emphatic first victory out of Cadets. Great stuff!"
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Practice Makes
Perfect...
(13/03)
Next-Gen
motorsport have arrived home from testing in Spain with a bang! Back-to-back
wins since returning has paved a great path for the coming season.
On their first weekend back, the team
hit the 3 Sisters circuit for a busy club meeting. 3 of the 4 drivers had never
been to the track before and after limited testing on the Saturday all of the
drivers went on to finish in the top 14 out of the 34 drivers competing in the
Honda class. Next-Gen driver Tom Canning also recorded the fastest lap in the
final, a great achievement on his first trip to Wigan with the Super
One competition present.
The following weekend was a trip to PFI. With all the best
drivers present and massive grids in both IAME and Honda, the team knew this
would be a great time to set some early season form and sap vital confidence
from its rivals. The team duly delivered with Teddy Wilson winning the IAME
final, Kiern Jewiss 5th and Jack Armstrong 9th, making it 3 out of the top 9.
Teddy's drive really opened a few eyes and with his strong mindset that nothing
less than a win will do... watch out for the bear! Lucas Nannetti drove well
coming from the B Final to making it the top 15 of the A Final before being
knocked off the track. Herbie Grout will no doubt bounce back after
a disappointing day, having previously demonstrated great pace at the February
meeting at PFI and winning at Shenington. Kiern Jewiss also raced in the Honda
class for Next-Gen and led every lap of the Honda Final until, on the last lap
of the race, he was fired off by a competitor who was subsequently excluded for
his mistake. Keaton Samra also produced a great drive, narrowly missing out on
the top 10 after coming right through the pack.
Next stop was Rowrah and again the
team was racing in both the IAME and Honda classes. This time Next-Gen took the
double victory it should have collected at PFI. Domination was the word in both
classes, Kiern Jewiss in IAME won 2 heats and the A Final from pole - his first
victory in IAME in only his 4th attempt. This win will only make him more
determined and no doubt he'll be on the top step more often than not this
season.
Meanwhile,
Tom Canning won also 2 heats in Honda and then went on to win the A Final from
pole by 10.26 seconds! A great performance from Tom on his first visit to
Rowrah. Tom's pace is incredible and when everything slots into place he will be
a real dark horse this year in his rookie season in Super One.
Next-Gen would also like to
congratulate Teddy Wilson on winning at Kimbolton, as well as Next-Gen drivers
Klaas Kooiker and Ollie Hall on great top 5 results at Forest Edge and Clay
Pigeon.
For
more information on Next-Gen please contact David Bellchambers on 07525 741401
or email
dbc_11@msn.com.
Thanks to everyone involved in the success - Andrew Wilson
@ Wilson Racing Engines, Total Kart Shop, RPM Racing Engines for both IAME and
Honda winning engines, Lee Kellett @ Kellett carbs, Zipkart, and Project One.
Thanks also to Chris Walker for the pictures.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
New
Karting Race Simulators
(12/03)
Asian
Replicas Europe are proud to announce the launch of our range of award winning,
state-of-the-art karting simulators.
Our simulators have a real racing car
feel but are designed to fit comfortably in race centres and living rooms alike.
Asian Replicas Europe have a long history of delivering high-end products
including F1 show cars and simulators for some of the biggest names in the game
including Tag Heuer, Pirelli Japan, Vodafone, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari
Spain, to name but a few. With this unique ability to deliver the best F1 show
cars the world over, it was inevitable that the simulators were going to get the
this same special treatment. The J3SIMS range was born to suit all karting and
Formula 1 enthusiasts.
We
use the renowned Logitech G27 force feedback steering wheel and pedals, and the
J3SIMS are compatible with the PC, Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Wii systems.
From the pictures on our website you
can see the work we put in to delivering high-quality finishes - from carbon
fibre to the handmade carpet that comes with the J3SIM Seat Simulator.
For more
information on this exciting new product range visit our website at
www.j3sims.com.
[ Top ]
Connor
Sets The Benchmark
(12/03)
Connor
Hall and Strawberry Racing set the benchmark at Cumbria Kart Club's March
meeting.
Conner demonstrated his class and pace by confidently placing his Strawberry
Racing Tonykart on pole position for the main final, ahead of a strong field of
drivers.
In
ever changing conditions he was constantly fast during testing and on Sunday's
race day proved it, by setting the pace over half a second a lap quicker than
his nearest rivals.
Unfortunately,
at the start of the main final he was caught by another driver and ended up on
the grass and almost half a lap behind the break away leaders. After rejoining
the track he demolished the field and hunted down the front runners. With only a
short final, to catch the leaders was almost impossible, but after taking nearly
a second per lap out of their lead at the flag he was only half a second behind
the eventual winner. Probably one of the best drives so far this season and
without doubt setting the pace
for others to follow.
Connor now has a week off before heading to Genk in
Belgium for Round 1 of the Euromax series, and then returning to the UK for the
first round of the Super One Series at Wigan.
Connor would like to thank
Strawberry Racing for providing a highly competitive Tonykart EVK and Cream
Racing engine.
You can keep up to date with Connor's progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk
and
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Are You Ready For Rissy? (12/03)
A
bumper weekend of practice and racing on 5th 6th and 7th April. Rissington's
first double header of the year will have a full day of practice on Friday and
then two rounds - one Saturday and one Sunday. This ties in nicely with school
and Easter holidays.
With the changes the committee have been working on over
the winter this is an exiting time at the club, e.g. the 2013 race calendar, and
our new online race entry system which has been an instant hit with drivers.
You can get your entries in for rounds 2 and 3 direct from
the Rissington web site
www.rissykartclub.com
and then click on the Enter Race Online.
[ Top ]
Back To The Future (12/03)
Tal-Ko
is stepping back into the past to help meet the needs of the thriving numbers of
drivers who want to take part in the rapidly growing retro historic racing
scene.
Over
the past few years interest has grown spectacularly and what were at first
exhibition displays from a few enthusiasts with rebuilt machines, has now
flourished into the establishment of a new Retro racing series offering full
blown races outside the control of the MSA as well as historic racing within the
MSA.
With
that growth has come the need for engine spares, and inevitably many phone calls
to Alan Turney, boss of Tal-Ko Racing, and arguably the UK's leading expert on
kart racing engines.
Over its 50 plus years in operation Tal-Ko has been deeply
involved in kart race engines from initially making components to later becoming
a full blown manufacturer - the UK's only one in the kart industry.
The good news for all those
enthusiasts looking at blowing the dust off their much loved historic equipment
is that not only does Tal-Ko still have original spare parts on its shelves, but
it also has the specialist knowledge, tooling and expertise necessary to make
more.
So as
Alan Turney unlocks his historic vaults he takes time to explain the fascinating
story of how kart engines developed in the UK and how restrictions on Italian
engine availability finally nudged them into creating the TKM brand.
Says Alan: "We do quite literally
have spares still on the shelves for the Arrow other TKM engines we have
made over the years. On top of that we have spares for many other brands such as
Komet, Parilla and Dap. And what we don't have we can make because we also still
have all of the tooling.
"I have a personal interest in all this older equipment
because it is where I grew up and where the company has its prime experience. To
me helping the classic and historic racers is a joy.
"We still have some complete engines and we will make more
if there is a demand which it seems there will be. In particular the two engines
which are exciting the Retro racers are the Arrow which falls into the historic
class and the more recent TKM L90 which is in the classic class. I can't wait to
see them racing again."
Extensive lists of spares for older
engines are now available on the
www.tal-ko.com website as
well as a fascinating background story recounting how Tal-Ko got its name and
how the company took on the might of Italy with great success.
[ Top ]
Strong Showing At PFI (11/03)
ST
Racing put on a strong show at PF International's recent March meeting.
In Junior Max, Chad Little showed
good pace all weekend. With some consistant heats he lined up 9th on the grid
for the A Final, and after a poor start he managed to get back up to 6th place -
a good result in a very strong field. Our other Junior Max driver Stuart
Middleton also showed good pace but was unlucky to finish 5th place in the B
Final.
Minimax driver Jae Dale had a very good weekend and is learning a lot all the
time, with this being his first full season racing. He showed good determination
and made it through to the A Final - a very good effort.
In Senior Max we had a strong showing
with 5 drivers racing. Kearn Tsang is making good progress with his first season
in seniors and was unlucky to have a crash in the final. Hamish Baxter another
new senior driver and ended up 21st in the final after some good heats. Spencer
Scaife made his debut with the team and placed 20th in the final. Spencer also
but in some good performances and showed strong pace throughout the weekend.
Matthew Dickinson was unlucky to finish 19th in the final following a first
corner incident after qualifying 10th on the grid and is improving every time
out. John Stewart had a good day Sunday - despite a DNF in the first heat he
broke the lap record in the second heat with a time of 56.56 and in the A Final
starting 23rd on the grid managed to get up to 2nd place with another fastest
lap - a very good performance.
ST Racing are
now agents for Gillard Karts. If you are interested in trying the kart or have
any enquiries please contact John on 07711 314454 or 07500 958789. You can
email us at
stracing@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Come & Race At Warden Law (11/03)
The
third round of the Tyne & Wear Kart Club championship, held at Karting North
East, Warden Law, Sunderland, is on Sunday 7th April.
We aim to provide a safe and fun event
for all, with grids for Cadets, Rotax, TKM and Prokarts. Our facilities
include an onsite kart shop and cafe, plus overnight parking is available, so
whether you are new to Warden Law or haven't raced here for a while, come and
join the excitement and see what our challenging 1.2 kilometre circuit has to
offer.
No
race license is required, plus day membership is available, so just turn up with
your equipment and race, or take advantage of a discount for advance bookings.
For further
details visit the club website
www.twkartclub.com, email
kartclub@kartingnortheast.com, or ring the
circuit on 0191 521 4050.
[ Top ]
Race This Weekend At Llandow (11/03)
This
weekend is the second round of the Llandow Kart Club championships in name only,
as the first was rained off! So why not come and have a full weekends
racing and practice at one of the best circuits in the UK, with one of the
friendlist Clubs around!
Plenty of practice on Saturday plus 3 heats and a final on
Sunday for all classesm for only £95 for both days. We have full
facilities and overnight security and we have even booked sunshine... well, you
never know!
If you need any further information please contact Colin on 07817 449617
(evenings). We will be happy to take your entry up to Thursday morning and will
run any ABkC approved class subject to numbers.
Come and join us - you won't regret
it.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championship (11/03)
James
Clarke from Lydd would like to personally thank all the Staff, Drivers, Teams
and Parents for a brilliant days karting at Lydd yesterday - great racing and
co-operation. You are all a fine example of what karting should be about - well
done and thank you again.
We would also like to congratulate the winners of the
Championships and commiserate with those who maybe didn't get the results they
would have hoped for. The championship trophies will be presented at next
month's race meeting.
The Champions are...
Bambino 2stroke - Bradley Hardy
Bambino 4stroke - Harry Harman
Cadet Clubman - Alfie Glenie
Honda Cadets - Sam Powell
Comer Cadet - William Martin
IAME Cadet - Samuel Shaw
Super Cadet - Michael Kemsley
Minimax - Michael Smith
Junior Rotax - Michael Eastwell
Senior Rotax 162 - Daniel Brett
ProKart - Marcus Shephard
The next meeting also sees the start
of the Summer Championship, with Round 1 being held on 14th April 2013.
For more
information visit our website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
[ Top ]
TKM Club Championship (11/03)
With
the regulations for the TKM Club Championship now confirmed with a double header
finale rounding off four events in the Midlands, the closing date for
registrations in the 2013 series is fast approaching.
March 15 is the closing date for
guaranteed registrations, though late registrations may be taken if there is
space, but at a higher rate. Says TKM boss Alan Turney: "We are hoping for an
even bigger entry last year when we had 70 registered drivers across the Junior
and Senior classes."
The innovative TKM series starts at Kimbolton in May with
events to follow at Shenington (part of their Superpix meeting), at Rissington
(as part of their Midlands Champs weekend), and at Whilton Mill where there is a
double header format to ensure a really open opportunity to the front runners
for an exciting final showdown.
As last year, the events will be run in conjunction with
locally based TKM grids at each event, running extra heats to cope with numbers
if required.
Registration costs just £55 and
completed registration forms should be sent to Tal-Ko. Full details and
regulations are listed on the www.tal-ko.com
website.
The prize fund will include quality trophies and TKM
vouchers. Race dates are:
May 12 - Kimbolton
June 15/16 - Shenington Superprix
Aug 31/Sept 1 - Rissington Midlands Championships
September 22 - Whilton Mill
[ Top ]
New Economy Karting Class (08/03)
There
was a great deal of interest at the weekend as Protrain and Rissington Kart Club
hosted the introduction of the new Junior Tyro class to the UK. This new cost
efficient class is aimed at drivers ages 11 to 15 who following a short
assessment can participate without the need for taking an ARKS test.
With
six entrants in the maiden race the Tyro team had assembled a group of very
mixed ability drivers ranging from keen indoor racer Josh Porter, who was a
total novice to circuit racing and Ross Campbell who came via "Lets Go Karting",
through to experienced Cadet and Mini Max competitors.
Knowing they were
a part of something very special added to the electric atmosphere surrounding
these karts with drivers who are normally unable to race together in MSA events
lining up eager to put the newly built karts through their paces. All equipment
used in Tyro is identical, all that can be done is to alter wheel positions and
tyres pressures so every driver knew it was their talent on display just as much
as the kart. Despite the obvious competition all the drivers thoroughly enjoyed
being together and helping each other perfect their driving skills with the more
experienced drivers offering great support to the novices.
Race day was dry and crisp with great
racing promised, it did not disappoint. The heats saw the boys dominating the
racing with Keiran Wragg and Thomas Row fighting for the win with Hannah
Chappell and Georgie Chapman battling for third place. This set up a great final
with the lead swapping and any of the front four looking likely to take victory;
in the end it was Wragg who took the chequered flag just 0.2s ahead of Row who
headed Chapman for third. Not to be outdone Hannah Chappell set the new Tyro Lap
record on lap two.
The two novices, Ross and Porter, had never previously
witnessed an MSA race meeting and happily immersed themselves in the atmosphere.
On track with the team behind them offering coaching they continually improved
their lap times as they came to grips with the complexities of racing lines and
braking points. They are the essence of Tyro karting; bringing new people into
the sport and helping them to enjoy the fun!
The day ended with all drivers
reflecting on a great days racing leaving with massive smiles on their faces and
team engineers commenting that it was the best fun they had enjoyed at a race
track in many years.
The Tyro
karts will be racing every month and will be back at Little Rissington for three
days at the first weekend in April. Although it is available to buy karts are
currently being leased at an amazing £120 for the whole day with full race team
facilities provided bringing true economy karting to a full MSA event.
All the Tyro
drivers had a fantastic weekend and were very competitive; If you want to enjoy
the atmosphere of a race weekend, experience a fast kart in open wheel racing
and want to leave the track smiling give Steve a call on 07711 606967, email
protrain@emcourses.com or see a bit more about
the Tyro at
http://www.emcourses.com/junior_tyro.htm.
[ Top ]
New Karts
For Buckmore
(08/03)
Buckmore
Park Karting has just taken delivery of no less than 65 brand new karts for the
2013 season. Fifty of these are Sodikart manufactured RT8's with 390cc Honda
evolution engines. These have been built to Buckmore's exacting specification
and are already in use for all adult hire kart events to great acclaim. The
Junior Club fleet has also been replaced with new Sodi 160cc karts and these
were first raced a few days ago by the Junior Club drivers who were very
enthusiastic about the close racing that resulted.
Buckmore M.D. Bill Sisley said "This
£300,000 investment shows Buckmore's commitment to quality and the future. It
comes in the same year in which we celebrate our 50th anniversary and this is
just one facet of many exciting improvements we have planned for the circuit in
the near future."
For more information on Buckmore Park
visit
www.buckmore.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Russell Off To Winning Start (08/03)
The
opening round of the WSK Euro Series was always going to be a tense affair, but
Birel KF star George Russell kept a cool head to claim a victory and valuable
points at La Conca (3 March), to get his campaign off to a solid start.
The entry of 61 drivers had to be
split into two separate groups for the heats, giving the double KFJ champion an
early boost. He had made it through to the Super Pole shootout after the first
phase of timed qualifying and his 6th in that session gave him 3rd place on the
grid for each of his four preliminary races.
"Two people crashed in front of me during, what I felt,
was going to be my best lap," George explained. "That cost me time but,
ironically, it worked out better for me overall, as 3rd is the ideal position to
make the best starts at La Conca."
Russell was then good to his word and recorded two wins
and a 2nd in his first three heats. Unfortunately, the Englishman was knocked
off the circuit in his last heat and though he recovered to 9th at the chequered
flag, he was denied what had looked to be a guaranteed pole position for the
pre-final, thanks to him being the only driver with two heat wins under his
belt.
"All
the front-runners had one bad heat. I was pipped to topping the intermediate
classification by a single point due to being hit off the circuit. It was doubly
frustrating as the driver who ran into me was given a ten-second penalty for the
contact, which demoted him to 8th and promoted me from 12th to 9th. Had I
finished in his place, it would have been me sitting on P1."
As
they waited to be called out onto the grid, ahead of the pre-final George and
his team put together their race strategy: "Unlike most races, where your
finishing position in the pre-final simply decides where you start the main
final from, the WSK series awards points for both finals. So my brief was to try
and win at least one of the two finals, to chalk up good points early on in the
championship."
A bold tyre gamble also paid off, as George explains:
"Every driver was given six tyres for the two finals. I opted to put fresh
rubber all round on my kart for the first race, while everyone else went for
just two tyres, preferring to keep four back for the second." It proved to be an
inspired choice. Russell quickly took the lead and nailed home his advantage
during the early stages. In the latter stages his advantage was narrowed down by
the chasing pack, but post-race penalties and George's faultless driving saw him
take first blood in the title race.
With just two fresh tyres on his Birel RY30-S5, rather
than the four most of his competitors now had, he needed to make a clean getaway
at the start. This he managed to do and he managed to hold the screaming pack
behind him through the opening lap. "The new tyres proved to be a massive
benefit to the other drivers and I lost five places. I knew the performance
differential would be there, so it didn't rattle me when a kart went past, I
just kept plugging away."
Having stemmed the tide, and as the race wore on, George
was able to match the pace of the front-runners: "I was competitive, but it was
too late for me to catch the lead five."
Crossing the line in 6th place, Russell sensed he had
taken sufficient points to give him a solid platform on which to build his title
assault: "We definitely made the right tyre choice and consequently I'm 2nd
overall. I'm very happy and La Conca marked a big improvement on my first two
races with the team. The chassis is excellent and there is more to come from the
TM engine. The team are always looking for performance gains, which is good
experience for me and it's nice to work hard for each improvement. Hopefully,
our hard work will pay off and there will be more good results to come."
You can keep up to speed with George and his career by
visiting
www.georgerussellracing.com
and following him on Twitter -
@GeorgeRussell63.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
British Universities Karting (07/03)
The
2013 British Universities Karting Championship got off to an exciting start this
season as student teams from across the UK race once again on the fastest
arrive-and-drive karts in the world, battling it out to become UK champion and
earn an exclusive Red Bull F1 VIP experience at the British GP this summer.
The BUKC was supposed to kick off at
Warden Law in early Feb but instead had to be rescheduled to Rye House due to
heavy snow in the North East. It was still freezing at Rye but it wasn't long
before it heated up! Long time front-runners Oxford Brookes A won the morning
round whilst Southampton A won in the afternoon. Last year's champions
Loughborough, who have lost most of their winning team from 2012, had a
nightmare start to their campaign finishing in 36th and 21st places - their
worst ever result in 12 years
The championship then moved on to Llandow in South Wales
on the weekend of 2nd & 3rd March. The first round of the sold-out Rookie
Championship kicked off on the Saturday featuring 35 student teams who didn't
qualify for the main championship. After 5 x 25 minute races some excellent
driving and some welcome sun finally shining, Plymouth C came out on top closely
followed Huddersfield B (2nd) and UCL B (3rd).
