2001 News Archive
|
|
2001 News Archive |
|
This page contains older news items. For the latest news be sure to visit the home page of UK Karting.
[ News
Summary / Site Index | Current News ] News Archives : [ 2000 ] [ 2001 ] [ 2002 ] [ 2003 ] [ 2004 ] [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] [ 2010 ] News
Archive Autosport
International (29/12) The world's best motorsport
exhibition takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 10th
to 13th January 2002 inclusive. Open from 09.00 to 18.00 on all four days, it is
only Saturday & Sunday that have been designated public days. Karting is
well represented again and exhibitors include Club 100, Supersport Timing
Systems, ProKart Engineering, Deavinsons, Buckmore Park, Karting magazine,
Formula TKM, GT Challenge and many more, all who will gladly offer help and
advice. Entrance on the day will cost
£13.50 and a ticket to the Live Action Arena will add another £10.00. Book
tickets in advance and save £2.50 on a combined entrance and Live Action Arena
ticket. Book online at http://boxoffice.necgroup.co.uk/thenec.asp
or telephone 0870 902 0444. Those requiring information concerning disabled
access should call 0121 782 3555 for details. [
Top ] Lakeside
Karting (29/12) Work has commenced on the
construction of the UK's latest kart circuit situated next to Lakeside Shopping
Centre in Thurrock, Essex, (Junctions 30/31 of the M25). Lakeside Karting will
cater for all standards of drivers from the novice to the expert, and in two
months time owner-drivers will also be able to use the state of the art
facilities for testing whilst a race programme is being put together. A choice of karts will be
available for customers, starting with single engine 200 cc BIZ rental karts for
those people who want to try karting for the first time, these will run on the
650 metre circuit. For youngsters there will be 160 cc BIZ cadet karts running
on the 350 metre cadet circuit, and for the enthusiast there will be twin engine
400 cc BIZ Pro karts on the full, MSA approved, 1000 metre circuit. The circuit
is due to open on 1st March 2002 and more information can be obtained by
e-mailing [email protected]
or calling 01708 863070. [
Top ] Swiss
Hutless UK (29/12) Swiss Hutless UK would like
to thank all of their drivers for a successful 2001, especially Michael Simpson
after finishing 3rd in the Rotax Max British Championship, and including Carl
Bradley in the ICA class, Simon Pym in the 125 Gearbox Class and Northern
Ireland Gary Blair who became Vice champion in the Ulster Cup and in the NIKA
Champ's, and they are hoping that the 2002 season will be even more successful
both in the UK and in Europe. Anyone requiring information and/or assistance
should contact Gary Rolfe of Swiss Hutless UK on Tel/Fax 020 8421 6252 or Mobile
07956 635040. [
Top ] Another
Stolen Kart (29/12) A black Eglam (the only black
one in the UK) with Rotax No.771994 was stolen on 15th December from Orpington,
Kent. Please contact Orpington police or e-mail: [email protected] with any
information. [
Top ] DYNOmite™
Kart Chassis Dynamometer (29/12) Dial in horsepower and fix
throttle response or acceleration problems prior to any race with Land &
Sea's DYNOmite Kart Chassis Dynamometer. Here's a dyno that requires no
dedicated test bay and can easily be carried right to the races! Dynamically
balanced and grooved 5" dual rollers limit vibration and tyre slippage for
accurate testing results. The computerized load control absorber lets you do
more than basic inertial horsepower analysis. Their DYNO-MAX 2000
"Pro" software integrates the dyno with your own PC giving you
keyboard speed control, data acquisition formula editing, and powerful graphing
capabilities. In fact, DYNO-MAX even features a simulated track load mode to
reproduce racetrack conditions, eliminating the guesswork on race day. For more
information contact Land & Sea, Inc. in the United States on
001-603-329-5645), e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.land-and-sea.com [
Top ] Ron
Haslam Heads Line Up (17/12) The 1st Stanstead Abbotts
Scout Groups' inaugural Pro-Am Charity Karting Challenge has received
unprecedented support from the British motorsport fraternity with a huge range
of champions pledging to take part. British, European and World Champions past
and present from both two and four wheels will be amongst the professional
driver ranks for the Pro-Am Charity Karting Challenge when the race starts at
the Rye House Kart Raceway on the afternoon of 27th January 2002. Currently heading the
professional driver line up is multiple motorcycle world champion Ron Haslam and
current 500cc GP rider Leon Haslam. The Haslams will be joined by top talent
from the 4 wheel world including former European Formula Ford Champion and Macau
GP lap record holder Derek Hayes, former World Formula Ford 1600 Champion Topi
Serjala, reigning European Caterham Champion and McLaren young driver of the
year nominee Simon Pullan. "This whole format is great and will be a really
great spectacle" said British F3 Scholarship Class Champion and McLaren
young driver of the year nominee Robbie Kerr. "I hope that this event will
raise thousands for good causes and I am really looking forward to a bit of
competitive karting again". The main event of the meeting
will put teams of up to 6 amateur races and a professional driver in a four hour
endurance race for a winner takes all prize of a cash donation to the victor's
charity. "We still have several karts available for the event"
reported Sean Driscoll of event organisers RacingLines International, "With
the prize money being directly proportional to the number of entries the more
teams that enter the more money that will be raised for the charities."
"We anticipate the list of professional drivers taking part in the event
will be further swelled by a number of surprise guests" he continued. While
refusing to be drawn on who the surprise guests are, Driscoll admitted "We
are in complex negotiations with several household names". All teams will receive
trackside banner space and the opportunity to put a sponsors livery on the Kart
making this a great event for corporate entertainment to reward staff or impress
clients. The primary beneficiary of the event will be the 1st Stanstead Abbotts
Scout Group's Headquarters refurbishment & Minibus fund with 40% of the
proceeds going to the victors' charity. For more information and entry details
please see the event website at http://karting.racinglines.com
or call the event office on 01920-877005. [
Top ] Congratulations
(17/12) Century Race Preparation
would like to congratulate their Championship winning drivers in 2001. Nathan
Freke - UK Cup / O Plate winner 125 Open long circuit, 125 Open Midland
Champion, 125 Open 3 Sisters Club Champion, Ryan Vann - Whilton Mill Senior TKM
Champion, Daniel Holland - 3 Sisters senior TKM Club Champion, Johnathan Neville
- Wombwell Intermediate TKM Club Champion and Peter Vincent - South West Senior
TKM Champion. Chris Needham also comes in for a mention for his 2nd place at
both Whilton Mill and Rissington senior TKM club championships and Peter Vincent
too, the Wigan Gold Cup winner and 2nd in the Clay Pigeon Club Championship, and
what a way to finish the season for Nathan Freke 125 Open, Ashley Whitcroft
Senior TKM, and Danny Holland (Jnr) Junior TKM, all winning at 3 Sisters a week
ago. Century can be contacted on 07710 232813 or [email protected] [
Top ] Well
Done Tom (17/12) Tom Bryant won the Junior
Yamaha 2001 Club Championships at Rye House and Buckmore Park in his first year
of Yamaha and still only at the age of 11! Tom moved early from Honda Cadet (he
was just 11 at the start of this season) in to Junior Yamaha and despite a
difficult first few months adapting to the changes Tom persevered and managed to
steal the championships from a number of other more experienced drivers. Whilst
not under estimating the challenges ahead, Tom is looking forward to competing
in Champions of the Future in 2002. Thanks go to Dad, Zip (especially Jim) &
Sean Pitts for their help this year. [
Top ] Burke
Switches To Birel For 2002 (12/12) Champions of the Future
Junior Max Champion Darren Burke will move up to Senior ICA in 2002. He will
switch to the New Birel R31s chassis supplied by UK Birel importer Andy Cox
Racing. Darren's engines will be Rotax, which will be supplied and prepared by
John Gravett of JAG. [
Top ] New
Kart Insurance Product (12/12) Kartinsurance.com is a
completely new insurance cover, which has been arranged by Everitt Boles
Motorsport Insurance Management. By designing a simple form that takes just a
few minutes to complete they have made the process of buying individual or team
kart equipment cover very easy. Cover is comprehensive, with
equipment being insured for fire, theft and other losses, including damage to
the chassis whilst the kart is racing. The policy is available to all residents
of the UK and Northern Ireland and covers loss or damage whilst anywhere in the
European Union. Premiums start at just £90 per year, ensuring that excellent
value kart insurance is available to the amateur or professional racer alike.
Telephone 020 7709 9559 or e-mail [email protected]
for further information. [
Top ] Chris
Cox To Come Out Of Retirement (12/12) Vice Champion of 1995 and
1996 100C driver Chris Cox is to re enter Super One in 2002. Brother of Birel
Importer Andy Cox (Racing) Chris will compete in Senior Rotax Max. He will drive
the new Birel R31S with his engines prepared by Andy Cox - of course! [
Top ] Christmas
Fayre (11/12) The last round of the
Buckmore Park Kart Clubs 2-Stroke series takes place this Sunday 16th December,
with double points and Christmas fayre on offer! [
Top ] British
Championship Round at Nutts (11/12) The Ulster Karting Club
announced at it's annual general meeting on Sunday 9th December that the club
has been successful in it's bid to bring a round of British championship racing
back to Nutts Corner Motorsports Centre, Belfast on 24th & 25th August next
year. The meeting also heard details about how the club and NIKA are building an
adventurous strategy for the future, for kart racing to be the most popular form
of motorsport in the province. Along with the three other clubs, the UKC and
NIKA are an integral part of the development of the first ever motorsport
strategy in the province and hope that this strategy will result in a greater
profile of kart racing with an increase in spectators being one of the main
goals. The new club chairperson
Gerry Magennis commented " the announcement by the championship
co-ordinators is a terrific vote of confidence for the club at the end of a
difficult year for all motorsport not just our own. Championship reorganisation,
political unrest and foot and mouth has kept the championship away from the
province after a run of six years so it is a superb Christmas present for those
that put in all the hard effort in getting the championship back to these
shores". The event will include the incredible 160mph 250cc machines and
with a record three British champions in club ranks in the 125cc and 250cc
classes, the event will be one of the biggest chances for locals to show how
they can compete against the visitors. Justin Doherty, 125cc British Grand Prix
winner, Colin Menary the 250cc British Grand Prix winner and Stephen McAdam the
250cc British long circuit champion really showed off the potential of the local
talent in 2001 and will undoubtedly be seen as strong championship contenders.
Gerry further commented that "drivers from all over the UK love to race at
Nutts Corner. It is a real drivers circuit and in the series is probably one of
the fastest circuits as well as one with a demanding natural layout making it as
close to road racing as one can get. We hope that well over 100 drivers from
mainland GB will again be visiting and judging by the initial responses by
drivers there will be a strong contingent for the locals to compete
against." Antrim Borough Council, the
circuit owners, also confirmed recently that a number of circuit and paddock
improvements will be carried out in January in readiness for a packed season of
racing. No less than 20 UKC promoted events will take place at the circuit
throughout the year including three other big national events, the Ulster
Championships at Easter, the unique 5 Nations championships in late June and the
Irish Kart Gran Prix in mid August. The club also announced that by the end of
this week it will have a new official web site address www.ulsterkartingclub.com
Newcomers and existing drivers will be able to find out about the sport, the
club, and will progressively be able to download entry forms, regulations etc. [
Top ] Another
Theft (11/12) A Biesse Shadow serial number
CIK008-1986 with Rotax Max engine serial no. 534547 and transponder serial
no.1680796 were stolen on night of 9th December along with an LDV 200 van reg
K233 SKH. If you have you been offered this equipment or seen it contact
Letchworth Police on 01462 425108 or email [email protected]
Please help stamp out this type of crime. [
Top ] Roger
Ashby Trophy (11/12) Whilton Mill 2001 TKM
champion Ryan Vann was awarded the Roger Ashby Driver of the Year Trophy at the
recent club presentation dinner. Ryan said "I was feeling pleased with
winning the TKM championship but I was stunned to be awarded the Driver of the
Year prize too". Ryan takes the opportunity to thank the club for this
prestigious award and acknowledge all the hard work put in by the organisers,
officials and track workers in order that he and fellow competitors could have a
good seasons' racing this year. [
Top ] Rowrah
Clubhouse (06/12) Cumbria KRC now have planning
permission granted for their new admin building and clubhouse facility. The
Copeland Borough Council Planning Committee met this week and passed the plans,
subject to the building not being sublet for activities not connected with
circuit use and a site inspection by the Environment Agency to discuss waste
water plans. This weekend's meeting on 9th
December will almost certainly be the last in the old lapscoring building before
it is demolished and the building process for the new facility commences. The
Cumbria Kart Club committee are delighted with the news and believe that the new
building will bring the circuit facilities in line with the best in the country,
– “we already have the best track” added CKRC Press Officer Iain Blair. [
Top ] TKM
2-Stroke Regs Updated (05/12) Formula TKM, the UK's largest
2-stroke karting class, has made a small change to its regulations which will
allow drivers to take advantage of the low cost kart-based information systems
now on sale. From January 1, 2002 drivers will be able to use steering wheel
mounted equipment which both records engine revs as well as circuit timing. The
Alfano is just one of the systems which may be used. Where such systems also
incorporate a temperature sensor the equipment may be used but with the sensor
not connected. This change of rule will allow drivers to take advantage of
on-board timing facilities now easily used in conjunction with the magnetic
strip used at most circuits for the transponder results system. However the use
of true data-logging equipment is still forbidden within the class for all
racing and official practice. Commented Formula TKM
Co-ordinator Grahame Butterworth: "In the past we have only allowed a rev
counter on the basis of cost. However much more sophisticated equipment is now
available at low cost making this a sensible move for everyone." Other rule
changes for the class for 2002 centre on noise with use of approved engine fin
rubbers and heatproof wrapping around the exhaust flex now mandatory as from
January 1. Full details are given in the Formula TKM 2-stroke regulations
available now at £3.95 from Tal-Ko at 01767 682020 or email [email protected] [
Top ] Yamaha
Challenge Winter Series 2002 (05/12) The Yamaha Challenge Winter
Series will once again be run over five rounds commencing at PF International.
There will be two rounds in January, one in February and two in March. Rounds
two and three are yet to be confirmed by the respective clubs, then it's back to
PF International for round 4 before the final round 5 at Fulbeck. The regulations and point
scoring are as per 2001 Champions of the Future regulations. The tyres for the
series will be the Bridgestone YEQ slicks. Each driver will drop three heats and
a final. If only two heats are run then an average result will be calculated. As
of last year there will be a driver of the day award at each round (sponsor yet
to be confirmed) and after each round entrants will receive a newsletter and the
current series results. To register for the Winter
Challenge download the registration form
and return it to Peter Sherwin along with the registration fee of £35. Call
Peter on 01928 712194 or e-mail: [email protected] if you require any further
information on the Winter Challenge or Yamaha. [
Top ] Missing
(05/12) A Rotax Max energy reactor
kart stolen out of a van on Sunday 2nd December in Upminster, Essex. It had a
blue chassis and Max engine number 767151. Anyone being offered this equipment
or hearing anything should inform Romford police station on 020 8984 1212 or
Kamikazi Karting, the importer of the frame on 01708 631777. A reward is being
offered to anybody giving information leading to the recovery of the kart. [
Top ] TV
Coverage Commences (05/12) TV coverage on this year's
Total Hill House Hammond S1 Kart Championships has now started and will run
through to the end of January 2002. The coverage is featured as part of the
Fastrax programme which runs on Sky Sports with each programme being shown
several times over. The British Championship Junior and Senior classes are
featured along with Formula TKM Juniors and Seniors and a smattering of Cadet
and ICA. In fact Cadets will feature on Christmas Day. A video bringing together
all of the coverage will be available shortly from Lodgemark Press, Tel: 01689
897123. [
Top ] 2002 Le
Mans 24 Hour (30/11) Pro-Max are go! For the
12th running of the British Le Mans event on 6th & 7th July 2002 the
organisers will be running 4 classes, Twins, Pro-Max, Clubmans & Hire. This very popular and well
supported event is a must on the calendar of many endurance karters and although
still 7 months away bookings' are already being made, but a number of places are
still available. As usual there will be various awards and trophies, plus a
£1000 cash prize for the highest placed twin. The organiser will also be
purchasing a brand new fleet of Zip Tech Twins for this event. Visit www.teessidekarting.co.uk
or contact their office for further details; Tel 01642-231117 or Fax
01642-232020. [
Top ] TKM
Announce New Race Series (30/11) Formula TKM have announced
new race series for its two and four stroke classes in 2002 aimed at giving
drivers the widest spread of racing. The 2-stroke classes - the largest in the
UK - will continue to run national championships through the Super 1 series for
all three classes. There will be new Superprix premier categories at the
Kimbolton MAXXIS TKM Festival in August as well as an 'O' plate meeting at
Shenington. In addition a new TKM Challenge series has been developed to give a
range of nationally based racing for club drivers in Junior, Inters and Senior
who want greater experience and competition but who don't necessarily want to
race at S1. Meanwhile the fast-growing
TKM 4-stroke class gets its own national championship for Juniors and Seniors to
be run as part of the ABkC backed Super 2 series. In addition there are a
growing numbers of circuits and promoters welcoming the TKM 4-stroke engine
within existing endurance championships including those run by Buckmore Park.
The latest TKM 4-stroke regulations allow use of the engine on Pro-Kart type
chassis and these Pro-TKM karts can be raced in both sprint and endurance
events. In addition many clubs welcome the TKM 4-strokes to race alongside the
TKM 2-stroke class in their monthly meetings until grids are large enough for
individual races. Further information on the new sprint series can be obtained
from Roger Abbey-Taylor of RATPRO at the Kart Show or from www.ratpro.co.uk [
Top ] REGA At
The Kart Show (30/11) REGA Motorsport will be on
stands 3:17 & 3:18 at the International Kart Show this weekend demonstrating
the new Alfanalyse software for the Alfano Pro. They have also announced their
appointment as official agents (covering the North of England, North Wales and
Scotland) for Dream Karts, the UK's sole importer of GoKart, and they will be
holding Test Days for potential customers, in the North, in the New Year. In
addition to the GoKart range, REGA Motorsport will be marketing the innovative
Semel kart power brake and Semel tyre-changing equipment. For further
information telephone: 01422 316315 or e-mail: [email protected] [
Top ] McWilliams
Misses Top Spot (29/11) William Smith from Comber,
Co. Down was on top of the kart racing world after fending off Saturday's
challenge from World Championship motorcycle ace Jeremy McWilliams who was
showing off his ability on four wheels. McWilliams came second to Smith in the
feature race of the Ulster Karting Club's opening winter championship series at
Nutts Corner Motorsports Centre and in the process of trying to snatch the early
lead set second fastest lap time of the finals. The trial outing by McWilliams
saw him up against the top Senior TKM drivers in the country and in the end the
eventual winner was Smith with McWilliams team mate Cecil Conn finishing third.
McWilliams took two excellent top five places in heats but it nearly all ended
in tears though in the greasy conditions in the finals when a big slide in the
closing laps nearly put him off the track. A superb recovery confirmed
McWilliams abilities to the hardened kart racing watchers who gave him the
thumbs up as he took the runners up spot. Smith was in jubilant form afterwards
and now leads the club's winter championship ahead of McWilliams although only
time will see if the ace pilot of two wheels fancies a return in the club's 30th
December second round. Meanwhile in the Junior TKM
class, formula 3000 star and multiple local kart champion Richard Lyons from
Hillsborough made a visit from Japan and watched on as his youngest brother
Isaac stormed off to victory in the Junior TKM class with almost three seconds
of a win on Ryan Magennis. Third was Irish Grand Prix champion Chris Irwin from
Dungiven. Although Magennis took both heats to secure pole position for the
finals, the charge through by young Lyons showed that he really means business
over the winter series now that he has showed his form against two of the top
names in the ultra competitive class. The fastest class of the day
for the 125cc Rotax Max machines saw Antrim’s Stuart Henderson just fend off
Armagh’s Eamonn Gribben to take victory with Dundrod’s Neville Bell
finishing third. Southern drivers dominated the fastest junior class for the
Junior Intercontinental A machines with Cork’s James McCarthy long journey
being worthwhile with a comfortable win in the finals. Second was hotly
contended for between Dublin’s Aaron Coby and Coleraine’s Richard Tannahill
but in the end it was McCarthy that snatched the runners up slot. [
Top ] More
Stolen Goods (29/11) A trailer, kart and tools
have been stolen from Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. If you are offered a Project One
Kart 0188, TKM Engine 5681, transponder 0821357 and a distinctive Indespension
box trailer with SYMIX - KIDDE written on the sides please contact either Oliver
Robinson 01628 522989 or the High Wycombe Police quoting incident number GF
854622501. [
Top ] Stolen
Karts (23/11) Please be on the lookout for
5 karts stolen from Amen Corner Karting at Rufford, Nottinghamshire on the night
of 22nd November. The karts were twin engined pro-karts by JB Karts with silver
chassis, blue pods and naussa, black plastic wrap-around side and rear bumper,
chrome front bumper. Would anyone with any information regarding these karts
please contact Steve Holmes at Amen Corner Karting on 01623 822205 or [email protected] [
Top ] Mum's
Challenge (21/11) Yvonne Longley is a thirty
something mum, whose daughter Kymberly races cadet with MBKC at the Three
Sisters circuit near Wigan. The challenge was made by Kymberly for Mum to pass
her ARKS test and race at Wigan on 25th November. We are pleased to report that
Yvonne rose to the challenge, has passed her ARKS test and is now looking
forward to racing with the Rotax Max boys at the MBKC meeting. Yvonne is seeking
sponsorship and donations with all proceeds going to Children in Need. Yvonne
can be contacted on 01606 331030 for more information. [
Top ] Comer
Cadet Kart Basics (20/11) PSC Educational Publishing
have announced that a handbook for novice dads new to the Comer Cadet class will
be released at the forthcoming International Kart Show. 'Comer Cadet Kart
Basics' demonstrates the complete rebuild of a typical Comer chassis, from frame
to finished article, how to strip, rebuild and pressure test the carburettor,
and a complete strip and rebuild of the Comer engine, with approximately 150
full colour pictures showing each stage of the process. Tony Theodore and Alan
Taddei have written the handbook, with John Davies of Force Motorsport supplying
much of the technical advice for the project. The book should enable those new
to the class to understand some of the basic maintenance jobs required, with
simple to follow instructions. Release date is 30th November, just in time for
the Kart show, where the company will have a small trade stand. Further details
and pre-release orders can be placed on 01244-380088. [
Top ] Double
Victories (13/11) The TKM 4-stroke took double
victories at Kimbolton over the weekend, reinforcing the competitiveness of this
high tech new engine. In Juniors James Bean joined in with the Formula TKM
2-stroke Junior class and carried off a convincing win despite it being his
first ever drive with the new engine. Meanwhile Terry Langley achieved victory
in the senior TKM class making it two meetings in a row at Kimbolton where the
4-stroke has taken the flag first. Both drivers were using TKM
Raider karts for the event in preparation for new sprint and endurance series to
be announced for the TKM 4-strokes next year. Full details on the new TKM
4-stroke race series will be announced shortly, meanwhile Tal-Ko are stepping up
their manufacturing of the new engine to keep pace with demand from the UK and
abroad. [
Top ] Pro Kart Testing
(10/11) Exclusive Pro Kart testing is
now available at Rye House Kart Raceway on the second Saturday of every month. For
details email: [email protected] [
Top ] ProMax
Workshop & Raceday (09/11) A great deal of interest and
enthusiasm has been created in this new formula and on Sunday 9th December
there's a ProMax workshop and raceday at Lydd Raceway in Kent. A complete Engine
Tech. Day with free advice in abundance and plenty of track time. Specialists from JAG
Engineering, John Gravett and George Robinson will spend the morning advising
how to get the best from the Rotax engine and help you succeed with this
exciting new formula. After lunch there will be an opportunity to test your new
race equipment in a 30 minute practice session, this is followed by a 15 minute
qualifying period prior to a 3 hour endurance race. Further information can be
found at: http://www.karting.co.uk/aDs/BEKCPreSeason.html [
Top ] Lydd
Record (09/11) David Florey set a new lap
record at Lydd using an Arrow AX7 kart & TM engines in Formula Libra on his
way to winning the final on 4th November. A time of 38.61 was set, shaving over
1/10th off the previous best. David, an engineer from London who prepares his
own engines said "The kart and engine set-up was great making it very easy
to drive, with new tyres I think low 38's are possible. Not bad for this time of
year." [
Top ] Record
Entry (08/11) Last Sunday saw a record
Prokart entry at Warden Law with 39 Twins on the grid. In addition a large entry
of Rotax and Cadets made for a very successful meeting for the newly formed
Karting North East Owner Drivers Club, with Prokarts racing a total of 85 laps
and Rotax racing 52 laps the 'no licence required' club is off to a good start.
