Aussie Trio 6th In Karun's Karting Karnival
Tweetpress release
The second running of Karun’s Karting Karnival kicked off in style at Whilton Mill’s challenging National Zulu circuit on Tuesday evening. Organised by ex-F1 driver and now World Endurance Championship driver Karun Chandhok, the 90 minute endurance race brought together a stellar field of 66 drivers raising funds to educate underprivileged children in India.
Above: Karun Chandhok on the grid prior to the start
Together with media personalities from ESPN, 5LiveF1 and AutoSport, team members from JRM Racing, T-Sport and Red Bull Racing, the Aussie trio of Renault Clio Cup driver Ash Miller, British Formula Ford driver Olly Rae and young entrepreneur and driver manager Paul Grainger brought a distinctive Aussie flavour to the event.
“We did another two and half hour karting enduro a few weeks ago in torrential rain and won by a lap" Grainger said.
"When I saw this event pop up I jumped at the opportunity to get the guys back out on the track for a bit of fun before Silverstone in two weeks time.”
Above: (L-R) Ash Miller, Olly Rae, Karun Chandhok, Paul Grainger
Having only seen the track for the first time just 10 minutes before qualifying practice, a great lap from Miller secured an excellent sixth on the grid – which turned into 4th after a stellar opening lap to the race.
Unfortunately the pace of drivers 20kg lighter couldn’t be matched and a pit lane speeding penalty dropped ‘Team Australia’ back to 10th.
A determined fight back over the remaining hour from Grainger and Rae meant the latter brought the number 14 machine home a solid 6th in front of star studded grandstands.
Above: According to Grainger, the twin engine 4-strokes were surprisingly good
“With some great prizes on offer, it was a shame we didn’t have the pace to be up there on the podium but it was just impossible to compete with guys that much lighter than you. Still, it was a fantastic event run for a fantastic cause as well as being a whole lot of fun with some great company,” reasoned the young West Australian Rae.
Having each moved to the UK individually over the last 9 months, the trio now find themselves living together in picturesque St Ives near Cambridge in England. With a lot of exciting things on the horizon for the three, you can expect to be hearing a lot more on their progress over the coming months.