The 3rd and 4th rounds of the BUKC's main championship
then took place on the Sunday this time in a biting wind and chill factor of
minus 3! Southampton A once again took the top spot followed by Hertfordshire A
in 2nd and Huddersfield A in 3rd.
Hertfordshire A maintained their momentum winning the
afternoon round, followed hot on their heels by their team mates in the Herts B
team (2nd) and Huddersfield A (3rd). This has led to Hertfordshire B
overtaking their A team and now topping the BUKC 2013 leaderboard after 4 rounds
- and a sea of red on the final podium of the day.
"The driving standards in the BUKC this year are the best
I have ever seen," comments BUKC founder, Will Tew, "We have so many ex Stars
and Super 1 drivers competing with only a couple of seconds splitting the top
teams and drivers after half an hour of racing - it's awesome to watch."
The
BUKC 2013 results so far...
Round 1 winners - Rye House, Herts /13 Feb: 1st - Oxford
Brookes A, 2nd - Oxford Brookes B, 3rd - Southampton A
Round 2 winners - Rye House, Herts / 13 Feb: 1st -
Southampton A, 2nd - Durham A, 3rd - Oxford Brookes B
Round 3 winners - Llandow, South Wales / 3 March: 1st -
Southampton A, 2nd - Hertfordshire A, 3rd - Huddersfield A
Round 4 winners - Llandow, South Wales / 3 March: 1st -
Hertfordshire A, 2nd - Hertfordshire B, 3rd - Huddersfield A
Rookie Championship Round 1, Llandow,
South Wales / 2 March: 1st - Plymouth C, 2nd - Huddersfield B, 3rd - UCL B
2013 remaining Championship dates are
as follows...
13 Mar: Buckmore Park (Rounds 5+6)
22 Mar: Clay Pigeon, Dorset (Rookies Championship Round 2)
23 Mar: Clay Pigeon, Dorset (Rounds 7+8)
24 June: Whilton Mill (Round 9 + Drivers Champ)
25 June: Whilton Mill (Rookies Championship Finals)
For more
information on BUKC visit our website at
www.bukc.co.uk, find us on
Facebook at
www.facebook.com/britishuniversitieskartingchampionship,
view some of the action on YouTube -
www.youtube.com/user/3tracing, and don't forget
to follow us on Twitter for the latest updates
@karting_bukc.
[ Top ]
BPKC Winter Series (07/03)
The
final round at Buckmore Park Kart Club Winter Championship is scheduled
for Sunday 17 March 2013. Practice is available on Friday 15 March
and Saturday 16 March. All ABkC non gearbox classes are welcome including
Bambino and Subaru.
Please contact Chris Pullman/Sheila Rose on 01634
661604 for more details. Online booking is available.
Round 1 of the eight round Summer
Series kicks off on Sunday 21 April 2013 with practice available on Friday 19
and Saturday 20 April. The 6 round Kent Challenge kicks off at Bayford Meadow on
Sunday 28 April with Round 2 at Buckmore Park on Sunday 19 May.
Full details are
available at www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Lucas Oil's Carter Shines (06/03)
Lucas
Oil sponsored Kart Racer Albert Carter has won the TVKC Comer Winter Series and
finished a very respectable 11th (out of 75) in the IAME Winter Series
Albert had recently spent time
testing in the heat of Florida and then came back to England to contest the last
round of the tough Winter Series at the fantastic PFI circuit. His next race
will be the long drive up to Rowrah on the 9th / 10th March.
We can now confirm our marketing partners for 2013 and
would like to take this opportunity to give them all a mention, Primary Sponsor
is again Lucas
Oil who have given us fantastic support over the
last 10 years
Associate partners are; Yuasa - Hol tAj - VEIDEC - NGK
Spark Plugs - Teng Tools - Cottingham Engineering - 3tc graphic and web design -
Rainbow Conference Sets - Pioneer Central - CAAR - Ogden Motorsport - Kaz
Aston.com - Ultimate Air Brush - CBM
We would also like to say thanks to David Bellchambers of
Next Generation Motorsport, Chris Barnes of CBM and everyone else who gives
Albert support and advice.
You can keep up to speed with
Albert's progress at his 3tc designed website
www.albertcarter.com
or his Facebook page
www.facebook.com/CarterMotorsport#!/albertcarter2003.
[ Top ]
Great Prizes On Offer (06/03)
IAME
Cadet entrants for the MSA British Cadet Championship are reminded of the superb
prize list on offer with support from Edgar's Hyundai, MIS Motorsport, SC
Sportshomes, IAME and many other partners. The British MSA Cadet Champion will
be invited to the IAME International Final (X30) when old enough, with all
expenses paid, whilst second place will receive a new IAME engine, and third a
£500 IAME voucher. That's on top of the usual tyre prize fund from Dunlop and
Super One, and the champion being awarded an iconic TAG Heuer Formula 1
timepiece. The best Rookie over the year, if staying in the class, will receive
a free entry for 2014 along with free tyres and fuel, and a VIP tour of the
Mercedes Grand Prix factory at Brackley. And in addition to all that, the top
three drivers will be offered an all-expenses paid visit to the home of IAME in
Zingonia, Italy.
Registrations in the MSA Series are being held open until
31st March. And there are only a few places left to form a full grid in
the MSA Comer Cadet Championship, first come, first served for those remaining
places.
For further information contact Super One Series promoter
John Hoyle on
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com
or by telephone on 01928 740090 / 07774 646784.
The 6-round MSA British Kart
Championships Series for KF, KFJ & IAME Cadet, plus Formula KGP and the ABkC
National TKM Championships commences on 18/19 May at Rowrah, Cumbria. KZ2 will
be a support race for three of the rounds, the last one being for the ABkC Open
Championship plate. All rounds have an optional Friday practice day.
[ Top ]
TVKC And Tag Heuer (06/03)
Following
the switch-over to the TAG Heuer timing system last month, the team at Trent
Valley Kart Club and TAG Heuer have been working closely together to develop new
systems to maximise the huge capabilities that the TAG Heuer system provides.
The latest
development is the brand new "Online Results Service" available on TVKC's
website
www.tvkc.co.uk. This feature provides a booklet
of information that includes: full entry lists, race results showing individual
sector times, lap by lap sector analysis, starting grids, intermediate
classification & Championship points. The new service now means you'll be able
to access the data immediately as the results will be updated as the races
finish over the course of the race weekend - meaning you can get instantaneous
data from your laptop, iPods, tablets, smart phones or anything else that has a
connection to the Internet!
Work is already taking place to
upgrade the Intranet and wireless connectivity at PF International kart circuit
so this information, as well as live timing and data downloads, can also be
viewed from the paddock, so watch this space for further information!
The partnership
of TVKC and TAG Heuer are also pleased to announce the arrival of their "Virtual
Championship". This can be viewed through the Live Timing feature on the website
(www.tagheuer-timing.co.uk)
and means you'll be able to view the Championship standings in 'Real Time'! So
as one driver overtakes the next, the current Championship standings will be
displayed on screen and will be colour coded to illustrate whether or not they
have gained or lost a place in the Championship table - an ideal tool to have
when drivers are jostling for position and them all important Championship
points throughout the season! The Championship points tables will also be added
to the Results Booklets but this will be done post event.
These new features are just a few of
the developments planned for the future. Amongst the other innovations planned
for launch during 2013, is the full integration with the UK Karting ERS+ results
service - meaning access to your race results has never been easier! This
facility is nearing completion and should be available very soon.
With the
increased access to all of the valuable data that the system now provides, you
may wish to consider this latest opportunity to help advertise your product.
Advertising space within the Results Booklets is now available at very
competitive rates. For further information, please contact Clare Mills at
clare@tvkc.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Rotax 177 Inter Clubs (06/03)
What
an enjoyable weekend for all the Rotax 177 drivers who attended the first round
of the Inter Clubs Series. There were 38 entrants in total necessitating 4 heats
and both A and B Finals. As far as I am aware this is the biggest grid seen for
Rotax 177 for years!
Firstly a huge thank you to everyone at Forest Edge who
hosted a great event - provided 7 practice sessions on the Saturday per class
and great prizes for the race winners. All inter club drivers were lucky enough
to get a t-shirt, umbrella and hat all courtesy of FEKC who went beyond
expectations to make the event such a huge success!
The huge number of entrants meant that
there was a lot of close racing going on all the way down the grid which was a
refreshing change from the normal grids of 5-10 at most clubs. Congratulations
go to Dan Bushell who won the 177 Inter Clubs Final and Paul Cook who won the
177 Masters Inter Clubs Final. The feedback from every driver I spoke to was
very positive. The overall message being "this is a great idea, its what we have
been wanting for sometime." I can confidently say everyone had a great weekend!
Some
great over taking in the heats saw Chris Wright qualify on pole and 2nd place in
the final means he leads the championship after round 1 ahead of Final winner
Dan Bushell. Brandon Grinter had a great drive in the final showing some of his
pace to get the final podium spot. Matt Barnes finished 4th ahead of local boy
Oliver Smith who was very fast all weekend but a lower grid position caused him
to finish the final in 5th place just ahead of team mate Dominic Russell in 6th.
In Masters it was Adrian Williams who
qualified on pole but it was Paul Cook who took the win ahead of Paul Bell with
Adrian Williams finishing in 3rd.
We now move on to round 2 of the
series at Rye House on 4/5 May. It is not too late to get involved if you
haven't already - please email
mattbarnes34@hotmail.co.uk
for information.
[ Top ]
Thomas Takes Title (05/03)
MBR's
Harrison Thomas will start the 2013 Super 1 Series campaign on a high after
clinching the TVKC Winter Series with a podium at the final round.
The Welsh youngster started the
weekend four points off the lead, but knew that, with the scoring system not
offering much between places, he would have to produce his best form.
Having set the pace for much of
practice, Thomas suffered a setback when another kart went over his in the final
session, causing injury to both his MBR machine and his hand, forcing him to
battle discomfort for two strong heat results and a place on row five for the
final.
With
changes made to his kart, Thomas was able to recover from a delayed 14th on lap
one to be in a position to challenge for the lead at the last corner. Although
his move ultimately saw him pushed back to third, with his main rivals mired in
the pack, it was still enough to confirm him as champion.
"It feels great to win," Thomas
enthused, "It wasn't the easiest of weekends, but we did what we had to. Thanks
to Mick Barrett Racing, Ogden Race Engines, Alex Tee, my family and all my
sponsors - and congratulations to Tom Gamble on the win!"
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Success At Rissington (05/03)
GW
Motorsport would like to congratulate our drivers, Jack Bartholomew and Dean
Hale on their recent success at Rissington.
Jack Bartholomew was on superb form taking 3
successive heat wins and victory in the final on his Wright Suzuka 3 kart in
Junior Max. Dean Hale took an outstanding win on a Zanardi in Seniors - this
after not having raced or practiced at the circuit in over 4 years! Thanks
also go to Rissington for a well run meeting.
For testing on a Wright Kart or a
Zanardi please contact Gary on 07950 032519, or email at
gwmotorsport2@gmail.com.
[ Top ]
RL Racing Dept Upbeat (05/03)
Steve
Armstrong, owner of RL Racing Department, declared himself to be "extremely
positive" after his young squad enjoyed another strong weekend.
With the opening round of the Euro
Max Challenge barely three weeks away - and the British Super One title battle
getting underway a week later - RL Racing Department gave its drivers more vital
seat time at PFi (3 March) and again, the signs were good.
In Mini Max, the team fielded the
highly-rated Jack McCarthy, Sandy Mitchell and Hugo Bentley-Ellis with new
signing Jack Martin completing the line-up.
After watching McCarthy lead Mitchell and Bentley-Ellis
home to complete a 1,2,3 in the first heat, Armstrong admitted that he was a
little embarrassed at the spectacle: "It looked like we were cheating," he added
jokingly.
Things became tougher for the team when McCarthy was hit from behind, bending
his axle and forcing him out of the race. Mitchell's 2nd place in his second
heat gave him pole position for the final, whilst Bentley-Ellis secured the 7th
spot. McCarthy 16th and Martin qualified straight into the A final by virtue of
two solid drives in his heats.
Hugo
rapidly worked his way to the front of the field and led for much of the race
but, as the chequered flag was readied to be waved, he succumbed to the pressure
from behind. By this time, Jack had charged up from the midfield into 4th with
Sandy just behind.
At the second hairpin, Mitchell was shoved heavily from
behind and tipped straight into his team-mate. Both survived, with McCarthy so
fired-up that he was able to take 2nd before challenging for the win on the run
to the finish line."It's another weekend where one of my lads has been smashed
from behind, costing us a possible win. Still, the drivers all learned valuable
lessons and our kit looks really good. Jack Martin did really well, as this was
his first proper go at a big meeting, so there's lots to be happy about."
Senior Max returnee, Oli Norris, also
gave Armstrong even more reasons to be cheerful. "Oli hadn't driven a Rotax kart
for something like four months and hadn't even seen PFi for over half a year,
but it was like he'd never been away," said Armstrong. Norris opened his account
with a fine 3rd place in his first heat and repeated the result in the A final.
"He did a great job against a pedigree field. The guys he was mixing with will
all be championship contenders, so to turn up after such a long lay-off and take
a podium was just terrific."
He added, "It was a great way to mark our switch to
Cream-prepared engines for our senior Max drivers and my thanks go to Warwick
Ringham and his colleagues for giving us excellent motors. Overall, I'm looking
forward to the season getting underway, it's all looking extremely positive."
For more
information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843
586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Rotax Max 177 Competitors (04/03)
Rotax
Max 177 competitors are urged to complete their 2013 registrations at
http://superoneseries.com without delay as the
official period for registering comes to an end.
Max 177 entrants can enjoy a superb
prize list including a Rotax engine courtesy of JAG Engineering for both the
overall champion and the best Rookie champion. The best Rookie is also
invited to a VIP tour of the Mercedes Grand Prix factory in Brackley whilst the
overall champion will be awarded with an iconic TAG Heuer Formula 1 timepiece.
Subject to any age limitations, the series also awards the overall champion a
place in the 2013 MAX Challenge Grand Finals which will take place on the United
States Mainland for the first time from November 13th to 16th, 2013 at the NOLA
Motorsports Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
"New Orleans will host the biggest kart event ever in the
history of the Grand Finals. For the past 14 years, the number of participants
has grown and so have the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals. Close to 300 drivers
from around the world will take part in this year's final," said François
Tremblay, marketing director, Rotax Kart Engines, BRP. Super One Series
will award a place to the best Junior, the best Senior and Max 177, subject to
any age limitations.
Max 177 registrations are being held open for a short
period of extension to provide further opportunities to drivers in that
category.
For further information contact Super One Series promoter
John Hoyle on
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com
or by telephone on 01928 740090 / 07774 646784.
The 6-round Rotax ABkC National
Championship Series incorporating the ABkC National Championships for Honda
Cadet, and the MSA National Championship for Comer Cadet commences on 7/8 April
at Three Sisters near Wigan. All rounds have an optional Friday practice
day.
[ Top ]
12hr Karting Challenge (04/03)
Deepings
Round Table is pleased to confirm that the 17th Annual Deepings Round Table 12hr
karting challenge will take place on Friday 12th July and Saturday 13th July
2013. Attached you will find this year's brochure which includes booking
forms. Based on the outstanding successful of last year's race, we will again
be using Daytona's high performance DMax karts which provide a faster and more
challenging race for all.
As in previous years, Lotus GP, Williams F1 and Mercedes
GP have all confirmed their entrance and look forward to challenging all!
There is no other 12Hr Karting
Challenge in the UK and there is no other open event that has so many Formula 1
teams taking part. The thirty-five team grid will consist of drivers that range
from those who have never driven a kart before, to highly experienced,
professional drivers (past entrants have included Mark Webber, Johnny Herbert,
Justin Wilson (ex-Jaguar F1 Driver), Gary Paffett (German DTM Champion & Honda
F1 Test Driver) and Anthony Davidson. This event really is unique. It
offers an excellent chance to entertain customers in a relaxed environment, a
superb team building opportunity or just a great way for friends to get together
for a great day out.
One of the main aims of the event is to raise substantial
amounts of money for charities both nationally and locally (we have raised in
excess of £180,000 from the last 16 events). In fact, the overall prize
fund is split between the top corporate teams, the top F1 team and Deepings
Round Table, so every team has a chance of securing a significant sum for
donation to a charity of choice.
The event is held over a Friday evening and
Saturday. Friday evening sees all drivers register, followed by a full safety
briefing (all protective clothing and helmets can be supplied by Daytona) and
Qualifying. Following the qualifying session, there is an event meal and
charity auction of Formula 1 and motor sport memorabilia. The Formula 1
teams are all so supportive of the event that rare items never normally seen in
the usual F1 Shops can be bought (reduced rate hotel accommodation can be booked
through Deepings Round Table at the Milton Keynes Holiday Inn).
On Saturday morning there is practice
time before the race proper starts at 9am. The challenging track layout
and enhanced karts will ensure that the racing is close and that everyone gets
the chance to really test their skills. The race finishes at 9pm followed
by prize presentations (remember, the winning karts get a share of the overall
charity pot for donation to a charity of their choice).
The entrance price is £1,565 per team
and a deposit of just £313 will guarantee your place in this unique event. Due
to the unprecedented success of 2012, I would urge you to submit applications
ASAP, as we expect the event to be a sell out and places to go fast.
If you would like
to register your intention to attend the event or if you have any further
questions then please return the booking form (contained within the attached
brochure) or visit our website
http://www.deepingroundtable.co.uk/Kartathon.html.
If you are unable to attend this event
but would still like to support our charity fundraising, then donation
of branded merchandise or motor sport items for the auction would be greatly
appreciated.
The Deepings 1090 Round Table looks forward to seeing you
in July.
[ Top ]
F4 & F3 Cup Championships (01/03)
Chris
Dittmann Racing are pleased to offer drives available in the 2013 BRDC Formula 4
and F3 Cup Championships.
With over 25 years of experience preparing single-seaters
and GT cars, the team won the 2012 F3 Cup Drivers' Championship with
owner-driver Chris Dittmann and narrowly missed out on securing the Teams
Championship. They are also heavily involved in kart racing and in 2012 won the
British KZ2 Gearbox Championship.
For 2013 the team are able to offer a drive in their newly
built F4 car or Mercedes-powered Dallara F307 in the BRDC F4 and F3 Cup
Championships respectively.
Both
cars are maintained and prepared to the absolute highest of standards and each
driver will be coached by 2012 F3 Cup Champion Chris Dittmann. The team is able
to cater for any driver whether a young novice or a more experienced driver.
Either way CDR have proved they can deliver race winning cars at a realistic
budget whilst providing a professional image to attract or entertain guests. The
team also specialise in helping karters make a smooth and successful transition
into car racing.
For more information or to arrange a
test please contact the team today on tel 07811 180157, email
chris@chrisdittmannracing.co.uk, or you can
visit our website at
www.chrisdittmannracing.co.uk.
For more
information on the championships visit
www.formula4.com and
www.f3cup.co.uk.
[ Top ]
NJL Racing (01/03)
NJL
Racing has over 18 years of experience in Motorsport and with over three years
experience racing in the BTCC we have the full infrastructure in place ready to
compete at the highest level.
With our vast experience in the racing industry from
Karting to the British Touring Car Championship, NJL Racing Kart Team are an ART
GP satellite team using the latest ART GP karts for 2013 competing in
Rotax/Formula KGP in the British Super One Series and TKM also attending various
club meetings across the UK and are able to provide exceptional service and
packages in their brand new purpose built awning for the entry level Karter
right up to the more experience Kart racer competing in Club level and the
British Super One Series.
NJL
Racing Team Services offer:
Full
Team support
Kart Storage and
transportation facility
Full
Preparation of Kart
Driver
coaching/analysis
Driver PR &
Sponsorship services
Awning
Space (to include use of the team's exclusive awning and team equipment, and
full use of the NJL Racing exclusive Hospitality area).