Two more meetings are planned for 2001 being Sunday 2nd December plus the Fun
event on the 30th December. For further details contact the circuit on 0191 521
4050. [
Top ] Obituary-
Reg Slack (06/11) We sadly report that Reg
Slack, the owner of Matchams Leisure Park, (home of Matchams Kart Club), and
promoter of Ringwood Raceway stock car circuit, died on Saturday evening after a
short illness. The funeral for Reg will be at St. Mary's Church, Hayling Island,
nr Portsmouth, Hampshire at 1pm on Thursday 15th November. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. [
Top ] Charity
Events (05/11) National leukaemia charity,
the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust today launched its appeal for would-be
Michael Schumacher's to take part in it's outdoor karting challenge. Teams are
invited to enter the 2 hour Anthony Nolan Endurance Challenge on Sunday 16th
December 2001 at the Three Sisters Racetrack, Wigan. Ruth Carter, Area Manager
for the Anthony Nolan Trust said, "This is a real alternative to the usual
work Christmas party - it's a great day, whether you are watching or
participating, and of course you will know that you're support will be helping a
very worthy charity." If you would like further information on this event
please call 01423 879510 or e-mail your details to [email protected] The 1st Stanstead Abbotts
& St. Margarets Scout Group have announced its inaugural Pro-Am Charity
Karting Challenge to be held on 27th January 2002 at Rye House Kart Raceway,
Hoddesdon. Organised and managed on behalf of the Scout group by motorsport
media and promotions company RacingLines International, the event will take the
format of a 4 hour Thunderkart endurance race. Uniquely, up to 27 teams consisting
of between 3 and 6 members of the public will have a professional racing driver
randomly selected from a multitude of motorsport stars, and will compete for the
prize of a cash donation to the charity of the winning teams choice. Further
information from RacingLines International on 01920-877005 or e-mail: [email protected] or
visit http://karting.racinglines.com [
Top ] Over 35’s
(05/11) Kent Kart Club are
considering running an over 35's Rotax class at club level and possibly a
southern challenge to be held at various southern circuits, if there is enough
interest. The class name has not been decided yet and there will be no minimum
driver weight limit but the class would run a minimum weight of around
168/170kg. Anyone seriously interested should contact either; Tony Cowlam 07957
316006 or Kevin Otway 07976 706112 or Kevin Rootes 07769 936568. [
Top ] The
International Kart Show (31/10) It does not seem possible
that the first International Kart Show was launched back in 1988, in the Kings
Hall Stoke-on-Trent. The venue turned out to be too small for both the number of
companies wishing to exhibit, and the number of visitors to the show. During
certain periods of the day it was almost impossible to move around the show.
Since then the show has seen many changes, but there has been one common thread
running throughout the last twelve years, the show has been run by karters, for
karters. Throughout the years we have seen many companies come and go, during
which time the show has evolved to a event that brings together friends old and
new, in warm and comfortable surroundings, to discuss how to put right the
problems in karting. For this year the show
returns to the superb facilities offered by the Grand Hall, and conference
suits, at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent. As in previous years visitors will
be able to meet and discuss the latest in karting technology, with the
manufacturers who actually build or import the karts and engines they may be
using next season. The kart show is traditionally the place were many companies
will launch next seasons equipment. Thankfully we are yet to see the release of
‘Concept’ karts, as is common in the motor trade, but no doubt if they do
you will see them first here. The Forums will again be held
in conjunction with Karting Magazine, with invited guest speakers, who are
specialists in their field of karting, offering their point of view on differing
areas of the sport, and hopefully answering that question you have been
wondering whom to ask. The show is open to the public; Sat 1st December
10am-5.pm & Sun 2nd December 10am-4.30pm. For more information contact Kart
Promotions; Tel 01270 582146, Fax 01270 585470, or visit their web site at www.kartshow.co.uk [
Top ] Bayford
Winter Pro-Kart Champs (31/10) Bayford Meadows is running a
winter Pro-Kart Enduro Championship over 4 rounds that includes a 40 minute
Super Sprint and a 90 minute Feature Race. The circuit is also offering free
team draws for entry into the next round and for Bridgestone slicks, plus a free
midweek team test day voucher to first round entrants. First event is Sunday
11th November. For further information and to book your entry telephone 01795
410707. [
Top ] Change Of Ownership
(30/10) DreamKarts, the sole UK
importer of the French kart 'GoKart' have moved address and changed ownership.
The company has relocated to North London to expand and develop new products and
chassis for different classes for 2002. The company has changed hands, with the
original company director Matthew Norman now taking full control of the business
as from 1st October 2001. New telephone contact details are 020 8361 5885
(Office) and 07771 546727 (Workshop). [
Top ] IOM GP Date Finalised
(30/10) The Isle of Man Kart Racing
Association 2002 Peel Kart Grand Prix dates have been finalised. They are
Wednesday 26th June to Saturday 29th June 2002. Regs will be available soon on
their web site at www.iomracing.com
Also planned is a Junior Festival on Sunday 30th June for Cadets and Juniors at
the Jurby race circuit. For more information contact Steve Graves on 01624817353
(day), 01624813223 (evening) or e-mail: [email protected] [
Top ] 125 Europa Challenge
(30/10) Congratulations to Neil
Adlington on winning the 13 round 125 Europa Challenge at Whilton Mill with a
lights to flag win. With 2000/2001 champion Tony Gilson taking a gracious second
and Russell Spence third. [
Top ] GT
Challenge Winter Series (27/10) GT Challenge have announced
the dates for the winter endurance series for Rotax-Max and Pro-Max. A short 3
round Championship to be held at 3 popular South East circuits. Round 1: Lydd
International Saturday 17th November 2001, Round 2: Buckmore Park Saturday 8th
December 2001, Round 3: Bayford Meadows Sunday 17th February 2002. All rounds will have classes
for the GT1 (Full Rotax-Max) and GT2 (Pro-Max) with the following format. 30
Minute Open Practice - Qualifying Session - 3 Hour Team Endurance. The entry fee
is £195 per team and the first 15 teams to register and pay in full for the
series will receive 1 set of wet tyres at half price! For further information
e-mail: [email protected] [
Top ] A Perfect
Score (27/10) As Daytona Manchester
approaches its first birthday, Daytona is proud to report that its North West
venue has scored 100% in its National Karting Association (NKA) track
inspection. The NKA, a voluntary body founded by kart circuit owners to promote
safety at its member circuits, undertakes to inspect every member circuit on an
annual basis to ensure that the NKA safety guidelines are met. Following the
inspection at Manchester, Daytona Chief Exec Jim Graham was delighted: "We
used all of the experience gained over the last 10 years to ensure that Daytona
Manchester was the ultimate indoor karting venue, in terms of driving
excitement, visitor safety and customer service. The 100% score achieved in this
year's inspection is proof that the track design and our operating procedures at
the venue are the best in the country." Daytona is the karting
division of Octagon Motorsports. Daytona Manchester is situated in a purpose
built 50,000 sq ft fully heated and ventilated building in Trafford Park, just
500 yards from Old Trafford. The venue features the latest LPG-powered Biz
Karts, an exciting 450 metre tarmac circuit, the latest ROC Timing systems and a
comprehensive range of conferencing and hospitality facilities. For more
information: Call Daytona Manchester on 0161 876 0876 or email [email protected]
or for Press enquiries call Maria Bellanca on 01474 872 331 or email
[email protected] [
Top ] Pipe
2000 ASM (27/10) The 2001 GT Challenge
championship held their final round of the summer series at Lydd on 20th October
and the final championship standings can be viewed at: http://www.gtchallenge.com/gtcreports.html
GT Challenge would like to congratulate Steve Stapley and Richard Moxom of Pipe
2000 ASM on their victory and chassis manufacturers LRG for winning the
constructors title. [
Top ] ProMax
In The South East (24/10) Buckmore Park in conjunction
with Bayford Meadows have announced the launch of ‘The South East ProMax
Spring & Summer Championships’. A two round Spring Team Enduro
Championship for ProMax Owner/Drivers during March 2002, followed by a six round
Team Enduro Championship for ProMax Owner/Drivers monthly from April to
September 2002, featuring a 3 hour team enduro with Clubman & Pro classes. Buckmore Park Karting has
also announced a ‘Lease ProMax Championship’ for 2002 with team paying a
yearly fee which guarantees them sole use of an individually maintained kart,
with the circuit covering the cost of wear and tear, maintenance and slick
tyres. The karts are stored in Buckmore’s maintenance workshops and teams have
the option to fit a personalised seat, steering wheel and bodywork graphics. The
Championship dates will alternate being Buckmore Park and Bayford Meadows and
the lease fee includes delivery to Bayford Meadows and the provision of a race
mechanic at all rounds. The aim of the series is to offer hire drivers a greater
driving challenge without the financial investment and hassle required to become
an owner/driver. The series will comprise a mixture of owner/driver and lease
kart teams with Clubman & Pro classes, each round includes a one hour
unofficial practice session and F1 style qualifying with 6 flying laps. [
Top ] RNLI
Charity Karting Event (23/10) Are you and your friends up
to the RNLI Indoor Karting Challenge? On Sunday 18th November a fundraising
event for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is being held at Karting 2000
in Manchester. To enter contact Bev Robinson
or Toby Jeffries at: RNLI, The Granary, 50 Barton Road, Worsley, Manchester M28
4PB [
Top ] Congratulations
(23/10) Century Race Preparation
would like to congratulate their winners at Shenington last weekend. Jonathon
Barnes for his first ever win in Senior TKM at Shennington on his Project One
TKM and Lee Bell as the first ever Honda Cadet winner at Shenington on his
Project One Honda outfit. Lee's win was comprehensive over the Comer's, winning
both his heats and the final on his first ever visit to the circuit. Drivers
wanting to test either kart should contact Century Race Preparation on 07710
232813 to join the winning team. [
Top ] MHM500
(23/10) New karting promoter Mark
Hancock (Motorsport), has announced the inaugural MHM 500 at Whilton Mill on the
16th of December. This 500km owner driver endurance event is the first such of
it's kind at Whilton Mill, and will feature Thunder and Pro-kart classes. A festive end of season
carnival atmosphere is the aim. As well as the action on the track, there will
be a range of family entertainment available to guests and the public. "We
hope to show drivers a new efficient approach to organisation, and the sport as
a whole, the way the karting can be marketed as a spectator friendly event"
said Mark Hancock. Further details and regulations are available from: [email protected]
or telephone: 07721 041363. [
Top ] Pro-Karters
- Do Your Bit For Charity (17/10) Much interest has been
generated in a charity event for Pro-Karts to be held at the Langbaurgh circuit
in Middlesborough and organisers are hoping for a grid of 40+ karts from
England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Holland. Sunday 25th November is the date
for this endurance race and Bob Pope of Teesside Karting has very kindly donated
the tracks for the day. Practice will be available on Saturday, so dust off the
cobwebs from that Pro-Kart sitting in the garage and go have some fun at this
worthwhile event. The race entry fee is just
£100 for a 4 hour (Zoom Cup) endurance race on the 1200 metre circuit, which is
then followed by a 1.5 hour (Biz Cup) race on the oval track. For further
details and entry form telephone Ted or Sue Poole on 02380 471117. [
Top ] Second
Title (16/10) 125 driver Mark Fell claimed
his second British title in three years last Sunday at a rain interrupted final
championship round at Shenington (Banbury). Mark knew that two good heat
finishes could secure him the crown and a win and a 2nd place allowed Mark to
scoop the title without competing in the 3rd heat and final. [
Top ] Di Resta
Takes Top Junior Title (15/10) Paul Di Resta grabbed second
place in the final race of the year and took the Hill House Hammond MSA British
Junior Kart Championship title in the last round of the 2001 Super One Series.
Fellow Scot Ian Johnstone won both finals and placed huge pressure on Di Resta
who got to grips with tricky slippery track conditions at Buckmore Park to
clinch the title. Jordan Wise slipped to third after an eventful day. In Junior Formula TKM it was
James Sutton who took the title after a strong run throughout the day with Tom
Onslow-Cole winning the final from James Bean, up from 19th on the grid. Formula
TKM Intermediates saw Benjy Russell take the title without the need to actually
race at the last round but a huge battle behind gave runner up slot to Jack
Gurney who won the final. In Cadets it was right down to the wire with Daniel
Rowbottom taking the title from James Calado, but Nigel Moore trouncing them all
in the final. Junior Rotax UK saw Jason Parrot take the title with a third
place, John Boyd winning the final. That concludes this year’s
Total Hill House Hammond S1 series. Full details of TV coverage and end of year
presentations will be announced shortly. [
Top ] Free Tyre
Draw (11/10) Warden Law Kart Club will
again hold a free tyre draw for all competitors at their next meeting on 21st
October 2001, and this will be repeated at the last meeting on 18th November.
The committee would like to confirm that contrary to rumours circulating, plans
for the 2002 season are well on the way with the support of the circuit owner.
Entry forms are available on their web-site at www.wlkc.co.uk or from Anne Laws
on 0191 273 0830. Membership for 2002 (which includes Oct/Nov 2001) can be
obtained from Sue Bentley on 01833 638635. [
Top ] New Indoor
Kart School (10/10) A new Kart school at Raceway
Karting in Batley, West Yorkshire has opened specifically designed for 8 - 12
year olds. It has already caught the eye of Chris Stoney of Anderson CSK who has
entered his son onto a course. There are three courses: Novice, Intermediate and
Advanced. Novice starts with the basics
of track safety and how to achieve that all important racing line. The
Intermediate course looks at the more detailed aspects of racing (overtaking,
defending a line etc), and finally the Advanced course not only polishes off the
finer aspects of racing but also allows the participants to look at the
technical aspects of a kart. The first Novice class have already passed and some
are looking to make an impression on the circuit! [
Top ] Championships
Decided At Rissy (08/10) [
Top ] New
Championships For TKM 4-Strokes (05/10) Owners of the new TKM
4-stroke karts will be able to compete in a range of events next year including
at least two new nationally based championships. The TKM team are currently
finalising details of the package which will include both juniors and seniors
racing in their own exclusive classes within the newly created National Four
Stroke Championships backed by the ABkC. In addition another new series is being
generated which will provide another excellent opportunity for junior drivers to
display their talents on a national basis. Among plans being looked at is also
the possible inclusion of a mainland Europe based event to also include the
growing number of drivers in countries such as Holland, Finland, Sweden and
Belgium all choosing the new engine. Meanwhile plans are also
being developed for UK based endurance racing for the new engine – a unit
perfectly suited to real endurance racing of six hours and more with
substantially greater performance than the current Pro-Karts used. TKM boss Alan
Turney said: "We have had a large number of drivers testing the engine and
a very favourable response. Drivers can of course go out and race immediately
along with our Formula TKM 2-strokes in the country’s largest classes.
"But naturally we want to now fully develop separate racing for the TKM
4-stroke and thanks to its quiet operation this will mean that it can be
welcomed at some circuits where the two-stroke is too noisy." Roger Abbey-Taylor,
co-ordinator of the new 4-stroke series, added: "We welcome the two new TKM
classes which represent a very strong new avenue of racing with high performance
and long life." Further details on all of the new series and race
opportunities will be announced shortly. [
Top ] Alfanalise
(03/10) There is soon to be released
a new software application to download and analyse data from the Alfano Pro™
lap timer called Alfanalise. Alfanalise is a new software
application designed to download and analyse data collected whilst using the
Alfano Pro™ lap timer system and is scheduled for public release in December
2001. 1st Beta release is scheduled for October 2001. The software is designed
to make the most of the data available to enable the user to analyse and present
the collected information in ways that best helps them to improve engine
performance and lap times. Main features: Direct
download from Alfano Pro™, Display data in sessions and sequential laps;
Hierarchical view of laps and sessions; User defined variables for set-up &
conditions; Circuit details database; Sorted displays based on times; rev's,
temp and user variables, Averages for times, rev's & temp by session and
overall laps; Approximate speeds based on circuit definitions; Include / exclude
individual laps from analysis; Download from multiple Alfano Pro's; Graph's
based on user selected data; Printed and saved reports. Future features: Comparisons
between multiple downloads; Software version's for hand held devices; Multi
language versions; Predefined race circuit definitions; Carburetion settings
calculator; Predictive engine and chassis set-up tools; Trackside devices for
download, storage and upload of data to PC. Further information can be
found at: www.alfanalise.com [
Top ] Racers Head
For Cotswolds (02/10) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Little Rissington in the Cotswolds next weekend
(Oct 6/7) for the final round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National
Championships – the series that helped create F1 superstars like David
Coulthard and Jenson Button. The concluding round in the
series takes place at the Rissington circuit on a track which has hosted many of
today’s top motor racing stars over the years of the Super 1 Series. The
Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series brings together top drivers from 16 to 60
competing for the UK’s premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds
the prestige honours will be decided across five titles including the F1 of
British karting, the Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Already Chris Rogers has been
dominant and heads the points table with a massive advantage, his top Hill House
Hammond MSA British title assured for 2002. But the other classes racing are
still to be decided, making for great racing. Competing in the series are
drivers in the UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations
place absolute accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1
driver Jenson Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from
Sky TV are recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM
classes for showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax
programme. Racing takes place on Sunday
Oct 7 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday.
Spectators are welcome with admission £5 per car. No dogs permitted. Said
championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond
series represents the very best in karting. We look forward to a continuation of
the great racing we have seen so far this year, with the competition even keener
as the year draws to a close.” [
Top ] ProMax
(28/09) J.A.G. Engineering and George
Robinson have recently been working with ASM and Ted Poole (ekc) in the
development of a new concept in endurance kart racing. The Enduro/Junior Max FR125
engine, modified for endurance with some simple restrictors. The Enduro FR125 to
be mounted on any donor Prokart Chassis. Minimum adaptation is required. The
radiator can be installed on the left in the space left by the redundant Honda
engine and a couple of exhaust brackets, along with bumper extensions will be
required. All other specifications remain the same: Bridgestone YDS tyres, 7.5
litre fuel tank, 30mm axle, control fuel. The weight limit is expected to be
around 175kg but requires further evaluation. In testing the ‘ProMax’
proved to be approximately 2 seconds faster than a Prokart and 3 seconds slower
than a Senior Max. The kart is not too physical to drive, smooth with the right
amount of grip from the YDS tyres. The engine has ample low speed torque and
pulls strongly through to 12,000 rpm. The Prokart chassis handles the stress of
the extra speed well and its component parts are also well proven for the
duration of endurance events. The unstressed sealed Enduro engine if well cared
for can return up to 70hrs of trouble free racing before requiring major
servicing at an average cost of £250 per service. J.A.G Engineering have kindly
donated 20 engines for Prokart teams who would like to taste the extra
performance on their existing chassis, two 4hr ‘pilot’ races have now been
confirmed for 29th September at Clay Pigeon and 21st October at Lydd Raceway and
all 20 engines have been allocated to teams for both events, however should you
wish to purchase an engine to compete in ether of the events please contact us
for technical support and advice. The new ProMax Class has
created an overwhelming amount of interest, as a direct result the EKC are
already making arrangements for a British Championship for 2002. An eight round
Southern based Endurance Championship consisting of both 3hr, 4hr and 6hr events
for the ProMax class. The objective of the EKC is
to create an affordable championship, well policed and with all competitors
competing on equal equipment. Provisional 2002 venues &
dates are as follows: 10 March. Daytona, Milton Keynes (TBC). 7 April. Bayford
Meadows, Sittingbourne. 28 April. Lydd Raceway, Kent. 25 May. Clay Pigeon,
Dorchester. 23 June. Llandow, Nr Cardiff. 3 August. Clay Pigeon, Dorchester. 1
September. Lydd Raceway, Kent. 29 September. Bayford Meadows, Sittingbourne. For further
Championship/technical information and advice on this exciting new class, please
contact the following who will be happy to help you. Ted Poole - EKC: (02380)
471117 George Robinson - Robinson Motorsport: (01329) 829200 Andrew Stapley -
ASM: (01474) 852006. [
Top ] Grand Final
(27/09) This weekend (29th/30th Sept)
sees the NKRA Grand Final taking place at Fulbeck in Lincolnshire, about 8 miles
east of Newark-on-Trent. With the top competitors in each class having gained
entry into the final some great racing is in prospect for both karters and
spectators alike. [
Top ] Banbury
Next Stop As Finale Nears (24/09) The UK’s top junior kart
racing drivers will be converging on Banbury next weekend (Sept 29/30) for the
penultimate round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships -
proving ground for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. With just one event to go
after this, the top junior championships all hang in the balance with everything
to race for. Fighting for top honours in the most prestigious class, the Hill
House Hammond MSA Junior British Kart title, will be two young superstars hoping
to race on to Formula 1 success. Paul Di Resta from Scotland was runner up in
the series last year and heads the points table. His closest rival is Jordan
Wise from Essex who will be keen for another win, this time at the Shenington
circuit just outside Banbury. Commented championship spokesman Grahame
Butterworth: "The battle for supremacy in this top national junior class is
great. It’s going to be a great race for the rest of the season." The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 8 - 17 years old competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British junior karting, the
Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in
the UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. Freddie Martin-Dye from Surrey
leads James Sutton by just one point in the Junior TKM class. Meanwhile Benjy
Russell from Wisbech leads the TKM Intermediates. Both will be aiming to stay
top of the pack against great opposition. TV cameras from Sky TV will
be recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes
for showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme.
