Easykart UK Championship, Round 4

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press release

The fourth round of the Easykart UK championship, held at Llandow on 17 June, marked the series’ halfway point and, like a mid-term school report saw some drivers emerge with distinction while others ‘must try harder’ if they are to make the grade at the end of the year.

Cadet
“Sam Faulkner Wins” is a headline appearing with all the regularity of a government U-turn. To his credit, Jenson Murchison did his utmost to put his own name at the top of the page and ran Faulkner very close, making the championship leader look unusually vulnerable. The pair swapped the lead on a number of occasions but, when it counted, Sam led the dash to the flag, surviving a last corner lunge from his rival. Bailey Campbell continued his excellent season with 3rd.

Above: Sam Faulkner leads Jenson Murchison
pic - Enver Meyer

Junior
James Lay was in peerless form. From TQ to the main final he was never headed, although Michael Iacovou chased him hard. In fact Iacovou’s relentless pursuit ensured Lay dared not put a wheel wrong and consequently inspired a faultless performance that also earned the Karting magazine Driver of the Day award for the winner. Brandon Williams’ race-long scrap with Jack Golding became a nail-biting three-way fight on the last lap after Esmee Hawkey had reeled them in. Defensive driving from the boys kept Esmee at bay. Just. Zack Nickson earned plaudits for his never-say-die drive from the back of the field to 6th, keeping his title hopes alive in the process.   

Above: James Lay leads at the start of Juniors
pic - Enver Meyer

Light
The combination of Jake Hughes’ raw pace and hunger saw him catch early race leader Luca Hirst and then engage in a battle royal with the world number one. The pair repeatedly traded the lead with Hirst producing a wild lunge at the Hairpin as he attempted to, again, wrest the lead from the E-Plate holder. Hirst’s kart fish-tailed wildly under heavy braking as he tried to make Llandow’s tight Hairpin and snatch the win in the last corner of the last lap. However, a neat and tidy entry and exit saw Hughes able to defend his advantage and seal the win.

Above: Light winner Jake Hughes with Kieren Gordon in pursuit
pic - Enver Meyer

Heavy
With his principal title challenger, Joe Paterson, struggling in the pre-final, Will Smith doubled up in style. The Suffolk ace won both points-scoring finals to extend his championship lead. Paterson carved his way up the order from P20 on the grid to an eventual 5th thus limiting the damage to his championship aspirations. With Paterson out of the running at the front of the field, Matt Brooks took it upon himself to carry the fight to Smith. Unfortunately, he lacked the vital half a tenth (of a second) extra to seriously threaten Smith’s rear bumper. Mark Lawrence moved into 3rd place in the championship by finishing in that position on the road.

Above: Heavy victor Will Smith chased hard by Matt Brooks
pic - Enver Meyer

The series moves to Forest Edge in Hampshire for the next round, held on 15 July.

 

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