Drivers wishing
to compete in either the British Super One Series or club events across the UK
should email Nick on
nick@njlracing.com.
[ Top ]
TAG Heuer Timepieces... (01/03)
This
year, TAG Heuer becomes the Official Timing Partner of the Super One British
Kart Championships. The prestigious TAG Heuer brand was founded in Saint-Imier
in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer has marked the history of luxury
watchmaking, especially in the fields of chronographs and ultimate precision. A
legend in prestige Swiss watchmaking and one of its most innovative brands, TAG
Heuer has built on its active commitment in the sports world to create the most
accurate timing instruments and wrist timepieces in the world.
TAG
Heuer is the world leader in high precision luxury chronographs with an
unequalled mechanical accuracy of 1/10th, 1/100th, 1/1000th and even 5/10,000th
of a second. In 2012, thanks to the lessons learned through these achievements,
TAG Heuer won the world's most coveted watchmaking award, the Geneva Watchmaking
Grand Prix "Aiguille d'Or". From the Olympic Games in 1920 to its role as
official watch and chronograph for the legendary Indy 500 race today (for which
it has developed instruments with a precision of 1/10,000th of a second) TAG
Heuer is unrelenting in its quest for innovation, excellence, performance and
prestige. This ambition is reflected in its partnerships with F1 Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes team and its World Champion Jenson Button, with Audi Sport in
the Le Mans 24 Hours and endurance races, and with the Automobile Club of Monaco
for the prestigious Monaco
Grand
Prix.
This
year, with the karting scene in the UK way behind the times with timing
technology, TAG Heuer identified the unique and challenging opportunity to
support the Karting World.
The past 4 years have enabled TAG Heuer to bring to
karting events in the UK (including Super One, Formula Kart Stars, MSA British
Kart Grand Prix and the ABkC O Plate), a professional level of timing
technology, intermediate sector timing, photo finish, start line approach speed
trap, a robust and professional live timing solution and data information
booklets, all benefits to drivers and teams never found in karting in the UK yet
common place in Formula One and other high profile events. There are also
further developments on the horizon.
As the official timing partner of the Super One British
Kart Championship and in order to pay tribute to the extraordinary performances
of the Championship drivers and to celebrate the Motorsport Stars of tomorrow,
TAG Heuer proudly announces the 2013 TAG Heuer Trophy.
The Championship commences April 6th
and the TAG Heuer Trophy will reward the best twelve championship drivers of the
2013 Super One Championship season with iconic TAG Heuer Formula 1 timepieces.
This year, the
Motorsport Stars of Tomorrow will compete against each other and against the
ultimate adversary, time itself and TAG Heuer will remain at their side, and
soon on their wrist. Check out
http://superoneseries.com
for registering or competing as a guest driver.
For further
information contact Super One Series promoter John Hoyle on
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com or by telephone on
+44 1928 740090 / +44 7774 646784.
The 6-round Rotax ABkC National
Championship Series incorporating the ABkC National Championships for Honda
Cadet, and the MSA National Championship for Comer Cadet commences on 7/8 April
at Three Sisters near Wigan. The 6-round MSA British Kart Championships
Series for KF, KFJ & IAME Cadet, plus Formula KGP and the ABkC National TKM
Championships commences on 18/19 May at Rowrah, Cumbria. KZ2 will be a support
race for three of the rounds, the last one being for the ABkC Open Championship
plate. All rounds have an optional Friday practice day.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championships (27/02)
The
final round of the Winter Championships at Lydd takes place on Sunday 10th
March, with several titles still up for grabs! The closest fought will be the
Honda Cadets, where just 4 points separate the top 3 drivers. Good Luck to Sam
Powell, Harry Gibson and Harry Whiteley in that class.
Congratulations to the drivers who
sealed their Championship wins at the previous round - Bradley Hardy in Bambino,
Alfie Glenie in Cadet Clubman, Michael Smith in Minimax and Daniel Brett in
Senior Rotax.
Practice is available the day before, as usual, running in
sessions. Open practice is also available this Sunday - 3rd March - for anyone
who wants to get in some extra track time.
The
format for Sunday is Practice, then Timed Qualifying, followed by 2 Heats and a
Final.
We
welcome all classes, as we will always find a grid for you to join in, with our
regular classes being Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Honda Cadet, IAME/WTP/Comer
Cadets, Minimax, Juniors, Senior Rotax 162 & 177 and ProKarts.
April sees the start of our Summer
Championships, with Sunday 14th April being Round 1. This will be a 6 round
series, with each competitor's best 5 results counting towards their final
total. The Summer series will run 3 Heats and a Final, as has previously been
the case.
You can keep up to date with what is happening at Kent's
fastest Kart Circuit by visiting the website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com, or you can phone the
circuit on 01797 321747 if you have any questions.
You can also complete your Race Entry
in advance by visiting the website and clicking on the Online Entries tab at the
top.
If you
haven't been to Lydd, or not visited for some while, then why not come along and
join the regulars in the paddock and sample our friendly family atmosphere.
[ Top ]
Connor Hall And Strawberry (26/02)
Connor
Hall returned to the UK with the Strawberry Racing team, following their win at
the Rotax Winter Cup in Spain, to contest the MBKC Three Sisters Lunar Cup
meeting.
From the outset the team worked well and his pace was good. Due to poor
conditions brough on by unfortunate weather and the sheer volume of entries at
the meeting, the team and Connor decided that 2 sessions on Saturday was enough
and took an early bath.
Race day on Sunday stayed dry although it was very cold
making conditions more challenging. Connor won Heat 1 from 16th on the grid and
finished 5th in Heat 2 from 20th, placing him on pole for the final.
After a computer failure at the track
caused a complete mess of the grids it took nearly 2 hours to work out everyones
grid positions for the finals, and as the Minimax final was to be last out, it
was beginning to get dark.
At
gone 5pm the 6 lap final started, with Connor holding the lead for 4 laps before
being overtaken briefly but soon finding a way back past to take a well deserved
win. and 3 out of 3 so far in 2013!
Big thanks yet again to everyone at
Strawberry Racing for providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing engines to
assist with these results.
Connor and the team will be at the
PFI circuit next weekend. Please check out
www.connorhall.co.uk
and
www.strawberryracing.co.uk for the latest
updates.
[ Top ]
South Yorkshire Kart Club (26/02)
South
Yorkshire Kart Club would like to thank Warrick of Strawberry Racing for
supporting the club throughout 2012 - it has been very much appreciated.
We are also pleased to announce that
this support will continue throughout 2013. Every month during the Summer Series
every member in Mini, Junior and Senior Rotax entering a race will be put into a
free tyre draw, which is drawn at the end of each meeting!
The annual presentation has just got
better too, as the top three drivers in the Mini, Junior and Senior Rotax
Championship will receive vouchers - 1st place £750, 2nd place £500, and 3rd
place £250.
It is fantastic to know that this support will continue
throughout 2013. Anyone wishing to offer their support for our cadet or TKM
classes please get in touch.
Your help is very much appreciated for our little family
orientated club.
For more information on SYKC visit
www.sykc.co.uk
or email
dbaines20@hotmail.co.uk.
[ Top ]
SC Sporthomes (25/02)
Super
One Series is very pleased to announce that SC Sporthomes has partnered
Britain's premier kart championship in 2013. Competitors and teams can benefit
from the partnership by mentioning their association when contacting SC
Sporthomes, who are celebrating 10 years of design and innovation from
conversions of panel vans up to luxury bespoke motorhomes for sport or leisure.
Edgars'
Hyundai Super One Series promoter John Hoyle said: "Our association with SC
Sporthomes is just the latest in a long line of prestigious companies eager to
be associated with the MSA British Kart Championships and ABkC National Kart
Championships through Super One, Britain's biggest and best kart championship.
There are many mutual benefits to be explored, and benefits for our competitors,
I am very pleased."
Please take a look at the SC
Sporthomes website
www.scsporthomes.com or
click on the link of the Super One website
http://superoneseries.com.
For more information contact John
Hoyle on
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com
or by telephone on 01928 740090 or 07774 646784.
[ Top ]
On
it's 2013 debut, the Wildkart FY32 has started off the year with a win from
Jonathan Drabble, Senior Rotax driver for RS Racing.
It was a long weekend at Clay Pigeon
Kart Club, being freezing cold and wet, but having qualified 2nd on the grid for
the final Jonathan took an early lead and didn't look back from there. The kart
handled brilliantly in the tough conditions.
After a quick start to the year RS
Racing are looking to extend the winning ways with next weekend being the
opening round of the season at Forest Edge Kart Club.
RS Racing are the sole UK importers of
Wildkart as well as being main Gillard agents, Lotus Karts official UK
distributor, and suppliers of Rotax engines and parts, plus much more.
For more
information visit our online shop at
www.rsracing.org, email
sales@rsracing.org, or call us on 01256 760633.
[ Top ]
Isle of Man 24 Hour (22/02)
The
Isle of Man, home to the famous TT a place for every motorsport fan to visit is
holding its first ever 24 hour kart race.
Manx Kart Club, in conjunction with Teesside Karting, will
be running a 24 hour Pro Kart race on the 1100m Jurby circuit on the 15th/16th
June.
Entry
is priced at just £650 per team which includes one set of tyres (Bridgestone)
and your race fuel. Friday testing is available from 10am-4pm at just £50 per
team
Three
classes are available:
Pro Kart
- 180kg
Heavy - 195kg
Hire Karts
Prizes
include an entry into the British 24 hour at Teesside and much more.
For further information and details
on travel concessions please call Mark on 01624 897121.
Hire karts will be available at £1500
per team - just turn up and race and we will look after the rest! For more
information call Bob Pope on 01642 231117.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come,
first served basis. Payments can be split into 3 monthly instalments following
payment of an initial deposit.
[ Top ]
Formula Cadet Wet Tyres (22/02)
Anderson-CSK and Dunlop wish to apologise for the
issues that have transpired on the Formula Cadet wet tyre and are now able to
offer details of how competitors can exchange problem tyres for the new batch
which is expected to be available during early March. Dunlop are fully committed
to resolving the issue as quickly as possible and would advise that the first
batch of replacement tyres will leave Japan by airfreight on week commencing
25th February and are expected to clear Customs without delay.
Sets of tyres, either new or used,
with the Product Code 1031 for the fronts and Product Code 1052 on the rears
which were purchased after 1st October 2012 can be exchanged for a replacement
set which will be returned at no further cost. Tyres can only be exchanged on
production of a purchase invoice for the original tyres, dated 1st October or
later. This is required by Dunlop. Other items on the same copy of the
invoice/receipt can be blanked out if required. The tyres and invoice copy
should be sent to Anderson-CSK, Unit 2/3, Sterling Industrial Park, Carwood
Road, Castleford, West Yorks, WF10 4PS including the return address in full.
Separate arrangements are being made
for the trade who are members of the BKIA.
For any further information contact Anderson-CSK on 01977
603838.
[ Top ]
Back-To-Back Victories (21/02)
Following
on from the abandoned January round the Winter Series at Shenington finally got
underway in February with very respectable grids across all categories.
Following a good day of testing on Saturday foggy conditions on Sunday delayed
the start and made the early heats challenging for all drivers.
Protrain cadet driver 96 Joe Turney
left Shenington last December with a superb victory having dominated racing on
his comer engine and returned for the first time on the new Iame Parilla hoping
to add to his race wins total, he did not disappoint.
Having finished
fourth and second in his heats he lined up on row two and despite dropping a
couple of places into the first corner he drove with the usual determination we
have come to expect to seal back to back Shenington victories.
The
win was an even more impressive achievement as Turney struggled in January on an
engine that has a currently undiagnosed fault so had a brand new engine on his
kart demonstrating the potential of the Iame engines 'out of the box'.
As leading
Shenington 2012 competitor across the line on an Iame in 2013 Turney was awarded
a £200 Iame voucher which has already been put to good use. After the race he
thanked his team, Ogden Motorsport and in particular James Mills of John Mills
Engineering for their support.
Meanwhile Honda Cadet Novice driver Tom Bennett was
chasing the novice trophy and with two very strong heats he put his Kart seventh
on the grid eventually taking his third Honda Novice trophy in a nail billing
final.
Shenington Comer Cadet 2012 Champion Kieran Wragg showed that the transition
from Cadet to MiniMax can be immediately successful by taking a highly
respectable fifth place.
Joe Turney has shown great pace and race craft in the
short time he has been karting and will be competing at Super1 in 2013, do you
have a cadet driver who could partner him? We'd love to hear from you and have a
great offer for the right driver. Please call Martyn Smithers or Gary Chapman in
total confidence on 01280 814774.
The
Formula K UK team move on to Genk for round one of the EuroMax challenge and the
Super 1 and club team move on to PFI.
Photograph courtesy of Graham
Smith/TSR Productions.
[ Top ]
Thomas Continues Winning Streak (21/02)
MBR's
Harrison Thomas carried momentum from his recent PFI Winter Series victory to
Shenington, winning comfortably against strong opposition and confirming that he
will be one to watch in Super One.
Fog delayed Sunday's proceedings, and meant just six laps
in each heat, but that proved no deterrent to Thomas, who turned 26th on the
grid into seventh in race one, before leading from lights to flag second time
around and earning himself third spot on the grid for the Final, as well as
posting the fastest laps of the weekend.
Gaining a place on the opening lap of the main event, it
took just one more tour for Thomas to hit the front and, from then on, the
result hardly looked in doubt as the Welsh youngster eased away to win by
1.3secs.
"It was definitely an easier win than at PFI, but I still had to get to the
front," Thomas reflected, "Once I did that, I was able to control the race, and
I'm delighted to win, especially against good opposition. It's all good
preparation for the final round of the Winter Series in two weeks' time. Thank
you to Mick Barrett Racing, Ogden Race Engines, my family and all my sponsors."
[ Top ]
Calling All 177/Masters (20/02)
Just
two weeks remain until the 1st round of Forest Edge Kart Club's 2013
Championship, and what will likely to be the biggest ever gathering of 177 Rotax
racers seen in the UK at a single event!
Over 40
177/Masters are expected for the first round of the interclub challenge and its
not too late to enter - FEKC were the first club in the UK to offer online
entries three years ago so head to
www.fekc.co.uk to
participate or contact Matt Barnes at
mattbarnes34@hotmail.co.uk.
The Hampshire club has consistently
seen the biggest UK grid of 177/Masters over the past three years and is looking
forward to a bumper entry for Round 1. Rotax classes look to be phenomenally
strong and IAME's are added for the start of 2013 racing.
So if you have never ventured to the
Hampshire club before why not come and see what over 200 regular racers see
every month(!) to one of the most successful MSA owner driver circuits in the
UK.
[ Top ]
Lay Gets A Shot... (19/02)
EasyKart
UK - in conjunction with KGP UK are to recognise the double Championship
achievements of James Lay.
In 2012 James did the double by winning the EasyKart
Junior Championship and the one day E plate Championship race. James Lay started
karting as a novice in Easykart following in the footsteps of his elder brother
Patrick. He has progressed through EasyKart Junior with remarkable results in a
short period of time.
Up and coming talent is what our new association with
Ginetta is all about. Our unique collaboration ladder, which starts from
Easykart through to KGP and progresses on to Ginetta car racing, provides the
perfect career path for young drivers to develop.
To recognise and reward James's achievements Easykart UK
will be providing him with a free drive in a Championship S1 round of its sister
franchise Formula KGP.
James will compete as a guest driver in the Ginetta
Formula KGP S1 at Glan-y-Gors in June. The KGP grid boasts many multiple British
Champions and a Championship that has gone to the wire in the last two seasons.
James will drive with the ACR-Birel team on the new Birel RY30 S5 Motorsport
chassis.
KGP
is almost 3 seconds a lap quicker compared to the Senior EasyKart that James
will drive in this year's 2013 EasyKart UK Championship, so it will be
interesting to see how James gets on.
With his brother Patrick also racing Easykart in
2013, perhaps the biggest question is - who will come out on top in the EasyKart
Championship, James or Pat..? Place your bets!
For more information on Easykart
visit
www.easykart.co.uk or for information on Formula
KGP visit
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or find both on
Facebook.
[ Top ]
McCarthy Aims High (18/02)
RL
Racing Department's Jack McCarthy is targeting a top three finish in the 2013
Euro Max Challenge after a competitive maiden outing in the annual curtain
raiser to the international Rotax season (9/10 Feb).
McCarthy, who finished 8th overall in
the Super One Mini Max championship last season, made an impressive bow in both
international competition and the Junior category.
The 12-year old quickly adjusted to
the cut and thrust of the faster kart and the fast Andalucian circuit.
"He did really well," said Steve
Armstrong, owner of RL Racing Department. "Jack had never seen Campillos before,
so for him to qualify 7th-fastest overall and then run strongly in the heats -
whilst learning all the time - shows what potential he has."
11th,
10th and 14th place finishes in his three heats saw McCarthy qualify for the
pre-final grid in 11th place.
It proved to be a tough race, but Jack stuck to the task
in hand and battled to an eventual 13th place at the chequered flag.
"When you get to the finals, you tend
to find the racing becomes even more brutal and Jack's inexperience showed. He
drove extremely well but his lack of international race craft prevented a higher
finish," observed Armstrong.
Buoyed by the 2008 Euro Max champion's coaching and
advice, Jack went on to cross the line in 10th place in the final.
"I'm delighted.
Finishing 10th out of 34 and at his first attempt shows his potential. He loved
the whole experience and coped well with the hard, fast action on track. At
times it overwhelmed him a little, but the racing did seem harder this year. It
used to be a little gentler and less aggressive, but that's how we race in the
UK, so over the coming season, I don't see why we shouldn't be targeting entry
into the Rotax Grand Finals with a top three finish in the Euro Max Challenge.
Jack will drop back into Mini Max at home and I think he has what it takes to go
for the Super One title."
For more information about racing
with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843 586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk.
For all the latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs courtesy of Alexandros
Vernardis/The RaceBox.
[ Top ]
Comer Cadet Academy Offer (15/02)
Zip
Kart are delighted to announce that they have secured a sponsorship for the MSA
Super One Comer Championship. Drivers who register for the MSA comer cadet
championship will be eligible to receive free slick tyres for round one of the
championship that kicks off on the 5-7th April at Three Sisters Wigan.
All drivers that have already
registered with Super One for the rookie/academy class will also be eligible for
the offer.
With healthy grids and ultra competitive racing guaranteed the 2013 MSA Comer
Cadet championship can now also offer great value racing at the highest level
for those drivers wishing to make the stepping stone from club racing to Super
One!
Plus,
Zip have Honda prizes on offer for Zip drivers in Super One...
The highest finisher in the Honda
Cadet championship on a ZIP Cadet (you must have competed a least 4 rounds on
Zip kart) will win a test day with the factory Zip/ART/RSF team in either Mini
Max or KF3, plus a free set of tyres for each podium achieved at Super One!
Overview
of the MSA Comer Cadet Championship:
MSA championship for Comer cadet class.
Open to drivers with a National A licence.
You can race in the year of 9th birthday.
Free slick tyres for all rookie/academy drivers for use at
RD1 + RD2.
TV Coverage on Motors
TV.
Suburb prize vouchers for
the top 3 rookie finishers at each round.
A free season's racing in Super One in 2014 for the
winning championship driver.
KF/Rotax test with Zip/ART/RSF team for the top 3 in the overall championship.
Fantastic overall championship prizes down to 10th place.
Guaranteed coverage in Karting magazine each month.
To be eligible
for this great package and to book your place on the grid, drivers must register
with Super One before the 1st March 2013. For any enquires regarding the
championship please contact Super One on 01869 320157 or email
sonja@superoneseries.com, and for any
information on the prizes or to discuss anything about the Rookie/Academy
package contact Zip Kart on 01327 855310 or email
info@zipkart.com.
To register for
the 2013 Super One series visit
http://superoneseries.com/.