Racing takes place on Sunday from around 11am, with testing and some
qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcomed with admission £5 per
vehicle. Added Grahame Butterworth: "The Total-Hill House Hammond series
represents the very best in karting. It’s a chance to see tomorrow’s F1
drivers battling on the track." [
Top ] Tin Top
Racers Visit Rissy (20/09) Rissington Kart Club recently
invited members of the Redline Racing team to attend this year's Midland
Championships, to discuss the opportunities available to kart racers wishing to
progress into saloon car racing. Redline Racing is one of the front-running
teams in this year's Fulda Fiat Racing Challenge, with drivers Jason Greatrex -
a former kart racer himself - and Chris James currently lying 2nd and 5th in the
series respectively. Launched in 1992, the Fulda Fiat Challenge is one Britain's
most successful budget single-make saloon car championships and the series
provides a good first step into saloon car racing. Held over fourteen rounds,
the series also visits many of the UK's leading circuits, including Brands
Hatch, Donington Park, Snetterton and Croft. During the course of the
weekend, Redline Racing were successful in helping kart racers realize that it
is possible to progress to full-time circuit racing on a limited budget. They
also created a great deal of interest with the two cars, in full race-trim, that
they had on display. For further information visit www.redlineracing.org.uk
or www.fiatracing.com. [
Top ] Electric
Kart Racing - The European Perspective (13/09) It was a grey and damp August
morning when the Gravitron Electric Racing team headed off on their 2000 mile
round trip to Austria to participate in the EVN Cup, the grand finale in the
Solar and Electric Cup, Europe’s annual alternative energy series. The series
offers the opportunity for alternative fuelled vehicles to race in official FIA
races. Classes include motorbikes, prototype road cars, production cars and
karts. The largest class of the EVN event is always category V - karts in the
0-180kg range. Teams from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Finland, Switzerland and
Austria participate but Gravitron has been the only UK entrant for the past four
years. The Italians usually attend in the greatest numbers; this year Gravitron
had the largest single team entered in the Karting category. Overall there were
25 karts entered. EVN is the largest
Electricity supplier in North Austria and is the main sponsor of the event. It
is organised by the OAMTC, Austria’s equivalent to the UK’s RAC, with the
racing organised, scrutineered and officiated by the FIA. MSA’s Peter Todd
usually attends and this year spent time with the Gravitron team and
Greenmotorsport discussing bringing a leg of the Solar and Electric Cup to the
UK and the formation of a new electric racing class for the UK. Gravitron’s Electric Racing
Team was headed by MD Morgan Nicholas, in his 4th year at EVN. Debut
International karters included: Luke “Cool Hand” Roberts, the driver of the
Gravitron’s speed record vehicle “The Predator” Alan Thornton, newly
appointed Sales Manager for Gravitron Heather Latham, Sales & Marketing
Director Oliver (Ollie) Welton, currently sitting third in the British MSA EKC
Clubman championship. Ollie is currently waiting for his test drive in Formula
Renault in December and negotiating contracts for next season. The team was
supported by Gravitron’s Sally Thornton. Greenmotorsports’ Raz and Gordon
Foat attended at Gravitron’s invitation to evaluate the event with a view to
promoting electric racing in the UK . Greenmotorsport was also Gravitron’s
official appointed photographer. Many thanks to Gordon, Raz and Sally for all
their help and support. The team arrived tired but
excited on Thursday evening, having driven through the night, stopping only for
necessities. Friday dawned and the temperature climbed into the 90’s. Karts
were unloaded and charging organised. Each individual team was responsible for
hooking up to the free electrical supply to charge their vehicles. As you walked
through the paddock, stepping over cables by the dozen, other teams stopped to
talk, even those who did not speak the same language; when there is a common
interest communication is always possible!! The atmosphere in the paddock was
filled with anticipation as everyone prepared for the first look at the course.
Different styles of karts were on display and everywhere you looked people were
working on their vehicles. Unlike anywhere else, here all nations are prepared
to share their experiences, tools, spares and advice. Friday 4.30pm and we went off
to scrutineering, confident that everything would be OK. At the weigh-in neither
Ollie or Luke made the minimum weight of 240kg for kart and driver, and so had
to add ballast to their karts. After passing scrutineering the team managed to
grab some unofficial practice time on part of the track. This was a chance for
the team to have some fun and let off some steam. The karts were all running
well and Gravitron’s drivers were all feeling confident even though Heather
was decidedly nervous!! This was her first international event and she was the
only lady entrant in her class. Friday evening gave everyone the opportunity for
some rest and relaxation - a well earned break. Saturday morning and free
practice was scheduled for 7.50am! The course was 1.1Km with a good fast
straight, a tight hairpin and a very bumpy stretch just before the chicane. The
first corner after the start line took the karts over a bump that left most
airborne; it certainly made for interesting driving and viewing. After practice
the teams all complained about the bumpiness of this part of the track and went
to the OAMTC track officials to lodge a protest, despite this the drivers were
bubbling with excitement and anticipation. Back in the paddock adjustments were
made to the set up of the karts and batteries were charged. At 11 o’clock the
teams were told that the track layout had been changed to eliminate the severe
bump and there was a further unscheduled practice at 12.00. The new track layout
was tried and tested and received the approval of the drivers. Qualifying was scheduled for
3.20pm and would decide grid positions for the first race on Sunday. The
pressure was on to complete the set-up. Tactical discussions about who was going
out when continued, finally the Gravitron drivers were suited and booted and
ready to go. Every one gave their best, some were held up in traffic while
others discovered that perhaps their set up was not quite right. Back in the
park ferme the teams waited for the official results to be posted. Morgan had
put in a blisteringly fast lap - only 100th of a second behind pole position, he
was to start 2nd on the grid with the others qualifying at 8th, 18th, 21st and
22nd. There are two races for each category, the overall winner is the driver
with the highest number of points accumulated from the two races. As well as the racing there
was plenty of entertainment for the teams and the audience. A huge video wall
transmitted the racing as it took place and in the intervals the stage show
entertainment was displayed. Music and commentary blared out over the PA system.
There were food and beer tents galore, an inflatable playground, electric rental
karts for adults and children, alternative fuel vehicles on exhibition and
available for test drives. Drivers are well catered for at this event, with
everyone receiving vouchers for meals, drinks, coffee and snacks. All in all the
atmosphere of the event is that of a well organised, exciting and high class
race meeting. Oliver Welton and Luke Roberts, both seasoned karters, were
surprised and impressed by the quality and superior feel of the whole event. Sunday was Race Day and
despite the forecast of rain, the weather was scorching. The crowds arrived and
the television crew were set up; the racing was to be shown live on Austrian TV.
The first kart race was at 9.00am, it was already hot as teams attended the
driver’s briefing. The teams pushed their karts out onto the grid to save
every watt of precious battery power and get into their start positions.
Electric karting is one of the only kart events that offers the opportunity of a
Formula 1 style grid start. It introduces an increased measure of thrill for
both drivers and spectators. FIA officials did their final checks on the grid to
ensure that driver’s helmets had their certified stickers and that the karts
all had the scrutineer’s stickers. The grid was cleared of camera men, team
supporters and officials. The 10 second board was held aloft, then the five
second board then the red lights came up one by one until all five were lit .
There was a hush of anticipation as the lights went out and the karts sped off
to the first corner. But disaster!! As the grid cleared Gravitron’s
best-placed driver - Morgan - was still there!! We later discover that a drive
sprocket had sheared due to the huge amount of torque produced by the motor and
he was forced to sit out the race as the others streamed past. On the 7th lap
sparks started coming from Ollie’s motor and half a lap later it was clear
that the motor was on fire. Sadly another member of the team was out of the
race. Alan spun out of 14th place at the hairpin rejoining in 18th place. The
pace of the racing was fast and furious. Luke made some impressive manoeuvres
whilst overtaking. The battle for first and second position between Italian
Mazzonni and Austrian Theurer was well filmed by the TV crew and made brilliant
viewing for the spectators. Mazzonni was able to maintain his pole position,
whilst Kurt Theurer fell back to third place when his batteries depleted. Second
place was taken by the OTL Italian team. Unlike petrol karting where fuel
consumption is not an issue, electric kart racing requires the driver to race
tactically, conserving energy by coasting through corners, accelerating smoothly
and using the brakes as little as possible. Luke was driving conservatively but
by the end of the race he had lost 2 places and finished in 10th position. He
was frustrated with this result but was better able to pace himself for the next
race. Heather had aimed to complete the race without mishap and was happy with a
very creditable 17th position while Alan finished in a disappointing 18th. Back in the pits after the
karts had been released from the park ferme it was all hands to the deck to
replace Ollie’s motor, check Alan's brakes, change Morgan’s sprocket and
charge all batteries. Due to the fact that neither had completed the first race,
Morgan and Ollie had to start at the back of the grid in the second.
Consequently strategy and tactics for the team were hot on the agenda. It was
decided that Heather, Alan and Luke would continue to race to achieve the
highest placing they could but that Morgan and Ollie would put on the fastest
and best display that they could to impress the crowd. The penalty for this
would be loss of energy near the end of the race and the elimination of a high
finishing position. The karts lined up on the
grid for the second race, the commentator began to get excited, the video wall
showed the drivers getting on their helmets and sliding into their karts and the
viewing stands filled to capacity. Again the 10 and 5 second board, the lights
and they were off. Morgan shot up through the grid, Ollie followed closely
behind; by the first corner they had made up more than ten places and the race
was on. Morgan and Ollie had a lap long tussle before they were able to get past
2 Italian karts. One was blocking the track while his team mate attempted to do
the fastest lap of the event, for which there is a separate award. Morgan and
Ollie managed to claw their way up to 3rd and 4th position and stayed with the
leaders for the majority of the race. From the stands it was possible to see
most of one side of the course and watch the karts gather for the chicane with
their tyres screaming for grip and the drivers battling for position. The rest
of the race was watched on the video wall. Everyone gasped when another kart
came into contact with Ollie on the tight hairpin; they both careered off
course. A third kart arrived on the scene of the accident at speed, tyres came
into contact and it rode over the top of them both, landing on the front of
Ollie’s kart. Ollie pushed the offending kart off, got out and checked his
kart for damage and amazed everyone by climbing back in and rejoining the race.
He managed to complete the lap, but had to concede defeat and stop shortly after
the finish line due to the considerable damage to his kart. He made a memorable
retirement with a bow, a wave to the grandstand and huge applause. Meanwhile
Luke, Heather and Alan had managed to dodge past the accidents, spin offs and
break downs and were doggedly cutting through the field. Luke made some
spectacular overtaking moves through the chicane, while Heather and Alan’s
steady driving gained them several positions. Austrian Kurt Theurer came in
third position using Gravitron’s drive system and at the end of the race Luke
finished in a fantastic 4th place, Morgan came 10th (despite his show off
tactics and loss of battery power), Heather 13th, Alan 15th and Ollie 19th, even
after his retirement. The team were disappointed at not getting onto the podium
but that’s racing and there’s always next year! [
Top ] Another
Theft (13/09) Litchfield Motorsport had
their van stolen and although the van was later recovered everything had been
taken. The equipment lost included 5 BT82 engines, Serial No's. 5410, 5541,
5782, 5316 and 37?? Also a complete Venom Ultima Kart, a generator, a
compressor, 3 complete tool kits and lots of spare parts and tyres. If anyone is
offered engines with these serial no's or any other of the above equipment that
appears suspicious, please contact the police or Litchfield Motorsport 01889
590411. A reward will be offered for the recovery of these items. The police
have said that there have been many similar thefts in the Midlands area. [
Top ] Charity
Arrive & Drive Session Tonight (12/09) Teamworks Karting,
Bishopsgate are organising a charity Arrive & Drive session this evening
(Wednesday 12th) from 6:00pm at their venue in the heart of London's financial
district. Sessions will be just £10 per driver and all proceeds are going to
the American disaster fund. More information from Teamworks on 0870 900 3020. [
Top ] New
IAME Thermostat (12/09) A new thermostat manufactured
by IAME and preset at 50 degrees is due to go on sale in a few days priced at
£69 plus vat. An adjustable version is available now at £125 plus vat. For
more information contact Ferrari Racing Services on 020 8427 3301 or e-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] Kartmasters On TV
(10/09) Racing from the Senior
classes (TKM, Rotax Max, 100 National and Super Libre) from Kartmasters will be
shown on Sky Sports this week at the following times: Tuesday 5.00pm and 11.30pm
and on Wednesday at 9.00am [
Top ] Racers Head For Glasgow
(10/09) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Scotland next weekend (Sept 15/16) for the latest
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - the series
that helped create F1 superstars like David Coulthard and Jenson Button. The
penultimate round in the series takes place at the Larkhall circuit just south
of Glasgow, on a track which has hosted many of today’s top motor racing stars
over the years of the Super 1 Series. The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 16 to 60 competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British karting, the Hill
House Hammond MSA British Championship. Currently Chris Rogers has been dominant
and heads the points table with a massive advantage. But the others are keen for
victory making for great racing. Also competing in the series are drivers in the
UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV are
recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing takes place on Sunday
Sept 16 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday.
Spectators are welcome with admission £3 for adults and £1 for children. Said
championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: "The Total-Hill House Hammond
series represents the very best in karting. We look forward to a continuation of
the great racing we have seen so far this year, with the competition even keener
as the year draws to a close." [
Top ] Theft
Victims (06/09) The Richardson family were
victims when thieves stole a 1998 Deavinsons Honda Cadet from their garage
during the night of 25/26 August. It was a black chassis with red plastics
bearing Deavinsons stickers, red suede steering wheel, Tillet seat with Graham
Carroll/Silverscreen stickers on the rear, Dunlop SL1s and sealed engine (serial
number GC or GL 02-5463583) fitted with Blackthorn exhaust. Unfortunately no
chassis number is currently available. A 3-wheeled kart-stand (as new), 3 sets
of wheels and tyres (mixture of Dunlop SL1s and wets), tyre pressure gauge and a
foot pump were also taken. If anyone is offered such a kart, and/or accessories
Gwyn Richardson would be very grateful if you contact him on 01780 410759, 07711
178597 or e-mail [email protected].
A reward is offered. [
Top ] New PFI
Cadet Lap Record (06/09) George Gibbons, the 10 year
old Kart racer from Telford, is the new Cadet lap record holder at the P.F.
International circuit in Lincolnshire. George, who drives for ex-World Champion
Michael Simpson’s Motorsport Team using the new Australian Arrow chassis with
Litchfield prepared engines, set the time of 54.27 secs (44.11mph) on his way to
5th place in the A final of the 4th round of the ABKC Super 1 National Kart
Championship series. [
Top ] 38th
Anniversary Meeting (04/09) A bumper entry is expected at
Buckmore Park's 38th Anniversary meeting on Sunday 16th September. With
sponsored classes and superb trophies, the meeting will be the last chance to
compete at Buckmore before next month's Junior SuperOne round. The Phil Whorlow
Memorial Shield will be presented to the winner of the Rotax Max Class. Open
practice will be available on Wednesday 12th and Saturday 15th September.
Overnight parking is available on Saturday evening. Entry forms available from
Sheila Rose, Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent. ME5 9QG.
Tel: 01634 201562 or Fax 01634 686104. [
Top ] Honda
GX160 QHQ4 Engines & N4SKRA Events (31/08) Honda UK have recently
introduced a more ecologically friendly GX160 QHQ4 Engine. The appearance of
this engine differs slightly from the one we currently use with a new shape head
and barrel, flat top piston, new pull cord cover and stickers to petrol tank.
Early tests of the ‘New Generation’ engines indicate a slight increase in
power output. These tests are on going and so far inconclusive, therefore the
effect that these new engines may have on the Championship is at this stage,
questionable. However, in order to maintain continuity and to prevent unfairness
between the teams at this late stage in the series it has been decided that for
the remainder of this racing season, use of this ‘New Generation’ Honda
engine will not be permitted within N4SKRA events. Any teams who find themselves
in need of new engines during the final rounds of this years championship should
contact either Ted on 02380 463467, or Kelvin or Chris Bond for further advice. [
Top ] Stolen
Equipment - Reward Offered (29/08) Speedforce Karting are
offering a reward for the following items of equipment that were stolen between
Friday 3rd August and Sunday 5th August: Two TKM engines; nos. BT56901 and
BT5597 Venom Ultima chassis no. 048800 (TKM stamp 05263) Venom Avanti chassis
no. 01301 (TKM stamp 5838) - small seat / 20 kg lead / short pedal position If
you have any information concerning the whereabouts of any of this equipment
please contact Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221. [
Top ] Free
Lessons for Young Drivers! (29/08) For a limited period only
Whilton Mill Juniors, the new arrive and drive club for young drivers, are
offering free lessons on their 450m outdoor circuit. Participating drivers will
use one of Whilton Mill's new purpose built junior Honda karts and will receive
two sessions under the guidance of a qualified instructor - absolutely FREE!
Whilton Mill Juniors is open to anyone between the age of 8 to 16 and 4ft 2in to
5ft 10in. Novice drivers are welcome. For more information regarding this offer
contact Dan Hazlewood on 07733 011221 or for info on WMJ visit the Whilton Mill
website at www.whiltonmill.co.uk and click on Juniors. [
Top ] Few
Places Left At TKM Test Day (22/08) Tal-Ko has a few places
remaining on its TKM 4-stroke engine exclusive test day to be held next Thursday
30th August at the Ancaster race circuit near Grantham, Lincs. The Ancaster date
fits in perfectly with the needs of many Super 1 cadets and juniors heading to
nearby PFI for their race meeting that weekend. Says Formula TKM Co-ordinator
Grahame Butterworth: “The demand to test the engine and karts is very high.
This event at Ancaster is for TKM 4-strokes only and it seems very likely that
we will be going back to Whilton Mill for yet another test day with two-strokes
as well. “Ancaster is a good circuit with excellent facilities and easy access
to the A1.” Those wishing to attend should apply urgently, ideally by e-mail
to [email protected] or by phone to 01767
682020 fax 01767 691622. [
Top ] A Budding
Murray Required (20/08) This bank holiday the 165
Challenge visits Rowrah for a weekend of racing on Sunday and Monday.
Unfortunately they are without a race reporter and are seeking applicants with a
love of the sport to provide coverage for the website www.165challenge.co.uk
as well as the regular submission to Karting Magazine and the UK Karting
website. The successful applicant will receive no pay, no holiday and no
healthcare benefits but will be able to brag to his / her mates about being a
published author! Anyone able to cover either one or both of the days racing (or
even just the finals) should write to [email protected]
or submit a short fantasy report to the 165 Challenge message board via the
website. [
Top ] Go For
Rissington Glory (17/08) Karters are offered their
chance of glory next month when Rissington Kart Club hosts one of the biggest
kart meetings of the year, offering racers from across the country the chance to
become true champions. On September 1st-2nd,
Rissington is inviting racers to take part in the 2001 Midland Championships.
One of the best established events on the national karting calendar, the Midland
Championships is open to all classes - subject to minimum entries - and to any
driver with a valid 'National A' kart licence. Past winners of this prestigious
title have included Jenson Button and the meeting offers class winners the
chance to become recognised champions, outside the ultra-competitive arena of
the British Championships. With a planned three heats
and a final, the club is offering drivers great value for money and the club is
also hoping to lay on a number of special features, including a Saturday night
party, live on-track podium presentations after each final, and a number of
stalls/exhibitors in the Paddock area. Entry fees are just £45 for
members or £55 for non-members, with testing and some heats being run on the
Saturday and the majority of the race programme held on the Sunday. Spectators
are also welcome, with on-the-gate tickets charged at just £5 per car, per day.
No dogs allowed. For race entries and further information, contact Julie Dredge
on 0118 983 6070 or visit our website at www.rissykartclub.com.
The closing date for race entries is 22nd August. [
Top ] TKM
Festival 2002 Date Confirmed (16/08) Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney has
paid tribute to the hard work of those running and competing at the MAXXIS
Formula TKM Festival at Kimbolton, as the company confirmed the date of next
year’s event. Said Alan: "With 300 plus entries it was another huge event
made all the more difficult by the changeable weather which brought out wet
tyres at the event for the first time ever. "We saw some great racing in
sometimes difficult conditions and still managed to finish on time. My thanks
goes to everyone there from drivers through to the organisers for their
efforts." Now the company has confirmed
that next year’s MAXXIS Formula TKM Festival will be held at Kimbolton next
August 9/10/11. An extended period of TV coverage will start soon. Dates will be
announced once confirmed. [
Top ] A Lap
Of Kimbolton (08/08) This weekend 300 Formula TKM
drivers will line up at Kimbolton battling for top honours within the UK's
largest karting classes. For those racing at the circuit for the first time,
Grahame Butterworth gives a high-speed driver's view of the track.... Kimbolton, a circuit where
great accuracy and the ability to string a series of corners together makes for
success, but it’s not the place to go kerb hopping. Hug the left hand side over
the kink of the finish line and keep to the left but watch for those drivers
looking to come down the inside. Hit the brakes hard just past the marshal’s
post, the wheels locking on the surface ripples. Straight back hard on the power
as you turn in late tight across the apex of Stow and drift out wide across the
track and over the white line. This wide line gives you the
perfect turn into the Willows complex. Get it right and you turn in without
changing lock for a very late apex. Then you must rapidly flick the kart left
for a quick turn into the second part, staying mid-track and under full
acceleration as you turn into the final right hander. Then down to one of the
favourite overtaking places on the track, the Eaton Hairpin. The fastest line is
to stay out wide as you brake then take a late apex and slide out. But beware
because those behind will lunge down the inside, making a careful assessment of
who is behind very important. Full acceleration on the wide
exit onto the flat kerb and then set up for the next right handed Goff Corner. A
smooth line across the apex out wide and then back in again towards the next
right hander is my method, aiming to make the last part of the corner a virtual
straight line across apexes. Again watch the kerbs they can lose you time. The next left-hander needs a
smooth flowing line across the apex to the outside and then straight back across
the next apex, probably with a slight dab of brakes. It must flow and it must be
smooth to maintain pace. The final right hander needs a neat centre line across
the apex under full power and then head down towards the Hanger Complex hugging
the inside of the gentle bend. A great corner this. Straight
line the first two kerbs then brake and flick the kart into the final right hand
180 degree bend. Get it right and the kart should slide from apex to outside and
then cut right across the final apex onto the straight, all under full power. If
necessary just balance the kart on the brakes to keep it on line. Speed down the critical TKM
Straight is vital so head down as you head for the right hand side of the track.
