Series promoter John Vigor says that nearly a third of the Light grid contesting this weekend’s second round of the Easykart UK Championship could triumph on Sunday (29 April 2012).
The small, but perfectly formed, Ellough Park Raceway welcomes the next chapter of what promises to be an enthralling day of racing in all four classes; Cadet, Junior, Light and Heavy.
At last month’s opening round at Teesside, Cadet E-Plate champion Sam Faulkner emerged as the driver to beat. From qualifying to the main final he was never bested. It is also worth remembering that Faulkner was triumphant on last year’s visit to the Suffolk track and then, just as in Middlesbrough last month, Jenson Murchison was his nearest rival. Do not overlook Ethan Hawkey though. He has been putting extra mileage under his belt by taking part in other competitions, and this valuable seat time has clearly been beneficial.
Behind this trio, Andrew Dutton, Bailey Campbell, Shayne Harrison, Jason Gavagan and Adam Sparrow all entertained the crowd at round one. They will be looking forward to recommencing their battles for individual supremacy at Ellough.
The series welcomes newcomers Jacob Wardle and Arron Mullen, so keep an eye out for them to see how they enjoy life in Easykart.
With double Junior champion Toby Sowery vacating his crown, James Lay wasted no time in setting out his claim for the 2012 title with a series of stunning performances at Teesside. Rookies Brandon Williams and Thanassi Barnicoat almost wrested the headlines from the rapid Oxfordshire driver with an excellent 2nd and 4th respectively. Ronan McKenzie separated them at 3rd - and in 2011 showed his quality by holding Sowery off to take the win at Ellough. However, with a works KF3 drive luring him away, the door is surely open for the exciting Zack Nickson to seize the moment. James White, Nicole Firth, Michael Iacovou and Matas Grigalauskas could each spring a surprise; making a trip to Beccles well worthwhile.
“Thirty seven drivers!” enthused Vigor as he contemplated the mouth-watering prospect of the forthcoming Light contest; featuring reigning British and World champions, Ayrton and Luca Hirst, plus Heavy number one Barnaby Pittingale. The talents of Patrick Lay, Jake Hughes, Sam Dimelow, Kieran Gordon and Owen Jenman will be to the fore and they will be hard pressed by Grant Hunter, William Hill, Richard Moxom - to name but a few. Series regular Tony Longstaff re-enters the fray after missing Teesside, as does Matthew Pearce, whilst Gareth Sutherland makes his Easykart debut. “I’m so excited by this grid,” adds John. “The racing in this class is always terrific and the fact that any one of twelve guys could win, it is just fantastic.”
If being a local and having the noisiest supporters in the entire paddock - in fact any paddock – gives a driver an edge, then Heavy star Will Smith is the man to beat. Joe Paterson will beg to differ and his pace and results last month wholly support this. However, Joe is arguably something of a Teesside specialist and there is nothing like having a home advantage. Or indeed, a far from home incentive. Edinburgh-based Mark Lawrence will not be content to leave Scotland simply to make up the numbers at Beccles. He’s almost always fast, feisty and up at the sharp end. As is Michael Roots. Other runners to consider a cheeky wager on would have to include Carl Churchill, Simon Mace, Brian Trott, Christopher Wright and Andrew Gould.
In a bid to further restrict ‘chequebook racing’ - and keep Easykart true to its value for money roots - Andy Cox Racing has brought in a lottery draw for tyre sets. Drivers must pre-order their tyres ahead of each event but can only collect one set - drawn by lot - on race day. This is to avoid competitors buying a number of sets, testing to find the best set and then using that rubber in an attempt to gain an advantage.
“It further restricts costs and maintains the spirit of Easykart,” explains John Vigor. “I think that approach explains why we’re still welcoming new drivers into the series.”
Another key aspect of Easykart’s success is its focus on the competitor as a customer and John says that Ellough Park shares this approach: “There’s not a year where further improvements aren’t made at Ellough to improve the experience for drivers and spectators alike. The hospitality is always second to none. Everyone there does a great job, not least the marshals.”
The 109-strong field can also expect media support from the championship’s own film maker, Chris Simpson and photographer, Enver Meyer. “It’s all part of the great package Easykart offers” says John with pride.
The action starts from 10:00am on Sunday 29 April at Ellough Park Raceway, Benacre Road, Beccles. For more information, please visit www.easykart.co.uk
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'The Choice of Champions'
Photo credits:
credit Enver Meyer for the supplied images.