[ Top ]
Formula Cadet Wet Tyres (15/02)
The
Association of British Kart Clubs along with Anderson-CSK and Dunlop wish to
apologise for the issues that have transpired on the Formula Cadet wet tyre.
Following tests by Dunlop in Japan on the return of a problem set of tyres it
would appear that this may have been caused by a new batch of polymer, and
perhaps exacerbated by the effect of the cold weather in our winter. The results
of the tests have only just become available.
Anderson-CSK have already arranged with Dunlop to
immediately manufacture a controlled batch of tyres, with another immediate
follow up. Control means with reference back to the batches prior to the problem
arising. The first batch will be air-freighted to the UK by the end of February
and it is anticipated can be distributed during the first week of March. Dunlop
have agreed to exchange all tyres from the problem batch for the new tyres,
which will be easily identified by the new barcode marking. Further details on
the logistics of this exchange will be given by Anderson-CSK shortly. There will
be no cost to the competitor.
Anderson-CSK,Dunlop and the ABkC can only apologise and
ask for parents and drivers forbearance. Please be assured that Dunlop is fully
committed to resolving the problem as quickly as humanly possible and have
assured us that the performance of the wet tyres will be restored to the
previous norm.
The MSA are being kept informed of developments.
[ Top ]
Webb's Winter Cup Joy (14/02)
Reigning
junior Grand Finals and Euro Max Challenge champion Harry Webb added to his
reputation as one of motor racing's most exciting prospects by winning the
prestigious Rotax Winter Cup - on his debut in the senior category.
The 15-year-old Strawberry Racing
driver won the coveted trophy after an enthralling battle with team-mate
Harrison Scott, to take victory at Campillos (10 February).
Harry was amongst the principal
contenders throughout the week-long meeting in Andalucia, having qualified 3rd
overall and winning two of his three preliminary heats.
In the pre-final, he had started in
6th place overall, after an engine failure in his second heat had cost him a
chance of qualifying further up the grid for the first of Sunday's two final.
However, he demonstrated his pace and race craft to finish in 3rd place.
A clash between Webb and nearest
challenger Scott, during the closing stages of the final, set up a nail-biting
charge to the chequered flag.
Webb had taken the lead early on, but his rival fought
back.
"I
had got away well but in the last five laps Harrison pulled me in. On the last
lap he was all over me, but I wasn't going to give in and nor was he. He
attacked and, naturally, I defended through every corner. Neither of us would
give an inch to the other and as we went into one of the corners, Harrison had
two wheels on the grass. I was given a warning flag. There was no aggro
afterwards, it was all very friendly."
Harry crossed the line marginally
ahead of Harrison to secure an historic back to back victory: "To win both
junior and senior two years in a row is pretty good. I needed to win, because if
I hadn't I wouldn't have been doing the European races, so this one means rather
a lot to me."
Having won on his international senior debut, Webb was
asked how the racing compared with that in juniors: "At this level, Junior Max
is very hard but the seniors are harder. The front brakes make life both harder
and easier for you. If you're behind someone, you can make late lunges going
into the corners but if you're leading, they make sure you can't relax for a
moment. But I'm sure my dice with Harrison made for great viewing and it was
certainly exciting for us. We both showed just how fantastic the new Tony Kart
EVK chassis is, and how strong Cream Racing engines are."
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Performance Match Advantage (13/02)
February,
the beginning of a new season, has been especially busy for Grice Racing.
Our new transient and eddy rolling
road is up and running, giving useful information in matching your ancillaries
to your race motor. We now offer the facility to dyno power test your engine,
then match all your ancillaries on the rolling road to maximise it's full
potential. Something that is exclusive to Grice in the UK and only last
week did Evolution, Next Generation, Mark Campfield and Coles use this facility
to their drivers' advantage.
We are now able to offer a free test drive of all our
motors and with the introduction of new Iame cadet class, our 15 years of piston
timed race motor experience is proving invaluable with both Next Generation and
Fusion all busy doing just this.
Lastly, we are as ever, still offering our recession
busting rebuilds at truly unbelievable prices. Get in touch for more information
and see how we compare!
To arrange your free test or enquire about rebuilds please
call Ricky on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253.
You can also
email
ricky.grice@virgin.net and visit our website at
Griceracingengines.com.
[ Top ]
TKM Give Thumbs Up (13/02)
Tal-Ko
is confident of completing its TKM Club Championship with a double-header event
at Whilton Mill, despite some current uncertainty at the circuit caused by a
re-organisation of its operations.
The four event championship, which has races at Kimbolton,
Shenington, Rissington and Whilton Mill, got off to a flying start last year
with more than 70 registered drivers across the Junior and Senior classes.
This year's series is based at the
same circuits within the Midlands area but with the last round at Whilton Mill
in September running as a double header adding a final sting in the tail to the
trend-setting regional championship.
Over the past few weeks a number of changes have been
announced at the circuit thanks to a multi-thousand pound investment from the
owners, which will improve the track itself and increase facilities. This
includes changes to the existing club set up.
Short term this has caused some hiccups in event
organisation but says TKM series co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth: "We see this
as nothing more than a storm in a crash helmet and we are confident that by one
route or another, our final round will be able to take place as planned.
"We have been very encouraged by the
positive response from the track owners to solve some existing things at the
circuit which we found concerned our drivers - like the barrier at the last
corner and the bumps.
"More than that we have agreement with the circuit owners
on some ideas which will provide a boost to all TKM drivers in the area. As a
company we were the first to test at the track when it was built and we are
pleased to continue our association."
Registration for the series closes on
March 15. More information and registration sheets etc available from
www.tal-ko.com
or for queries email
interclub@tkmdriversclub.com.
Formula K Success (12/02)
The
European season commenced at a sun soaked Campillos as Europe's finest drivers
kicked off their European season with an early season shake down at The Rotax
Winter Cup at the Spanish circuit. This well organised and enjoyable event is
often used by top European karters to test and get in shape for the upcoming
season, among them for Formula K UK were Junior Max Driver Thomas Preining,
Senior Max drivers Jiri Forman and Sabedin Berat Turker with Xen De Ruwe in DD2.
Preining
finished his 2012 season with very impressive results and the Formula K driver
was determined to start where he left off. Early signs were very promising as
Preining was third fastest in non qualifying practice in a field where 1 second
would put you back as far as 24th out of the 31 drivers. He followed this up
with a good qualifying session putting his kart on the fifth row of the grid,
however his improvements in heats one and two were significantly hindered
following accident in heat three where he managed to limp home in 30th place,
Combining his early heats with his misfortunate third heat gave him a grid
position of 13 for the pre final.
In Seniors Jiri Forman was the one to watch with a superb
performance in non qualifying practice two taking the fastest lap following up
his earlier third place, Turker was lower down but with a second between first
and 24th the leader board was changing all the time. In an equally positive
qualifying session Forman put his kart at the front row in P2 and Turker on the
10th row with some work to do for the next day. Whilst Forman had some very well
deserved and hard fought results in his three heats, finishing fourth, 10th and
fourth, Turker was charging up the field showing superb improvement on his FK
chassis taking 18th, 14th and seventh. This put Forman on the front row and
Turker on the fifth for their prefinal; his best ever results in EuroMax.
Meanwhile in DD2 Formula K Europe
driver Xen De Ruwe was once again demonstrating that he is a force to be
reckoned as all early testing reinforced this driver's champion status. However
in a shocking development he was excluded from qualifying for an infringement
involving using a piece of FK tape where only Rotax tape was acceptable. This
only served to fuel De Ruwe's determination as in warm up the next morning he
blasted the field with a time 2/10ths faster. Demonstrating why he truly is a
driver to be admired he went from the back of the grid to fourth in Heat 1 and
8th and 5th in his remaining two heats. This gave him a position on the third
row of the grid for the prefinal.
Driving conditions for finals day were excellent with the
cold wind only affecting early warm up. Preining was first out for his prefinal
and made a steady move forward securing 7th place and an excellent chance for
the final. Forman and Turker fell back a little with Forman finishing 6th and
Turker 17th and DD2 driver Xen once again showing steely determination to
put his kart on pole position for the final with a solid win.
With everything to play for in the
final Preining held his nerve to get a good start and did not look back, he
pressed his way forward taking second place for much of the race. Just as it
looked like second was where he would finish he lost a place and eventually took
a very well deserved podium finishing in third place in an excellent season
opener.
Forman was not so fortunate at the start in seniors which cost him dearly but
again with determination we was able to push himself forward and was
disappointed to just miss the podium taking fourth place. His fastest lap which
he held for almost the entire race was pipped by another driver but this shows
the great pace of the driver who will surely be one of the best in Europe this
season
Turker's
early promise was not fulfilled in a very difficult final but his pace and heat
results show the potential of this young driver and as the season develops he
will surely be achieving the results he is working so hard for.
Saving what was possibly his best for
last DD2 driver Xen de Ruwe put on a masterclass in his final taking victory
whist being the only driver to break the 1:03 barrier.
The Formula K drivers left Campillos
very happy and positive about their 2013 campaign. The FK was consistently at
the front and showing it is a package capable of winning at any level. Team
manager Martyn Smithers said, "It was a pleasure to work with these excellent
drivers again, we are very happy with the improvements we made and have once
again demonstrated our strength in Europe. I am very pleased to know that FK
drivers secured a first, third and fourth at this highly competitive meeting. We
move on to Genk very positive about what we will be able to achieve.
Gary Chapman
reinforced Smithers comment by adding, "I am really pleased with the position we
are in, I remain totally confident in the Formula K which in spite of
being in relatively low numbers compared to other chassis is right at the front.
The team is putting in amazing effort and with hard work and sheer determination
we are getting excellent results. Our FK drivers represented .5% of the field at
Campillos which makes our results highly impressive; as more drivers get on the
chassis even more results will come. We will continue to do a great job and I am
confident that our Formula K drivers will continue to dominate as the season
progresses. I offer my congratulations to them and the entire Formula K UK
team".
Did
you like what you saw? Protrain Racing are sole importers for Formula K, if you
are interested in testing one or becoming an agent for this impressive marque
please contact Gary Chapman on 07802 966064 or email him at
protrain@karttraining.co.uk.
See our new website at
www.formulak-uk.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Strawberry Too Hot To Handle (12/02)
Strawberry
Racing dominated the fifth edition of the Rotax Winter Cup at Campillos (4-10
February), with its drivers taking 1st and 2nd place finishes in the junior and
senior categories.
Having previously won the event an unprecedented four
times, team manager Warwick Ringham confessed he was running out of superlatives
to describe how he felt after winning again: "What can I say? Every year the
pressure is on us, so much so, that winning is almost a relief. Of course, I'm
delighted for the four lads on the podium but all of our drivers performed
extremely well."
He added: "Until the week before Campillos, most of them
hadn't sat in a kart since the Grand Finals (28 November - 1 December, at
Portimao, Portugal). So went out there and just let them all drive round and
have fun. You could see how much Harry has matured since he won the Grand
Finals, so he was able to step up to the senior equipment and match Harrison's
pace straight away. Even so, they were putting some outrageous passes on each
other as they played out on track. Our Juniors - Connor Hall and Guan Yu Zhou -
were also quick, as expected, but they were kept honest by our new drivers
Darren Keane and Yuri Vips."
Jessica Backman impressed when she arrived in Andalucia in
the early hours of Saturday morning and, having missed Friday's timed qualifying
session, had to go straight into the heats from the back of the grid. Her
brother, Andreas, was the team's sole representative in the DD2 category.
Sadly, a bent brake disc blighted his chances of a good finish in the main
final, having delivered a series of strong performances in the preliminaries.
In the junior class, Connor Hall
maintained the form he showed at the end of last season, as did Guan Yu Zhou.
The pair duly gave strong performances in the pre-final to finish 2nd and 5th
respectively. Juri finished in a creditable 10th with Darren, still getting to
grips with the European style of racing, a fine 14th.
Hall
proved to be the class of the field in the 14-lap final, as Zhou fought his way
through to the runner-up spot. Juri and Darren gained more poisitive experience
as they took the chequered flag in line astern, finishing 13th and 14th.
A nail-biting finish in the senior
final was assured, after 2012 Winter Cup champion Scott reeled in the leader,
Webb, and attacked. Harry defended, but neither would give their team-mate an
inch. Ringham and his team could barely watch as Harrison had to take to the
grass to avoid a collision. Webb was given a warning flag for the robust defence
of his advantage but won the race fair and square, with Scott refusing to give
up his crown all the way to the finishing line.
"What a way to signal your arrival in seniors!" said
Ringham. "Harry was just magnificent and what a way for Harrison to sign off his
karting career, before going into Formula Ford, with another thoroughly deserved
podium."
Grand Final victor Charlie Eastwood also finished well inside the top ten, with
7th place and Jessica Backman also earned praised for her eventual 16th place.
With a vacancy created by Scott's
departure to single-seaters, Ringham announced the arrival of Kyle Fowlie into
the squad: "Now Kyle's with us, we must have one of the strongest line-ups we've
fielded," explained Warwick. "Omar Ismail, Ben Hingely and Max Aitken also
signed with us in the closed-season, making our junior team a very exciting
prospect indeed."
For more information about OTK
products and Cream's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk. Or call 0114 269
6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs courtesy of Bas Kaligis.
[ Top ]
Connor
Hall & Strawberry Racing
(11/02)
Connor
Hall has won the Junior Rotax Winter Cup, following 10 days at the Campillos
circuit in Spain (with a couple of days break in between that allowed Connor and
his team mates to take a look at some Formula 1 testing at the Jerez circuit).
Wednesday and Thursday's testing went well, and the team worked like
clockwork.
Qualifying went well for Connor and although he didn't take pole position, he
managed a credible 6th for the heats. This did have the unfortunately side
effect of this putting him on the outside at the start, but despite this he
still managed to qualify 3rd for the pre-final, having already been fastest by
some margin in two of the heats. Connor managed to convert 3rd place on the grid
to 2nd place for the main final, and having been fast all weekend he was
confident of a good result.
After being forced backwards at the start of the main
final he soon showed his class by driving his way to the front, closely followed
by his team-mate Guan Yu Zhou. With 3 laps to go Connor managed to edge a small
gap while Zhou also drove an outstanding race.
Connor took the victory by over 2
seconds, with Zhou coming home in an impressive second to complete a fantastic
1-2 for the team.
A massive thanks go to everyone at Strawberry Racing -
Warwick Ringham, Paul Spencer and Connor's mechanic Harry Cockill for all their
hard work as well as providing the Tonykart EVK and Cream Racing engine to
enable this fantastic result.
You can keep up-to-date with Connor's
progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk.
[ Top ]
2013 Maranello RS12 (08/02)
The
2013 Maranello RS12 chassis has just arrived with us in the UK, with LP Tent
Motorsport being the first to test them in Britain at Larkhall circuit.
Meanwhile back at Maranello UK HQ at
PFi, the works team are getting ready for 2013's Super One championship with
Denis Gorman and Matt Booth racing in Formula KGP. Both drivers will be busy
testing over the next couple of months in preparation for the club meetings at
PFi and the O Plate at Rowrah, and we are aiming to hit the ground running for
round one of MSA Super One at Rowrah in May.
For more
information email
laury@maranellokarts.co.uk
or visit our website at
www.maranellokarts.co.uk.
Iame
Cadet:
Under the banner
of Curley Racing Ltd, this year we will be gradually expanding into the new and
exciting Iame cadet formula. The new engine is proving to be an excellent choice
for the class as shown by huge grid numbers at PFi and bumper entries for the
Little Green Man Championship.
We have places available in the awning for Iame Cadets for
the Little Green Man Championship and at the PFi club championship. Packages are
available from awning space only or including a mechanic. Any cadet chassis can
be catered for.
Other services available from Curley Racing Ltd include
kart preparation and storage at PFi, any brand of kart chassis is catered for
but the CRG family of chassis are our speciality. We can cater for every type of
kart and engine related service including chassis alignment, engine rebuilds and dyno sessions.
Driver coaching sessions using experienced S1 champions is
also available at PFi. Various packages available.
More details on any of the above
services are available by emailing
laury@curleyracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Encouraging Performances (08/02)
Team
IPK's young drivers continued their strong development with a string of
highly-encouraging performances on the OK1 chassis at last weekend's ferociously
competitive TVKC meeting at PFi.
William Tregurtha led the Minimax squad in a near Super
One-strength grid of 45 karts. The combination of the OK1 kart and Grice engine
helped him power from 29th place all the way through to 13th in his first heat.
And in his second race Tregurtha, 12,
grabbed an excellent runners-up spot - his fifth top three finish in his last
six meetings. That statistic is a testament to his improvement with the team,
the quality of the OK1 kart and his Grice equipment. His final unfortunately
ended early after a collision when running strongly.
Also
in Minimax Jack Fabby and Jordan Goodyear can take huge credit from their
efforts. Fabby had two spirited 16th place finishes in his heats while Goodyear
showed his potential by recovering from a DNF to battle through to a mature
second-place in the B final. Both drivers fought hard in the final and can look
forward to the rest of the season with real promise.
The same can be said for Greg Simpson in Senior Max with
his first dry outing at the circuit. The Scottish driver was also taking on a
large, powerful grid but looked more than at home and even though his final was
wrecked by a crash his heat finishes of 15th and 18th out of 27 showed his
potential too.
For more details on the OK1 chassis
and some great deals contact the IPK importer on 01133 222795 or visit our
website
www.ipkarting.co.uk for details of our dealer
network.
For race team info contact Dave Johnston on 07972 073292.
[ Top ]
BPKC Winter Series (08/02)
The
second round at Buckmore Park Kart Club Winter Championship is scheduled for
Sunday 17 February 2013. Practice is available on Friday 15 February and
Saturday 16 February.
As round 1 of the championship was snowed off both rounds
2 and 3 will count towards the overall championship.
All ABkC non gearbox classes are
welcome including Bambino and Subaru.
Please contact Chris Pullman/Sheila
Rose on 01634 661604 for more details. Online booking is available.
Full details are
available at www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Thomas Makes Flying Start (07/02)
Welsh
youngster Harrison Thomas made the perfect start to 2013 by claiming a
hard-fought victory in round three of the TVKC Winter Series at PFI.
Against a classy Minimax field, the
12-year old showed few nerves as he took control from the start and, although
the grid draw saw him have to come from rows four and twelve in the heats,
results of fifth and sixth put him in good position for start of the main event.
Thomas again wasted little time in
asserting himself in the final, climbing to third within three laps to form part
of a breakaway group and then pouncing with two laps remaining to win by just
over a tenth of a second. The victory also took the MBR driver to third position
in the standings, just four points off the lead with one round remaining.
"It's great to be able to produce
this result against some of the UK's best Minimax drivers, and gives me
confidence for the rest of the season," Thomas commented, confirming that, under
the guidance of Dan Barrett and Alex Tee, he will contest not only the six-round
Super 1 Series, but also both the 'O' Plate and Kartmasters with Tonykart
chassis and Ogden-tuned engines.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
ART GP Satellite Team (07/02)
NJL
Racing have joined forces with ZIP Kart - the ART Distributor in the UK - and
will become an ART GP satellite team using the latest ART GP karts for 2013.
Owners of both teams have a vast amount of experience in motorsport, with Nick
from NJL having driven in the BTCC and GT's championships, combined with Zip
Kart's decades of creating champions.
NJL Racing are set to compete using the ART karts in
Rotax/KGP in the British Super One Series and TKM, whilst also attending various
club meetings across the UK. Cameron Leason will be racing the ART in Formula
KGP Super One with Thomas Kolasky competing on the ART in Senior Rotax, with
more drivers TBA within the NJL Racing Team.
Former
BTCC/GT driver and the owner of NJL Racing, Nick, commented "The Team has made
great progress this year and now looking to achieve more for the 2013 race
season. We have been testing various chassis over the last few months to see
what we would use for 2013 and have been very happy with the results we saw with
the ART GP Chassis, especially with the development and support from ZIP. It's a
great move forward for NJL Racing using the ART GP karts and look forward to
some good results."