Next is Kestrel the most tricky corner on the track. Difficult to pick a braking
point and easy to overshoot. Turn in late, hard on the apex and then slide over
to the far right - but beware the drop and bumpy edge. A good overtaking place this
into Kimbolton Corner but get it right or you’ll end on your head. The fast
line is from the left, braking late and then pointing the kart in under hard
power as you slide around the apex for a fast and wide exit onto the straight. Do it right and you’ll be
looking at times in the 54/55 second bracket, and remember less teeth and a long
exhaust pay dividends at this track. [
Top ] Bean
Takes Top Win (06/08) Junior Formula TKM driver
James Bean has raced to success at the prestigious Kartmasters race meeting at
PFI, scoring yet another race win for the latest TKM Raider chassis. James
nipped through on the last lap to score the victory, adding to the win achieved
at Super 1 and underlining him as one of the very top drivers in the UK’s
largest class. The youngster from near Hull, switched to the TKM Raider chassis
this year and has consistently found himself among the front-runners. Next
target is the ABkC ‘O’ plate being raced for at Kimbolton this weekend as
part of the MAXXIS Formula TKM Festival. [
Top ] Formula
TKM Festival Approaches (06/08) Around 300 top race drivers
from around the country will be going to the Kimbolton kart track next weekend
(August 11/12) for one of the UK’s largest ever kart race meetings, and it is
an event that will also see a unique occasion in British karting. The MAXXIS
Formula TKM Festival brings together drivers from 11 years old right through to
those in their 50’s competing for some of the most closely fought titles in
British motorsport. Among them will be many junior drivers with their sights
firmly set on following in the wheel tracks of the many Grand Prix drivers like
Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Jenson Button who all started their
careers in karting. This is the fifth year of
this prestigious Festival of racing which is backed by Sandy, Bedfordshire-based
Tal-Ko, the UK’s largest manufacturer of kart racing engines and by Maxxis
Tyres, a world leader in specialist tyres. The event is organised by the Hunts
Kart Racing Club and will be featured on TV around the world. Also featuring at the event
will be the first ever race exclusively for the new TKM 4-stroke engine - a unit
which is leading the path in karting over the next decade as the sport responds
to environmental pressures. Racing at Kimbolton are Formula TKM karts powered by
100cc 2-stroke TKM engines capable of propelling the machines at up to 80mph.
They race in different categories according to age and capability. Says Formula
TKM organiser Grahame Butterworth: "The Kimbolton Festival has become a
high point in the British karting calendar, highlighted all the more by the
opportunity for drivers to be spotted for fast-track selection through into
racing cars. We are expecting some fantastic racing. " Kimbolton track is situated a
mile north of Kimbolton and clearly signposted. Racing starts on Saturday
lunchtime and goes right through Sunday with the finals Sunday afternoon.
Admission costs just £3 with accompanied children free. Competitors are
reminded that they are not allowed into the circuit before 10am on Thursday. [
Top ] TKM
4-Stroke Test Day At Ancaster (01/08) Tal-Ko has confirmed that it
will be holding a second test day for the new TKM 4-stroke engine to be held on
30th August at the Ancaster race circuit near Grantham, Lincs. Demand for the
first test day to be held this Thursday at Whilton Mill has been so strong that
already a large number of drivers have been transferred on to 30th August. The Ancaster date fits in
perfectly with the needs of many Super 1 cadets and juniors heading to nearby
PFI for their race meeting that weekend. Says Formula TKM Co-ordinator Grahame
Butterworth: "The demand to test the engine and karts is very high. This
event at Ancaster is for TKM 4-strokes only and it seems very likely that we
will be going back to Whilton Mill for yet another test day with two-strokes as
well. Ancaster is a good circuit with excellent facilities and easy access to
the A1." Those wishing to attend should apply ideally by e-mail to [email protected]
or by phone to 01767 682020, fax 01767 691622. [
Top ] Build
Your Own Dyno (30/07) Information and plans for
building your own kart engine dyno can be found on the Spanish SportsDevices
website at http://www.sportdevices.com/dyno/teoriaconstruccion.htm. [
Top ] World
Electric Land Speed Record (27/07) Testing a modified electric
race kart earlier this week Gravitron achieved an unofficial speed of 135mph,
some way in excess of the current world electric land speed record for the
relevant weight category. Tuesday 24th July 2001 saw
the unveiling of Gravitron’s newly designed Speed Record vehicle at Kemble
Airfield in Gloucestershire. The modified race kart has been specially built to
take the World Electric Land Speed Record for a vehicle in the under 500kg
weight class and the overall British Electric Record. Luke Roberts, the pilot, got
suited up and slid into the driver’s seat. Morgan Nicholas, Gravitron MD,
donned his crash helmet and mounted his Yamaha R1, the pace vehicle for the
test. Both vehicles sat at the very furthest point of the runway, waiting for
the message from Kemble tower that it was safe to proceed. The radio signal came
to give the all clear, the runway landing lights came on and the test began.
Both vehicles surged up the runway. “I raced through the gears on the R1 to
keep up with the outstanding acceleration of the kart.” Said Morgan Nicholas,
“We had calculated that the kart would achieve a speed of 125mph in the
distance available at Kemble, imagine my excitement when the Yam’s digital
read out reached 135mph when I was running alongside the kart!” “The kart
was still accelerating but it was time to brake, I was running out of tarmac!! I
felt as though I needed to throw out an anchor.” added driver Luke Roberts “I
knew we’d done well when I saw Morgan jumping for joy at the end of the
runway.” The return run was equally impressive, again achieving 135 mph. “Heading
back towards the Gravitron crew and support team we wanted to let them all know
how well we’d done and flashed past them at 120mph, leaving it until the very
last second to apply the brakes - stopping was a bit extreme!!” stated a
delighted Morgan Nicholas. Now for the technical stuff:
Kemble runway is 1¼ miles long, running uphill with a ¼ mile after the crest
leading down into the braking zone. Due to the short distance available it had
been calculated that the kart would achieve and maintain a speed of 125 mph, but
this was easily exceeded and 135mph was achieved in both directions. The kart
weighs approx 250kg. Driver 60kg. A total weight of 310kg. Fitted with 2
Gravitron LAAA4002 motors and 2 HE DATA 1000 amp controllers the vehicle
developed 100hp during the test run on a 60 volt system. The vehicle was powered
by ten Optima red top batteries. Gravitron are currently
seeking sponsors for their record attempt, and would welcome calls from
interested parties. For further information, either about the record attempt or
about sponsorship, please contact Gravitron by phone; 01453 822338, fax; 01453
791355 or email; [email protected]. [
Top ] Kart
Grand Prix (26/07) The highlight of the Long
Circuit gearbox karting season takes place this weekend (28th/29th) at the Welsh
Motor Sport Centre, Pembrey, South Wales. This one-off event attracts the top
drivers in long circuit racing and a selection of top short circuit racers
including Nathan Freke and Mark Fell, all chasing the coveted GP plate for use
during the next 12 months. Timed qualifying and heats are on Saturday, and
pre-final and Grand Prix finals on Sunday. With speeds approaching 130mph an
exciting weekend’s racing is in store - why not go along and watch. Pembrey is
located 8 miles from Llanelli and easily accessible from the M4 motorway. [
Top ] New
RPM/Temp Gauge (26/07) Tests are currently being
carried out on a Ferrari Racing 125TM and 100TM for a new competitively priced
rpm/temp gauge combination that is soon to be available. A new thermostat
suitable for Alfano, Bruso, Drack and Srac is also under test and new type free
flow water pipe connectors are expected soon. Further information from [email protected]
or telephone 020 8427 3301. [
Top ] Second
TKM Test Day (25/07) Such a high level of interest
has been gained in the new TKM 4-stroke race engine that a second test day is
being organised to help deal with the large number of drivers wanting a drive.
The first exclusive TKM test event at Whilton Mill scheduled for 2nd August is
now oversubscribed with the company now finalising another date, probably 30th
August. Says Formula TKM co-ordinator
Grahame Butterworth: "The response has been enormous for both two and four
stroke engines, underlining the continued strength of the UK’s largest karting
class and the high interest level in the newest class. "Faced with such a
demand we will obviously be holding another day - and more if required - during
the school holidays. We will finalise details on the new date very shortly and
this will probably be for just four-strokes." Those wishing to attend
should contact Tal-Ko at 01767 682020, fax 01767 691622 or e-mail [email protected].
E-mails are preferred. [
Top ] Carrickfergus
Road Race CANCELLED (24/07) Over ten thousand spectators
and fans of kart racing have been dealt another bitter blow this season with the
announcement late on Monday 23 July that the road kart race at Carrickfergus has
been cancelled. Despite frantic efforts to get a resolution the Ulster Karting
Club and it's team of organisers have not been able to do anything about the
situation. The event which is one of Britain’s largest on the kart racing
calendar and is the largest in the boroughs events calendar has had the last
hour cancellation forced on it by the governing body of motorsport in the UK,
the MSA. Although the MSA had already
issued approval for the race it is understood that the problem arises from
various conditions of the road closure order for the event which the MSA only
realised they had not accounted for over the weekend. Even more embarrassing for
MSA no doubt is the fact that the same road closing order wording has been in
place for years so questions are being asked as to why they never knew of these
conditions and waited so long before forcing the cancellation of the very
successful event which has been run annually for over twenty years. As to
whether the club will be granted a special additional road closing order is
doubtful but hopefully local politicians might be able to do something to assist
the sport. [
Top ] Success
at Kart Control Board Launch
(24/07) Organisers have expressed
their delight at the success of the launch event for the proposed Kart Control
Board, held last week at Birmingham. Motor Sports Association Chief Executive
Colin Hilton said: "We had an excellent turnout and great support shown for
the ideas we have set out to move karting forwards. A lot of people have put in
a great deal of work. "It was a very positive event and we have been given
a clear mandate to move onwards with our plans.” Grahame Butterworth of the
British Kart Industry Association said: "We had a very wide cross section
of attendance representing the whole industry in its widest sense - the best
attended kart meeting I have ever attended. "It is clear that there is a
very strong support for the KCB format which will help move karting forwards
with a view to building a much closer alliance between what is currently seen as
club racing, unlicensed racing and commercial enterprises. By working as one we
can all become stronger. It’s a very big step forwards." The Kart Control Board aims
to bring the sport together from indoor commercial tracks through to top level
outdoor club facilities. It will build a new system for starter licences tied in
with the existing ARKS scheme, create promoter permits and put in place sensible
levels of performance to safeguard those coming into the sport. It is hoped to
start operations next January with plans now being finalised. [
Top ] Maxxis TKM Festival
(23/07) Entries are still continuing
to flood in for the MAXXIS Formula TKM Festival which takes place at Kimbolton
on 11th & 12th August, and with entries due to close this Friday the advice
to drivers is get your entries in on time or risk disappointment. The TKM 4-stroke class will
be represented at the event for the first time with a top class grid of drivers
taking part in a senior class race - among them Terry Langley a previous winner
of the Formula TKM ‘O’ plate. As ever the event will cover all levels of
drivers with top names competing for the ABkC ‘O’ plates including some
current race drivers and Formula A driver Mark Litchfield. At the same time the
special format of the meeting allows for other club drivers to take part in
their own Festival section of this special event right through to novices. Says Formula TKM co-ordinator
Grahame Butterworth: “We have worked hard with Kimbolton to create this unique
event and the atmosphere that goes with it. We look forward to another year of
outstanding racing.” Although some late entries may be permitted, the
organisers stress that the closing dates are vital to allow them to finalise
organisation of the event which means that those applying late could be left
disappointed. Entry forms are available
from Alison Parker at 17 Sandy Close, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 5AY. Entry
forms need to be with Julie Wilson by this Friday, 27th July. [
Top ] Carrickfergus
Road Race (23/07) Cancelled - see news
above. Tuesday night (24th July)
sees one of Britain's fastest road kart races take place at Carrickfergus,
Northern Ireland when the country’s top drivers take on the Carrickfergus
Borough Council supported meeting. Over ten thousand spectators are expected for
the country’s largest spectator kart event which is also the largest on the
borough's series of free summer events. Roads on the Marine Highway and Scotch
quarter areas will be closed from around 5.30pm to 9pm for The Ulster Karting
club promoted event which has attracted an excellent entry so far. In addition
to the 160mph 250cc Superkart machines, all the classes in the sport will be
competing right from the youngest class for the 8 to 12 year old Junior Cadets,
the junior and senior 100cc machines and the 125cc classes. Drivers take on
heats and finals with racing getting underway at 6pm. More UKC details can be
found at www.ukc.iwarp.com and details on
Carrickfergus at www.carrickfergus.org. [
Top ] New
Karting Game On The Horizon (20/07) Infogrames and Babylon
Software have just finished pre-production of a new karting video game using
Trevor George's 2001 Patron Racing Knight Prokart. The game is expected to
launch for Christmas 2002 on the newest games console the "X-BOX". Pat
at Patron Racing will keep all informed about the game closer to the release
date. [
Top ] Max
Test Date Amended (18/07) Open testing for Rotax Max
owners at Buckmore Park will now be on Tuesday 24th July from 10.00 until 14.00.
Open to all Rotax Max owners at a cost £30. Further information from [email protected]. [
Top ] Mechanic Required at New
London Track (18/07) A full time kart mechanic
with some previous experience is required for a brand new track in London. If
you are able to work as a team player and be flexible with duties and working
hours here is a great opportunity to join a young company starting out on the
road to success. The successful applicant will receive a salary according to
experience. Interested? Phone Rick on 020 7538 5195. [
Top ] Warden Law Increase
Owner-Driver Events (18/07) Owner-Drivers can now race at
Warden Law circuit twice a month as in addition to the usual WLKC meeting on the
3rd Sunday in each month, drivers of Cadets, Pro-Karts and now Rotax Max can now
also race on the 1st Sunday every month. Karting North East at Warden Law
Circuit is now running its own sprint racing championship for drivers with and
without MSA racing licenses, with events fully covered by experienced marshals,
clerk of the course, paramedic and scrutineer. Cadets (Honda and Comer) have
3 heats of 10 laps followed by a final of 15 laps, Twin Pro-Karts have 3 heats
of 20 laps followed by a final of 25 laps and Rotax Max have 3 heats of 12 laps
and a final of 15 laps. Entry costs are £20 for cadets and £30 for Pro-Karts
and Rotax Max. Grid positions will be decided by timed qualifying, and Rotax Max
will have standing starts! The first event starts 10.00
am on the 5th August and it’s possible for drivers to just turn up on the day
and race! Contact the circuit on 0191 5214050 or alternatively visit www.kartingnortheast.co.uk
for further information. [
Top ] Jobs at
Daytona (18/07) Daytona @ Silverstone are
currently in need of staff to work at their prestigious location, supporting all
karting events on both our Indoor and Outdoor circuits. The following positions
are available. Karting Instructor.
This is predominately a weekend role and you will be required to instruct to
highest level on Junior Kart Club, Race Training and ARKS events. On applying
you will be ask for a detailed CV, that demonstrates your previous karting and
instructing experience. Minimum age 18. Event Director. Both
weekend and weekday work available. We are looking for a responsible and mature
individual to run karting events. You will be responsible for all customer
facings, safety briefings, supervision of karting Marshall's, event safety,
running of timing equipment and to ensure total customer satisfaction at all
times. Minimum age 21. Karting Marshall's.
Both weekend and weekday work available. We are looking for enthusiastic and
conscientious workers to support Event Directors in the running of karting
events. You will be required to assist in all area's of event safety and
pre/post event preparations. Minimum age 16. Those interested in any of
the vacancies above should email: [email protected]. [
Top ] Championship
Pace Builds (17/07) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Cumbria next weekend (July 21/22) for the latest
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - the series
that helped create F1 superstars like David Coulthard and Jenson Button. The latest round in the
series takes place at the Rowrah circuit near Cockermouth, on a track which has
hosted many of today’s top motor racing stars over the years of the Super 1
Series. The Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series brings together top drivers from
16 to 60 competing for the UK’s premier karting titles. Over a total of seven
rounds the prestige honours will be decided across five titles including the F1
of British karting, the Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Currently Chris Rogers has
taken seven out of eight victories in the finals this year and so heads the
points table with a massive advantage, but the others are keen for victory
making for great racing. Also competing in the series are drivers in the UK’s
largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute accent on
driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson Button is a
former junior champion in this class. Local drivers Jason and Justin Edgar from
just down the road to the circuit will be among the top drivers in the ICA
class. TV cameras from Sky TV are
recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing
takes place on Sunday July 22 from around 11am, with testing and some
qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcome with admission £4 for adults
and £2 for children. Said championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: "The
Total-Hill House Hammond series represents the very best in karting. We look
forward to a continuation of the great racing we have seen so far this year and
to seeing tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on the track." [
Top ] Exclusive
TKM Test Day For 2 & 4 Strokes (16/07) Tal-Ko, makers of the new TKM
4-stroke kart engine, are holding a special exclusive test day at Whilton Mill
in August to allow potential owners a chance to try out its range of products -
2 and 4 stroke. The TKM test day is happening at the Whilton Mill circuit just
north of Silverstone on 2nd August from 10am through to 4pm. The company will make
available a number of TKM 4-stroke engines mounted on its Raider R4 karts ready
for test drives. In addition it will also have TKM 2-strokes with the latest
Super 1 winning TKM Raider karts. Juniors and seniors are welcome to this
special event which has been established to help meet the high demand for tests
on the new karts and engines. The only cost to drivers will be a nominal £5
charge to meet circuit insurance requirements. Those attending do not have to
have an MSA race licence but should have some karting experience. Complete
novices may be accepted so long as they can show suitable competence. Drivers
must bring their own safety equipment. Announcing the event, Tal-Ko
boss Alan Turney said: "We have had a very high number of requests from
drivers wanting to try the equipment and this seems the best way of
accommodating the numbers. We have especially chosen a date in the holidays so
that juniors can attend. "Whilton Mill provides a good facility for such an
occasion with an interesting track and plenty of opportunity to gauge both
engine and chassis performance." It is stressed that this is an exclusive
day to drive TKM equipment and not for drivers to bring their own. Those wishing to attend must
register their intention with Tal-Ko beforehand by either faxing 01767 691622,
e-mailing [email protected] or phoning 01767
682020. [
Top ] Teamworks
Karting Challenge (13/07) Teamworks Karting in central
London have announced a corporate karting championship in association with
Compaq and CSF. Featuring the fastest indoor karts in Europe, racing an inch
above a perfect asphalt race track there will be a 6 round Corporate race series
open to teams of 2-4 drivers. The series runs from August
to December and some great prizes are on offer for winning teams. With no
previous karting experience necessary, all race wear supplied and at a cost of
£180 + VAT per team per round Teamworks are expecting this to be a highly
popular race series with regular updates promised on their website. Test
sessions are available and information on this and for full entry details and
championship information contact the events team by phoning 0870 900 3020 or
e-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] TKM
4-Stroke Forges Ahead (13/07) Tal-Ko has completed
manufacture of its first batch of TKM 4-stroke engines and is pressing ahead
with plans to expand the class on a national and international basis. With an
increasing number of drivers already now regularly racing in the UK, the class
is fast expanding across the channel with sales into mainland Europe and plans
are being finalised for the class to formally kick off there in 2002. Says Tal-Ko boss Alan Turney:
"We have been very pleased at the response to the new engine. Plenty of
orders and enthusiasm from those who have bought and driven them. "Quite
naturally many drivers will choose to continue with two-stroke engines and of
course Formula TKM. But there are many in other areas of the sport who have been
just desperate for a fast, lightweight and realistically priced four-stroke
engine. "Interest from overseas is considerable especially in countries
such as Finland where two-strokes will be banned from the end of next
year." Now Tal-Ko is pressing ahead with its plans to complete 500 engines
ready to keep pace with expected demand. "Our manufacturing operation is
working flat-out on both two and four-stroke engines, adds Alan. [
Top ] Launch
For New Kart Control Board (13/07) The creation of a new Kart
Control Board to oversee karting of every type moves a stage further forward
with a major launch being held on Thursday, July 19 at the Jaguar Visitor
Centre, Castle Bromwich. Circuit owners, event
promoters, clubs and the trade are invited to the special launch being organised
by the MSA in conjunction with key bodies like the NKA, ABkC, BKIA and ARKS. The
new Kart Control Board is seen as an important step forward for the whole of
karting from indoor centres right through to major outdoor venues. The MSA
funded launch will include a formal launch of plans and opportunity for circuit
owners and operators to air their thoughts on ways to get the whole of karting
moving forward together in the future. Already many of the major names in the
industry have pledged their support behind the scheme which is due to kick into
place next January. British Kart Industry
administrator Grahame Butterworth who has played a central role in the
establishment of the Board said: "This is a real opportunity for the whole
of karting to work together in making the sport and the industry even stronger.
We hope to see a very good turn-out at the meeting." Those wanting to
attend are asked to contact John Ryan at the MSA on 01753 681736 or e-mail [email protected]
for a location map for the event. [
Top ] Turkish
Delight! (12/07) Andy Cox Racing attended the
second round of the Turkish Formula A Championships at the Korfez circuit near
Istanbul on the 7th and 8th July and certainly made their presence felt. Their
driver Izzit Cinar won the event with team mates Erdinc Ozteknik 3rd and Oktay
Cinar 4th. All used Birel R31Z chassis with Vortex engines tuned by Andy Cox.
The event was screened live on the Turkish T.V. Channel ATV
which pleased the drivers sponsors Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Turkcell phone
network. [
Top ] Century
(12/07) Century Race Preparation
congratulate all of their drivers' success over the past few weeks. Gold Karts
finished 1st, 2nd & 3rd in 125 Open and 1st & 3rd in 125 National at the
3 Sisters Gold Cup with the Pavesi engines finishing 2nd in 125 Open and 2nd
& 3rd in 125 National. Golds also finished 2nd & 3rd in Rotax Max.
Century supplied Project One's finished 1st & 2nd in Snr TKM at the same
meeting. Gold Karts won the 125 at Kimbolton where the Pavesi engines finished
1st, 2nd & 3rd on the track. Paul Smith also won the Rotax Max race on his
Gold Firefox. Nathan Freke after his success in the 125 Open also finished 2nd
in the Libre class on his Gold Firefox/Sonik engined outfit in its first ever
race in this country. Project One also finished 2nd in Snr TKM. John Barnes
drove his Project One to victory at Clay Pigeon the same weekend. Anybody who
would like to join the winning team should contact Century on 07710 232813 or [email protected]. [
Top ] Lodge
Road Adds New Classes (12/07) Lodge Road Kart Centre have
added two new classes to their monthly race meetings held on the second Sunday
of every month. The next race meeting will have classes for junior 160's/junior
70's, senior/super 70's, senior 160's, senior 125 max, junior 125 max, pro
karts, comer cadets and corporate karts. Further info from Nick on 01526 344566. [
Top ] All
Change At Coventry (07/07) Coventry International
Karting has recently changed owners and new Managing Director; Alex Knight has
instigated a number of exciting changes at the already established circuit. The
most important change has been the purchase of a new fleet of Karts from Biz.
These 200cc Honda single engined Pro-Karts are considered the best available and
are ideally suited to Coventry’s fast 350m circuit. The new Karts not only
provide better faster racing but assist reliability to enable a top class event
to be delivered to clients every time. The Junior Kart school at
Coventry continues to grow in both numbers and quality of drivers and is seen as
a cost effective and fun way for youngsters to get into Karting. One person from
Coventry International Karting that’s already making an impact in his first
full year of MSA competition is the MD’s son James Knight who is competing at
the Whilton Mill club in the 125 Rotax Max class. After a short break the
renowned open Grand Prix events at Coventry are now returning. The events allow
the drivers to take part in a competitive 'Arrive and Race' evenings racing.
Corporate clients are also well catered for with a number of new initiatives
being introduced. For further details contact 024 7654 5454. [
Top ] Racers
Head For Lincolnshire (06/07) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers are converging on Lincolnshire this weekend (7th/8th July) for the
latest round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - the
series that helped create F1 superstars like David Coulthard and Jenson Button. The fourth round in the
series takes place at the Fulbeck circuit near Grantham, on a track which has
hosted many of today’s top motor racing stars over the years of the Super 1
Series. The Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series brings together top drivers from
16 to 60 competing for the UK’s premier karting titles. Over a total of seven
rounds the prestige honours will be decided across five titles including the F1
of British karting, the Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Currently Chris Rogers has
taken all six victories in the finals this year and so heads the points table
with a massive advantage, but the others are keen for victory making for great
racing. Also competing in the series are drivers in the UK’s largest category,
Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute accent on driver ability
rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson Button is a former junior
champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV are recording the action in the
Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for showing in the UK and around
the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing takes place on Sunday
July 8 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday.
