Ed Brand Wins British Kart Grand Prix

press release

After years of trying, Ed Brand finally claimed his first ‘GP’ plate at the internationally-renowned event on sunday. It was also a late birthday present for him, as he celebrated his 17th birthday, whilst preparing for a weekend that started well and just got better.

Above: Ed Brand in the lead at KartMasters
pic - Chris Walker/Kartpix

In timed practice he was second fastest, securing a front row start for the following two heats. In these, the Tony Kart EVRR driver took a brace of 2nd-places to seal pole position for the first of Sunday’s two finals.

He won comfortably, with his team-mate Jack Marshall coming from fourth place on the grid to finish 2nd and make it an all Strawberry Racing front row for the Grand Final.

In front of visiting TV crews and grandstands packed with spectators, Ed led the thirty-five strong field away from the start line. He made good his grid advantage and jumped clear of the chasing pack as it barreled into the tight first hairpin. Marshall was less fortunate and was tagged heavily from behind and momentarily launched into the air. Dropping to 9th, Jack was fortunate to be able to continue and began a remarkable fight-back up the order.

Above: Ed Brand with the GP plates, flanked by Jack Marshall (left) and Sean Babington
pic - Chris Walker/Kartpix

Out in front, Ed was experiencing no such dramas and quickly began to open an impressive gap over his pursuers. Behind him, Marshall was tearing his way through the traffic. As he passed the main grandstand, Ed’s Strawberry Racing team boss, Warwick Ringham could be seen calmly signalling instructions. Over several laps a simple ‘thumbs up’ let Brand know that he was firmly in control, whilst Marshall was given a more emphatic ‘catch up’ gesture.

The latter stages of the race began to reveal that Brand lacked the pace of his team-mate – later believed to be a problem with his tyres – and his advantage began to look shaky. The time difference dropped from 1:84 seconds to 1:15 and by the penultimate lap, it was just over half a second.

As the official held out the ‘Last Lap’ board, the stage was set for a nail-biting finish. Ed had to keep his cool, whilst Jack had a target to aim for. Marshall took another tenth of a second from Brand’s lead but a perfectly driven and judged lap meant Ed held his advantage to the finish.

“I’m thankful,” he said afterwards. “I did my job and that was it but it was fortunate that the chequered flag came out when it did. Had the race gone on for another lap then it might not have been me standing on the top step of the podium. I’m delighted though. This is the first time I’ve won and it’s a great feeling. In previous years I seem to have had an invisible arrow on my back saying ‘Hit me here’.”

He added, “This win is a testament to everyone at Strawberry Racing’s hard work, so I’d really like to say a big ‘thankyou’ to Leon McDonald, Warwick Ringham, Paul Spencer, Dave Gregory and Tim Ezzard. I’d also like to acknowledge the generous support of my sponsors Vogel and Noot Radiators and Brands of Watford, so many thanks to them also.”

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