Drivers wishing to compete in either Super One or
Club events should contact Nick on 07774 891435, or email nick@njlracing.com.
Jamie Allen, Zip/ART Rotax team
manager, said "We have been out testing the kart with our Rotax drivers and have
been very encouraged by the results so far before our full Campaign at Super 1
begins in March "we are happy that NJL have chosen ART as their chassis partner
and we look forward to working with them at both Super 1 and Club events."
[ Top ]
IAME/Comer Cadet Opportunities (07/02)
The
Super One Series is pleased to announce that Rookie Cadets in IAME and Comer
will be offered a fantastic bonus prize package in the 2013 season, thanks to
new partnerships with MIS Motorsport and Zip Kart.
We are proud that MIS Motorsport is the official class
sponsor for the 2013 MSA British Cadet Championship and Zip Kart is the official
class sponsor for the 2013 MSA Comer Cadet National Championship. All rookie
drivers (first time in Super One) who register by 1st March (or have registered
already) are eligible for the new prizes, which are conditional on racing in the
same class in 2014. The fantastic prize package consists of the following:
- Free seasons racing in 2014
Super One Series, comprising of Free Registration, Free Entries to the meetings,
Free Race Tyres, Free Fuel.
-
Mercedes GP VIP Tour of the Formula 1 facility at Brackley.
- Super One Rookie Championship Trophy.
- Free 12 months subscription to Karting Magazine.
Super One Series Promoter John Hoyle
said: "I am delighted to welcome MIS Motorsport and Zip Kart as the official
class sponsors to our MSA Cadet championships. This partnership has
enabled us to offer such an amazing package of prizes to the best rookie, to
help them up the motorsport ladder."
We
are sure to have some incredible racing in the Cadet classes during 2013 on a
very affordable package so don't delay, register today on line at
superoneseries.com/registration as this offers a
discount over the alternative of downloading the forms from
superoneseries.com/downloads and sending a
cheque to Sonja Game, 16, Graham Road, Bicester OX26 2HP.
Further details
on MIS Motorsport, who offer a large range of insurance products tailored for
motorsport, can be found here
www.mismotorsport.com and
for Zip Kart here
www.zipkart.com. Zip Kart are of course the
official supplier of the Comer Cadet engine.
Further details or questions about
the academy please contact John Hoyle on
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com.
Super One 2013 regulations will apply
as normal.
[ Top ]
Formula KGP At PFi (07/02)
Trent
Valley Kart Club are pleased to announce that they will be running Formula KGP,
subject to minimum grid numbers, at their March & April Club race meetings.
Entries will be accepted for:
03 March (Club Winter Series - Rd 4)
07 April (Club Championship - Rd 1)
Enter Online at
www.tvkc.co.uk.
Alternatively,
download a Race Entry Form
here.
Remember: Race entries close 7 days
prior to the race date.
[ Top ]
ART Grand Prix Karts (05/02)
Zip
Kart, the UK distributor for the ART Grand Prix kart range, are pleased to
announce that PPR racing will be switching their team over to the ART kart for
the 2013 season, PPR will be a partner/affiliate team being and will be in
attendance at all Kimbolton and Whilton Mill meetings during 2013.
Simon Parker PPR team principle has
worked in many of the most established names in karting inc; Sodi kart, Ricky
Flynn and Fusion Motorsport, and with over 20 years' experience in the sport he
has seen many brands come and go. After testing the kart at various tracks in
the UK he had no hesitation in making the switch to ART.
"Having worked with many of the top
manufacturers and teams in Europe I have watched ARTs debut season in 2012 with
interest. Having now tested and raced the kart I'm really looking forward to the
2013 season, and being a part of the ART Karts development. During testing and
racing all the drivers have been really positive about the kart, and from an
engineering point of view it's easy to set up and work with".
PPR will also be working closely with
the All Stars cadet team offering a cost effective stepping stone from the Cadet
classes to Mini Max at club level.
Any drivers wishing to try the ART
kart can contact PPR on 07855 831921, or for more information on ART Grand Prix
products contact Zip Kart on 08435 070850.
[ Top ]
R&S Motorsport Appointed... (04/02)
R&S
motorsport are delighted to announce that they have been appointed as the sole
UK importer for the brand new and exciting Modena KK1 KZ engine.
Brian Rush of R&S said "We were very
impressed with the factory tour and the passionate commitment from everyone at
ASPA, the manufacturers and developers for this completely new concept of KZ
motor. I was particularly impressed with the accuracy and quality of the
manufacturing."
Unlike other engine manufactures, which mass-produce
multiple models for different classes, Modena have spent over 3 years developing
and rigorously testing the KK1 KZ Engine. Within their state of the art factory,
every single component undergoes intensive quality control this is why every
Modena engine will have exactly the same finishing quality and performance.
Being at least 1.6kg lighter than its next lightest rival means that with lower
centre of gravity your kart behaves more responsively and allows you to fit your
ballast where it suits you.
The
KK1 had an amazing debut this weekend at WSK, with a great podium finish in the
first final for Fabian Federer. Already the engine is competing successfully at
the highest level of competition.
Brian
continued "I'm really excited for the year ahead, being part of a passionate and
dedicated team at Modena with such a great, innovative, product. KZ is the most
exciting class on the grid, both for spectators and the drivers alike. And now
with the introduction of KZ into Super 1, timing couldn't have been better to
launch such a product in the UK, and break the mould".
We will soon be carrying out test
days for any potential customers interested. For more information on the
Modena call Brian on 07824 324255 or email
info@modena-engines.co.uk. You can also visit
our new website at
www.modena-engines.co.uk.
You should also
check out Modena's Youtube channel, which has some great videos about the engine
and the company itself. These can be viewed at
http://youtu.be/RV2hrb5smHw.
[ Top ]
Oil Fuel Mix Ratio App (04/02)
'Oil
Ratio' is a simple, professionally designed, Oil to Fuel Mix Ratio iPhone app
that the developer would like some testing on, in regards to it's usability, and
also suggestions on feature improvements. It works in both Metric and Imperial
quantities.
It's important before marketing a product like this to
have it tested by as many people as possible, because sometimes something
obvious that needs improving or fixing just gets passed over.
So what I would like to do is send
out a free promo code to the first 20 readers who have iPhones, and in return,
are willing to test and send some feedback.
Oil Ratio is a simple app that does what it says, and
should be very handy to have around.
For more information you can find Oil
Ratio on the
app store.
If you're interested in testing the
app and providing feedback, please contact Steve at
iphoneapp@daydreemin.com.
[ Top ]
Formula BMW Talent Cup (01/02)
New
season, new dates, new design: in just a few weeks, the participants in the 2013
Formula BMW Talent Cup will begin their extensive training programme, with which
BMW offers talented drivers comprehensive and lasting preparation for a career
in professional motor racing. The BMW FB02 single-seater racing cars, in which
the youngsters will be trained at numerous on-track events at renowned circuits
around Europe, are waiting in the pit lanes with a brand new design, ready to be
unleashed on the 2013 season.
A number of places are still
available on the programme. Between mid-February and the start of March, ten
test sessions will provide those interested with the opportunity to prepare for
a possible participation in the 2013 Formula BMW Talent Cup. At the "Rookie
Tests", which are held in the run-up to the start of the official training
programme, drivers coming from a karting background with no experience of a
single-seater racing car are taught the basics of Formula motorsport. More
advanced tests are also available for drivers who already have initial
experience of single-seater racing, or who have already taken part in a rookie
test. More information is available online at
www.formula-bmw.com.
The car used at the tests and
throughout the training season is the BMW FB02, which has a new look for 2013.
Having been predominantly white with dark-blue design elements in recent years,
the Formula BMW FB02 will sport a matt-black livery for the 2013 season, which
lends to the sporty, dynamic and powerful appearance of the car. On January 19,
2013, BMW and the winner of the 2012 Formula BMW Talent Cup, Marvin Dienst (DE),
presented the new-look BMW FB02 at the International Kart Exhibition in
Offenbach (DE).
Participants in the 2013 Formula BMW Talent Cup will once
again undergo a comprehensive programme of learning, with the emphasis on the
practical and theory sides of racing, simulator training and performance
coaching. Media courses and technical workshops will also be held. Dirk Adorf
(DE) returns as Driving Ambassador for the 2013 Formula BMW Talent Cup,
completing the experienced international team, which consists of BMW works
drivers, instructors and coaches. The training programme reaches its climax with
the highlight of the season from 14th to 16th September: the "Grand Final". As
well as receiving first-rate training, the winner of the final event, which will
once again share the bill with the DTM, can look forward to a very attractive
prize: BMW will finance the victor for a complete season in a higher-level
racing series.
Provisional dates for the 2013 Formula BMW Talent Cup
season:
March - Fitness camp
(TBA)
March - Technical workshop
(Hamburg, DE)
April 20/21 -
Official welcome event (Munich, DE)
April 26-28 - On-track event 1 (Calafat, ES)
May 10-12 - Simulator training (Silverstone, UK)
June 7-9 - On-track event 2 (Anderstorp, SE)
July 2-4 - Simulator training (Silverstone, UK)
July 10/11 - On-track event 3 (Red Bull Ring, AT)
August 6-8 - On-track event 4 (Slovakiaring, SK)
August 16-18 - On-track event 5 (Hungaroring, HU)
September 14-16 - On-track event 6 & Grand Final
(Oschersleben, DE) (to be confirmed).
You can find more information on the
Formula BMW Talent Cup at
www.formula-bmw.com.
Video highlights
of the 2012 season are also available on the BMW Motorsport YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/BMWMotorsport.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championship (31/01)
Round
5 of the Lydd Winter Championships takes place on Sunday 10th February, with
practice available on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
It was good to see so many new faces
last month and we look forward to welcoming them again - joining our regulars in
our friendly family atmosphere, with the racing likely to hot up as the
championships near their conclusion! The final round will be on 10th March, with
our Summer Championships kicking off in April.
We welcome karts from all classes,
with our regulars being Bambino, Cadet Clubman (from 7 years old), Cadet, Super
Cadet, Minimax, Juniors , Senior Rotax 162 and 177, and ProKarts.
Last month saw the first running of
the new IAME Cadet class here at Lydd and we anticipate more entries in that
class this month. If you own a kart from a different class, why not come and
give us a try - we will always find a space on the grid for you.
You
can keep up to date with what is happening at Kent's fastest kart circuit by
visiting our website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com.
Race entries can be made via the
website by using the link that appears on the Online Race Entries page. This
will save time at signing on - usually quite a busy time on race morning.
Should you have any queries, please
call the circuit on 01797 321747 or 01797 321895.
We look forward to seeing you there.
[ Top ]
Super One At Glan Y Gors (30/01)
The
Super One round at Glan Y Gors Park are just around the corner - get your racing
practice in order.
The 1st round of Dragon Kart Club's Club Championship is
on 10th February 2013, and represents a fantastic opportunity to get some race
practice in before the Super One events, so don't miss out - enter now!
All club race
meetings and test days on our website or like our Facebook page for up-to-date
information at
facebook.com/gygkarting.
Plus,
online membership & race entries are now available via our website. Visit
www.dragonkartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Rissy Announce Calendar (30/01)
At
Rissington Kart Club our committee have thought long and hard about how we
can give members and fellow racers the maximum track time. As a consequence, we
are introducing a different but exciting looking calendar to that of previous
years, whilst still retaining the first Sunday of the month as we have always
done historically.
Our normal November meeting will be put into
reserve, should a meeting be cancelled. We will now run a 10 round Championship
by having "double headers" - Saturday and Sunday meetings during the same
weekends at Easter and The Midland Champs. We will also introduce Friday
Practice for these dates.
By making these changes we believe that members and guests
will gain even more enjoyment and value for money from racing at Rissington, one
of the best tracks in the country. With its fast flowing smooth circuit,
spacious paddock and a warm welcome for drivers and families, Rissington is the
place to race in 2013. The committee are also working on several other
improvements this season, including an online entry system and a new web site.
Club membership is still available
- we will be running Cadet (all engine types), Junior TKM, Senior TKM, TKM
Clubman, Junior Rotax, Senior Rotax, 125 / 250 gearbox and our regular visiting
series.
Rissington Kart Club Practice/Race
Dates 2013:
2nd / 3rd March
5th - 7th April (double header)
4th / 5th May
1st / 2nd June
6th / 7th July (inc. RAF Champs)
3rd / 4th August
30th August - 1st September (Midland Champs) and TKM
Interclub
5th / 6th October
2nd / 3rd November (reserved for any cancelled meetings)
Look out for
further updates - check out the Rissington Kart Club website at
www.rissykartclub.com.
[ Top ]
Goodbye Old - Hello New (29/01)
The
time has come to say "Goodbye" to the old Lap Scoring building at PF
International Kart Circuit. The "Gold Fish Bowl" (as it has been commonly
referred to since its construction in 1994) has given good service for a number
of years and its removal will alter the 'look' of the circuit dramatically.
This, however, is not the end of the
road for the old building - it has found a new home at PFi's neighbouring Kart
circuit, Fulbeck, and is now being installed in its new residence!
But, as we wish the old building a
fond farewell, we say a massive hello to the brand new, two storey,
state-of-the-art Lap Scoring Tower! This new investment is the latest
development to take place at PF International in recent months and adds a
totally new dimension to the new part of the track. Situated "off track", the
new building has been designed with the height of timekeeping technology in
mind.
The
building will also provide additional first floor office space that is much
needed at major events. The ground floor consists of garage space that will be
occupied by Boston College in order for them to continue using PFi as part of
their "Karting" college course.
The
new construction has created much excitement and Trent Valley Kart Club's
Chairman and Clerk of the Course, Nigel Edwards is thrilled by the completion of
PFi's latest feature, he comments... "What is so pleasing about being involved
with PFI and TVKC is that there is always exciting things happening all the
time. The New Lap Scoring building on the outside of the circuit is a 'state of
the art' unit for Timekeepers and Officials to carry out their duties and its
positioning and elevation make for a perfect vantage point of all of the circuit
(including the bridge section). The high design and staggered base allows
Grandstand spectators to have full sight of the opening complex of corners,
while the removal of the old Lap Scoring building in the circuit centre has
completely opened up infield views. The start/finish straight now has clear run
off's at both sides - a major improvement for drivers, spectators and officials
alike".
The
opening of the building coincides with the Club's February race meeting and
penultimate round of the Winter Series (3rd February). It also marks the
beginning of TVKC's partnership with TAG. The new building will shortly be
branded with the TAG logos in recognition of the partnership. The official
opening of the new building will take place during the lunch break of Sunday's
event and anyone wishing to take a look inside may do so!
PFi's newest infrastructure will
surely cement the circuit's position in terms of World class Karting facilities
and puts it up there with the best there is! These sentiments have recently been
shared by the CIK in their 2012 analysis report..." Regarding circuits one could
also welcome the modifications made to the PF International track, the reference
in the United Kingdom. The lengthening of the course thanks to the creation of a
bridge is a real success, and the final of the European KF2 & KF3 Championships
was superb advertising for Karting".
But let's not forget that all of this
could not be possible if it wasn't for Paul Fletcher's commitment to, not only
the circuit, but to Karting in general. Nigel Edwards states "I would like to
thank Paul Fletcher for his unwavering support of TVKC and can assure all our
Club Members and guests that the improvements on and off track will continue
unabated in the future - as acclaimed by the CIK the facility at PFI is one of
the best in the world and we will all strive to keep it that way."
So continue to watch this space for
the latest developments at PF International Kart Circuit!
[ Top ]
KartMania Honda Challenge (25/01)
The
MSA Kartmania Honda Challenge will be held over 7 rounds between April and
September, and for the first time this year will include Honda Senior and Honda
Cadet grids! Throughout the year we will also be promoting the Honda Junior
class in some invitation races at 2, possibly 3, rounds including the double
header at Llandow.
This is great news for all Honda classes and will bring
them all together under one MSA championship for the first time in years.
Cadets and seniors will need the
minimum of a National B licence although seniors can still apply for a Tyro
licence which will allow them to race without an ARKS test or medical.
The calendar for this year's
championship is:
April 28 -
Fulbeck
May 19 - Shenington
June 2 - Little Rissington
August 11 - Rowrah
Sept 8 - Wombwell
Registration forms are now available
at
www.kartmania-championships.co.uk,
or for any other enquiries please call 07974 766529.
[ Top ]
Registrations Close Soon (25/01)
Super
One Series registrations at the time of the Autosport Show are already exceeding
last year's level. If you wish to take part in Britain's premier British
and National Championship series and compete with the world's best, register
now.
The best and easiest way to register is on line at
http://superoneseries.com/registration/, and
this method offers a discount over the alternative of downloading the forms from
http://superoneseries.com/downloads/ and sending
a cheque to Sonja Game (16, Graham Road, Bicester OX26 2HP).
Remember this is the only series
permitted to issue the prestigious seeded numbers in KF, KF Junior, KGP, all
Rotax and TKM 2-stroke classes, IAME and Honda Cadet. There are also support
races for KZ2 UK at three rounds, the last of which offers the ABkC O Plate to
the winner. And for first time rookie drivers, there are some great prizes with
all receiving a VIP Mercedes GP Formula 1 factory tour, and all the Rotax rookie
winners receiving a free engine, thanks to JAG Engineering. Everyone will
enjoy the TV coverage, especially your family and supporters.
Teams are also
required to register immediately if they wish to enjoy official status and
reserved parking plus other benefits. The forms are at
http://superoneseries.com/downloads/.
So don't delay, register today!
[ Top ]
George Russell Joins Birel (25/01)
Double
European KF3 champion George Russell will race for 'da sempre leader nel mondo
del kart' after graduating to the KF2 class.
Russell's
signing for the Italian giants ends months of speculation about who the
highly-rated Englishman would drive for during 2013.
"It's a very big brand and therefore
an honour to be part of such a big team and to have the role I've been given
this year," said George.
Despite his impressive track record, the 14-year old says
that Birel is not putting pressure on him to bring instant success: "First
things first, my job will be to test as much as possible and develop the chassis
and engine. I have not been given a specific brief by the team but, of course,
my goal is to win everything. However, their expectation is simply to do the
best we can."
He added: "I feel excitement rather than pressure. It's a
very good feeling to sign for such a team with such an incredible history of
success. Everyone at Lissone (Birel's base near Milan) is so passionate and
everywhere we go this season, we'll be giving it 110%."
Birel Motorsport's Chairman, Ronni
Sala, expressed his satisfaction after agreeing terms with Russell: "I kept a
close eye on George throughout the last two seasons and I deem him one of the
fastest and most experienced young drivers I have seen in action in KF classes.
He has it all: the attitude of a winner and substantial technical skills."
Andy Cox, of Birel's UK importers
ACR, welcomes the famous marque's new signing: "Without doubt, George has
already demonstrated his exceptional talent and I'm delighted he has chosen to
work with Birel Motorsport. I'm very confident that their collaboration will
deliver the rewards that both George and Birel both crave. I look forward to
seeing George and Birel on the top step of the podium in 2013"
Fresh from enjoying his first test as
an official factory driver at Lonato, George travelled to Paris for the annual
CIK-FIA Karting Awards gala. Surrounded by luminaries such as FIA President Jean
Todt and the head of the CIK, Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, plus his fellow
champions of 2012, George collected his European KF3 Championship trophy at a
glittering ceremony.
"Just being there was amazing, as so few drivers get to
go, and to attend for a second time was very special. I chatted with Jean Todt
for a little while and the whole experience has further inspired me for this
year. My main aim will be the World Championship and I hope that I can be as
successful with Birel as I have been in the recent past with likes of Forza
Racing. Terry Fullerton and Mike Wilson both won world titles with Birel and I
would love to be the latest Briton to achieve that feat with the Ferrari of
karting."
Russell will make his Birel and KF2 debut at next month's (2-3 February) opening
round of the WSK Masters series at La Conca in Puglia, Italy.
You can keep up to speed with George and his career by
visiting
www.georgerussellracing.com
and following him on Twitter -
@GeorgeRussell63.