Spectators are welcome with admission £3 for adults and children under 16 free.
Said championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond
series represents the very best in karting. We look forward to a continuation of
the great racing we have seen so far this year and to seeing tomorrow’s F1
drivers battling on the track.” [
Top ] More
Stowe Dates (29/06) Daytona @ Silverstone have
opened up more dates for owner driver practice on the Stowe Circuit, they are
31st July and 14th August. The track will be open from 6 p.m. onwards. For more
details email: [email protected]. [
Top ] Young
Racers Head For Cumbria (26/06) The UK’s top junior kart
racing drivers will be converging on Cumbria next weekend (June 30/July 1) for
the latest round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships -
proving ground for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. And fighting for top honours
in the most prestigious class, the Hill House Hammond MSA Junior British Kart
title, will be two young superstars hoping to race on to Formula 1 success. Paul
Di Resta from Bathgate was runner up in the series last year and heads the
points table after a win in the last round at his local track. His closest rival
is Jordan Wise from Essex who will be keen for another win, this time at the
undulating and demanding Rowrah circuit near Cockermouth. Commented championship
spokesman Grahame Butterworth: "The battle for supremacy in this top
national junior class is great. It’s going to be a great race at Rowrah." The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 8 - 17 years old competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British junior karting, the
Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in the
UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. Currently James Bean from
Beverley near Hull leads the Formula TKM Junior class after a dominating display
at Larkhall. Benjy Russell leads the TKM Intermediates. Both will be aiming to
stay top of the pack against great opposition. TV cameras from Sky TV will
be on scene to feature the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM
classes for showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax
programme. Racing takes place on Sunday July 1 from around 11am, with testing
and some qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcomed with admission £4
for adults and £2 for children. Added Grahame Butterworth: "The Total-Hill
House Hammond series represents the very best in karting. The challenging nature
of the Rowrah circuit and its superb setting makes a perfect backdrop for this
high level ultra exciting racing as we see tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on
the track." [
Top ] Early
Birds (22/06) Daytona Karting have
confirmed their continued support of Owner Driver Four Stroke Karting at their
outdoor MSA circuits. In preparation for the 2002 Championships, Daytona will be
running separate Winter Championships for Biz Thunderkarts and for Prokarts at
all three circuits - plus the possibility of some guest rounds at other
circuits. Spaces are limited so book early! Details are almost finalised and
further information about these Winter Championships, as well as next year’s
Summer Championships, can be obtained by calling 0500 145 155, or e-mail: [email protected].
[ Events Calendar ] [
Top ] Top
Racers Head For Dorset (19/06) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Dorset this weekend (June 23/24) for the latest
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - hoping for
rather better weather then the downpour which caused abandonment of the junior
round earlier in the year. The meeting will go ahead on the Clay Pigeon circuit
between Yeovil and Dorchester, where in April racing had to be brought to a halt
after torrential rain brought flooding to the track - the first time ever that a
race meeting has been cancelled in the 20 year history of the series. Commented
championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: "Because of its location on a
hill top the Clay Pigeon circuit has a reputation for changeable weather but in
April it was non stop deluge. The seniors are now around half-way through the
season so the competition is getting very close indeed." The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 16 to 60 competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British karting, the Hill
House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in the UK’s
largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute accent on
driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson Button is a
former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV will be at Clay
Pigeon recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM
classes for showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax
programme. Racing takes place on Sunday
June 24 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday.
Spectators are welcomed with admission £3 for adults and children free. Added
Grahame Butterworth: "The Total-Hill House Hammond series represents the
very best in karting. We look forward to a continuation of the great racing we
have seen so far this year and to seeing tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on the
track." [
Top ] It's A
Revolution (15/06) On Monday 18th June 2001 the
newest karting experience in the Capital opens in Mile End Park, London. A 650
metre floodlit outdoor circuit using state of the art karts + electronic timing
system, with changing/shower/disabled facilities available and located between
the City of London and Canary Wharf. The racing driver designed
circuit includes inclines, banked corners and landscaped infield area. For
further information on events, availability, prices and catering telephone
Revolution Karting on 020 7538 5195 or 07960 815067. [
Top ] 5
Nations (14/06) The Ulster Karting Club
promoted 5 Nations championships will go ahead on 23rd & 24th June as
planned and it is hoped that the meeting will also see a return to the province
by mainland competitors. The Kartparts sponsored event
is one of the largest on the UK calendar and features all the non gearbox
classes with the winner in each class taking away the NC plates. Drivers take on
sets of heats and finals over the two days. Special ferry fares and arrangements
are on offer for visiting drivers and event details can be obtained from the
competition secretary. For more club details see also www.ukc.iwarp.com. [
Top ] Job
Vacancies at Matchams (13/06) Matchams Park and Ringwood
Raceway currently have some vacancies at their Hampshire location. Events Co-Ordinator/Administrator.
Confident, reliable, person with a keen interest in Motorsports, required for
our Corporate Events Department. Preference will be given to applicants with
administrative and mechanical knowledge, as maintenance of site, circuits and
equipment is an integral part of this role. This is a full time, forward moving
role, within an exciting company and offers an excellent package to the right
person. Part-time Gatehouse
Receptionist/Security Person. Duties include: monitoring arrivals and
departures, security, checking in of test vehicles and some administration. 18
Hours per week working every Friday and alternate Saturday/Sunday and occasional
relief. Seasonal Staff required for
Arrive and Drive Fun Kart Operators. A fun role offering consistent hours
throughout the summer period. Applicants must be keen, and fully fit. 20-40?
Hours per week, Overalls supplied. Full training will be given. Track Marshals required for
all events. Would suit Motor Racing Enthusiasts. Uniform supplied. Full training
will be given. Hours to suit. Contact: Sarah Raven or John
Slack on 01425 473305 for application form. [
Top ] ELT+
(12/06) Electro Cases Ltd have
announced that a full upgrade of the ELT lap-timer is available, this is a no
compromise step up to the equivalent of the newly released ELT+. The new version
is fully compliant with multiple strips and I/Red beacon use, up to 6 splits can
be run, or strips can be blanked as required. ELT+ can be configured to operate
on any track with single or multiple strips, and retains ELT's unique instant
increment indication even on the split sectors! This ultimate of lap-timers can
be used in conjunction with beacons to provide ‘narrow zone’ splits thus
suiting all preferences, and meets the demanding requirements of full team
organisations and the budget restricted club karter alike. Contact: www.electrocases.com
or +44 (0)1624 621822 phone / 662133 fax. E-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] What A
Picture (12/06) Sunday 13th May was the date
of the SYKC meeting in memory of Brian Wilson. A former member of South
Yorkshire Kart Club and also a kart dealer and manufacturer with many
championships to his credit, Brian had been responsible for many of the current
members starting out in karting and his widow, Eileen presented all the trophies
on what turned out to be a gloriously sunny day with plenty of exciting racing. The drivers
are as follows from L - R (Back): Steve Cobb - Snr TKM Sam Brough - Jnr Pro's
Dean Bednarek - Rotax (Selected as Driver of the Day) Mrs Eileen Wilson - Widow
of Brian Wilson Matthew Doherty - Jnr Pro (Heavy) Dean Hunter - Jnr Rotax
Jonathan Neville - Jnr TKM Adam Willis - Snr Pro's (Front) Oliver Rowland -
Comer Cadets Thomas Duggan - Honda Cadets [
Top ] Daytona
Karting Sponsors UK Karting (06/06) Daytona Karting, the largest
karting group in the World, will be promoting its venues and events via the UK
Karting website with a series of banners and adverts throughout the site. "Daytona has always
recognised the potential that the Internet offers to UK companies and was one of
the first karting companies to launch its own website back in 1995" says
Jim Graham, Group Karting Director of Octagon Motorsports. "We are always
looking for ways to increase visitors to our site and UK Karting provides a
one-stop shop for anyone interested in karting in the UK. Our current site www.daytona.co.uk
will be updated later in June with an all new site with much more opportunities
for visitors to interact with Daytona and the rest of the Octagon Motorsports
group." Daytona Karting operates
venues in London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Sandown Park and Silverstone and
entertains over 250,000 drivers each year on its circuits. The circuits are
fully equipped to provide safe, exciting racing and unrivalled corporate
hospitality facilities. For more information: [
Top ] Stowe
Open Practice (06/06) Practice sessions are taking
place every two weeks commencing 19th June 2001. The track will be open from 6
pm onwards and practice will cost £15 per kart (maximum of 2 drivers). For
details email: [email protected]. [
Top ] Premier
Championship Revs Up (04/06) The UK’s top junior kart
racing drivers will be converging on Scotland next weekend (June 9/10) for the
latest round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - proving
ground for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow, and fighting for top honours in the
most prestigious class, the Hill House Hammond MSA Junior British Kart title,
will be two young Scots hoping to follow in the wheeltracks of Scottish F1
legends, David Coulthard, Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark. Paul Di Resta from Bathgate
was runner up in the series last year and comes to Larkhall near Glasgow, as a
hot favourite for the championship win. But his likely closest contender for the
title is 13-year-old Daryl McDonald from Edinburgh, current title holder in the
closely fought Formula TKM class. With a race win each in the last round the
sparks will fly, with Essex-based Jordan Wise the current points leader adding
to the spice. Commented championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth: “The
battle for supremacy in this top national junior class is great. It’s going to
be a great show for the Scots on home territory.” The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 8 - 17 years old competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British junior karting, the
Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in the
UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV are
featuring the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing
takes place on Sunday June 10 from around 11am, with testing and some
qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcomed with admission £3 for adults
and £1 for children. Added Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond
series represents the very best in karting. With appalling weather flooding off
the season opener we hope for fine weather and fine racing in Scotland as we see
tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on the track.” [
Top ] Fancy A
BBQ? (04/06) Matchams Kart Club Summer
Racing Extravaganza is coming soon and features a Rotax Max 3 hour Endurance
Race and the "Master of Matchams" "M" Plate - Friday 3rd to
Sunday 5th August 2001. The programme of events gets
underway at 7pm on Friday 3rd August with a 3 hour Enduro for Rotax Max, up to
18 teams, min 3 drivers per team. On Saturday 4th August all classes are catered
for and on Sunday the 5th August there’s heats and a final for the Master of
Matchams ‘M’ plate. BBQ on Friday night and entry
to watch Banger Racing on Saturday evening, what more could you want. Further
information, application forms and regulations from Sarah on 01425 473305
(office hours). [
Top ] ProKart
Series (02/06) Kingdom Kart Klub are holding
a summer series of 9 non-MSA ProKart events for both 160cc and 200cc classes.
Entry is £60 for members and an additional £10 for non-members. For dates see
the Kingdom Kart Klub entry in the Events Calendar, for regulations and entries
contact John Adam on 01592 644200. [
Top ] Search
For F1 Superstars Continues (30/05) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Banbury this weekend (June 2/3) for the latest
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - proving ground
for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. The demanding Shenington circuit just
outside Banbury is the venue for the next round featuring senior karters racing
in four different classes - many of them with their hearts set on making it to
the very top in full size motor racing. The Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series
brings together top drivers of every age from 8 years upwards competing for the
UK’s premier karting titles. Over a total of 14 rounds the prestige honours
will be decided across 10 titles including the F1 of British karting, the Hill
House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in
the UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than size of cheque-book. Current F1 driver
Jenson Button is a former junior champion in this class from just a few years
ago. TV cameras from Sky TV are recording the action in the Hill House Hammond
MSA and Formula TKM classes for showing in the UK and around the world on the
popular Fastrax programme. With so many top race car
drivers like David Coulthard, Dario Franchitti, Jason Plato and James Thompson
all graduating through from karting and the S1 series it is the natural place to
look for tomorrow’s stars. Topping the bill at Shenington will be the top
British class which saw its first race of the season in cold wet conditions.
They will be hoping for very different conditions at Shenington. Racing takes
place on Sunday June 3 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on
Saturday. Spectators are welcomed with admission £5 per car. Said championship
spokesman Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond series represents
the very best in karting. We look forward to this event and to seeing tomorrow’s
F1 drivers battling on the track.” [
Top ] First
Win (30/05) Young Aimie Gardner from
South Wales took her first Formula EcoMoto win at the 24th May Buckmore Park
club meeting. Aimie is not only the first female to compete in this class but
also the youngest. [
Top ] Congratulations
(30/05) Congratulations from WGP
Motorsport to both of their drivers for their hard work and effort during Rounds
2 and 3 of the Ulster Cup. Andrew Armstrong is the reigning Libre Champion in NI
and has only recently joined the massed ranks of the Max Class. Now driving the
new R32Z Birel, he has achieved instant success. Round 2 second overall, Round 3
fourth overall and the best has yet to come. Gary Arrell in only his fourth race
came a creditable thirteenth on the R932 Birel. [
Top ] Fit To
Be A Kart Champion - Finalists Chosen (22/05) Motor Sports Association (MSA)
and the Association of Racing Kart Schools (ARKS), in conjunction with the
Sports Injury and Human Performance Centre at the National Sports Centre at
Lilleshall in Shropshire, have announced the finalists in their "Fit to be
Kart Champion" scheme to develop the careers of aspiring young kart
drivers. The following applications were successful: James Beacroft (Kent);
Darren Burke (Kent); Rory Chamberlain (Lancashire); Paul Di Resta (West
Lothian); Martin Ellingham (Bedfordshire); Nathaniel Freke (Worcestershire);
Rodolfo Gonzalez (Norfolk); Luke Johnson (Lincolnshire); George Lovell (Dorset);
Mathew Nicoll-Jones (Worcestershire); Mark Sargent (Somerset); Jordan Wise
(Essex); Adam Wright (Warwickshire); Christopher Wright (Oxfordshire). A reserve
place has been offered to Alexander Wilkinson (South Yorkshire). Aimed at 14 to 17 year olds,
the "Fit to be Kart Champion" programme commences with a first
assessment at Lilleshall in August. It has been developed to combine elements of
sports fitness and training, diet, nutrition, sports science, mental focus and
preparation for competition. Recognising the special role which parents and
guardians play in karting, the course includes a separate short session for the
parents or guardians of successful finalists, led by an experienced sports
psychologist. Allan Dean-Lewis, MSA
Training & Development Executive commented: "The range of applications
received reflected well on the committed approach already shown by these young
kart drivers, who aspire to become national and international champions, and the
selection panel studied each application in considerable detail before coming to
their final decisions." [
Top ] Bayford
Lap Record Lowered (18/05) Lee Hollywood on his LRG/EcoMoto
reduces 'Outright Lap Record' at Bayford Meadows to 46.19 secs (AMB Timing
System) at the 5th May Formula 6 meeting. [
Top ] Surtees
& Herbert Join Sisley at Buckmore (16/05) Motor-racing legend John
Surtees has become a major investor and joined the board at Buckmore Park
Karting Ltd. It's welcome news to the
Karting fraternity and even more welcome news to those who have watched Bill
Sisley develop Buckmore Park from humble beginnings to the brink of becoming the
most prestigious karting facility in the UK. With the estimated bill for his
much publicised circuit improvements totalling a cool £1 million, from a purely
business angle few would have criticised Sisley had he sold up to finance the
circuit's future but anyone who knows him well would have struggled to imagine
Sisley giving it all up. To him Karting is more than a business. He lives it,
breathes it and Buckmore Park is his passion. Bill says "To be honest
we did have the option of selling the company to a major motor-racing group to
help finance the new Clubhouse, pedestrian bridge and paddock building but with
John's help we can now continue to improve the venue as an independent company.
John shares my vision of Buckmore becoming a centre of excellence for Karting,
both from the driver and engineering point of view. His involvement will benefit
both owner/drivers and our many corporate customers. Johnny Herbert also wants to
get involved because he wants to put something back into the sport and his name
carries a lot of weight. He will be a roving ambassador for the circuit and
becomes a non-executive director. He has already supported the Karting here for
many years being President of the Buckmore Park Kart Club. Construction of Buckmore's
new Clubhouse will commence on the 1st November with the grand opening in mid
March 2002. [
Top ] Biggest
Club Event in North (14/05) Just a few weeks to go before
the biggest club karting event in the north of England, the Gold Cup meeting
held at 3 Sisters by Manchester & Buxton Kart Club (MBKC). The meeting this
year will be held on the renowned Valley Circuit for all classes, a circuit
which is both challenging and fast. Entries are strictly limited to 260 so be
sure to get your entry in soon for this popular 24th June event. Everyone
welcome, for more information and an entry form visit the MBKC website at http://mbkartclub.com/
or phone 01257 253742. [
Top ] Lazalign
Importer/Distributor (11/05) The appointment of Hawkley
International as exclusive UK and European Importer/Distributor for the Lazalign
Chassis Alignment System has recently been announced. An alignment system that
incorporates Class 2 Lasers to simultaneously indicate perpendicular squareness
to the rear axle as the front end is being adjusted it is claimed that results
are stunning with perfect alignment every time, - side to side and front to
back. Eliminate 'crabbing', reduce rolling resistance, reduce tyre wear and
achieve more even handling to both sides say Lazalign, if it's not straight
(perpendicular to the rear axle) then it's not as fast as it could be. According to Brian Millar,
Managing Director of Hawkley International, "Lazalign is a precision built
quality product and will compliment Hawkley's existing range of specialised
karting measuring equipment." For further details of the product please
contact Hawkley International Limited by telephone: 01420 476500, fax: 01420
476500, or visit their website at www.hawkleyint.co.uk. [
Top ] TKM
4-Stroke Engine (09/05) Tal-Ko’s new pioneering TKM
4-stroke kart racing engine has been released to the first customers as
production of the high performance new unit moves up a gear. First paid orders
for the much awaited new engine were taken in January, exactly one year on from
the unit being unveiled at the Autosport International Show. Already the first
batch of engines being produced is sold out. But with 500 of most components now
in stock the company expect to be in a position within days where they have
engines on the shelf ready to deliver. For Tal-Ko owner Alan Turney
delivery of the first new engines comes as culmination of a massive effort over
the past three years to take the engine from being an idea to a production item.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to know they are out there and racing. It has been
a very big project but we feel we have fully met with our target – to produce
from a clean sheet of paper a small, lightweight, powerful and reliable 4-stroke
able to fit onto traditional 2-stroke karts.” This weekend will see the first
TKM 4-stroke karts racing – running on the back of Formula TKM 2-stroke grids.
Already there is the promise of special races for the 4-strokes at this year’s
MAXXIS TKM Festival at Kimbolton. In addition they are free to race within the
open class within the Honda Challenge. Added Alan Turney: “We have a very high
level of interest in both junior and senior versions. Many people wanted to see
them out there racing before they placed their orders and now they have the
chance.” Tal-Ko has received the green
light from the MSA for the new Formula TKM 4-stroke class which will allow use
of 40mm rear axle and three rear axle bearings. In most other respects it is
similar to the Formula TKM 2-stroke class – though without the need for karts
to be UK manufactured. The new TKM 4-stroke engine is 200cc and produces 18BHP
in senior form. It has a higher performance than its 2-stroke sister unit while
also being substantially quieter. Great emphasis has been placed on making the
engine very easy to install and use. Anticipated major rebuild time for the
engine is around 100 hours. Cost of the engine is £1595 plus VAT, ready to go.
A complete TKM Raider R4 kart with engine ready to drive is £2,795 plus VAT.
Full details and regulations are available from Tal-Ko at Sunderland Road,
Sandy, Beds SG19 1QY. Tel 01767 682020. Fax 01767 691622. [
Top ] Blyton
KRC (09/05) The Blyton Kart Racing Clubs'
proposed meeting on 19/20 May has been postponed for 1 week. Sincere apologies
from the organisers but due to circumstances beyond their immediate control the
meeting will now take place on 26/27 May. All those already booked should
contact Wayne on 01472 882960 to confirm they are able to make the revised
dates. [
Top ] Search
For Young Superstars Continues (09/05) Many of Britain’s top kart
racing drivers will be converging on Wigan this weekend (12/13 May) for the
second round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - proving
ground for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. The ultra fast Three Sisters
circuit just outside Wigan is the venue for the next round featuring senior and
junior karters and a first ever round for the new Rotax Max class. The
Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series brings together top drivers of every age from
8 years upwards competing for the UK’s premier karting titles. Over a total of
14 rounds the prestige honours will be decided across 10 titles including the F1
of British junior karting, the Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also
competing are drivers in the UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight
regulations place absolute accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book.
Current F1 driver Jenson Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV are
recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Topping
the bill at Wigan will be the top British junior class which saw its first race
of the season abandoned two weeks ago at Clay Pigeon, Dorset, because of track
flooding in torrential rain. They will be hoping for drier weather on the very
fast sweeps at Three Sisters. Racing takes place on Sunday May 13 from around
11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcomed
with admission £5 for adults and under 16s free. Said championship spokesman
Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond series represents the very
best in karting. We look forward to this event and to seeing tomorrow’s F1
drivers battling on the track. [
Top ] Stowe
Circuit (02/05) Daytona @ Silverstone have
announced two owner driver practice sessions in May on the popular high speed
Stowe Circuit. The dates are 8th and 22nd May and the cost per kart will be £20
(Limited to 2 drivers per kart, additional drivers must sign on at a cost of
£5). The track will be open from 18:00 and practice will cease at 20:30. The
session is open to Twin Engine Pro, Thunder and Rotax Max karts. [
Top ] Watch
Out There's A Thief About (02/05) More sad stories of karts and
equipment being stolen. After Bradley Sargeant lost his Junior Royale from
outside of the Bobbin Apple restaurant in Sittingbourne, Alex Waters from Bath
has had his unraced Formula TKM outfit and trailer stolen from the driveway of
his home on the evening of Friday 27th April. The kart had grey chassis, grey
sidepods, nassau and nose cone, Tillet racing seat, brand new ECL electronic
timer and spares. The trailer plain white twin axle with a roller shutter door.
If anyone has any information please call 01225 311877 (Mr. Waters) or contact
the police. A reward is being offered for safe recovery. [
Top ] The End
Is Nigh! (30/04) Karting Direct the UK's leading on-line and mail order supplier of karting
spares and accessories will be picking the winner of their Prize Draw on Tuesday
1st May so you only have until Monday to enter. The winner will spend a
fantastic day out driving six Supercars around one of the countries fastest race
tracks. It's easy to enter and full details can be found at http://www.kartingdirect.co.uk/. [
Top ] MSA
British Kart Championships (30/04) Dates, venues and contact information of the major championships. View
Info... [
Top ] S1
Junior Opener Abandoned (23/04) Torrential non-stop rain
brought flooding to the track and the enforced abandonment of the opening junior
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 national kart championship. It is the
first time ever in the 20 years of the S1 series that an event has been
abandoned, but with conditions getting worse it was not even possible to get
through all the heats. Just over half of the heats were completed but then as
pools started to build at high speed parts of the Clay Pigeon circuit, racing
was delayed for an hour to see if there was any improvement. At that point the
meeting was then abandoned. The situation means that
drivers will now race over a series with one less event, but will still have one
dropped score. So for all classes except JICA it will mean best 4 results from 5
meetings. In JICA - the MSA Hill House Hammond Junior British Kart Championship
- the same applies, though they have more races. Championship spokesman Grahame
Butterworth said: ”It is a very sad situation after all the work that has gone
into the event from competitors and officials. But when you walk around the
circuit and see the pools of water you appreciate that it was the correct course
of action. Even the commentary box was starting to flood! We hope the next round
is rather drier.” [
Top ] N.I.
