Bright Back Aboard A Kart

press release

Britek Motorsport Managing Director and driver of the #25 Fujitsu Racing Ford Falcon V8 Supercar Jason Bright, has jumped aboard a go-kart for the first time in 12 years.

Bright joined V8 Supercar teammate Marcus Marshall (IRWIN Racing) and Britek Motorsport Scholarship holders Adam Graham and Scott McLaughlin for some very fast laps of the Hamilton Karting track ahead of last weekend’s Hamilton 400 in New Zealand.

Above: (left to right) Jason Bright, Scott McLaughlin, Adam Graham and Marcus Marshall on the grid at the Hamilton (NZ) circuit.

Aboard the Rotax-powered Arrow karts, the four drivers went full throttle on the challenging Hamilton layout.

The event took place thanks to the assistance of Kartsport NZ and the Hamilton Kart Track which allowed all four drivers on the track at the same time. “It was excellent to jump back aboard a kart,” said Bright. “It’s been far too long since I drove one, but I won’t wait that long next time.

Above: Bright in action

“Karting is excellent for so many reasons. It really teaches you the craft of driving, it gives you experience of understanding the mechanics, and most importantly this is all done in a safe and controlled environment.

“I instigated the Britek Motorsport Scholarship to give something back to motor racing. It has provided me so much and it would be great if one of the guys involved with us does go on to great things in the world of motor sport. Scott McLaughlin is doing great things in karting and having the opportunity to drive beside him I can see a very bright future for him.”

It was a homecoming for 14-year-old McLaughlin, who raced extensively at the Hamilton circuit before moving to Australia four years ago. This year he has been one of the star performers in junior clubman competition across Australia and New Zealand.

“It was a real blast,” said McLaughlin. “I have been working with Jason for nearly five months, but to actually drive against him was a thrill. I dropped back behind him to watch his lines and although he hasn’t driven a kart in a long time I did pick-up some things. I have learnt a lot from being involved with the Britek Motorsport Scholarship, but I know there’s still so much I can get out of it. Just the fact that I got to share the track with Jason, Marcus and Adam has further inspired me to make the most out of motor sport.”

McLaughlin’s karting programme is overseen by Adam Graham, who also drives one of the Formula Ford entries for the Britek Motorsport Scholarship in the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Series. Graham is a multiple Australian champion in karting.

“I’m really enjoying my racing,” said Graham. "Whether it’s racing Formula Ford, working with the Britek Motorsport Scholarship or preparing and maintaining Scott’s karts, my focus is all about success. The time on the track was excellent, as well as sitting down and talking with Jason and Marcus is a massive benefit for me.”

Above: Marcus Marshall aboard the Britek liveried Arrow/Rotax

After a month out of the driver’s seat in a V8 Supercar, Marshall enjoyed the opportunity to drive the Rotax kart. “It certainly blew out the cobwebs,” said Marshall. “There was no chance to cruise around when you have Jason, Scott and Adam out there with you.

As well as McLaughlin and Graham, the Britek Motorsport has Justin and Nathan Garioch in karting, plus Ben Walter, Martin Swindells and Taylor Gore in the Australian Formula Ford Series.

Home