Photographs
courtesy of Birel (George with Ronni Sala) and Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Join A Winning Team (24/01)
After
winning 3 Rotax Super One finals in 2012, 3DR are preparing to launch their
assault on this year's championships on the back of the most successful campaign
in the teams' 10 year history. The backup and support network linked to
the team, and the experience now built up inside the awning ensures that our
drivers' are fully equipped with all of the equipment that they need to perform
to the best of their abilities, from novice through to British championship
level.
The teams 2012 successes include...
S1 Rotax - 3 Victories (seeded numbers 5, 12, 12 in Rotax
Classes), 4 Podiums, 9 x Top 6 finishes and 12 x Top 10 finishes.
Whilton Mill/Kimbolton/Shenington/PFI MSA Club racing - 19
Victories, 43 Podiums, 53 Fastest Laps.
With 90% of the team remaining stable
for 2013, and our close links with Cream Racing Engines and Strawberry Racing
remaining as strong as ever, there has never been a better time to become part
of one of the up and coming teams in British Karting. The team have 3
opportunities for club level drivers who wish to compete at Whilton Mill,
Kimbolton, Shenington, and PFI across the Rotax classes, and 2 remaining seats
in the Rotax Super 1 series (all classes). We also have in place a full testing
schedule to give the drivers the best possible opportunity when at the events.
All drivers will benefit from our top
class workshop and trackside operations, with full chassis straightening, heated
storage, and cleaning facilities, along with our second to none engine backup
service. We currently hold 15 top level Mini, Junior and Senior engines, all
prepared and maintained by Cream Racing Engines, and available for immediate use
by drivers associated to the team.
The team work very hard throughout the week to ensure that
all of the equipment is prepared to a first class standard, and a recent
expansion programme has seen our trackside operation take on a very professional
image. Despite this, the teams' rates are some of the most competitive in the
country, and we will not take more than 7 drivers to any event, so to give each
driver enough time and effort throughout the weekend.
3DR are interested in talking to committed drivers looking
to compete at the Rotax Super 1 (all classes), Kimbolton, Shenington, PFI, and
Whilton Mill club championships. For an informal chat contact Team Manager Tom
Smith to find out how we can improve your performance this season.
Contact Tom Smith at
tom@3drmotorsport.com or call 01582 665113
(workshop) or 07557 118975 (direct mobile).
[ Top ]
Perfect Pidgley Dominates (24/01)
After
a short Christmas break, the British Karting season kicked off on January 5th &
6th at PFI with round 2 of the prestigious TVKC Winter Championship. The first
race on the calendar saw an entry of over 200 drivers, with all of the UK's top
teams in competition after completion of their winter test programmes.
For Ollie Pidgley, PFI represented the
start of what promises to be a very special year. After 1 previous season of
competition in one of the hardest series in the world (Rotax Super 1), Ollie
signed to drive for the P1R squad in 2012. Since then, he has worked tirelessly
with the team to improve in all aspects of his performance in his first season,
leaving him in the enviable position of being in a very stable partnership
entering 2013.
Early signs were positive on Saturday
as Ollie posted front running lap times and showed good consistency throughout
unofficial practice.
"Everything seems to be working well so far. We have
brought a good package to the race, and more importantly I feel confident with
my driving. There is a tough field of drivers here this weekend, but I know that
we have the speed to match them, so I will be out to race at the front when the
time comes,' remarked Ollie after unofficial practice on Saturday afternoon".
A wet start on race day put the cat
amongst the pigeons, but Ollie and the team coped well with the adverse
conditions, scoring consistent qualifying heat finishes in 4th and 7th , notably
driving from the rear of the 34 kart field to 7th in heat 2. This excellent
drive ensured Ollie would start from grid 3 in the Grand Final, with a trio of
former British champions also at the sharp end of the grid around him.
The circuit was too dry to run on wets
in the Grand Final, but racing on slicks in low grip conditions would make this
a tough test of skill for the drivers. For Ollie, the pressure of having to deal
with racing amongst some of the UK's most acknowledged Karting stars would also
be a mental challenge that he had never had to face so 'head on' in the past.
The team at P1R made the final setting choices on the kart, and Ollie drove away
from the grid knowing that in the next 15 minutes he could securely establish
his credibility amongst the elite of British Karting.
As the lights went green, Ollie drove
into 2nd at Turn 1, before pressuring and passing the leader and ex British
champion Harvey at Turn 11. A red flag put pay to Ollies' chances of making a
gap to his rivals, but he negotiated the restart perfectly, getting the most out
of his tyres and pulling a 2 second margin over the field by lap 4. Concerted
efforts were made by very experienced drivers behind, but the Wiltshire
youngster held his nerve, and driving with supreme precision and nerves of
steel, took the chequered flag in style.
Ollie would like to thank all of his
partners for their tremendous support over the past 12 months, and now hopes to
repay their faith in them with consistently strong results throughout his 2013
campaign, which undoubtedly encompasses some of the hardest Kart racing anywhere
in Europe and the world. Special thanks go to Sam Smith at P1Racing, Ricky at
Grice Engines, and OEP ltd.
You will soon be able to keep up to
date with Ollies' career at
www.olliepidgley.com,
alongside being able to follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
[ Top ]
Beat The Freeze (24/01)
With
snow and freezing temperatures making productive testing nearly impossible,
Fusion Motorsport are offering cadet competitors the perfect opportunity to test
and develop their engines and effectively prepare for the new season.
Throughout January and February,
Fusion will be offering the first hour of dyno testing completely free with
every half-day equipment preparation session booked. This service is ideal for
IAME competitors, looking to get an independent evaluation of their equipment
and set their carbs. With only just over 10 weeks until the start of the
Championships, the race is on to find the optimum performance from the IAME and
our independent controlled environment is the perfect place to do so. Comer
competitors can also benefit from our vast knowledge and datums from previous
Championship winning engines.
As well as our accurate dyno facility, we can also offer
first class chassis preparation using our surface table and measuring equipment,
capable of checking castor and camber alignment and adjustment. All these
services carried out at our new facility next to Kimbolton circuit.
Please feel free to contact us on for
more information and a full range of competitive prices on all of these
services.
Telephone 07733 011221, email
danhazlewood@me.com
or visit our website at
www.fusionmotorsport.co.uk.
[ Top ]
2013 X30
Chassis
(24/01)
GMS
is delighted to announce the arrival of the stunning new X30 kart chassis.
The new evolution of the X30 chassis
has been fully developed and built in the UK, with the major components now
being manufactured by the world championship winning Gillard Karts.
The latest X30 model features a
mixture of 30/32mm race tube. The front end incorporates the clever and easy to
use Gillard steering geometry, which is one of the few steering systems which
feature independent adjustment to either the castor or camber. At the rear it
uses the slick and simple euro star braking system, which uses the floating 50mm
brake disc.
The new kart retails at £2375 + Vat, which includes Gillard Full Magnesium
wheels, 3 sets of Castor adjustors, full X30 body kit and a Tillett T11 Seat.
The team has started taking orders for
the latest karts, and free chassis testing can be arranged by contacting the
team directly (T&Cs apply).
For more information and details of
the latest X30 call James or David on 01732 850858 Or visit the
GMS website.
[ Top ]
KGP World
Champ...
(23/01)
Precision
Racing are delighted to announce the signing of KGP World Champion, three times
TKM British Open Champion and TKM Festival Winner, Phil 'Smithy' Smith!
Phil will be joining the team in a
technical capacity to help provide further expert driver coaching, setup advice
along with mechanic services.
Having won multiple titles in various classes during his
karting career, Phil has now moved up to the Clio Cup series for 2013 whilst
retaining his link to karting through Precision Racing.
Previously in
a driver capacity with the team in 2008/09, we achieved some great successes
with Phil including twice winning the Gold Cup in TKM, the MBKC Championship
twice, along with the lap record twice at Hooton Park.
Team
Co-Owner Jake Coward offered his thoughts on the signing: "Having known Phil for
such a long time its great to have him back in the team. He brings not only
excellent technical knowledge around setup, he also the ability to effectively
coach drivers of all ages and experience. It's great for us to have a World
Champion in the awning and I'm sure our current and future drivers will benefit
from it!"
The team currently still have limited availability for the
2013 season and are available at events across the UK at both Club and National
level, so for your chance to benefit from the wealth of experience and proven
pedigree in an affordable and professional atmosphere, please contact Jake or
Carl at
info@precisionracing.co.uk. You can also
visit our website at
www.precisionracing.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Last Junior Max Place (23/01)
Tooley
Motorsport have announced that they have one place left in the Junior Max
category. After clinching the British Championship in 2012 with Gunn, the team
have proved themselves of being one of the best teams in the country yet again.
The team can provide an outfit that is
capable of doing the double and winning S1, just give Andrew a ring for an
informal chat or email for your quote today. Tests can be organised if needed.
Call now to avoid disappointment on 07851 228619.
Further
information on the team is available at
www.TooleyMotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
Super One Race Programme (23/01)
Super
One would like to give you the opportunity of advertising in the 2013 Super One
programme. Your advert will be shown in the programme in both Super One series,
12 rounds in total and over 6000 copies. If you have not already seen a
programme they are a high quality glossy booklet that goes direct to each driver
and is also given at the gate at each event. It is not one that you would just
throw away this is one people like to keep.
If you are in the karting industry you
can not afford not to advertise in the programme as it is going direct to your
potential customer.
The people who read the programme could range from all
sorts of businesses and workplaces so its not just karting businesses that can
advertise. All people need to have different services whether it ranges from
renting a motor home to insurance or a solicitor or what ever you do.
The
rates are for the whole season 12 rounds TKM, MSA and Rotax. Adverts start from
£200 which is amazing value for one seasons advertising still at 2010 rates.
A5 - £200
A4 - £300
A4 x 2 - £500
Artwork from £65 - we take the hassle away.
Download more details and
the specification
for your advert.
For enquiries please contact 01928
740090 or 07774 646784, or email
johnhoylejkh1@btinternet.com.
[ Top ]
Mechanic/Instructors Required (23/01)
Due
to recent expansion Racing Perfection have the following part time positions
available:
-
Instructor positions for the company's Academy program within the Southampton
and Brighton areas.
- One
mechanic position for the company's Kart team.
Instructors are required to have...
- Proven history of competing successfully at
national level Karting or Car racing or higher.
- Very good communication skills.
- Very good people skills.
- Live within a sensible commuting distance of
either Eastleigh or Lancing.
-
Available to work on Sunday mornings once a month.
Mechanic will need as a minimum...
- Proven experience of working on Junior Rotax Max.
- Very good communication skills.
- Very good people skills.
- Able to attend the 2013 Forest Edge race weekend
dates.
Applications for either position should be sent to Steve
Bell of Racing Perfection at
steve.bell@racingperfection.co.uk.
[ Top ]
SaxMax
Live 2013
(22/01)
The
BARC are delighted to have the opportunity to take over the reins of the very
competitive 2013 SaxMax Junior Championship for 14 to 17 year olds.
For those
interested in competing, BARC is organising SaxMax Live over the February half
term period. The event is designed to give this year's potential drivers - aged
between 13 and 17 - the opportunity to experience the performance and thrill of
a race-prepared Citroen Saxo as raced in the Club's SaxMax Championship. SaxMax
Live events will take place at
Blyton Park.
Fancy a change from karting? Then SaxMax Live is for you!
You will drive in race prepared SaxMax hatchbacks at Blyton Park race circuit
alongside a dedicated Clio Cup driver/instructor to guide you around the 7m wide
circuit.
To book a place or for further detail please email
info@saxmax.co.uk
or call 0800 6126977.
The SaxMax championship takes place at major UK motor
racing circuits including Brands Hatch and Silverstone, and is run with other
BARC championships at its race meetings. There will be 13 rounds over 7 weekends
in 2013.
Visit
www.saxmax.co.uk
or call 0800 6126977 for information on the championship.
For a dedicated
SaxMax test day or 1-to-1 tuition see
www.teamdynomite.co.uk, call us on 07817 416293,
or email
keith@teamdynomite.co.uk - arrive and drive
packages are also available.
[ Top ]
Attention Rotax 177 Drivers (22/01)
Want
to race at race at more than one circuit but in one championship? Then the Rotax
177 Inter-Club Championship is the answer.
The aim of the championship is to provide affordable
racing to bridge the gap between racing very small grids at club level and
spending thousands racing at British championship level, as well as
giving drivers the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of racing at more than one
circuit.
The championship takes into account Forest Edge, Rye House, Shenington, Whilton
Mill and Kimbolton with reduced entry fee rates being offered to encourage the
championship in it's preliminary year.
If you would like to discuss any
aspect of the championship further, please do not hesitate to contact either
Matt Barnes on mattbarnes34@hotmail.co.uk
or 07581 441478, or Alex Rowley on alexrowley@live.co.uk
or 07545 570067.
[ Top ]
Best Event In 2012 Award (22/01)
The
CIK-FIA awarded their top Championship drivers from 2012 last weekend at their
annual presentation in Paris.
The evening was opened by the President of the FIA, Jean
Todt, who welcomed the 175 guests to the spectacular gala event.
Over 30 drivers were awarded, amongst
them several drivers from the UK - congratulations to you all!
There
were also three special awards given out that evening - one of them being for
'Best Event of the 2012 CIK-FIA Championship Season'. We are very honoured
to announce that PF International Kart Circuit was given this special accolade
in recognition for the final round of the 2012 CIK-FIA European KF2 & KF3
Championship which was staged at the legendary circuit back in July.
Circuit owner, Paul Fletcher,
attended the evening and was presented with the trophy by the President of the
CIK-FIA, Shaikh Abdulla.
Trent Valley Kart Club's Chairman, Nigel Edwards also
attending the prestigious occasion and commented "An absolute 100% endorsement
from the highest level that the PFI facility (and the TVKC organisation) is the
best in the World! Paul deserves a massive thank you for his undiminished
support of Karting both in drive, enthusiasm and financial support - he has made
PFI a 'World Leader' in our great sport of Karting - bring on the 2013 CIK-FIA
KF World Championships!"
The pairing of PFi and TVKC are set to host the 2013
CIK-FIA KF World Championship from 28th August - 1st September and will, no
doubt, be out to impress once again.
Photograph
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Pre-S1 Awning Space (21/01)
Racing
at Wigan or GYG before Super one? Need awning space?
DND Motorsport will be attending all
the pre-Super One rounds at both Wigan and GYG, and we currently have a few
spaces available in the awning at just £50 per day.
If interested
please contact us on 07999 979812, 07535 645730, or email us at
DNDMotorsport@gmail.com.
For more
information on the team and to try our new online shop visit
www.DNDMotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
X30
Conquers The OEKC
(21/01)
The
GMS team marches into the 2013 season on the back of its most successful year to
date for the X30 chassis in the OEKC, one of the UK's most major endurance
championships.
Dominating the series from start to finish, the
X30-supplied teams took the championship title, the endurance 'O' Plate victory
and 5 of the top 6 positions in the overall standings!
Team Owner David Griffiths was
delighted with the 2012 results, saying "It's been a great year for the team, a
90% win rate with 5 different teams is a huge result for us. In the next 12
months we aim to go for 100%".
With the X30 proving a perfect combination of speed and
longevity to dominate the series, GMS are again offering a full arrive-and-drive
package for each event.
With the series growing massively each year, it provides
one of the fastest and most enjoyable Karting challenges available. 2012 saw the
Series average around 24 Rotax powered karts at each round, whilst the 2013 grid
looks to be even stronger.
For more information about the X30
Kart, OEKC series or the team visit the GMS website at
www.gms-x30.co.uk.
[ Top ]
New Online Shop (21/01)
DND
Motorsport are happy announce that our new online shop is now fully up and
running. Online you will find an extensive range of karting goods, all of which
are in stock ready for same day dispatch if ordered before 3pm.
We stock...
Sprocket and chains,
Oils lubricants and cleaners,
IPK and OTK chassis parts,
Rotax and TKM engine parts,
Tyres and much, much more.
As a company we
are always growing, and new product lines are added monthly, so why not give us
a try - visit
www.DNDMotorsport.com.
[ Top ]
MSA Night Of Champions (21/01)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA) crowned the 2012 British motor sport champions at
its prestigious Night of Champions ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in
London on Saturday 19 January.
Broadcaster Steve Rider acted as Master of Ceremonies,
while MSA Chairman Alan Gow and David Brabham, the former F1 driver and Le Mans
24 Hours winner, presented the trophies.
Special awards were also presented by JLT Specialty COO
Warren Downey, Renault UK Communications Director Jeremy Townsend, Racing Steps
Foundation's Derek Walters, Lord Rooker, and MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton.
MSA Chief Executive, Colin Hilton,
said: "The Night of Champions is our opportunity to honour those who excelled in
their chosen motor sport disciplines last year, and we also pay tribute to the
clubs, marshals and others who do so much for our sport at every level. Every
year it is heartening to see the breadth and depth of British motor sport and
remind ourselves why this is one area in which we genuinely lead the rest of the
world."
The
Champions honoured on the night were:
MSA British Cadet Kart Championship: Dean MacDonld, from
Kelty in Fife.
MSA British
Junior Kart Championship & Mark W Hines Memorial Trophy: Alex Gill, from
Doncaster in South Yorkshire.
MSA British Short Circuit Kart Championship: Ben Barnicoat, from Chesterfield in
Derbyshire.
MSA British Long
Circuit Kart Championship: Paul Platt, from Warrington in Cheshire.
MSA British Autocross Championship: Daniel Rooke, from
Holsworthy in Devon.
MSA British
Autotest Championship: Steven Ferguson, from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
MSA British Car Trial Championship: John Moffatt, from
Malvern in Worcestershire.
MSA
British Sporting Trials Championship: Thomas Bricknell, from Bodmin in Cornwall.
MSA British Drag Racing Championship: Roger Moore, from
Chelmsford in Essex.
MSA British
Sprint Championship: Stewart Robb Snr, from Blair Drummond in Stirling.
MSA British Hill Climb Championship: Trevor Willis, from
Worcester in Worcestershire.
MSA
British Rallycross Championship: Julian Godfrey, from Heathfield in East Sussex.
MSA British Cross Country Championship: Ian Rochelle &
Chris Hammond, from Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
MSA British Historic Rally Championship: Julian Reynolds &
Patrick Walsh, from Dyfed in Wales.
MSA British Junior Rally Championship: Garry Pearson, from
Duns in Berwickshire.
MSA
British Manufacturers Rally Championship: Citroen UK.
MSA British Rally Championship: Keith Cronin & Marshall
Clarke, from Cork in Ireland & Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.
MSA British Endurance Championship: Richard Adams, David
Green & Martin Byford, from Derby, London & Colchester.
British GT Championship: Daniele Perfetti & Michael Caine,
from London and Coberton in Cambridge.
British Formula 3 International Series: Jack Harvey, from
Bassingham in Lincolnshire.
MSA
British Touring Car Championship Manufacturer: Honda.
MSA British Touring Car Championship: Gordon Shedden, from
Dunfermline in Fife.
There was also a series of special awards:
JLT MSA Club of the Year: Shenington Kart Racing Club.
JLT MSA Marshal of the Year: Stephen O'Neill, from
Magherafelt in Northern Ireland.
Renault MSA Young Motor Sport Journalist of the Year:
Jason Craig, from Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland.
Renault MSA Young Motor Sport Photographer of the Year:
Nick Dungan, from Tonbridge in Kent.
BWRDC Lord Wakefield Trophy: Susie Wolff, from Oban in
Scotland.
RSF MSA Young Driver
of the Year: Chris Ingram, from Stockport.
MSA Environmental Award: Lord Paul Drayson, from London.
[ Top ]
Super One
Reserved Parking
(18/01)
With competitors' registrations well on the way, now is
the time for the teams to register with the Super One Series for reserved
parking. Only registered teams are permitted to operate at the series and they
will have privileged access to the circuits from 0900 and 1300 on the Thursday's
before the race weekends along with their registered personnel. The hosting
clubs will be given full details of the registered teams and those not on the
list will not have access at these times.