Kart Racing (23/04) Pending any restrictions
resulting from the Foot and Mouth crisis, Northern Ireland kart racing drivers
will be hoping to be out in force on Saturday 5th May at Nutts Corner
Motorsports centre for the Ulster Karting Club's opening round of the tough
Ulster Cup series. Drivers in all classes will take on two heats and a final
with points from the heats also counting. Easter Monday and Tuesday saw
one of the largest ever turnouts at Nutts Corner for the Nibbles Catering
sponsored Ulster Kart Racing Championships. The event comprised of three heats
per class on each day with the best two results on each day counting which
really showed off the consistent performance of drivers over the two days . The
Ulster Karting Club promoted event was the opening event of the season as a
result of the previously planned Ulster Cup and NIKA championship rounds which
were forced to be cancelled due to the foot and mouth crisis. Drivers are reminded that the
unique Five Nations Championships is slightly earlier this year on 23 & 24
June. Entries will soon be opening and with some very special ferry deals on
offer the event will hopefully see a good entry from mainland contenders. Event
details as usual from the competition secretary. Special SteanLine offers
through the Belfast office Tel 028 9088 4072 including offers for N Ireland
drivers racing at mainland events. Club details and any changes due to the foot
and mouth crisis can be obtained on the club's temporary web site www.ukc.iwarp.com. [
Top ] New
Scheme To Develop Future Kart Champions (18/04) The Motor Sports Association
(MSA) and the Association of Racing Karts Schools (ARKS) have announced the
launch of "Fit to be a Kart Champion", a new scheme to develop the
careers of up to 20 aspiring young kart drivers. In consultation with the
Sports Injury & Human Performance Centre at the National Sports Centre at
Lilleshall in Shropshire, a programme has been developed which combines sports
fitness and training, diet, nutrition, sports science, mental focus and
preparation for competition. Recognising the special role which parents and
guardians play in karting, the course will include a separate short session (at
no cost to the parents or guardians of successful finalists who wish to attend)
led by an experienced sports psychologist. MSA Training & Development
Executive Allan Dean-Lewis said: "This initiative follows our successful
rally programme last year and is designed to encourage a professional and
committed approach from young kart drivers aspiring to become national and
international champions." Entries for the "Fit to
be a Kart Champion" initiative are open to kart drivers aged between 14 and
17 on 31 March 2001, who are in membership of an MSA-recognised kart club, hold
a 2001 MSA Competition Licence at National A status or above, finished in the
top ten of the Super 1, Super 4, Champions of the Future or Honda Challenge
series in 2000 and are competing in one of those championships during 2001.
Entry is by completion of a detailed questionnaire, available by sending an A5
stamped addressed envelope (marked for the attention of Allan Dean-Lewis,
Training & Development Executive) to MSA at Motor Sports House, Riverside
Park, Colnbrook, Berkshire SL3 OHG. Entries close on Monday 30
April 2001. Shortlisted candidates may be called for interview prior to final
selection, with announcement of the finalists during May 2001. All successful
candidates will be required to attend the Lilleshall Human Performance Centre
for two separate one-day sessions, scheduled for the 8 August and 24 October
2001, culminating in certification and award presentations. [
Top ] Young
Racers Head For Dorset (18/04) Britain’s top junior kart
racing drivers will be converging on Dorset this weekend (April 21/22) for the
opening round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships -
proving ground for the Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. The meeting will go ahead
on the Clay Pigeon circuit between Yeovil and Dorchester, after top level talks
to confirm the advisability of running the event amidst the current foot &
mouth problem. Special steps will be taken including use of disinfectant on the
circuit entrance and a total ban on all domestic animals. Commented championship
spokesman Grahame Butterworth: “The decision was not taken lightly. But
because the government are actively encouraging people to go out into the
country, it seemed fully responsible to proceed.” The Total-Hill House Hammond
S1 series brings together top drivers from 8 - 17 years old competing for the UK’s
premier karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the prestige honours will
be decided across five titles including the F1 of British junior karting, the
Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in the
UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV will be
recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing takes place on Sunday
April 22 from around 11am, with testing and some qualification on Saturday.
Spectators are welcomed with admission £3 for adults and children free. Added
Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond series represents the very
best in karting. We look forward to the start of this year’s action and to
seeing tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on the track.” [
Top ] MAXXIS
TKM Festival OK At Kimbolton (17/04) The MAXXIS TKM Festival has
been given the green light to go-ahead after the foot and mouth disease brought
a temporary halt to racing at Kimbolton circuit. Racing will resume at
Kimbolton in May after a three month lay-off caused by the disease. Commented
club Chairman Mick Nairn: “It’s a great relief to be racing again. The good
news is that the Festival will be going ahead as planned.” Full regulations
for the event will be available in May from Kimbolton club race secretary Julie
Wilson. The MAXXIS TKM Festival takes place on August 11/12 with testing on the
Friday. The event is a major occasion with drivers attending from all over the
UK. Aside from the Festival races, it also incorporates the prestigious ABkC ‘0’
plate titles for TKM juniors, intermediates and seniors. Full TV coverage for
this largest UK kart race meeting of the year will be beamed world-wide and a
post-event video available, in addition to the opportunity for motor racing
scholarships. [
Top ] EcoMoto
Sets Lap Record (11/04) Lee Hollywood driving his LRG/EcoMoto
at the recent Formula 6 meeting at Bayford Meadows on Saturday 7th April took
the circuits 'Outright Lap Record' with a time of 46.77! The following day at
the Trackside EcoMoto/Rotax Max Endurance series Peter Sanders on Nigel Hughes'
Hasse/EcoMoto put their kart on Pole in Qualifying and then set the Fastest Lap
of the day with a 46.90 secs. For further information on either the EcoMoto or
the Trackside Series, contact: [email protected]. [
Top ] Yamaha
'O' Plate Back On (09/04) The Bridgestone Formula
Yamaha '0' Plate will now take place at Fulbeck on the weekend of 21st/22nd
April. The format will be three heats and a pre-final, followed by a 28 lap '0'
Plate Final. Control slicks will be used along with Parc Ferme for the meeting
and Bridgestone YBN's will be supplied as part of your entry package. For
further details and entry forms contact: Anne Laws at LKRC on 0191 272 2989. [
Top ] FEKC
Meeting On (09/04) Forest Edge Kart Club have
now had confirmed from DERA their landlords that the May meeting scheduled for
5th/6th May can go ahead. The extra practice day that was also scheduled for
Sunday April 22nd as well as the normal practice the day before the race is also
confirmed. DERA have said that racing can go ahead with strict disinfection
procedures in place. Full details are being placed on the FEKC web site at www.fekc.co.uk
or can be obtained from the Comp Sec - Joy Tolhurst on 01256 893663. [
Top ] Summer
Series' Commence (06/04) The Buckmore Park Kart Club
Summer 2 stroke Series kicks off on Easter Sunday 15th April. The 8 round
championship takes place on the 3rd Sunday of every month (except August). All
ABkC non gearbox classes are welcome including Libre and EcoMoto and non BPKC
members are also welcomed. Open practice is available on the Wednesday and
Saturday immediately preceding each round between 10am and 4pm. Cost is £40 per
Kart. Further details from Sheila Rose, Competition Secretary on 01634 201562
ext 210. Tockwith have the first round
of their Summer Series scheduled for this Sunday 8th April with following rounds
on Sunday's 13th May, 3rd June, 8th July, 12th August, 23rd September, 28th
October, 25th November and 23rd December. Classes include Honda Cadet, Comer
Cadet, Senior Prokart, Junior Prokart and Snr/Jnr Rotax Max with practice for
all classes on Saturday. Primarily a non-MSA starter club it has a number of
drivers that have moved on to National Championships but come back from time to
time to race including Adam Willis, James Clink and Trevor George. For more
information please contact Carol Moore at Tockwith Motorsport on 01423 358501. [
Top ] Ulster
Championships Are Go! (04/04) The Ulster Karting Club
confirmed today that it's two day Ulster Championships meeting should go ahead
as planned on Easter Monday and Tuesday. Once again the championship has
received grateful assistance from Nibbles Catering who have been a firm
supporter of the club for some years. The event is one of the club's largest of
the year with drivers in all classes taking on a tough series of six races over
the two days. The best two results on each day count overall with the winner
proving their consistent capabilities overall. In the wake of the recent
foot and mouth crisis, the event will also be the club's opening event of the
new season and although subject to a few sensible precautionary measures being
taken as advised by the Department of Agriculture the event should run smoothly.
The opening two meetings which were opening rounds of the club's Ulster Cup
series and the NIKA championship were forced to be cancelled resulting in
drivers that were not able to book the circuit for private testing not getting
in full race practice. To help make up for the loss of race practice, the club
intends to run a full afternoon practice session on Sunday 15th April (starting
at noon) in addition to the Thursday evening practice on 12th April (starting at
5pm). Drivers that took on the club's first ever winter series will undoubtedly
be in better shape having raced throughout the winter and judging on some of the
performances in the series some of the main names could be in for a tougher than
expected run. For more club details go to the club's temporary web site www.ukc.iwarp.com. [
Top ] Briggs
and Stratton (04/04) Uckfield Motor Sport have
been appointed the sole Briggs and Stratton Motor Sport dealer for the UK with
effect from the 1st of April, giving a focal point for engine and technical
enquires. Parts and engines will be available by Mail Order and also part and
full engine rebuilds on all 4 strokes will be still be undertaken. Further
information can be obtained by telephoning Uckfield Motor Sport on 01825 763913. [
Top ] Rowrah
On! (03/04) Rowrah is definitely on for
this weekend. After communicating with MAFF the circuit are clear to race on
Sunday 8th April. Normal precautions will be in force at the circuit entrance. [
Top ] Premier
Championship Gets Under Way (31/03) Britain’s top kart racing
drivers will be converging on Lincolnshire this weekend for the opening round of
the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships - proving ground for the
Grand Prix stars of tomorrow. The meeting will go ahead on
the PFI circuit at Brandon near Grantham, after top level talks to confirm the
advisability of running the event amidst the current foot & mouth problem.
Special steps will be taken including use of disinfectant on the circuit
entrance and a total ban on all animals. Commented championship spokesman
Grahame Butterworth: “The decision was not taken lightly. But because there is
no disease in the area, the circuit is only a very short distance from one of
the busiest roads in the country and the government are actively encouraging
people to go out into the country, it seemed fully responsible to proceed.”
The Total-Hill House Hammond S1 series brings together top drivers competing for
the UK’s premier senior karting titles. Over a total of seven rounds the
prestige honours will be decided across five titles including the F1 of British
karting, the Hill House Hammond MSA British Championship. Also competing are drivers in
the UK’s largest category, Formula TKM, where tight regulations place absolute
accent on driver ability rather than cheque-book. Current F1 driver Jenson
Button is a former junior champion in this class. TV cameras from Sky TV will be
recording the action in the Hill House Hammond MSA and Formula TKM classes for
showing in the UK and around the world on the popular Fastrax programme. Racing
takes place on Sunday April 8 from around 11am, with testing and some
qualification on Saturday. Spectators are welcomed with admission £2 for adults
and £1 for children. Added Grahame Butterworth: “The Total-Hill House Hammond
series represents the very best in karting. We look forward to the start of this
year’s action and to seeing tomorrow’s F1 drivers battling on the track.” [
Top ] Success
At Whilton Mill (31/03) It was smiles all round for
the SRS Racing team at Whilton Mill on the 25th March. SRS drivers dominated the
Rotax Max class in the heats and finals, Steven Johnson won the final in fine
style aboard his SRS Biesse kart along with Tom Rossiter and Simon Mason also
sharing the glory with heat wins and fastest laps recorded in the heats.
Information on the SRS Racing team can be obtained by contacting Stuart Ziemelis
at www.srsracing.co.uk. [
Top ] 165
Dummy Grid About to Close (30/03) Just a quick reminder for all
those people wishing to compete in this year's 165 Challenge that your
registration forms must be received by Julie Wilson no later than Thursday 5th
April. Details of the challenge can be obtained from the events section on this
website under Series, or by logging on to www.165challenge.co.uk. [
Top ] TKM
Karts Top S1 Qualifiers (30/03) Tal-Ko manufactured TKM
Raider karts have topped the tables in both Junior and Senior Formula TKM
qualifying sections of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Kart
Championships. James Bean in Juniors and Tom Seward in Seniors head both closely
contested categories having selected the new 2001 TKM Raider karts as their
choice. The latest spec chassis has already taken a number of wins this year in
both wet and dry conditions underlining its competitiveness. Two alternative
models are available - the R1 and R3. Details from Tal-Ko at 01767 682020. [
Top ] WLKC
Summer Series (30/03) On behalf of WLKC the circuit
operators are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the
City of Sunderland council allowing the club to run its summer series staring
15th April. Because it is apparent that Foot & Mouth is a long term problem
the council has agreed disease control measures with Karting North East allowing
it to continue to operate normally. See the KNE website or telephone the circuit
for details on 0191 521 4050 [
Top ] Free
Entry to Charity Karting Events (28/03) Wessex Cancer Trust are
organising a series of karting events this year with the top four drivers from
each event qualifying for a Grand Final later in the year. Entry is free, but with the
condition that entrants raise sponsorship money for Wessex Cancer Trust. WCT is
a major regional cancer charity focused on cancer care, education, prevention
& research. There are some major motorsport prizes lined up for the event
winner and also those who raise the most money for the charity, including rides
in Ferraris and Porsches at Thruxton, tours of the Williams Factory, and at
least ten other significant awards. Race dates are expected to be; 6th May - Eastleigh, 3rd June
- Andover, 17th June - Aldershot, 8th July - Gosport, 7th October -
Christchurch, 14th October - Swindon. Further details and entry forms are
available from the event organiser, Liam Sweeney, on 023 8026 6876. [
Top ] Honda
Cadet Championship (28/03) Cumbria Kart Racing Club,
operating from the Rowrah circuit, have announced that they will be running a
Honda Cadet Club Championship for the first time ever in 2001. This is in
response to increasing grids and the need to support and reward those drivers
who support the Club. Club Vice President, Malcolm Fell, said "We have seen
an increase in numbers in this class and see a need to maintain their interest
in the Club and the circuit. With the increased performance from the Honda's, we
feel that they deserve their own race and will certainly give them that if the
entries warrant it. For the time being, they may race with the Comers - but are
challenging for their own Championship." [
Top ] Well
Done (28/03) Well done to James Russell,
Project One Racing and Andy Waterman on winning the Bayford Meadows Senior Max
Winter Championship. 15 year old James came from Junior Royale and moved into
senior Max from 1st January as probably one of the youngest Max drivers in the
UK. He bought a Gold Firefox chassis and has been helped by Project One Racing
and Andy Waterman, clinching the title in the final round on Sunday. As well as
winning the championship James also managed to squeeze in wins at PF and an
endurance too. [
Top ] CotF
Web Site Launched (27/03) The Official Champions of the
Future website has now been launched. Fixtures, results, driver profiles and
more are already on-line and regular site updates are promised, particularly
prior to each round due to the current Foot and Mouth crisis. For more
information visit www.champions-of-the-future.tv. [
Top ] More
Congratulations (27/03) Century Race Preparation
would like to congratulate their driver Nathan Freke on winning the 125 Open
Long Circuit O Plate / UK Cup at Cadwell Park 20/3/1. Nathan won all three races
during the day from a very strong field, setting the fastest lap in each race.
At 17 he is the youngest winner of this event, driving his Beaumont Pavesi /
Century prepared Gold Kart outfit. Any body interested in taking up 125 gearbox
racing and trying this equipment should look at www.century-karting.co.uk
for details. [
Top ] Congratulations
(23/03) Kart-E-Quip would like to
send congratulations to Matt Hamilton on winning the Buckmore winter series
convincingly on the new Cool Kart. From 9 races he won 7, and came 2nd in the
remaining 2. Good luck in the Super 1 British Champs. [
Top ] Foot
and Mouth - Food for Thought (22/03) Cancel all sporting activity,
don't venture into the countryside, be prepared to be disinfected, batten down
the hatches! Scary headlines, but what more if anything should be done regarding
Foot & Mouth disease? Here
is an article received earlier this week. [
Top ] Kart
Race Industry Suffers (19/03) The UK's kart racing industry
is being severely hit by the foot & mouth restrictions on the sport -
highlighted still further with the cancellation of the final junior qualifying
round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Championships. The British Kart Industry
Association reports a serious downturn in business for its members as race
meetings are cancelled around the country - often at short notice, but there is
anger that while some race meetings have been forced to shut, the circuits
involved have then run test days with large number of competitors attending.
Anger too that other events such as football are still taking place. The BKIA, which represents
the main professionals within the industry, says members are losing significant
amounts of business as a direct result of the disease and will be seeking
opportunities for the Government to offer compensation for the losses. BKIA
spokesman Grahame Butterworth explained: "Naturally we are concerned over
the impact on the farming community but ultimately we have to look to the
continuation of our own businesses. What seems very unfortunate is the rather
haphazard way in which events are cancelled and then replaced by test days -
with maybe as many or more people attending. In other cases it just means
drivers travel further to race. Such a situation does no-one any good.
Furthermore we see no signs of football matches being shelved - events which
carry many times more people around the roads than our own sport. We understand
the need to take steps but such steps need to be better thought through, better
organised and where necessary, backed by compensation." The effects on the industry
are widespread across manufacturers, retailers and teams. Many thousands of
pounds are being lost every week. Alan Turney, boss of Tal-Ko, the UK's largest
kart engine manufacturer and Chairman of the BKIA says: "The effect has
been swift. For example tyre sales have plummeted this month. Everyone within
the trade is being hit and some businesses will not only have to put staff on
short-time but actually go under. We need good planning and compensation to help
us through this difficult period. The kart industry is being devastated by
others." [
Top ] Munns
& Scott (19/03) Trackside Karting are pleased
to announce that they will be entering a team in this year's GT1 Challenge. The
Drivers have been announced as Edward Munns and Danny Scott who raced in
Trackside's own Rotax endurance championship as team Ace Wines. The team will be
running on Eglem's new Le Mans chassis for which Trackside have been appointed
UK distributor, with backing from Ace Wine Stores, Teng Tools, Pit Displays
International and Sprint Engineering UK. Trackside can be contacted on 01795 47
33 00. [
Top ] Fairmont
Driver Support (16/03) Fairmont Motorsport Insurance
are pleased to announce that in conjunction with the launch of their web site, www.fairmontinsure.com
they will be supporting Viktor Jensen and Dan Burke in the Junior Rotax
championships this year. [
Top ] S1
Junior Qualifier Cancelled (15/03) The Super 1 series has been
forced to cancel this weekend's final junior qualifier for the Total-Hill House
Hammond kart championships following a last minute decision by Sunderland
council who own the circuit. Late Wednesday afternoon the council insisted on
the meeting being cancelled in the face of the growing Foot & Mouth crisis.
With no more time for another round it means that qualification will be taken
from the first round held at Lydd a few weeks ago. Competitors will be notified
of their points. However at present the senior qualifier due for the following
weekend at Buckmore Park is still on. Commented S1 organiser Neil Hann: "We
are obviously very disappointed with the news but in the face of the current
situation there is nothing we can do and no more time to run another
round." Warden Law is still open to
owner drivers wishing to do any normal testing, and at the present time the club
meeting is still scheduled to go ahead on Sunday 15th April. [
Top ] Yamaha
'0' Plate Postponed (13/03) This event
is no longer postponed.
Click here for details. The Yamaha '0' plate due to
take place at Fulbeck later this month has been postponed until the weekend of
21/22 April. [
Top ] Karting
Fun Night (13/03) On the evening of Friday 20th
April, DJ Motorsport are holding a fun event at Buckmore Park using twin-engine
Honda Prokarts. A 1 hour endurance race for 2 driver teams with 15 minute driver
changes, full driver briefing, presentation ceremony with trophies, a special
husband & wife (or similar!) class, and more. Do something different on a
Friday night, get some friends together for a fun night of racing! For more
information call Phil on 01634 719791 or e-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] S1
Qualifiers (12/03) The final two qualifying
rounds of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 National Kart Championships have been
given the go-ahead subject to no major changes in the foot & mouth
situation. The qualifiers for Formula
TKM, Cadets and Rotax Max are scheduled for Warden Law this weekend (juniors)
and Buckmore Park on March 25 (seniors). First rounds of the full championship
which includes the junior and senior MSA British kart titles are due for seniors
at PFI on April 8 and at Clay Pigeon on April 22 for juniors. If any changes
occur in the situation they will be announced immediately. [
Top ] Preliminary
Deals (12/03) Early indications from
Quote4insurance are that their 'Spotters' have awarded Luke Caudle from north
London £1000, and Gary Freeman of Barnet is to get sponsorship in 3 stages and
an offer of a 10 year sponsorship deal. They have been surprised by the number
of letters received from karting sponsorship hopefuls giving details of their
achievements and the company is currently looking to increase their commitment
to the sport. [
Top ] NIKA
Championship Blow (11/03) For the second week running,
it looks like The Ulster Karting Club will be forced to cancel a kart race at
Nutts Corner Motor Sports Centre. The club was due to hold the
opening round of the NIKA championship on 17th March and although the circuit
owners Antrim Borough Council are not being committal at present it is most
likely that the event will be cancelled. The statements yesterday on national
press by Briege Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture, indicated that the situation
regarding the foot and mouth disease is still extremely serious and for event
organisers to continue with event cancellations. Despite some controversy over
the types of events not being cancelled and that venues like Nutts Corner can
still be privately hired by groups of individuals, the club is determined to be
a part of the prevention of any further outbreaks of the agriculture crippling
disease. If the cancellation of events continues, other karting clubs will also
soon suffer. The club has also opened a temporary web site www.ukc.iwarp.com
for anyone interested in monitoring the situation and includes the race dates
for this season in the club. This site will also be updated until the club's own
site is launched later this month. The club gratefully requests that drivers
monitor the usual media sources, and the various web sites for up to date
information. Hopefully the calendar of events for April will go ahead as
scheduled. [
Top ] Peel
Kart GP (08/03) Due to circumstances beyond
their control the Isle of Man Kart Racing Association have announced with deep
regret that this year's Kart Racing Festival at Peel scheduled for the 27th to
30th June 2001 has been cancelled. The road is currently
undergoing major work, and information initially received gave the completion
date as end of May, but it has now been confirmed that this will not happen and
works are not now scheduled to finish until 17th August 2001. The inconvenience
this has caused is regretted both for the many that enjoy the racing at Peel and
for the club themselves who look forward to running this event. All possible
alternatives were investigated but at the end of the day their only choice was
to cancel. The Association have received assurances from local companies that
for those who have already booked, you will be able to receive full refunds.