Payment for registrations can
be made by cheque or card, or by prize vouchers for goods redeemable in 2014.
Each registration grants a pit area of 8 x 6 metre reserved area.
The registration
forms can now be found on the Super One website by clicking on Contacts and then
Downloads, or go to
http://superoneseries.com/downloads.
If teams still have competitors
requiring registrations or reserving places please urgently use the online
service on the website, or download the forms.
[ Top ]
2013 KF & KF2/3 'O' Plate (18/01)
The
KF & KFJ (KF2 & KF3) 'O' Plate for 2013 at Glan Y Gors Park is now to be held on
the 11th & 12th May.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a KF Open
Champion!
KF Classes are welcome to enter Dragon Kart Club race meetings prior to the
event.
All Club race meetings and test days are advertised on our
website or join our Facebook for update information at
facebook.com/gygkarting.
'O' Plate details and entry forms will
be available on the website from February.
The Dragon Kart Club Championship Round 1 is the 10th
February 2013. Online membership and race entries are now available.
Visit
www.dragonkartclub.com, email
info@dragonkartclub.com, or telephone Tracey
Davies on 01490 420770.
[ Top ]
Super One
TKM Series
(18/01)
TKM
competitors in the ABkC National Championships had their time in the limelight
at the annual Super One Series awards and dinner. A splendid turn-out at
the Autosport International Racing Car Show heard the interview with Sahara
Force India Formula 1 driver Paul Di Resta on the podium before the TKM drivers
received their prizes from TKM Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth.
Thanks to Tal-Ko,
Maxxis, the ABkC and Super One all seeded drivers received a cheque or voucher
and a medal for their position in the championship. All the rookies
received an invitation to the Mercedes GP factory for a VIP tour. All seeded
drivers were able to claim two free tickets to the Autosport Show, thanks to the
partnership with Haymarket. Another partnership between the official fuel
supplier WP Motorsport and Mobil 1 was on display after WP was awarded a further
5 year contract as the official fuel supplier to the series. There was a
chance to win a VIP trip to the Vodaphone McLaren Mercedes pre-season test in
Barcelona. Promoter John Hoyle welcomed the news that Edgar's Hyundai had
renewed their title sponsorship for 2013.
The top three in TKM Extreme and Junior TKM enjoyed a
repeat podium ceremony at the annual dinner later in the evening with almost 300
guests enjoying a night of fine food, wine and dancing at the Hilton Coventry
Hotel. Thanks go to the dinner-dance sponsors Edgar's Hyundai, AST Signs,
WP Motorsport, Tillotson and Goodwin Coaches. Grahame Butterworth again did the
honours for the cameras for the TKM Classes. TKM boss Alan Turney
commented: "Once again we have enjoyed some incredibly close racing to decide
the 2012 TKM national titles. We look forward to more of the same in 2013."
The TKM classes
are undoubtedly the most economical and cost-effective way to race juniors and
seniors in the national championships, the only series entitled to give out the
prestigious and much sought after seeded numbers so don't delay in registering
for 2013 either on line at
http://superoneseries.com
or by downloading the registration form. There is a discount for the on line
registration and entries are filling fast.
Promoter John Hoyle said: "I am delighted by the response,
which is a product of the hard work by our team, and the support of the 477
individual drivers who chose to race with us in 2012. Now we look forward
to an even bigger and better championship series this year, an exciting future
with some more of our drivers undoubtedly on their way to Formula 1 or careers
in professional motorsport."
By popular acclaim the awards and dinner were said to be
the best ever, with many of the competitors looking forward to another season in
Britain's most prestigious kart championships.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
GMS
Reaches Top Level
(17/01)
Over
the last 12 months the GMS team has enjoyed a wide range of victories in club,
Super One and OEKC events. Sweetest of all was a chance for the team to prove
itself at the Rotax world finals, held in Portugal last month.
Team driver David Griffiths, fresh
from a brace of late-season Super One victories, showed just what the team could
achieve when racing in the DD2 masters.
In spite of never having seen the
circuit until the week before the event, and only having driven the twin-geared
Rotax kart a single time two years previously, Griffiths showed he meant
business when he lead most of both the pre-final and the final.
A lack of experience with the DD2
machine led Griffiths to make a slip and lose the lead, but fought back gamely
to fight back past world class opposition and snatch a podium place.
For 2013, Griffiths is now focussing on expanding and
improving the performance of the entire GMS squad and its flagship X30 chassis.
For more information on how to be part of the GMS Team visit the
GMS website.
[ Top ]
Karting North East Vacancies (17/01)
Karting
North East is an outdoor activity centre specialising in karting, paintballing
and off-road events. We currently have 2 full time vacancies:
Position 1 - specialising in running karting events and
offering support for other activities.
Position 2 - specialising in running paintballing events
and offering support for other activities.
These demanding roles require a hands
on approach and would be ideal for individuals who can lead by example and who
thrive under pressure. You must be able to address and control groups, with the
ability to ensure that safety procedures are adhered to whilst working in a high
pressure environment. As an addition to our team, you will be expected to deal
confidently with customers and input towards the growth of the business through
dealing efficiently with events. You must be physically fit, able to maintain
high standards of safety and follow agreed procedures. Previous experience in
karting, paintballing or other motorised leisure activities is required.
Working in the leisure industry
requires flexible working hours. We operate 7 days a week so the ability to work
evenings and weekends, with varying weekly shifts, is a must.
The main aspects of the positions are
based upon providing a safe and enjoyable range of activities for members of the
public, owner drivers and corporate clients. You will be responsible for dealing
with clients, both adults and children, from start to finish of their event.
This involves greeting the customer in a friendly and professional manner,
briefing the group and following our briefing procedure, and supervising the
circuit or arena throughout the event. You will be responsible for ensuring that
all participants abide by the rules and that all day to day activities conform
to the rules and guidelines. You will also be required to carry out a range of
duties, including site development and maintenance, as required by the
management team.
Other responsibilities to include:
- Ensuring relevant safety checks are completed and
appropriate paperwork is filled in before activities commence.
- Ensuring safety procedures are adhered to and new
procedures are implemented following management meetings.
- Representing the company at all times in a
professional and knowledgeable way and leading by example.
- Ensuring that appropriate staff levels are in
place for all bookings, and that all equipment is prepared prior to the
customers' arrival.
-
Maintenance of equipment and clothing.
- Working as part of a team to ensure events are run
to our high standard.
-
Site work in line with business needs to maintain site and add improvements.
Hours of work: 40 hours per week, 5
days out of 7. A flexible approach is required to meet needs of business, with
varying start times to include weekends and evenings.
Salary: TBN. The salary will reflect the successful
applicant's experience.
Please forward your CV together with
details of experience that meets our requirements, to
emma@kartingnortheast.com.
[ Top ]
Great Weekend For Litchfield (16/01)
Litchfield
motorsport had a great weekend of results at Kimbolton for the Hunts Kart Club
meeting. Drivers on Tonykart Vipers and Litchfield prepared engines took 1st,
2nd and 3rd places in both the TKM Junior and Senior events!
Dave Litchfield would like to
congratulate Senior Extreme drivers Michael Cornell (1st place), Kyle Sproat
(2nd and fastest lap), Joe Stockford (3rd) and also Junior drivers Andrew Rush
(1st), Mathew Round-Garrido (2nd), and Lewis Outten (3rd and fastest lap).
If you would like information on the
Tonykart Viper or having your engine prepared by us please contact Dave on 07789
177977.
[ Top ]
Kart Parts UK At Fulbeck (16/01)
Kart
Parts UK are delighted to announce the continuation of their track support at
LKRC's Fulbeck circuit.
If you usually attend Whilton Mill and are at a loose-end
with no club meeting in January, why not come along to LKRC on the 26th & 27th
January and see for yourself? It's a great track with a friendly atmosphere.
For further
details on how to enter and entry fees visit
www.lkrc.uk.com.
Kart Parts UK
will be there to assist with all of your onside track support. If you
would like to order any items for us to take to the track please call on 01775
712633 or email
sales@kartpartsuk.com.
Our web site is
open 24 hours a day for all customers old and new to order items. We have
a vast range of items with high levels of stock ranging from: Tony Kart - OTK,
OK1 & Gillard parts, Rotax, IAME, Comer, TKM & WTP. Why not give us a try
at
www.kartpartsuk.com.
[ Top ]
Mackrell Impresses On Debut (16/01)
Formula
K and Protrain drivers Thomas Preining, Max Aitken, Joe Turney and Scott
Mackrell were joined by Star Mazda 2012 Champion and 2013 Indy Lights driver
Jack Hawksworth at the opening race of the year at a packed PF International.
Hawksworth, at the end of his festive break, joined us to maintain race fitness
and to support the factory team with some highly valuable testing in advance of
the new Euromax and Super One season. Following an event filled day the final
saw him leap from near the back to third within a lap but then retiring mid race
with an engine issue. The data he secured will benefit the Formula K drivers
throughout the season; we wish him great success in his 2013 campaign.
The slippery conditions made racing
and testing challenging across all classes as the track remained difficult all
weekend, however the racing was generally of a very high standard and any
success was to be hard won.
On his maiden run on the Formula K Scott Mackrell showed
impressive pace and a victory was only denied by a competitor making a
questionable move on him and forcing him off the track. In a show of great skill
Mackrell got his kart straight back on the track and despite the incident went
on to take second place and a well deserved podium.
The talented Austrian Champion Thomas Preining joined Max
Aitken in Juniors also hoping to improve race fitness for Euromax and despite
this being Preining's first visit to the track he showed great pace as did
Aitken. Both drivers were focused on areas of development and over the weekend
enjoyed various individual successes and were pleased with their respective
improvements. They both move on firmly focused on victory in Europe.
Cadet Joe Turney in new FK inspired
livery enjoyed his race debut at PFI against a packed Iame grid but was
frustrated with pace from the new Iame engine. The information gained by the
team and engine tuner Ogden will ensure a good set up going forward.
The Formula K UK
team is gearing up for the European and UK Super One series and invites all
interested drivers to contact Gary Chapman on 07802 966064 as soon as possible
in order to maximise testing opportunities. As a factory team there are a number
of superb options for drivers with the right talent.
For more information on FK please see
www.formulak-uk.co.uk , for training
and coaching please see
www.protrainracing.co.uk.
To support
growing national demand for Formula K products, Protrain Racing are looking for
UK agents; if you are interested in working alongside us with this impressive
marque please contact Gary Chapman on 07802 966064 or email him at
protrain@karttraining.co.uk.
[ Top ]
TVKC's Nigel Wins Award (16/01)
TVKC's
Club Chairman & Clerk of the Course, Nigel Edwards, has been awarded the FIA's
'Best Clerk of the Course For 2012' for his dedicated service to Motorsport.
Nominated by the MSA, these special
recognition awards are presented to volunteer Officials & Marshals.
Nigel was presented with his 'Best
Clerk of the Course' award from Allan Dean-Lewis MBE (MSA) during the Autosport
Show at Birmingham's NEC at the weekend.
Stunned by the news of his nomination,
Nigel commented "When I received the confirmation from Allan (Dean-Lewis) at the
MSA I was staggered! I have
been fortunate to be part of a fantastic kart club here in the UK and together
we have had some fantastic experiences (and many more to come hopefully), I have
also been part of the Super 1 & FKS Karting Championships for which I'm proud to
have helped. Further afield I have to say thank you to RGMMC, BRP ROTAX and the
CIK who have trusted in my capacity as a Clerk of the Course/Race Director to
manage their events at the highest level. It has been a privilege to be involved
with all these people/organisations and the great sport of karting".
[ Top ]
Super One
Series Awards
(15/01)
Hundreds
of Super One Series competitors congregated at the Autosport International
Racing Car Show at the NEC, Birmingham for the annual awards ceremony on
Saturday 11 January. Because of the large numbers the prize giving is split into
two sessions, the first was for the Rotax and Honda Cadet categories with the
trophies handed over by Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher, who plays Andy Sugden in
the popular series, with JAG's George Robinson in attendance. And Sahara
Force India Formula 1 driver Paul Di Resta handed over the silverware in the MSA
British Championships assisted by Rob Jones General Secretary of the MSA, the
KGP and Comer Cadet classes, and by Grahame Butterworth of Tal-Ko for the TKM
classes. All seeded drivers received a cheque or voucher and a medal for their
position in the championship, the total amounting to over £60,000. Rotax
rookie winners were all given a new Rotax engine, as well as all the rookies
receiving an invitation to Mercedes GP factory for a VIP tour. Nicky Grist was
on hand to award the Stilo Golden Helmet award to the Super One MiniMax driver
Connor Mills, and also launched the new carbon fibre ST4 CMR Karting helmet. KF3
British Champion received a place on a course at the McLaren Human Performance
Academy in a new association with the Super One Series. All seeded drivers were
able to claim two free tickets to the Autosport Show, thanks to the partnership
with Haymarket. Another partnership between the official fuel supplier WP
Motorsport and Mobil 1 was on display after WP was awarded a further 5 year
contract as the official fuel supplier to the series. There was a chance
to win a VIP trip to the Vodaphone McLaren Mercedes pre-season test in
Barcelona. Promoter John Hoyle welcomed the news that Edgar's Hyundai had
renewed their title sponsorship for 2013.
And the karting Mum's were not forgotten either with
Denise Gill, mother of the MSA Junior British Karting Champion Alex, winning the
dedicated Mums Award for a nights stay and Spa day for two at the Leeds Hilton.
Promoter John Hoyle quipped that Denise is said to always be the first to
collect the tyres on a Saturday morning at 7am.
The
top three in each class enjoyed more time in the limelight with a repeat podium
ceremony at the annual dinner later in the evening with almost 300 guests
enjoying a night of fine food, wine and dancing at the Hilton Coventry Hotel.
Thanks go to the dinner-dance sponsors Edgar's Hyundai, AST Signs, WP
Motorsport, Tillotson and Goodwin Coaches. Motor Sports Association director Rod
Parkin handed over the MSA British Championship trophies, and on behalf of the
Association of British Kart Clubs National Championships, their chairman Russell
Anderson did the honours for the Cadets, Grahame Butterworth for the TKM Classes
and Supervisor Sales & Marketing of Rotax Kart Engines, Helmut Vogslam for the
Rotax classes. Helmut Vogslam had flown over from Austria especially for the
event, following the Super One drivers amazing success in the Max Challenge
Grand Finals in Portugal. The ABkC is responsible for arranging £22,000 towards
the prize fund from their tyre contracts, thanks to support from JAG Rotax,
Anderson CSK and Dunlop, Tal-Ko and Maxxis, and Zipkart and Bridgestone.
Promoter John
Hoyle said: "I am delighted by the response, which is a product of the hard work
by our team, and the support of the 477 individual drivers who chose to race
with us in 2012. Now we look forward to an even bigger and better
championship series this year, an exciting future with some more of our drivers
undoubtedly on their way to Formula 1 or careers in professional motorsport."
By popular acclaim the awards and dinner were said to be
the best ever, with many of the competitors looking forward to another season in
Britain's most prestigious kart championships. Those who did not take the
opportunity to register for the 2013 season can still do so online at
http://superoneseries.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Karting Pavilion Takes Award (15/01)
The
Karting Pavilion, now in its second year, took the top award for "Best National
Motorsport Stand 2013" at the Autosport International Racing Car Show in January
which was presented to the organiser John Hoyle of JKH. He said: "I am
overwhelmed by this accolade, which is a tribute not only to our stand builder
but to all the firms and associations which supported the concept and put on
such splendid individual displays. Primarily we are trying to showcase the
British karting industry and guide newcomers into this marvellous sport of kart
racing."
The following companies were part of the 2013 Karting Pavilion:
British Kart Industry Association (BKIA)
Association of British Kart Clubs (ABkC)
Association of Racing Kart Schools (ARKS)
Andy Cox Racing - promoting Formula KGP and Easykart
CRG Karts
Dartford Karting with their online
www.kartstore.co.uk
shop
Glan y Gors kart
circuit with Dragon Kart Club
JAG Engineering with Rotax
John
Mills Engineering promoting the new IAME Parilla Gazelle UK Cadet engine and
Tillotson Carburettors
KKC
Kart Components with its shop at Whilton Mill and online store
Koden helmets with M&P
RS Racing with Wild Kart
Shark Motorsport
Sortimo International Vehicle Solutions
Sullivan Palatek UK with Compressor
Care
Totally Dynamic
Towergate Insurance with Competition Car Insurance
2HT
The accompanying pictures show John Hoyle with the BKIA
Administrator and Chairman Peter Catt, also the ABkC/ARKS Stand with Graham and
Ann Smith. The ABkC Secretary Graham Smith said: "The Karting Pavilion has
been an excellent platform for karting and enabled us to explain the various
options for children of ages from 6 upwards. We also had a display of the
new budget TKM Clubman class kart and with the massive foot fall at the show
have undoubtedly brought more people into karting."
The
ABkC,
ARKS
and BKIA
were distributing their 'How to Start Kart Racing' brochure with an accompanying
free DVD and promoting the Lets Go Karting scheme where for a small outlay a
youngster can try out a racing kart at an outdoor circuit.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net
and Martin Collard.
[ Top ]
Chilton Will Impress In F1 (15/01)
Now
the countdown to the first F1 Grand Prix of 2013 has begun, Max Chilton's former
karting boss is toasting his former protégé's graduation to the Marussia race
seat.
Steve
Armstrong, owner of the hugely successful RL Racing Department team, guided
21-year old Chilton from his formative days competing in club events at Buckmore
Park, right the way through to podium success in Europe.
"I am absolutely thrilled for him,"
said Armstrong speaking from his HQ at the internationally renowned PFi circuit
in Lincolnshire. "Max thoroughly deserves his opportunity. Even as a youngster
he was very focused about where he wanted to be ultimately and he dedicated
himself to achieving it. Now he's done it and I am really proud of him."
The pair first started working
together in 2002, when Armstrong worked for the Scholartech outfit. From these
early beginnings, Max progressed from Cadet into Junior TKM and a year later he
dovetailed TKM with JICA. It was in the latter class that he really began to
make a name for himself, as Steve recalls: "I remember the Champions Cup race in
Rome was one such highlight. Max won the first final and took 2nd in the
following race. He completed the year as a seeded driver in both the Super One
classes and as a works Maranello driver."
Aged
14, Chilton moved to the T-Car championship for two seasons before switching to
the British F3 series.
"Education played a big part in his life. So Max didn't
quite do the same amount of racing that many of his contemporaries did. His
beating many of them to an F1 race seat highlights his ability. I saw his
potential during our time together in karts and he's such a nice kid too. We
still speak regularly, so it is good to know that he remembers his roots and
those who have played their part on his journey from karting to the Grand Prix
grid. Now he's got his chance, I'm sure he will grab it with both hands and he
will impress many people, including F1's bigger teams."
For more
information about racing with RL Racing Department, call Steve today on 07843
586 416 or contact him via
accounts.rlracingdept@live.co.uk. For all the
latest team news, go to
www.rlracingdepartmentltd.com.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
MSA Team UK Programme (14/01)
The
Motor Sports Association (MSA), governing body for UK motor sport, has confirmed
significant changes to its driver development programme for 2013.
Having engaged David Brabham's
Performance Clinic to lead the Team UK programme (and its Race Elite
predecessor) for the past six years, the MSA has now taken the management and
co-ordination of the programme in-house, and David has been retained to offer
his consultancy and expertise as required.
The revised scheme will create a more
bespoke programme for each of the drivers, ensuring that they receive the
targeted attention that they require to maximise their performances in every
area. Working with the MSA's Performance Managers - Tom Onslow-Cole, James
Wozencroft and Andy Meyrick - the drivers have already started to lay the
foundations for their forthcoming campaigns, setting their targets for personal
and physical developments over the season.
"We are changing the focus of what we
do to reflect a more coach-led system of training which is in keeping with the
best coaching practice seen in other sports," explained Robert Reid, MSA
Performance Director. "The drivers will work consistently with the Performance
Managers through the year to determine what kind of intervention they require.