Should any problems occur please contact either Ian Smith on 01624-629060 or
Brett Hammonds on 01624-617158 who are in the process of issuing refunds to
those people that have already paid their entries. The Isle of Man Kart Racing
Association look forward to seeing everyone in 2002 and assure everyone they’ll
be back, bigger and better! [
Top ] Ulster
Cup Update (07/03) This Saturday was planned to
see the provinces kart racing drivers roar into action again at Nutts Corner
Motorsports centre for the opening round of the Ulster Karting Club's Ulster Cup
series. However, like a number of other sports the event has unfortunately been
cancelled as a result of the Foot and Mouth disease. Up until last weekend,
motorsport events at permanent race circuits were not affected with events in
Southern Ireland and events using the likes of public roads being those most
affected, some being cancelled right up to 5th April. However on Tuesday
afternoon the club was notified by the circuit owners, Antrim Borough Council,
that a decision had been take following consultations with the Ministry of
Agriculture. Last Saturdays opening
practice meeting was also forced to be cancelled by the Council mostly due to
the track being covered in ice following the previous weeks snow falls. Like all
sports organisers cancellations are a bitter blow but the club is well aware
that this particular disease must be prevented. Hopefully the race programme can
be resumed as soon as possible. The club has opened a
temporary web site www.ukc.iwarp.com
for anyone interested in
monitoring the situation. This site will also be updated until the club's own
site is launched later this month. The club would be grateful
that competitors do not ring them at present as the situation is out of their
hands. Event rescheduling will be relayed via the media and the Web site. The Ulster Cup championship
is one of the most challenging with drivers scoring points in both the two heats
and the final at each championship round. With consistency overall therefore
being vital to good results the early rounds would have undoubtedly be well
attended. The championship follows hot on the heels of a well attended Winter
Series which was a first for the club. But with a number of last years top
Ulster Cup drivers not taking part in the winter series, the drivers that were
competing are still in full race fitness and could well take the early
championship lead. The rescheduled and possibly shortened championship will now
be even more competitive than ever. [
Top ] Green
Light Given (06/03) Buckmore Park: Ellough Park: [
Top ] 160
Challenge Gets Heavy (05/03) New regulations mean that the
successful 160 Challenge has been renamed 165 Challenge and now carries a
minimum weight limit of 165Kgs. The 2001 series starts at Buckmore Park on 15
April and those wishing to submit last minute applications should take a look at
the UK Karting events calendar (under series) for further
information and registration details. The series will consist of 9 rounds with 6
to count and all applications must be received by 05 April 2001. Website at: http://www.165challenge.co.uk/ [
Top ] Ellough
Park Raceway (05/03) Ellough Park regret Great
Ormond Street have withdrawn from the "Grand Opening" event on 5th May
and have reluctantly decided to cancel the event. An alternative event is being
planned... Watch this space for news. Due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak, the
circuit was closed on Friday 2nd March. However, the circuit land owners have
been in regular contact with the authorities and hope to have a meeting tomorrow
(Tuesday) to look at ways of reopening as soon as possible. It is likely that
the circuit can be reopened for the testing session this weekend (Saturday
10th). Please call 01603 486655 for up to date information. On a more positive
note, the construction of the new clubhouse and race control is now well under
way and is already drawing plenty of complimentary remarks! [
Top ] Ulster
Cup (03/03) Saturday 10th March is
planned to see Northern Ireland's kart racing drivers roar into action again at
Nutts Corner Motorsports centre for the opening round of the Ulster Karting
Club's Ulster Cup series. However, all drivers and
spectators are asked to maintain a close watch on the various media sources over
this week as the MSA, the governing body for motorsport in the UK, may force the
cancellation of the meeting due to the potential for foot and mouth disease to
be spread. To clarify some comments in the recent local press, motorsport events
at permanent race circuits were as of Saturday 3rd March not affected with
events in Southern Ireland and events using the likes of public roads being
those most affected, some being cancelled right up to 5th April. Saturdays (3rd
March) opening practice meeting was forced to be cancelled by the circuit owners
Antrim Borough Council mostly due to the track being covered in ice following
the previous weeks snow falls. However, they too could impose restrictions on
the event pending reviews this week between them and MSA. The club has opened a
temporary web site www.ukc.iwarp.com for
anyone interested in monitoring the situation. This site will be updated until
the club's own site is launched later this month. Assuming that this Saturdays
meeting does go ahead as planned, drivers will get extra practice. The Ulster Cup championship
is one of the most challenging with drivers scoring points in both the two heats
and the final at each championship round. With consistency overall therefore
being vital to good results the early rounds will undoubtedly be well attended.
The championship follows hot on the heels of a well attended Winter Series which
was a first for the club. But with a number of last years top Ulster Cup drivers
not taking part in the winter series, the drivers that were competing are still
in full race fitness and could well take the early championship lead. [
Top ] Super 1
Qualifier Goes Ahead (01/03) This weekend's senior
qualifier for the Total-Hill House Hammond S1 kart championships has been given
the green light to proceed despite the current Foot & Mouth disease scare. The event, to be held at the
Three Sisters Circuit, Wigan, has been approved by the circuit operators, by
Wigan local authorities and Motor Sports Association, and has been referred to
the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Since the circuit is based in
an industrial area right by key motorway links the event will proceed, though
even at this stage the Ministry could force a last minute ban if there is a
sudden change in the current situation. The event is the first senior
qualifier for the top national kart championships with drivers from the popular
Formula TKM and Rotax classes competing to make it into the main series. Announcements on the
forthcoming junior and senior qualifiers will be made at a later date. [
Top ] GT
Challenge Junior Max Enduro Sprint (01/03) Following the success of the
GT Challenge Rotax Max Endurance, Organiser Graham Morris has announced the
launch of a new Junior championship. The GT Challenge Junior Max Enduro Sprint.
Beginning in June at Buckmore Park, the series will give the juniors a taste of
a different format of racing and will create a natural breeding ground to
develop the single seater drivers of the future. The eight round series will
comprise of a fifteen minute timed qualifier followed by a ten lap Pre-Final.
The event will conclude with an enduro-sprint of sixteen laps. This format, with
longer than usual races, will allow the juniors to consider their tactics and
think through the strategy for the event as a whole rather than the mad dash, do
or die of conventional sprint meetings and more in line with mainstream motor
race events. Eight rounds are planned from
June to November, the series will be contested at the three circuits favoured by
the Max drivers in the main GT Challenge. Buckmore Park (June 17th, July 15th
and September 16th) Bayford Meadows (August 26th, October 28th and November
25th) and Lydd (October 7th and November 4th.) Each round of the championship is
integral to the normal club race calendar for each circuit which permits those
drivers with brothers, sisters or even dads who race in other classes to fit
this new championship into already busy diaries. Run under the usual M.S.A
licence and to the standard M.S.A rule book, the series makes a welcome addition
to the ever more popular world of Rotax Max racing. As with its big brother, the
GT Challenge, future plans include television coverage and a possible
scholarship to assist young talent to pursue a planned path up the motor racing
ladder, irrespective of income. Further information is available from Graham
Morris at M Sport motor racing and promotions, who can be contacted on 01795
439705 or via e-mail: [email protected] The
incredible success of the GT Challenge over the last three seasons has proved
that there is a huge demand for reliable, fast and competitive two-stroke
racing. The new Junior Max Enduro-Sprint series provides the perfect breeding
ground for the future. [
Top ] Cancelled
Meeting (01/03) The Forest Edge Kart Club
meeting due to take place this weekend (3rd & 4th March) has been cancelled
due to the 'Foot and Mouth' epidemic. http://www.fekc.co.uk/. [
Top ] Century
(01/03) Century Race Preparation have
been appointed authorised distributors for Teng Tools in the karting arena.
Enquiries for more information should be directed to Century via e mail to [email protected]
Trade enquiries are welcomed. Century would also like to
congratulate their race team for the results at 3 Sisters and Whilton Mill last
weekend with Nathan Freke winning the 3 Sisters 125 Open on his Pavesi / Gold
outfit, and Project One's finishing 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6th in Senior TKM, and also
Rotax Heavy winners. Whilton Mill 2, 4, & 5th in senior TKM. [
Top ] Rissington
Meeting Cancelled (28/02) Rissington Kart Club regrets
to announce that its season opener on 3rd/4th March has had to be cancelled, due
to the national 'Foot and Mouth' epidemic. The club has been refused permission
to use the circuit on the grounds of public health, making the meeting the
latest in a long line of national sporting events to be called off this weekend.
Anyone that had entered the meeting will have their fees automatically carried
forward to the next event on April 1st. However, drivers are advised that they
must still send in a new entry form for the event, but without enclosing payment
if applicable. For full details, visit the club's new website at www.rissykartclub.com. [
Top ] Sponsorship
Offered (28/02) Quote4insurance.co.uk are
offering sponsorship to karters. Varying levels of sponsorship will be available
for up to three lucky karters and to apply all you need to do is to state in
writing the reasons why you feel you should be sponsored and send in some
photographs too, you must also detail any existing sponsorship arrangement
already in place. Everyone that writes in with his or her achievement stories
will receive a free Baseball cap and the karters considered to have sent the
most apt story will be included in the Quote4Insurance awards for sponsorship
scheme. So put pen to paper and send off with some photographs as you might be
one of the lucky ones, and from all letters received some will be selected at
random and published in the special karting section soon to be set-up on the
Quote4Insurance website. All those interested should write to: Quote4insurance Kart
Sponsorship, [
Top ] New
Buckmore Clubhouse (28/02) Buckmore Park boss Bill
Sisley has recently received full and final planning approval from Tonbridge and
Malling Borough Council of the radically revised plans for the circuit's new
£1m clubhouse. Bill explained: "The original plans, which were passed a
few years ago, became outdated as the circuit grew in popularity. The new design
takes advantage of the latest in building techniques and will comfortably cater
for our 150,000 visitors each year. Initially we planned to start construction
this spring but we didn't want the work to disrupt our summer season. The
project will now get underway on 1st November, with completion scheduled for
March 2002." The ground floor area
includes an 85-seat cafeteria/restaurant, bar, kitchens, changing rooms with
showers, toilets, medical centre, lift, merchandise area, viewing terrace and
access to a new corporate pit lane. The top floor will feature a 200-seat
conference/briefing room with internet-linked audiovisual facilities, toilets,
additional catering facilities and a licensed bar. Large folding screens will
allow the main room to be divided into smaller hospitality suites or meeting
rooms, each with access to the balcony offering panoramic views of the circuit
and surrounding woodland. Further development at Buckmore includes: a pedestrian
bridge to link the paddock with the new clubhouse; an additional small paddock
building incorporating a fast-food restaurant, medical room and toilets; and a
children's karting area for 3-8 year-olds. Click on
the pictures below for larger images. [
Top ] Raider
Heads The Pack (27/02) Formula TKM newcomer James
Bean scorched to victory in the first round of the Total-Hill House Hammond S1
junior qualifiers at Lydd, underlining the outstanding speed of the new TKM
Raider R1 kart. Bean, runner up in the S1 Yamaha class last year, switched to
the new TKM Raider kart this year and looks set to be a front-runner in the
Junior TKM class. Bean is one of a number of front running drivers making the
new TKM karts their choice for top honours in 2001. In past years TKM karts have
taken numerous top titles. [
Top ] Prices
Reduced (27/02) Karting Direct the UK's
leading on-line supplier of karting spares and accessories has reduced the price
of race tyres from Bridgestone, Dunlop, Maxxis and Vega. They hold large stocks
at the best prices for free next day delivery. For every set of tyres purchased
you get two bonus entries in the Karting Direct prize draw. See the web site for
further details http://www.kartingdirect.co.uk/. [
Top ] Yamaha
'0' Plate (26/02) The Bridgestone Formula
Yamaha '0' Plate will take place at Fulbeck on Sunday 25th March. The format
will be three heats and a 18 qualifying final (which will also qualify for
points for the 'Yamaha Challenge Winter Series') this is followed by a 28 lap
'0' Plate Final. Control slicks will be used along with Parc Ferme for the
meeting and Bridgestone YBN's will be supplied as part of your entry package.
For further details & entry forms contact: Anne Laws at LKRC on 0191 272
2989. [
Top ] Super 1
Expands (23/02) Total joins Hill House
Hammond as Title Sponsor for premier talent finding Kart Series Super 1.
Britain's premier karting championships will be bigger and better than ever in
2001 with a new title, expanded classes, new format and additional race
meetings. [
Top ] The Total-Hill House
Hammond S1 National Championships is the new title for the series, with the
Total brand name replacing that of its sister Elf company - though Elf fuels and
lubricants will continue to be used within karting and S1. The other main title
sponsor is Hill House Hammond Insurance Services, which continues its long
association with the series and also puts its name to the two Motor Sports
Association classes for British Junior and Senior titles. Tal-Ko continues its
long running support for S1 as does control fuel supplier Atol and a host of
other smaller sponsors including tyre companies who help take the prize value
for the championships to well past the £50,000 mark. A record entry of around 550
drivers makes it the biggest S1 series ever with Rotax Max junior and senior
classes added for the first time this year. The Yamaha class has been dropped
because of its poor entry level. Formula TKM is again the largest category with
a massive entry for Junior and Senior requiring qualifiers and more than 30 in
Intermediates. The format of the series has
undergone a change in line with competitor needs. The Irish round for JICA and
Formula A has been dropped but in its place there are now a total of eight
senior rounds and six junior. All junior classes will race at all junior rounds,
though the JICAs have an extra senior round at Three Sisters in May. Meanwhile
in Senior there is a rota of classes that will have two rounds off for each
class except FA which has just one round off. There's also a change in format to
allow for more race time and give the teams a better chance of getting their set
up right for timed practice in both JICA and FA. These two classes will now
qualify late on Saturday afternoon at the end of testing in traditional 3 lap
format. Also introduced for the first time is timed qualifying for the ICA class
which will be held on Sunday morning and will effectively replace their first
heat. The system has been introduced at driver request and will take the form of
two 10 minute sessions with drivers drawing for which session they go in. They
can do as many laps as they wish but set up adjustments within the pits or on
circuit will not be allowed. The Total-Hill House Hammond
series will again feature strongly on TV with an end of year compilation video.
Final details of the coverage spread are currently being finalised with UK and
world-wide satellite coverage already guaranteed. Newsletters and communication
with competitors will be continued and increased, while an upgraded level of PR
activity will provide further promotional opportunities for drivers under the
guidance of experienced motor sport PR specialist Impact Public Relations. Other
features include a new information and presentation centre as well as the
introduction of a new driver conduct format. Neil Hann, the man behind the
series says: "S1 is bigger and better in a number of ways and looks forward
to a highly successful year. We welcome Total as a new joint title sponsor with
Hill House Hammond, and say a big thank you to those companies who have
continued the support which has enabled S1 to maintain its own growth. We look
forward to some great racing." The provisional calendar can
be found in the Events Section... [
Top ] New TM's
(23/02) The new TM engines have
arrived and are now being tested. For the 100 classes there is the K10 Piston
Port, the K11 Reed for ICA and the K12 Rotary for use in Formula A. Having
previously made only gearbox motors, these water-cooled engines are TM's first
venture into the 100cc market where they are confident of achieving success.
Orders are now being taken at Ferrari Racing and you can place yours by
contacting Bruno Ferrari on 020 8427 3247 or e-mail: [email protected] [
Top ] Websites
Launched (23/02) The Williams F1 Karting Team
and Rissington Kart Club are launching new websites. The WilliamsF1 Karting team
have announced the launch of their new website along with their sponsorship
line-up for 2001. After a mixed season in 2000 the WilliamsF1 Karting drivers
are looking forward to more success in 2001 and they will be competing in both
the AutoChallenge and the Corporate Challenge as organised by the KartChallenge
Series (www.kartchallenge.com)
running Biz TKM's. The drivers will also be donating £1000 towards the Spinal
Injuries Association, WilliamsF1's official charity. For more information, news
and results of the 2001 season, go to www.williamsf1karting.co.uk. Rissington will become one of
the first major UK kart clubs to launch its own website, when www.rissykartclub.com
goes on line at the beginning of March. Designed by TKM racer and long-time club
member, Robin Antill, the site is designed to bring all the latest information
to drivers and spectators alike and will provide a comprehensive results
service, being updated with race reports and updated championship tables
directly after each meeting. Surfers will also be able to access all the latest
club news, study detailed circuit information, and download race entry forms.
Profiles of drivers, officials and all current karting classes will also be
posted on the site. For spectators, an events
calendar will be on display, as well as useful information regarding local
facilities and directions for finding the circuit. For anyone interesting in
launching their racing careers, there will also be a special section called ‘starting
karting’, full of tips and advice for the would-be racer. Having completed the
project in less than three weeks, former Rissington club champion Antill,
commented; "It has been a great challenge, but a delight as it combines my
love of Karting, my interest in the Internet and in website design. It also
enables me to give something back to the sport and to Rissington in
particular." [
Top ] Pssstt!
(22/02) We hear there's a special
offer currently available on the Parilla Leopard. A complete ready to race
outfit for £2000 including VAT, but be quick, there are only five available.
Call Bruno on 020 8427 3247 or e-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] Rissington
Kart Club Celebrating Success (22/02) After a highly enjoyable
2000, members of Rissington kart club gathered at the Gloucester Moat House
Hotel last month, for their annual awards ceremony. Around 200 drivers,
officials, mechanics and supporters enjoyed reliving a hugely successful season
for the club, which saw strong grids throughout the season and the introduction
of pre-race day Saturday testing to the calendar for the first time. "Last season was
superb," said circuit commentator, Chris Hartley, "the action was
closer than ever in the junior categories and we saw An encouraging growth in
classes such as Junior TKM Intermediate and Formula Rotax Max. "For me though, the
highlight was watching the 250 Nationals. The field comprised some first-rate
drivers and it was a real privilege for the club to host the final round of the
Super 4 series in October. We're already looking forward to welcoming the Senior
Super 1series for its final round this October." As well presenting the top
drivers from each class with their prizes, the club also handed out a number of
special awards on the evening. These included 'Best up-and-coming Driver', with
Ashley Harris taking the Junior award and Lloyd Williams taking the senior
equivalent. And despite failing to win the 250 championship, Mally Witts was
voted 'Best Gearbox' after a highly impressive 2000, which saw him take 3rd
place in the Super 4 championship. Easily the biggest cheer of
the evening though, came when the inaugural 'Endeavour Award' was presented to
paraplegic driver, Lee Shepherd, who had a highly impressive debut season in 250
Nationals. On a sadder note, the club
also gave a posthumous award to 250 International champion, Mike Young, who died
tragically at the end of last year. Mike's wife was on hand to collect the award
to rapturous applause, which indicated just how much Mike would be missed by all
at the club. The ceremony ended on a high,
when the winners from each class were recalled to the stage, to compete in a
champions version of 'The Weakest Chainlink' - a spoof of a certain BBC quiz
show. The losers, who were voted off with great passion by the audience, went
away with 'booby' prizes that included rags and kart-cleaner, while the eventual
winner - Cadet Luke Jones - won a copy of the 2000 Formula One Yearbook. Finally, there was a surprise
'This Is Your Life' presentation for Brian Clark, the former Isle of Man TT
racer who has dedicated more than ten years of his life to Rissington, first as
Club Secretary and more recently as Club Chairman. Brian was presented with a
special gift, to show the club's gratitude for all of his hard work during the
past decade. The club would also like to
pass on their sincere thanks to all of the unsung heroes, who helped to make the
2000 season such a success. [
Top ] Parilla
Engines Are Here (16/02) The 2001 Parilla's have now
arrived and the first examples of the all new TM 100cc engines are due next
week, Jica, Ica, FA, as well as the K99 125 reed. Further information from
Ferrari Racing at 020 8427 3247 or e-mail: [email protected]
Jica, ICA, FA and LC conversions, and of course the Leopard. [
Top ] Red
Lodge Plans Approved (16/02) Plans for the first purpose
built rallycross circuit to go alongside the already established Red Lodge
Karting Circuit were unanimously approved by Forest Heath District Council this
week. If East Cambridgeshire District Council do likewise, the Karting Centre
will develop pit garages for karts, cars and conference and leisure facilities,
including ten pin bowling, for a comprehensive motorsport family day out. For
more details about the centre and their ongoing plans visit their website at www.redlodge.co.uk [
Top ] Just
Missing Out? (15/02) Do you often just miss out on
picking up a trophy? If so, you should consider joining an Advance Leisure
hire-kart event on the 29th April as they still have a few spaces on the grid for teams
to take part in a Pro-Kart event at Sandown Park, and trophies for the top five
finishers are up for grabs. There’s 30mins practice/qualifications on brand
new 75mph JB Pro-Karts (exclusive to the Advance Leisure series), free team
action photos, a race report and 30+ teams at every race. For further
information call Danny on: 01689-861336 or email: [email protected]. [
Top ] Gearbox
'0' Plate (09/02) The Gearbox 0 plate for 125
National, 125 Open, 250 Int, 250 National and Junior Gearbox will take place at
Rowrah on the 3rd and 4th March. Super 4 competitors will be mailed an entry
form automatically, anyone else wanting regs/etc should contact Marion Fell on
01229 463 748 or [email protected]. Also hurry, hurry, hurry, -
Junior Gearboxes will be racing at the Rowrah club meeting this weekend, if any
junior g/box wants to race they should contact Marion ASAP. [
Top ] Silverstone
Stowe Circuit (09/02) Silverstone Karting Centre
will be running 2 kart events on the Stowe Circuit in March. There will be an Open
Practice session on the 25th March from 4pm to 7pm and Pro, Thunder and Rotax
Max karts are all welcome. In addition a 4-Hour Endurance Race is scheduled for
the 18th March. Program kicks off at 8am. There will be two classes, Hire Kart
and Owner Driver. The race is open to Twin GX160cc Pro Kart and Thunder Karts.
For further information and costs e-mail; [email protected]
or call 01327 320425. [
Top ] Specialist
Kart Insurance (03/02) Details of Fairmont
Motorsport Insurance Services' karting insurance scheme can now to be found on
their website, where cover may be purchased on-line via an application form.