The scheme will become much more tailored to the requirements of the individual
driver and even in the early days last month, we have started to see a real
benefit."
The
MSA's Performance Managers are already coach-qualified and are also engaged in a
two-year Level 4 post-graduate diploma in Elite Sports Coaching through the
University of Central Lancashire. Their role within Team UK will be to work with
drivers to identify the additional help that might be required and bring in the
experts to deliver that support, whether it be sports psychology, in-car driver
training, data analysis, strength and conditioning coaching, specialist
technical awareness or nutrition.
"We are extremely grateful to David for the way he created
and developed first Race Elite and then the Team UK programme for six years and
he will continue to play an important role in the whole MSA Academy," said Colin
Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. "As the governing body, the MSA is committed to
providing as much as assistance as possible to help young British drivers
achieve their full potential. That is not only good news for them, but also for
the whole of British motor sport, as International success helps the development
of the entire sport."
"Brabham Performance Clinic and I are proud of the way the
MSA young driver programme has developed over the last six years and that we
have taken it to a point where the MSA can take over the running of the scheme,"
said David Brabham. "It has been a real pleasure to work with so many talented
drivers and see them develop not only as drivers, but as people. To see our
graduate drivers like Sam Bird, James Calado and new F1 signing Max Chilton
reach high levels in the sport and also the current drivers like Jack Harvey and
Elfyn Evans win their respective championships in 2012 has been fantastic. I
look forward to continuing my relationship with the MSA as an advisor, alongside
developing my company BPC in continuing to help drivers reach their goals."
The 2013 Team UK programme comprises
the following race and rally drivers:
Jake Dennis, aged 17 from Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Mark Donnelly, aged 21 from Omagh, Tyrone
Elfyn Evans, aged 24 from Machynlleth, Powys
Jack Harvey, aged 19 from Bassingham, Lincolnshire
Josh Hill, aged 22 from Farnham, Surrey
Alex Lynn, aged 19 from Dunmow, Essex
John MacCrone, aged 23 from Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Josh Webster, aged 18 from Stowmarket, Suffolk
Nick Yelloly, aged 22 from Solihull, West Midlands
In addition, former WRC co-driver
Nicky Grist will be working with the following co-drivers:
Stuart Loudon, aged 24 from Larkhall, Lanarkshire
James Morgan, aged 21 from Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan
[ Top ]
Caterham Launch Kart Series (11/01)
Caterham
Motorsport today reveals the first details of its unique low-cost, high value
karting championship, designed to reinstate karting as an accessible sport in
its own right.
Drawing on decades of experience running one-make car
racing championships, Caterham Motorsport will apply similar expertise and
regulations to ensure that unsporting conduct is eliminated and the series will
be played out on a truly level playing field.
The championship, aimed at a maximum of 120 youngsters
aged between 13 and 16 from families who might not have considered karting as an
option, will feature a season of six one-day events and, at its heart, the
bespoke Caterham-designed kart, developed with simplicity, durability and
quality in mind.
For a package price of £4,995 + VAT and, with Caterham
Motorsport providing technical support for all karts to ensure equality, the
series promises unparalleled value for money as well as a uniquely fun
experience for racers.
At
the heart of the new series is the CK-01 kart, a prototype of which can be seen
on the Caterham stand at AutoSport International (Stand No 2520) at Birmingham's
NEC between January 10-13.
Caterham Group CEO, Tony Fernandes, said: "Caterham
Karting will once again make this fantastic sport accessible to everyone,
without losing any element of the competition and experience. In fact, with
tight regulations and totally transparent, controlled costs, Caterham Karting
will simply be the best value, most competitive and most fun karting in the
world.
"This is not just another new karting championship, this is a revolution in
motor racing. Motorsport for all is finally here."
Like Caterham's Academy, the kart series will be open to
novices only, providing a full championship platform from which youngsters can
either launch a motorsport career or simply enjoy themselves. The all-inclusive
season package includes the ready-to-race kart itself, guidance through the
acquisition of your ARKS race licence, a paddock trolley and entry to the
six-event season.
Each
race event will be held on a single day, further cutting costs and increasing
accessibility and will follow a proven car racing format, with practice
sessions, qualifying and points-scoring races. Every competitor will be assured
of equal track time at each event.
Caterham will provide technical support at all events,
which will be held at circuits across the UK, making this a truly nationwide
series.
Caterham Motorsport's 'ladder' of one-make series has created some 850 brand new
racing drivers in the last 18 years and made the iconic Seven one of the most
raced cars around the world.
Caterham Karting also benefits from the vast karting
experience of Laura Tillett, who was the first British female to compete in the
CIK FIA World Karting Championship and who will be part of the organisational
team.
Further details about Caterham Karting will be released in due course throughout
2013, with the inaugural championship set to kick off in early 2014.
Please visit
www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700 for
more information.
[ Top ]
Team
Dynomite & SaxMax
(10/01)
Team
Dynomite are at the Autosport show from the 10th to the 13th of January, so make
sure you call by the BARC stand and see what the SaxMax championship is all
about!
Fancy
a change from karting? Team Dynomite have testing in race prepared SaxMax
hatchbacks at Blyton Park race circuit along with a dedicated race instructor.
You will get aproximatley 20 minutes in the hour on the 7m wide track with no
traffic and a dedicated Clio Cup driver/instructor. Spaces are available on a
first come, first served basis so book now!
SaxMax
2013 team space and 'Arrive and Drive' are also available, as Team Dynomite are
pleased to anounce they will be competing in the 2013 SaxMax Championship.
Rookie Tom Parker has been joined by
seasoned SaxMax campaigner George Streather for the the 2013 championship.
Running as a 4 car team we have 2
'Arrive and Drive' packages and 1 owner-driver space available.
Fancy a test? We
have 3 fully prepared cars just waiting to go!
Team Dynomite, in
conjunction with
Sportdevices.co.uk have
their own in-house rolling road, engine dyno, shock absorber dyno and a newly
developed Flowbench available. These tools coupled with 30 experience in
motorsport will offer a formidable package.
Team Dynomite's
Karting team are offering subsidised drives for the 2013 season in the Super One
and SYKC championships, please send your CV to
info@sportdevices.co.uk for more details.
The karting season so far...
Following on from Tom Parker's 2011
championship win, Dynomite driver James Dorlin took the 2012 SYKC Cadet
Championship, setting lap records along the way. Novice cadet driver Finlay
Bunce produced exellent lap times whilst also taking his first novice trophy -
Finlay will be in a good position to challenge for the 2013 title. Minimax
driver Billy Granger took a strong 2nd place in his first championship, while
Chris Haigh and Tom Parker would have been up there with Billy had they not
missed a couple of round each.
So if you fancy progressing from
Karts to Cars, email us at
info@sportdevices.co.uk or
call 0800 6126977.
[ Top ]
Danny Cruttenden Motorsport (10/01)
DCM
are having a sale on team fees for the remainder of the winter months. This
entitles new and existing customers to save some money after the expensive
Christmas period!
For just £75 per day, plus a share of the usual expenses,
you can experience what it is like to run in a top professional team. Included
in this small fee is awning space, driver coaching by Danny, and race craft tips
to make sure you are in the right position at the right time on the circuit.
Plus chassis and engine set up advice and data analysis.
You can be on any manufacturer's chassis, and any tuner's
motors - DCM is not tied to any brand.
DCM can go to any circuit around the
country. Having raced and run people at the highest level DCM is sure to make
your racing more rewarding and enjoyable. Just book one race with DCM and you
will see the difference a top driver coach like Danny can make.
2013 will be an exciting year for the
team. DCM are looking to support a driver in Senior Max and Mini/Junior Max for
the Super One championship. The support will include free chassis and free
motors. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic package just book a
race meeting with DCM at our special rate of only £75 per day. Danny's family
history in karting is immense, having won 19 x British Championships and 3 x
European Championships.
To find out more or make a booking
call Danny on 07852 971040, email
danny.cruttenden@googlemail.com or visit our
websites at
www.dcmkarting.com and
www.howtogofaster.co.uk.
[ Top ]
BPKC Winter Series 2013 (10/01)
The
first round (of three) of the Buckmore Park Kart Club Winter Championship is
scheduled for Sunday 20 January 2013.
Practice is available on Friday 18
January and Saturday 19 January.
All ABkC non-gearbox classes are welcome including Bambino
and Subaru.
Please contact Chris Pullman/Sheila Rose on 01634 661604 for more details.
Online booking is also available.
For full details visit www.buckmoreparkkartclub.co.uk.
[ Top ]
Ginetta Offer To Karters (09/01)
The
Easykart UK and Formula KGP S1 Championships have agreed a deal with sportscar
marque Ginetta to set up an academy style ladder to discover future stars in
karting.
The aim behind the scheme is to find a future driver to represent Ginetta in its
future assault on the Le Mans 24 hrs.
Ginetta have identified both Easykart and Formula KGP as
karting categories that are intent on controlling racing costs and promoting
karters into car racing.
Both
karting Championships share a similar racing ethos to Ginetta who now have
Championships such as Ginetta Junior, Ginetta GT5 challenge and the Ginetta GT
Super Cup.
UK boss for Easykart and Formula KGP Andy Cox is delighted about the
collaboration - "At last we have the real deal to progress a karter into cars.
Ginetta are a fantastic company and brand and are really forward thinking in the
way they go racing. What they have achieved as a company in such a short period
of time is incredible".
"Karting is enjoyed by many but it's important to remember
that nearly all drivers that start karting do so because eventually they want to
race cars. Karting provides the foundation for valuable driving skills, fitness
and the mentality that is required to go onto car racing".
"Unfortunately
costs in other karting categories are spiralling out of control - some cost even
more than car racing classes - this is not what karting was designed for".
"With Easykart, we can take a young
driver at a basic entry level from 8 years old in Easy Cadet and progress them
up into Easy Junior. At this point if they are ready they can consider Junior
Ginetta or continue into Formula KGP if they are not ready for the jump to cars
at that point".
"Just as Ginetta do, our Easykart and Formula KGP
Championships can illustrate and prove the costs required before a driver starts
the season. I think our Championships raced under the Motorsports Association
(MSA) are unique and are producing fantastic talent with parents actually still
having the budget left to progress into car racing"!
"Too
many karters run out of money and go out of the sport without reaching their
potential. This is an issue we want to address with our collaboration with
Ginetta. "I'm very proud that Ginetta have identified what we are doing and very
confident you will see either an Easykart or Formula KGP driver at Le Mans with
Ginetta sometime in the future!"
Ginetta will be selecting four Easykart Junior drivers to
take part in the Junior Ginetta scholarship shoot out during 2013. The top three
driver's in the Formula KGP S1 Championship will test a Ginetta Super Cup car.
The company will also be offering test opportunities for drivers in both the
Easykart and KGP Championships to help assist drivers graduate and obtain their
MSA car racing licence for the following season.
For more information visit the
Formula KGP stand at Autosport International this weekend at the NEC at the main
karting pavilion in Hall 6. You can also see the Ginetta branded 2013 Easykart
on the Ginetta car stand. You can visit
www.easykart.co.uk
or
www.kartgrandprix.co.uk or find us both on
Facebook.
[ Top ]
ART Grand Prix (09/01)
The Autosport
show at the NEC Birmingham is the first major event of the motorsport year. At
this year's show Zip Kart will be announcing a fantastic prize for drivers using
the ART Grand Prix Chassis in the Rotax classes in 2013.
After an unprecedented debut year in
2012 the team won the CIK, WSK and Super 1 KF2 titles along with the vice
championship in the CIK U18 World championship. In 2013 ART Grand Prix Karting
are determined to carry on their winning ways in the
ultra competitive Rotax classes!
ART Grand Prix UK Distributor Zip Kart will be offering
drivers using the ART TS01 kart the chance to win a drive with ART Grand Prix
factory team at a WSK event in 2013! Come and visit us at Autosport stand no
6220 for details of how you could become part of this winning team in 2013
Along with the fantastic ART prize,
Zip kart will have show offers and discounts on their full range of the
all conquering lighting Cadet kart that is suitable for ALL Cadet classes in
2013. Plus superb introductory offers for ART Customers and of course great
deals on racewear from GPR!
We look forward to seeing you there!
[ Top ]
Super One Series Prizegiving (08/01)
All
seeded drivers from the 2012 Super One Series will be able to collect their
prizes at the Autosport International Racing Car Show on Saturday 12th January
at the NEC, Birmingham. The prize giving will be held at the Super One
Series Stand Number 6410 at the following times:
Rotax / Honda Cadet at 1 pm.
KF2 / KF3 / KGP / Comer Cadet / Junior TKM / TKM Extreme
at 3.45 pm.
All seeded drivers that requested them should now have
their free tickets to the show in the post and of course many of the drivers and
their guests will attend the gala dinner and prizegiving in the evening at the
Minster Suite, Hilton Coventry Hotel where nearly 300 guests are expected.
Prizes to the value in excess of £60,000 will be distributed. All prize
winners are reminded that the first three in each class must collect their
awards personally at the Autosport Show, all other competitors must collect
their awards personally or nominate a third party to collect their award on
their behalf.
Drivers will be able to take the
opportunity to register for the 2013 series at Stand 6410, and book their
favourite competition number. This can also be done on line at
http://superoneseries.com. It is advisable to
book early as classes are filling up fast already and newcomers are reminded
they will be eligible for the quite generous Rookie awards. All overall Rookie
winners receive a VIP escorted tour of the Mercedes GP factory and the four
Rotax rookies are given a prize of a new engine. At each round the best
rookie in the second final receives a trophy.
So don't delay, sign up today (or at
the show!).
[ Top ]
Strawberry's Winning Start (08/01)
Strawberry's
new signing Connor Hall gave the reigning World and European Rotax champions a
late Christmas present with a superb victory on his debut at PFi (2 January).
It was also the brand new Tony Kart
Racer EVK chassis' maiden win for Strawberry Racing in British competition.
Connor was in electrifying form from
the outset, starting his first heat from 19th place on the grid before powering
his way to first in emphatic style. He followed this up with another well taken
triumph to seal pole position for the main final.
The number five seeded Super One star delivered a clear
demonstration of his ambitions for the coming season with a dominant
lights-to-flag victory, leaving his nearest rival to trail home nearly two
seconds behind him.
"I'm
really excited after watching him do that," said Strawberry team manager,
Warwick Ringham. "Previously Connor's only had a few days testing with us; so to
come to PFi, go up against a strong field and beat them in both wet and dry
conditions - and on a completely new chassis, with an unfamiliar team - is very
promising."
He
added: "It also shows just how good the new kart is. Tony Kart has again
produced a superb chassis that is both easy to drive and set up, no matter what
the conditions are. Already it looks like it's the kit to be on, with of course,
a Cream motor by your elbow and under your right foot!"
With Hall committed to racing with
the team in the Super One and Euro Max series, Ringham is looking for another
talented driver to join him: "There's a Mini Max race seat available plus one
last Junior Max space. I think Connor's demonstrated perfectly just how good our
2013 equipment is, and our history of success is second to none. I'm keen to
talk to drivers who want to turn their raw pace into race and
championship-winning potential."
For more information about racing
with the team, the brand new Tony Kart EVK chassis, OTK products and Cream
Racing Engine's preparation services go to
www.strawberryracing.co.uk.
Or call Warwick
on 0114 269 6215 / 0114 288 9933.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Connor
Hall And Strawberry
(07/01)
Connor
Hall showed his class by dominating the first meeting of the new season at PF
International.
This was his first meeting with Strawberry Racing and the
team worked well in Sunday's tricky conditions. Saturday was mainly dry but the
track only partly dried for the finals on Sunday.
In Heat 1 Connor drove through the
strong field to take the win from last place. He also won his second heat.
Starting from pole for the final on a
drying track was to be very tricky but after a scrap on the first lap he showed
his class and opened up a 2 second lead where he was able to control the race
and take a well deserved win.
Connor will now be at the Autosport
awards this weekend and then testing before heading off to Spain for the Rotax
Winter Cup where in 2012 he narrowly missed out on the win. Big thanks to
everyone at Strawberry racing for their hard work over the weekend.
You can check on
Connor's progress at
www.connorhall.co.uk.
Photographs
courtesy of Chris Walker/Kartpix.net.
[ Top ]
Winning Start To 2013 Season (07/01)
A
double win for Sam Smelt against stiff opposition in December saw Sam's first
wins.
With
all the main front runners at PFI for their January meeting it was Ollie Pidgley
showing his metal with a great flag to flag win.
After extensive work on our new rolling road we have found
some large improvements in carburation for Minimax. As of this week, we begin on
Junior carbs confident that the same improvements will transfer over.
If you need to have your engines and
ancillaries assessed, you can rent our great facility for £250 per half day or
£450 for a full day. This will give you an analysis of all your equipment on
either our Rotronics dyno or Rolling Road for its maximum performance.
We are still renting our own works
motors for Mini, Junior and Senior Max. Mini is £3750/year and Junior
£3900/year, both of which include all servicing and updates for UK racing.
We can still offer our popular set
price rebuilds, although we currently are using George Robinson for Rotax. This
remains a great way to rebuild your engine at recession busting prices...
Rotax - £340
TKM - £180
Comer/IAME - £180
This includes all internal parts, i.e. piston, bearings,
gaskets, seals and labour. We also offer a full ultrasonic clean and prepare on
all carbs at £60.
Lastly, Grice have been making massive improvements to our
IAME motors and at £1100 fully prepared and dyno'd, offer very good value so
please call to arrange a free test.
If you have any questions please call
Ricky on 01268 727847 or 07768 047253. You can also visit our website at
griceracingengines.com or email
Ricky.grice@virgin.net.
[ Top ]
Lydd Winter Championship (03/01)
The
Winter Championships continues at Lydd Kart Circuit, with round 4 taking place
on 13th January. We look forward to welcoming all our regular racers, as the
chase for championship honours hots up. The Winter Championship finishes in
March, with the 6 round Summer series starting in April. Why not come along and
have a post Xmas blast around Kent's fastest kart circuit, work off the Xmas
excesses and get your 'motorsport buzz' for the month and sample the friendly,
family, atmosphere here at Lydd.
Practice
is available on the 12th, with overnight parking also available.
We will be running
our usual classes - Bambino, Cadet Clubman, Cadets, Minimax, Juniors, Senior 162
and 177 and ProKarts - plus this meeting will see the first appearance of the
new IAME Cadet class at Lydd.
You can keep up to date with what is
happening at Lydd by visiting our website at
www.lyddkartcircuit.com where you can also make
your Race Entries online - via the link in the Links section.
Should you have any questions, please
call us at the Circuit on 01797 321747 and we will be happy to help.
[ Top ]
Marge Klaassen (03/01)
Sadly Marge Klaassen passed away on 28th December at
the age of 85.
As wife of Peter Klaassen and mother of the well known
Technical Commissioner Paul Klaassen, Marge has been involved in karting since
the early sixties with her family, mainly with Rissington Kart Club (formerly
Bromsgrove Kart Club), and also with Shenington. For as long as anyone can
remember Marge and Pete would help to prepare the Rissington circuit for race
action, and she had spells on the committee alongside her husband, who she met
when he came over from Holland on a job and never went back. Despite ill health
during last year she continued to work in the results office at the club. Peter
Klaassen is a past chairman of the club and now President as well as being a
Clerk of the Course and Scrutineer. Together they founded the BHM Compak
Radiators company, now run by Paul and his family.
The funeral will be held at Canley Crematorium, Coventry
(CV4 7DF) on Thursday 10th January at 10:45 AM. Flowers may be sent
to John Taylor Funeral Service in Kenilworth (01926 854261). Our thoughts are
with Pete, Paul and family and her grandson David and family.
[ News Summary /
Site Index | Current News ]
News Archives : [ 2000 ] [ 2001 ] [ 2002 ] [ 2003 ] [ 2004 ] [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] [ 2010 ] [ 2011 ] [ 2012 ] [ 2013 ]
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