Further details at www.fairmontinsure.com. [
Top ] The
Missing Link? (03/02) Over in Oz they believe they
have found the 'Missing Link' in kart chassis alignment equipment. Designed following a racing
incident "Lazalign" is different in that most alignment systems only
focus on the front end, measuring the position of one stub axle relative to the
other. Lazalign incorporates Class 2 Lasers to simultaneously indicate
perpendicular squareness to the rear axle as the front end is being adjusted. It
is claimed that results are stunning with perfect alignment every time, - side
to side and front to back. Eliminate 'crabbing', reduce rolling resistance,
reduce tyre wear, and achieve more even handling to both sides say Lazalign, if
it's not straight (perpendicular to the rear axle) then it's not as fast as it
could be. Check out Lazalign at www.kartcom.com.au. [
Top ] WLKC
Date Change (03/02) Due to the Super One
qualifier taking place on 18th March the Warden Law Kart Club meeting will now
be two weeks earlier on 4th March. [
Top ] Want To
Drive A Diablo? (02/02) A new business was launched
recently. Karting Direct is the web-based retailer for all your karting spares
and accessories. We have combined a comprehensive range of karting products at
very competitive prices with the convenience of 24 hours a day, seven days a
week secure online ordering. Large stocks at low prices, fast, easy to use,
convenient and secure online ordering or telephone sales, Monday to Friday from
9am to 7pm and a total commitment to the very best customer service. To celebrate the launch of
Karting Direct they are holding a prize draw. It's easy to enter and you could
be driving the Lamborghini Diablo SV and five other Super Cars around one of the
UK's fastest race tracks. Go to www.kartingdirect.co.uk
for more information. [
Top ] Congratulations
(02/02) Century Race Preparation
would like to congratulate drivers on the new Project One Evo2 chassis for their
results in the last 2 weeks. Tom Onslow-Cole winning J TKM at PFI, and Jon
Barnes winning Senior TKM at 3 Sisters. The chassis also won both Junior and
Senior at Bayford Meadows, and Juniors at Buckmore Park. Any one wishing to test
this chassis can contact Century on 01562 632032. Also making its debut at 3
Sisters was the new Pavesi LAM 98 reed valve in 125 open piloted by Nathaniel
Freke. This engine can also be tested through Century. [
Top ] Maxxis
Continue Support For Formula TKM (31/01) MAXXIS Tyres, one of the
world's leading suppliers of kart race tyres, has pledged another three years of
support to Formula TKM and its annual Festival at Kimbolton. Over the past three years the
MAXXIS Formula TKM Festival at Kimbolton has built to be the largest kart racing
event in the UK bringing together drivers of every age and level of skill from
throughout the country. The hard working Kimbolton organising team has continued
to expand the event each year bringing more and more drivers to compete
including the first ever class for veterans. Now MAXXIS has pledged its support
for another three years at least as part of its continued support of karting in
the UK - a support which grows again still further with the use of MAXXIS tyres
for the new TKM 4-stroke class. The backing of MAXXIS has made possible
continued improvements at the TKM Festival including world-wide TV exposure with
six separate programmes from the event beamed to more than 200 million homes. MAXXIS European
representative Louis te Lintelo of Harm Schuurman BV commented: "We have
been delighted at the success and growth of the TKM Festival which is a superb
race meeting run by a very good club. We look forward to its continued
growth." And TKM's Alan Turney added: "We believe the combination of
drivers of every age and skill at one race meeting makes for a great atmosphere
and has really captured everyone's attention. We have further innovations which
we are confident will continue to maintain the premier position of this superb
event in British karting. We should all be proud of what has been
established." One of the special elements of the event has been the
creation of two separate levels within one race meeting with club drivers
competing for their own Festival trophies at the same meeting as the top
national level drivers racing for the ABkC '0' plates. The date for this year's TKM
Festival has been confirmed for August 11/12 with testing on the Friday. Full
details and entry forms will be issued shortly. [
Top ] Cancer
Research Campaign Endurance Race (30/01) It's time to help The Cancer
Research Campaign again in a 2 1/2 hour Endurance Karting Challenge at Streatham
Kart Raceway on Saturday 10th March 2001 (5.30pm - 10pm). This challenge offers you the
exclusive chance to burn rubber and help beat cancer by raise vital funds. You
are guaranteed an exhilarating and memorable evening, which can be as
competitive or as fun as you would like to make it. It costs just £250 for a
team of 4-10 people to take part (For a team of 10 that is only £25 per
person). If you would like to raise even more money for The Cancer Research
Campaign you may wish to obtain team sponsorship, e.g. £1 per lap, this is not
essential. However, the team incentive prizes that are on offer may encourage
some of you to do this: There are only 15 team places
per event - so hurry! If you would like to take part, please call Harriet 0207
820 6911 or e-mail [email protected]. [
Top ] Laptop
To Stopwatch (30/01) Lapsmart the software that
turns your laptop into a stopwatch are soon to finish offering their CD at the
special introductory price. With no transponder or beacon required it's easy to
use and currently available at only £10. Further details can be found at http://www.lapsmart.com/. [
Top ] Thumbs
Up For Gravitron Electric Race Kart (25/01) The Gravitron G60
race kart was the only electric kart demonstrated at this year’s
Autosport event. The demonstration started with Stuart putting his foot
down on the throttle in the centre of the track, the result being that
the kart doughnutted on the spot around the feet of the track marshal!
When Stuart got the vehicle out on the track, it went around at a
blistering pace with tyres squealing. Observers of the demonstration
were treated to the unusual spectacle of a race kart that is capable of
a top speed of over 100mph, 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds and all
achieved by the use of an electric motor that is capable of delivering
50HP to the rear wheels and operates at a low noise level of approx 60
decibels. After his drive Stuart was
asked for his immediate reaction. “Very surprising and amazing. The torque and
control that you got from the throttle was amazing, very good. The acceleration
was outstanding, the first time I put my foot on the throttle it bought a big
grin to my face. You can do doughnuts with it, it just spins on a sixpence. It
was awesome, really good.” When asked how the G60
compared to other karts that Stuart has driven he responded, “The acceleration
and response was comparable certainly to that of a 250cc, but obviously without
the gears.” Stuart’s karting career has
led him to become a Licensed Race Instructor at SRS Racing, one of 12 Kart
schools in the UK. Stuart is of the opinion that the Gravitron karts would not
only be excellent for training purposes, but should be considered as a viable
alternative by tracks and clubs that are currently restricted to short and
infrequent opening hours due to planning restrictions because of noise and
pollution levels. Gravitron Ltd, based in
Gloucester, are designers and manufacturers of drive systems for electric
vehicles. Karts are just one of the applications for Gravitron’s products,
other current projects include an electric dragster, electric motorbike and a
vehicle that will attempt to take the current British Electric Land Speed Record
later this year. [
Top ] Northern
Ireland's Biggest Kart Show Yet (16/01) 27th & 28th January are
dates for every motorsport enthusiasts diary when the 12th Ulster Kart Racing
show takes place at Newtownards Leisure Centre. Show opening times are 10am to
5pm on Saturday 27th and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 28th. Profits from the show will
again go to St. Johns Ambulance brigade who provide their invaluable services to
all forms of motorsport. This year’s show will feature all the local kart
racing distributors of machinery and spares as well as some of the mainland
manufacturers, and with some very special offers being made available the show
will be well worth attending. Current and new drivers will
also be able to register for NIKA number plates for the year as well as join one
of the various clubs including the Ulster Karting Club and Bishopscourt Kart
club. The show will again be supported by Sammy Mellon & Sons, main Hyundai
dealers in Bangor who will be at the show for the fourth year running. This year’s
show will be extra special as it will also feature a tribute display to Joey
Dunlop which will not only hopefully see some of his machines on display but
also Paris-Dakar machines too. Exhibitors to date include
kart and equipment suppliers Kart-E-Quip of Porglenone, McMaster Motorsport of
Ballymoney and WGP Motorsport of Banbridge, with all three having on display a
range of machines from the well known non-gearbox manufacturers. Supporting
services from Ernie Coates Motorcycles, Belfast for Arai helmets, Keith Campbell
of Carrickfergus for fibreglass bodywork and Toolworld of Newtownards for tools
will also have special offers. Stephen Patton Motorsport who support single
seater drivers will also have a Crossle on display. Mainland manufacturers will
include Anderson CSK and Formula 1 karts who will have the latest spec machines
on display with exhibitors of various machines and accessories including John
Mills Racing the UK agents for Mari Karts, Sparx Raceware and Trackside Spares
among others. The show is on the same
weekend as the NIKA dinner dance and prize giving on the Saturday night at the
Beechlawn in Dunmurry. Show details are available from Terry Wilkinson, tel: 028
91814987. NIKA dinner dance details can be obtained from Keith Wilkinson at the
same telephone number and early booking of tickets is strongly recommended. [
Top ] Autosport
Show In Full Swing (12/01) The organisers of this years
Autosport International Show are expecting record numbers to visit with the
inclusion this year of Bike Sport and PACE (parts, accessories, consumables and
electrics) sections, whilst the popular Thunderdrome Live Action arena continues
to attract many motor sport fans. Karting is well represented with most of the
well known names exhibiting including; Biz Karts, Club 100 Racing, Deavinsons,
Gatellie Racewear, HS Sports, Karting Magazine, LRG Karts, Supersport Timing
Systems, Tal-Ko and Zip to name but a few. Photos from the 2001 show are
available in the Photo Gallery... [
Top ] BIZ To
Promote Thunder Kart Class (12/01) For 2001, BIZ Karts are
launching a major new initiative to promote the Thunder Kart Class. Being a class with controlled
engines and controlled chassis, the Thunder Kart is unique among kart racing
categories and offers a cost effective formula for teams and drivers on a strict
budget. Initially introduced two years ago as an alternative to Pro-Karts, the
Honda single engined 4-stroke machines have become popular with many fleet
operators and racers alike. Although the original Thunder Kart was designed with
a chassis derived from a Pro-Kart, a new evolution chassis has now been
developed from a 2-stroke chassis and offers higher levels of grip and improved
driveability. BIZ have offered a new evolution
chassis, free of charge, to all the current Thunder Kart owners who commit to
racing in the Daytona Summer Endurance Championship in 2001. This championship,
now in its third year, is based at Daytona's Milton Keynes venue and has always
provided close, exciting racing. BIZ have spent some months consulting with
existing Thunder Kart owners and most have now tested the new chassis. Their
feedback has been very positive with many teams taking up the offer of a new
chassis. The 2001 Daytona Championship
will also benefit from full factory support, with a BIZ team truck present at
all the events offering spares and technical support to all the teams running
Thunder Karts. In addition, BIZ are now offering a 6-month warranty against
crank fracture on all new race Thunder Kart engines. BIZ Managing Director Mike
Smith said, "It was clear that the series would benefit from more factory
involvement and we are happy to be able to react to that need with trackside
support at the events. With this new evolution chassis, the Thunder Kart
is now substantially quicker than a full race Pro-Kart and great fun to
drive." For 2001, The Daytona Thunder
Kart Endurance Championship will be run over eight 6-hour races, and for the
first time, the series will run on Continental tyres. As the size of the grids
develop, it is also possible that further Thunder Kart endurance events could
take place at some of Daytona's other venues. For more details contact
Ian Berry on 07774 933812. [
Top ] New
Formula TKM Karts Unveiled (11/01) Two new karts designed
specifically for the new Formula TKM 4-stroke class have been launched today by
Tal-Ko at the Autosport International Show. Both karts have been designed
to maximise the light weight and high performance of the new engine while
capitalising on the class regulations which allow 40mm rear axle, adjustable
castor and camber and torsion bars. From TKM comes the Raider R4 with a 32/30mm
frame, 4-pot brakes, vented disc, 3 bearing 40mm axle, fully adjustable ride
height and settings, Ackerman steering and rear torsion bar. Colour choice of
blue or black. Ready to go price with TKM 4-stroke is £2795 +VAT and from
Italian manufacturer CRG comes its T4 kart with a 32mm frame, 4-pot brake,
vented disc, 3 bearing 40mm axle, fully adjustable ride height and settings,
ackerman steering, and two optional torsion bars. High gloss CRG blue finish.
Ready to go price with TKM 4-stroke is £2895 +VAT. Both karts are available
with optional extras such as magnesium wheels. Prices quoted include MAXXIS
tyres and are for ready to drive karts completely built up. Delivery will be in
the Spring. Click here for Formula TKM 4-stroke
outline regulations. [
Top ] Formula
EcoMoto Breaks New Ground (10/01) As of 1st January 2001 the
K2-250cc, 30hp, 12,000rpm, four-stroke EcoMoto engine has become the first
purpose built four-stroke to be accepted by the Motor Sports Association as a
Class in its own right. It is also the first purpose
built senior four-stroke engine to be sanctioned by the MSA. This means that
Kart Clubs can amalgamate Formula EcoMoto onto the same grid as the following
two-stroke classes :- Formula A, ICA, 100B, 100C, 100C/160, Green and Rotax Max.
This sanctioning by the MSA follows 3 years of demonstrating at 2-stroke
meetings, plus 3 years actually racing at 4-stroke meetings. This enabled the
MSA officials to evaluate the EcoMoto's performance, and subsequently place it
in the MSA Kart Race Yearbook for 2001. Buckmore Park, Llandow, and Whilton Mill
have already committed to running Formula EcoMoto at their Club meetings for
2001. Both JADE (stand No 1073) and
LRG (stand No 1119) will be displaying Formula EcoMoto engined karts at the
Autosport Show on the 11th - 14th January at the NEC, Birmingham. For further
information, test-drives etc., contact Barry Callen on 07973-542414 or e-mail: [email protected]. [
Top ] Parilla
Package (10/01) A Parilla Leopard package is
being prepared and will be available soon with kart, engine and tyres expected
to be competitively priced. Further details and information from Ferrari Racing
on 020-8427 3247. [
Top ] New race
days at Lodge Road Kart Centre (09/01) Lodge Road Kart Centre have
race days on the second Sunday of each month from 14th January through to 9th
December 2001. All races are on their 825 metre circuit which offers good
spectator viewing, an on-site Cafe and ample parking. Further information on
classes and availability can be obtained by telephoning Nick on 015265-344566 or
07970-234656. [
Top ] New
Manchester and 'East Coast' Tracks (08/01) A new Arrive & Drive
track in Gorton, Manchester is to be opened soon by Karting 2000, as well as a
new east coast venue scheduled to open in March. Further information on this and
the Automotiv Challenge endurance championships commencing in February can be
obtained by telephoning Karting 2000 on 0161 231 2000. [
Top ] Le Mans
24 Hour (06/01) Now in it's 11th year, this
internationally popular Race Pro event will take place over the weekend of 7th
& 8th July 2001. Further details can be obtained by calling 01642 231117. [
Top ] New Kart
Circuit Planned (05/01) Thurrock Council has just
granted planning permission for a brand-new go-karting centre to be built at
Lakeside - the county’s leading retail park. This announcement is the climax
of more than two years’ detailed planning and discussion between the Thurrock
Council and Brentwood Park Karting, the developers of the site. “It’s going
to be one of the best equipped karting facilities in the country,” confirmed
Giles Murray, Joint MD of the development company. “It will give Essex a
premier circuit to rank alongside the very best in Britain. This track will be
one of the fastest and safest in the country - a challenge for everyone from the
complete novice to the highly experienced competitor.” The Lakeside circuit has been
designed for maximum flexibility. The 1,000 metre Motor Sports Association
approved competition circuit can be split into two additional, self-contained
tracks - both of which can be operated simultaneously to host separate events.
The site’s design also features a 150-seat conference centre and lecture room,
a restaurant, male and female changing rooms and shower facilities, a well
stocked karting shop and an impressive 76 square metre viewing balcony.
"Spectators will not only be able to watch all the action on track, they
will also have a grandstand view of the ‘Go-Bal’ arena,” observes Murray.
Lakeside will have the world’s first outdoor stadium for this high-speed
unisex game that combines the skills and popularity of football with all the
excitement and drama of motor racing. Using powerful, ultra-manoeuvrable B-Karts
that can turn on the spot and accelerate to 20 mph, ‘Go-Bal’ brings an
exciting new dimension to karting. “It also creates a level playing field for
all players, of all ages,” adds Murray. “Because these B-Karts are so stable
and easy to operate - everything is controlled from two push-pull levers - this
is one sport where disabled people can compete on equal terms.” Clearly,
access for disabled people was a planning priority from the outset. Equally, so
was the attraction of corporate customers. With its catering, conference and
lecture facilities, the complex can host a whole range of hospitality and team
development events. Less than one mile from the
M25, close to the Dartford Bridge/Tunnel and adjacent to the new A13 dual
carriageway that connects London with Southend, this new Lakeside development
could not be more central. Strategically sited at one of the main entry points
to the Lakeside Shopping centre, this circuit will have a very visible presence
with the 58,000 people who daily visit the retail park. “We have been given
the go-ahead for one of the most exciting and important leisure developments in
Essex,” affirms Murray. “This karting centre will offer not only a
high-speed, high-profile sports amenity but also the prospect of new full and
part time employment opportunities for many people in the area.” For further
information contact: Dan Attfield at Brentwood Park Karting, 2nd Floor, 105 High
Street, Brentwood, Essex. Telephone: 01277 221979 or email: [email protected]. [
Top ] TKM
4-Stroke Makes Autosport Show Debut (05/01) A world leading new race
engine which brings Formula 1 technology to karting goes on sale at the
Autosport International Show exactly a year after being previewed there. The new TKM 4-stroke engine
sets a new standard within karting by combining high power with low weight and
compact size to provide a long term solution to the growing constraints of noise
and emissions being faced by two-strokes. Priced at a ready to go
figure of just £1595 plus VAT first orders for the engine will be taken on
Thursday, January 11 with a stream of callers already anxious to be among the
first to be able to race the new engine. The all-British engine has
been conceived and built by Bedfordshire-based Tal-Ko, the UK's largest
manufacturer of kart racing engines with more than 40 years experience in the
industry. The company's stand at the
show is expected to be very busy with drivers placing their orders for the trend
setting new power unit which will be released in the Spring in the UK and later
right around the world. The new TKM K4S is 200cc
capacity and produces 18BHP with an ultra strong torque curve right through the
rev range from 4000 - 12,000rpm. Both junior and senior versions will be
produced with the only difference being an air restrictor costing just a few
pounds. Class regulations will be released at the show. The engine is packed with F1
technology to enable such a large power output from such a compact engine yet
also retaining outstanding reliability over many hours of racing. It is small
enough to fit onto virtually any two or four-stroke kart making it ultra easy to
use. Although the concept of
4-stroke engines is not entirely new to karting, in the past they have been
mainly converted generator or motor cycle engines, often with high weight and
size. The new TKM unit has been designed specifically for kart racing with small
size and weight of great importance. As such it leads the way forward for the
sport internationally. Already its governing body have decided to go to 4-stroke
for its top F1 type class in 2004. The man behind the project is
former British kart team member and owner of Tal-Ko, Alan Turney, who
says:" We already make the engines for Formula TKM, the UK's largest
karting classes so when we looked ahead we felt we had to make a major step
forward. "There's no doubt that
two-strokes will be around for a long time yet, but at the same time the
environmental pressures make use of a 4-stroke highly desirable for the future.
We felt this was the way forward and all of our testing has reinforced that
feeling. The demand is enormous." Not only will the engine go
on sale at the show but will also be demonstrated each day on the Silverstone
Kart Track within the NEC. [
Top ] Superkarts
Circuit Extended (04/01) A newly extended and
re-routed circuit is now open at Superkarts in Letchworth with a 100 metre
straight and covering some 500 metres overall. Other new additions include a
control tower, lighting system and first floor heated viewing area. In
celebration, a Lucozade Sport 'Lap of the Month' competition is being held on
31st January. Further details at; www.superkarts.co.uk/lucozade.htm [
Top ] For Single Drivers or Teams
(04/01) Llandow are to host a 3 hour
team-race for Pro-Karts of all shapes and sizes on Sunday 21st January as there
will be classes for Juniors, Seniors and Heavyweights. Bring your own team of 3,
or phone for places if you are a driver without a ride. Tel: 01446-795568. Advance Leisure are holding
several indoor endurance events for teams of 1-6 drivers over the coming months
at Streatham Kart Raceway in south west London. All equipment is supplied and
further information can be obtained by telephoning 01689-861336. [
Top ] [ News
Summary / Site Index | Current News ] News Archives : [ 2000 ] [ 2001 ] [ 2002 ] [ 2003 ] [ 2004 ] [ 2005 ] [ 2006 ] [ 2007 ] [ 2008 ] [ 2009 ] [ 2010 ]
2001 News
Items
Make sure you visit their stand at the International Kart Show, Stoke-on-Trent
& Autosport International Show, Birmingham.
Further information on the above can be obtained by telephoning 01634 201562 or
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0161 728 5911 - Fax: 0161 728 5414 - Email: RO/[email protected]
The top National Kart Championships were decided at the weekend with torrential rain bringing a slightly premature end to the final round of the Total Hill House Hammond S1 Kart Championships at a gale lashed
Rissington. With sheets of rain falling and the track flooding fast the organisers were forced to abandon the last four finals, effectively losing a race each for the Formula A and ICA drivers and taking grid positions as the final places for Formula TKM and Rotax Max. Championship spokesman Grahame Butterworth said:" In the extreme circumstances it left little choice. The track had flooded very badly in the terrible conditions – with more bad weather on the way."
In Formula A Chris Rogers had already taken the Hill House Hammond MSA British title at the last round, leaving Jamie Green to confirm his runner-up position from Mark Litchfield. Jason Gardner took ICA despite forgetting to put on his transponder for timed qualifying. Justin Edgar was runner-up. Formula TKM went to James Gornall with David Parker second, the lack of a final robbing us of a three way tussle for the title with Chris
Lamare, who finished third. In Rotax, series leader Glenn Ryland had to watch from the sidelines after a race driving ban – he slipped to fourth. Martin Pierce took the title from Andy Lawrence, with Michael Simpson third. Tom Wilson had already taken the 100 National title.
Next weekend sees the last round of the junior series at Buckmore Park with all five titles up for grabs.
Alan Turney with one of the
new 4-stroke TKM engines.
Sales
[email protected]
020 8961 3616
Press
[email protected]
01474 872 331
Website
www.daytona.co.uk
Amy Gardner
John Surtees and Johnny Herbert
with Bill Sisley
The E.K.C. Round, Club Meeting and Super One qualifier are going ahead. As of
today's date the BPKC has been advised by the MSA that the above three MSA
licensed events scheduled for the weekend of the 10th/11th, 17th/18th and
24th/25th March need not be cancelled. All access to Buckmore Park is via the
motorway system. The MAFF has also advised Buckmore Park that they have no
objection to any events taking place at the park. Therefore all entries for the
above meetings should be made as normal. If for any reason the situation
changes, the BPKC will notify drivers via the UK Karting website and the club
phone voice mail Ext. 210.
Following yesterday's news of
track closure, Ellough Park Raceway has now been allowed to reopen. There will
be two stroke testing there this Saturday (10th March). For further details call
Dawn on 01508 493822 or Richard on 07798 606518.
FREEPOST ANG 0887,
Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire,
EN6 4BR.
The
new bridge.
Circuit
Plan incorporating the new developments.
Plans
of the new Club House.
Front
view of the new Club House.
Front
view of the new paddock.
Stuart Ziemelis, three
times karting champion, put the Gravitron Electric Race Kart through
its paces on the indoor track at the Autosport Show, NEC Birmingham on
Sunday 14th January 2001.
Electric
kart racing takes place every year in Europe and Gravitron have been
the only British entry in the international line up for the last 3
years. All races are governed by FIA rules and require drivers to hold
an international kart racing license. Electric kart racing has yet to
get a foothold in the UK, but with more and more tracks being hampered
by planning problems and 2 stroke engines likely to be banned in some
areas, it may make sense for many to consider electric karts as a
viable alternative, leading to longer opening hours, more race days and
increased revenue for clubs and tracks as a result.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| News | Karts & Karting |
Notice Board |
Market Place |
Companies Directory |
Tracks Directory |
Events Calendar |
Race Results |
Photo Gallery |
Links |
|
Copyright © 1996-2018 UK Karting Comments, Suggestions etc. [email protected] |
